Why Aren't More of Us Doing Unboxing Videos at Our Libraries?

Today's post is more of a question because there is a huge social media trend that is growing in popularity every day. One we could easily be participating in, but as far as I can tell, we aren't. At least not in large numbers.

What am I talking about-- Unboxing Videos. What is an unboxing video? Well, they are videos where people open something new to advertise it in some way. Here is an article from last Fall in the New York Times that explains it and talks about why people really love them.

The other day I realized that this would be perfect for libraries. We could open up boxes of new materials as they come in and show them off to our patrons. Not only would this increase interest, it is also a wonderful way to showcase the breadth of our holdings. And it bridges that physical virtual divide perfectly-- showing people online what we have in the building and getting them excited to visit us.

So I went out in search of libraries who are doing unboxing videos and the only public library I could find who does these regularly is Hatfield [MA] Public Library. Click here to see their extensive unboxing video playlist. These videos are great because they do them regularly. It looks fairly low tech. They literally film themselves opening the boxes that come in, remove the items and talk about them. Sometimes it is nothing more than looking at it and reading the cover copy. And most importantly, they are having a lot of fun while doing it. Their excitement for every item is infectious.

A viewer cannot help but get excited to checkout one of the items. It is such a great advertisement for what we have in our collections. And, it shows the tax payers what they are getting for their tax dollars. It is a powerful marketing tool in many ways.

I sent out a query on Twitter to see who else is doing these and I got a few responses in these categories:

• We know what they are and have thought about doing them
• We want to do them but are too busy
• Our department could do these but we aren't allowed to post videos
• Our library doesn't have a YouTube page

All are valid responses and ones that did not surprise me. But here is the thing, we are already opening these boxes and going through the items as part of our regular work. Also, anytime a box of new items is opened [which is every day], the people doing the opening and those around them already talk about the items. I have been part of this. It is one of the most fun things we get to do, see new items, touch new items, talk about new items. Let's try to capture that on camera.

It is literally one extra step. Putting a camera on what we are already doing. If you make a few videos, show them to your administrators, and show them this post with Hatfield's videos, maybe they will come around. It is a great reason to get a YouTube channel started or to add content to one you have.

My point is, don't wait for the green light to make the videos [but please wait for approval to post them; I don't want anyone getting fired]. Make a few and then show them to the higher ups. I bet many will see the benefits, and then maybe libraries will be a more powerful force in this unboxing video trend.

And if you are doing unboxing videos, let me know.