RCLS Professional Collection: Social Networking

Examining more than 6,000 libraries across the US, Crawford Analyzes social network usage by libraries of different sizes and funding levels, showing how many of them are active and effective in quite different ways Offers many examples that will help other libraries establish or refine their own social networking activities Presents several key questions that libraries should ask themselves, such as "Who do we want to reach?" and "What's the best way to interact with communities?" Gives libraries guidelines to set social networking goals and conduct ongoing evaluation Includes illuminating comments from numerous librarians on the front lines of communication"

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.

Managing Social Media in Libraries explores the developing information environment, the collaboration among library organizations, and the ways social media may convert the loose connections between library staff members.

This practical guide provides a scalable, step-by-step plan for creating and maintaining a successful library social media strategic plan. You ll find detailed tips and advice on strategizing for social media services in a way that guides employee decision-making, maximizes efficiency, creates positive patron outcomes, protects against legal repercussions, and builds opportunities for flexibility, change, and new social media platform testing. You get all the key elements to build your strategic plan, including how to segment your audience, select a target audience, use focus groups and poll patrons, conduct a SWOT analysis to provide internal strength and support to your plan, and create a mission and vision plan for using social media.