Using Twitter to Build Communities

April 1, 2019

Forrestal (web svcs. librarian, City Univ. of New York) and Vella (lib. manager, City Univ. of New York) argue that Twitter can best be leveraged by libraries, museums, and archives as a tool for building community and networking rather than simply broadcasting news and events indiscriminately. As such, this work is designed to prepare both novices and regular users to employ social media to demonstrate their institution's value to constituents. Some sections are generalized and platform agnostic, such as developing a social media policy, learning how to understand community needs, and evaluating social media options. Others are Twitter centric or focus on current apps and devices (including detailed, step-by-step, menu-by-menu instructions in some instances). This resource will work well for those interested in learning how to build a following, use automation tools, create and curate content, harness hashtags, and publish across platforms. Appended examples of University of Central Florida Libraries' social media guide and San Mateo County Libraries' social media procedures will further give beginners a starting point. VERDICT Recommended for those interested in developing a more robust social media program geared toward community engagement.--Evan M. Anderson, Kirkendall P.L., Ankeny, IA

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