Talk:Twittering Libraries
From LIS5313 Course Wiki
Wow, I found this very interesting. I had not realized that Twitter could be used as anything more than just updating people on one’s current status. My county’s library system does not take advantage of technology like they should, so I’m considering sending them some of this information. :o)
I could not believe the part where you said, “While these statistics rose at an alarming rate, the "unfortunate exception" is the decreased use of library Web sites, as usage has dropped from 2005 to 2007.” Did the author give a reason for that?
Another question I have is about how people can reply to the updates. If a library sends out a poll or just a general question, are the followers able to text back their opinion?
The articles you cited were also great. Some of the titles caught my eye and made me go read them in their entirety.
Jessica R. 00:01, 9 December 2008 (UTC)
Your article was both interesting and informative! I was slightly confused about Twitter prior to reading your article, but you answered all of my questions. I especially liked your “Pros and Cons” section. It laid out the specifics in a very understandable format.
Can I just say - wow! You interviewed 60 libraries and librarians? I’d like to read the survey you sent out. You really dug up some great information. I was especially surprised by the myriad of ways in which Waubonsee Community College Library has found to integrate Twitter into their webpage and catalog. These are all ideas that I will take with me in my future career.
Your media component was great! The music created a nice background and the edits were smooth. I liked how the text looked like it was at the bottom of a torn page, with the screen shot above it. I found myself watching it again to absorb all of the information. Nicely done!
Sherlene J 02:41, 9 December 2008 (UTC)
I have been seeing the word "Twitter" on my Livejournal Friends' page, and figured it a 3rd party way of updating. I thought maybe it was a feature offered by some cell phone carrier, and was expensive, so I never bothered to look into it. Your article told me everything I needed to know about Twitter. I can't get over how extensive your research was. Is there a site that listed all Twitter-using libraries, or did you contact all of them? I agree with Jessica regarding the "Pros and Cons" section. A library who is considering the option of using Twitter could use your article as a convincing note on why Twitter should or shouldn't be used. Great job! Hes07d 22:54, 9 December 2008 (UTC)Hayes
Your article had a lot of information and I could tell you did your research. Good job!
In the conference that I went to in September one of the presenters talked about twitter. I have an account but I am not on the computer that much for me to update often. Also I don’t have that much to say. That is one of the cons when talking about twitter is that sometimes people run out of things to say. I like how you made a pros and cons and wish I did that in my article on gaming.
I never realized that libraries where getting so involved in twitter. I really think the list of libraries that do, it helped me understand. I wish our local libraries were on this so we could take advantage of keeeping up with each other.
The only bad thing I can say about your article is that you needed to add some more pictures. I like looking at pictures and I think it would have broke the layout apart better, that is just my opinion. I am a visual learner. Shonnabrown 18:46, 10 December 2008 (UTC)
Impeccable Job
Lindy, as usual you have presented a polished article and video combination. I basically knew what Twitter was, but you have expanded my knowledge base by ten-fold with your information! Your article gave a good introduction to this topic, defined important terms and uses, and then gave more possibilities through the Twitter add-ons in your video. I will definitely go back and try some of those.
There are some points you brought up that I wanted to mention. I disagree with Chris Edwards when he says that Twitter is one of the top 5 time wasters. I consider a time waster, doing repetitive activities that do not enhance knowledge and enlightenment. Twitter is not just mindless chatter... the user chooses what posts to follow, respond to, and then participates either actively (by posting) or passively (by reading). Either way, it is a vital part of communication and being informed. If it was not important, why has its use grown so exponentially?
Also, the decrease in Library website use is disconcerting. I agree that libraries should participate in social websites, not as a manner of socialization, but keeping current and in touch with patrons. I also like the aspect that twitter cuts out the "fluff" that exists in some e-mails that trail on for paragraphs. Getting right to the point allows for information to be sent more quickly and responses to be received in a timely manner. I wonder if some people don't use Twitter, though, because there is a 140 character limit. Either way, keeping it simple is better in the long run.
Lastly, your video was excellent! I liked the musical selection and clear examples of how to use Twitter enhancements. Great graphics and flow of information in the video and it was just the right length. The only thing I wondered was who you interviewed (I might have missed it). I saw a list of libraries who used Twitter, that you discussed, and I assumed that you talked with them. Anyway, great job and thanks for the information--I will try Twitter as a result of your article! Kim S. 14:40, 11 December 2008 (UTC)
