3a. Photo Sharing – Flickr
The What
Photo sharing is just like swapping snapshots with your friends, only online. Watch the Grovo video linked below called “What is Flickr” for an explanation and demonstration of Flickr photo sharing (video will open in a new window).
The Why
Photos are powerful. They communicate feelings, thoughts, concepts and ideas. Libraries can use this powerful medium to advertise and enhance library services and your patrons may want to know about photo sharing. Take a look at how other libraries are using photo sharing:
- A Walk to the Library – Pima County Public Library
- Artists’ View – Denver Public Library
- Libraries and Librarians Flickr Group
- Redwood City Public Library
- The Library of Congress’ Photo Stream
The How
Discovery Exercise
- Start by getting a free account at Flickr.com.
- Upload photos to your Flickr page and make sure to set the permissions to “public” so everyone can see them.
- Add some things to your profile:
- Upload your buddy icon image. This can be a picture of yourself, a cartoon, or an image of something else that you want to represent you.
- Share some information about yourself such as your favorite books, movies and hobbies. Remember this information is available to “the world” so don’t put anything too personal.
The job aid Getting Started with Flickr (PDF – need Adobe Reader?) will give you step by step instructions to help you complete the discovery exercise. You can also take the Flickr Magical Feature Tour.
If you don’t want to use your own photos, you can find free photos online. Go to http://www.freedigitalphotos.net (each photo comes in three choices of size; choose the one that says “Price: Free Download”).
More for the Curious
Articles
- 31 Flavors – Things to Do With Flickr in Libraries – from WebJunction
Links to products or applications
Tagging
Almost all Social Internet sites allow you to tag. Flickr is no exception. Tags are simply keywords that describe the photos. They are powerful little words, however. Try it yourself by doing a tag search in Flick for “library” or try your name.
Friends and Contacts
It wouldn’t be 2.0 without people! Yes, you can create friends and contacts inside your photo sharing network. You can also join Groups that interest you.
Visual Communications Home | Next up: 3b. Video Sharing – YouTube
About the Author
Mindy Kittay
Mindy Kittay is the finance director for Rangeview Library District in Adams County, Colorado. Mindy received her MLS in 2006 from the University of North Texas. See Mindy’s profile on ALA Connect.