The Missouri State University Libraries marketing and communications team members Laura French and Ethan Danner will share the Libraries’ Instagram Reels strategy with a national audience at the 2022 Access Services Conference.

The hybrid event will be held at 1:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 17 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since beginning its Instagram Reels journey last fall, the team has also shared its strategy and tactics with departments across Missouri State including Strategic Communications and Religious Studies.  

More about the Libraries’ Instagram Reels

Reels, which are short-form, entertaining and immersive videos within the Instagram app, have allowed the MSU Libraries to creatively share its resources, services and spaces with users, while also building a sense of community and connection on campus.

The team’s hyper-focus on Instagram Reels has been well worth the investment. Within the first semester of prioritizing Reels, the Libraries’ Instagram account more than doubled its following. Reels now generate 2-3 times the engagement rate of static photo posts, with some Reels reaching 10,000-30,000 views.  

Some of the Libraries’ most popular Instagram Reels have showcased Special Collections, highlighted library resources and services, and promoted nationwide library initiatives such as Banned Books Week. But of course, the Libraries’ most liked Instagram Reel of all time features Boris the pet therapy cat who visits Meyer Library once a month.  

Best of luck to Laura and Ethan as they prepare for next week’s presentation in Atlanta.