To tweet, or not to tweet?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to address the question “To Tweet or Not to Tweet” – using the social networking application “Twitter” as a communication channel for academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

As lead librarian for Desk Services at Appalachian State University's (ASU's) Belk Library and Information Commons, this article shares the author's experiences and lessons learned as the library's “Tweeter.”

Findings

The article finds that Belk Library and Information Commons says “Yes, by all means, tweet” due to the positive response that received from both Twitter as well as Facebook.

Practical implications

Provided in this article are ten helpful tips learned as the program developed at ASU. The tips are a good place to begin thinking about the implications for those libraries contemplating or beginning a social networking program.

Originality/value

The article focuses on lessons learned as social networking policies evolve over time.

Citation

Jennings, S. (2012), "To tweet, or not to tweet?", Reference Services Review, Vol. 40 No. 2, pp. 214-216. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321211228255