From Handpress to Handheld: Rare Book and Special Collections Libraries forming the #LibrariesOfInstagram

Abstract

This paper addresses how Instagram serves as a platform to engage a community of librarians, researchers, and bibliophiles. There is a relative lack of research on Instagram and communities of this kind. Focusing on the development of the Libraries of Instagram community, we consider the importance of hashtag campaigns in generating a community space. The paper also comments on the way the emblematic nature of Instagram posts resonates with the rare book and special collections community. The case of @Jordan_Library, the Instagram account of a Canadian rare book and special collections library, exemplifies the Libraries of Instagram community and the use of Instagram to build community across the cultural heritage sector and beyond.