2. What is Twitter?
Social Networking Web Site
Micro-blogging
140 characters or less
Messages are called “Tweets”
Users have friends or “followers”
Web Site to talk about “What’s Happening?”
Image Courtesy of Twitter
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3. Common Uses of Twitter
Instant Updates
Fire Departments use Twitter to keep the community apprised
of fire emergencies.
News
Users can get up to the minute updates from many news
agencies.
Friends and family
Majority of Twitter users use it to keep friends and family
apprised of what they’re doing at any given moment.
http://websearch.about.com/od/blogsforumssocialsites/qt/twitter.htm
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4. Twitter’s Popularity
Easy to use. Instant popularity with
Does not require technical friends and followers.
know-how. Instant social fan club.
Short messages. Celebrities can follow
Grammar isn’t important. anyone and respond
Feel like a part of directly to anyone as well.
something great. Great way to network and
Easy to get followers. market new ideas.
http://www.blogbloke.com/twitter-popular/
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5. How Do I Tweet
Go to http://twitter.com
Set up an account
Fill out profile information
Search for people you
know or wish to follow
Type messages about
“What’s Happening”.
Check Twitter frequently
Image courtesy of Twitter
http://support.twitter.com/groups/31-twitter-basics
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6. Twittering Libraries
It’s quick, easy, and free
Creates community
Expands the reach of the library
Makes the library more accessible
Great for public relations
Libraries need a strong online presence
http://lis5313.ci.fsu.edu/wiki/index.php/Twittering_Libraries
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7. How Libraries Can Use Twitter
For library announcements
To post news such as special events, holiday hours, exhibits,
new book arrivals
A reference service
Networking with other libraries and librarians
A short newsletter
Customer service
To send alerts about requested materials
Another communication tool with patrons
http://lis5313.ci.fsu.edu/wiki/index.php/Twittering_Libraries
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8. Twitter Pros
Efficiency
Powerful and quick way to get news out about the library
Marketing/Public Relations
Excellent way to increase online presence
Free
Accessible, easy to use
Brevity
Messages must be brief and to the point
Collaboration and Networking
Work with other libraries
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http://lis5313.ci.fsu.edu/wiki/index.php/Twittering_Libraries
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9. Twitter Cons
Messages are too short
Patrons have not quite
caught on
Another thing to update
Time-waster
Lack of colleague support
Technological Problems
Twitter’s Fail Whale – seen when the Web
Site reaches full capacity.
Image courtesy of Twitter
http://lis5313.ci.fsu.edu/wiki/index.php/Twittering_Libraries
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