Baltimore's Enoch Pratt library on Foursquare
Who says libraries can't be cutting edge, fun and experimental? Not me.
The Enoch Pratt library system in Baltimore is starting to use Foursquare, a mobile location-based network/game that allows users to "check in" to a spot, collect points and fun badges, and share tips and information about locations. They're giving away prizes, too. See their tweet above.
Many think that Foursquare (and other apps like it) represents the next phase of the mobile Web -- on-the-go users virtually interacting with their surroundings -- that could be a boon for businesses and nonprofits, such as libraries. (There are rumors that Facebook is building a Foursquare-like app, too.) You're starting to see companies (i.e. a Canadian newspaper) and now the Enoch Pratt library system, tapping into Foursquare.
For now, the Pratt is running the promotion primarily through Twitter. In one tweet, they notified a user of her prize winnings:
@prattlibrary Congratulations to @miha007 ! She's won a Pratt mug for being the mayor of Southeast Anchor on @foursquare.
Are there any other companies and organizations in your area running promotions through Foursquare? Let us know in the comments below.
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Comments
The restaurants/bars Teavolve, Caesars Den, and Bad Decisions all have Foursquare specials.
Posted by: Ryan | February 3, 2010 10:04 AM
A list of all businesses that have an official tie-in with Foursquare can be found at http://foursquare.com/businesses.
Foursquare has also worked out an agreement with TV network Bravo. Users can earn badges and prizes by visiting locations tagged with "bravo" and see tips from the stars of their popular TV shows. More on that at these sites:
http://foursquare.com/bravo
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/business/media/01bravo.html
http://mashable.com/2010/01/31/bravo-foursquare-snags-a-tv-partnership/
You can see the business already tagged "bravo" here (scroll past the list of venues with "bravo" in their name):
http://foursquare.com/search?q=bravo&x=0&y=0
Posted by: Spam | February 3, 2010 10:40 AM
Oops, one note about my previous comment: If you're not logged into Foursquare as a user, that last link will show you NYC "bravo" venues by default. Switch your location to Baltimore to see the venues around here.
Posted by: Spam | February 3, 2010 11:29 AM