Pinterest as a Tool: Applications in Academic Libraries and Higher Education

Abstract

Pinterest, a pinboard-style social photo-sharing website, has become a popular site for many individuals who collect images that help them plan, organize, and explore any topic of interest. Launched in March 2010, Pinterest now has over 11 million users and is continuing to grow. Librarians and educators are starting to explore this new type of social media and how it can be used to connect with and inspire their patrons and students. This article will look at how the University of Regina Library is currently using Pinterest to engage and interact with the university community. This social tool has appealed not only to librarians but also to educators. Pinterest is starting to have an impact on the way educators teach and present information and ideas to their students. This article will look at the process that the University of Regina Library underwent in creating a Pinterest account: beginning with copyright considerations and questions used to determine whether content can be added; moving to the launch of the account and adjustment of how it is used, including a list of best practices coming from the research; and ending with potential usage in terms of teaching by both librarians and faculty.