Due to popular demand the UK electronic information Group (UKeiG) is pleased to announce a repeat of its lunchtime course: Getting Started on Bluesky on Friday 4th July 2025 12 - 2 pm. 

Overview - Bluesky has suddenly emerged as the preferred X/Twitter replacement for many libraries and other cultural institutions. The platform is growing fast, and an influx of galleries, libraries, archives, and museums, organisations are gaining followings quickly; the engagement is much higher on Bluesky than on X and click-throughs for links are much higher than on Threads.

There is an opportunity for libraries and other organisations to get in on the ground floor and help reach the audience and communities assembling on Bluesky. This course will help you hit the ground running, and use Bluesky strategically, creatively, and effectively.

Book here: https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1966190&group=201314

Who should attend? - All digital librarians, IT and information professionals from any discipline or sector who use or are keen to use Bluesky on behalf of their institution to maximise the value and impact of their library and information service. Colleagues who work in the cultural sector - museums, galleries, archives and charities - will also find the tips and techniques in this course relevant and are encouraged to book.

Course outline and learning outcomes - This course is aimed at those institutions wishing to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by Bluesky, the fast-growing social network that has replaced Twitter for many.

Delegates will explore a range of different aspects on the platform, including:

Ø  Where Bluesky fits into the wider social media landscape

Ø  How to launch an account, and bring Twitter followers with you

Ø  Building a network and increasing engagement

Ø  When and what to post

Ø  How to work with the absence of a Bluesky algorithm

Ø  Creating Starter Packs and Lists

Ø  Multimedia, images and accessibility

Ø  Tone and voice

By the end of the course delegates will have learned about a variety of specific tools and techniques for Bluesky, analysed several examples of organisations using the platform effectively, and be able to make an informed choice about when and how to use the platform to engage their communities.

Course leader - Ned Potter is Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York, and a Trainer for various organisations including the Bodleian Libraries and the British Library. He has run library workshops across four continents, and his presentations have been viewed over 2.5 million times online. His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned runs his own library's Bluesky account, and he can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social.

Booking and payment - The course (including presentation slides and documentation) costs:

Ø  UKeiG/CILIP members £35 + VAT

Ø  Employer Partner staff £52 +VAT (Please contact your rep or email employerpartners@cilip.org.uk for the discount code)

Ø  Non-members £65 + VAT

Credit and debit cards are the preferred method of payment. Invoices are available on request using the online ‘bill me’ option.

For more information, and to book online, go to: https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1966190&group=201314

All UKeiG’s upcoming CPD events for 2025 are regularly updated at: https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=201314

Upcoming courses include:

Ø  Data Visualisation for librarians, information and knowledge professionals

Ø  Generative AI and Retrieval Augmented Generation for librarians, information and knowledge professionals

Ø  Artificial intelligence for librarians, information and knowledge professionals

Ø  Communicating and capturing research impact using social media and altmetrics

Ø  Eye Catching Research Communications - Using creative tools to make your own videos, animations and graphics

Coming soon

Ø  Words and Sound - Using blogs and podcasts to disseminate research to diverse audiences

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UKeiG is a Special Interest Group of CILIP: the library and information association

Registered Charity No. 313014

CILIP members can join UKeiG for free via the CILIP website

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