Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to post short messages called tweets that are 140 characters or less. Users can follow other users to see their tweets and have their tweets shared. Key features include hashtags that allow tweets on the same topic to be searched, mentions that reference other users in tweets, and direct messages for private conversations. Twitter is free to use and accessible online or through mobile apps, allowing people to easily stay connected with others.

1. Social Networking: Twitter
Valarie Anthony
Valdosta State University
MLIS 7550 Computer Applications for Information Professionals
Spring 2013

2. Social Networking
Social networks are a
natural formation of bonds
among individuals based on
geography, careers, or
interests (Burke, p. 155).
Social networking software
has arisen as a way for
people to bond online and
chat, exchange
pictures, and stay
connected through a
medium they are already
using daily (Burke p. 155).

3. Benefits of Social Networking
Social networking sites encourage communication
and keep people connected.
Social networking sites are usually free.
Social networking sites are easily accessible. All you
need is an internet connection.
Social networking helps people become more
comfortable with technology.

4. What is Twitter?
Twitter is a microblogging real-time information
network that connects you to the latest information
about what you find interesting.
Twitter is composed of small bursts of information
called Tweets.
Each Tweet is 140 characters in length.

5. Twitter Terminology
@: The @ sign is used to call out usernames in
Tweets, like this: Hello @Twitter! When a username is
preceded by the @ sign, it becomes a link to a Twitter
profile.
DM: Also called a Direct Message and most recently
called simply a "message," these Tweets are private
between the sender and recipient. Tweets sent over
SMS become DMs when they begin with "d
username" to specify who the message is for.

6. Twitter Terminology
Follow: To follow someone on Twitter is to subscribe
to their Tweets or updates on the site.
Follower: A follower is another Twitter user who has
followed you.
Mentions: Mentioning another user in your Tweet by
including the @ sign followed directly by their
username is called a "mention". Also refers to Tweets
in which your username was included.

7. What’s a hashtag?
The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to
mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It
was created organically by Twitter users
as a way to categorize messages.
People use the hashtag symbol # before a
relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces)
in their Tweet to categorize those Tweets
and help them show more easily in
Twitter Search.
Clicking on a hashtagged word in any
message shows you all other Tweets
marked with that keyword.
Hashtags can occur anywhere in the
Tweet – at the beginning, middle, or end.
Hashtagged words that become very
popular are often Trending Topics.

8. Cost of Twitter
Twitter is a free service.
There may be a cost by
your mobile phone carrier
if an individual uses
Twitter via text message
on their phone

9. Getting Started with Twitter
Watch the video to see how to get started with Twitter!

10. Libraries use Twitter to…
Publicize events
Notify of change in
operating hours
Highlight new resources
Market new services

11. People also use Twitter to…
Keep up with latest news
Find a job
Vent
Share information on a
certain topic
Follow their favorite
celebrity or business

12. Useful Twitter Resources
Visit the following websites for tips and videos on how
to use Twitter
A Guide to Twitter in Libraries
http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2007/a-guide-to-twitter-
in-libraries/
Twitter LibGuides
http://sdst.libguides.com/content.php?pid=192765&sid=1
662159

13. References
Burke, J. (2009) Neal-Schuman Library Technology
Companion (3rd edition). Chicago: Neal-Schuman.
Howcast. How to Use Twitter. Online video clip. Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0xbjIE8cPM.
Twitter http://twitter.com/.