Best Uses of Twitter by Libraries

Twitter is one of the most fast paced social media tools out there. With a 140 character restriction any tweets must deliver their message quickly and clearly. Twitter may be used to promote upcoming events, but Twitter is also often the go-to tool to share with followers what a user is doing right now, as they are typing out the tweet. Twitter takes the "new" in "news" down the the second, allowing events to be documented and shared simultaneously. It allows people to be up to date throughout the day (and night).

This of course affects the ways libraries use Twitter.

Here are some of the best ways libraries can use Twitter:

• Short messages and announcements, like this tweet from Moonee Valley Libraries regarding opening hours.
• Favourites, replies, and direct messages can all be used to get feedback from the community.
• Replies and direct messages can be used to answer any queries a Twitter user might send to the library, helping the library be accessible and engaged with its customers.
• Links, images, and videos can all be shared on Twitter, and can act as a way of letting people know about new blog posts or things that are currently happening at the library. The Victoria State Library often uses both images and links in their tweets.
• Join in on relevant hashtags (#) to allow users interested in the topic find their tweets, or even come up with their own hashtag to engage other users and get people talking about the library.
• Retweet relevant information from other Twitter accounts.

Twitter is popular and easy to use, but often needs to be supplemented with links to sites that allow more extensive information to be shared and explained. It works best when use in tandem with other social media, such as a blog or Facebook.