The Librarian's Nitty-Gritty Guide to Social Media

The vast array of social media options present a challenge to today’s busy librarians: it’s tough to keep current, let alone formulate a plan for using these tools effectively. Solomon, a librarian with extensive experience in web development, design, and technology, cuts to the chase with this invaluable guide to using social media in any kind of library. With a straightforward and pragmatic approach, she enlarges her best-selling ALA Editions Special Report on the topic and:

- Presents an overview of the social media world, providing context for services like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and analyzes how adults’ and teens’ use of social media impacts the library

- Offers advice on easy ways to use these tools on a daily basis, with planning strategies for posting and scheduling

- Addresses the fine points of Facebook, comparing the various types of profiles and accounts

- Guides readers in the basics of crafting eye-catching status updates, and other social media best practices

- Shows how to manage and monitor accounts, including pointers on dealing with negative feedback

Including a bibliography of additional resources, Solomon’s guide will empower libraries to use social media as a powerful tool for marketing, outreach, and advocacy.