Pew Research found that libraries are the most trusted information resource and a Maine State Library study found that Librarian is one of the most trustworthy professions. Libraries should take full advantage of social media platforms to help users navigate the tidal wave of information. https://www.lrs.org/2017/09/14/libraries-are-most-highly-trusted-resource-for-information-on-recent-pew-survey https://www.lrs.org/2016/12/01/maine-state-library-study-finds-that-librarian-is-one-of-the-most-trusted-professions In an online world being overrun with #FakeNews, patrons need a beacon of truth to guide them towards authoritative and trusted resources. In my work with students and faculty, I found that meeting them in their own space in cyberspace has proven to be the most effective way of communicating library information. I set up professional profiles on Twitter and Facebook to allow me to post library-related information and news using a librarian identity. My work began by engaging the campus community, then expanded to include people and organizations in the publishing field. I further expanded my project to include teachers, schools, and districts surrounding my university as students from these schools will likely end up as our future students. In this presentation I will share some examples of posts, challenges, and lessons learned along the way in the past year.

1. Meeting Students in Their Space
Arlene V. Salazar | @alkekarlene
Research, Information, and Outreach Librarian
Alkek Library | @alkeklibrary
https://www.slideshare.net/avs0612

2. 2http://www.pewinternet.org/2017/09/11/how-people-approach-facts-and-information/pi_2017-09-11_factsandinfo_1-02
https://www.lrs.org/2016/12/01/maine-state-library-study-finds-that-librarian-is-one-of-the-most-trusted-professions/

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@AlkekArlene

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The purpose of the library operating letter is to establish policies and procedures for how official social media
accounts will be used by library staff and provides general guidelines for use of personal social media accounts
for professional interactions with the campus community and broader online community.

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Texas State
Community
Publishing
community
San Marcos
Community
Timely
Issues

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Retweeting posts with added value, linking patrons to access to
cited source

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Retweet posts by schools and community organizations to use as
images for highlighting @AlkekLibrary’s resources, services,
collections

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Highlight faculty publications and tag
faculty and their departments

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A Follow | Retweet | Like can serve as an example of appropriate resources so watch your choices – C.R.A.A.P.

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Lessons Learned
Be patient
Learn how to incorporate images
into posts
Use the platform that best suits
your goals and style but also
consider the platform that
matches your target population
Make use of #hashtags and
tagging
Plan for social media taking up
more time than you think

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Assessment
https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/using-
the-tweet-activity-dashboard

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Resources
Carrigan, M.A. (2016). Social Media for Academics. Los Angeles: Sage.
Currie, B., Krakower, B., & Rocco, S. (2016). 140 Twitter Tips for Educators. Dave Burgess
Consulting.
Neal, Diane Rasmussen. (Ed.) (2012). Social Media for Academics: A Practical Guide. Oxford:
Chandos.
Veletsianos, G. (2016). Social Media in Academia: Networked Scholars. Routledge.
Canva, https://www.canva.com
Giphy, https://giphy.com
Hootesuite, https://hootsuite.com
Texas State University, University Marketing, Best Practices http://www.socialmedia.txstate.edu/best-
practices.html
Texas State University, University Marketing, Social Media Policy
http://www.socialmedia.txstate.edu/policies.html
Maine State Library: Trusted Professionals Survey 2016, http://digitalmaine.com/mls_docs/101
Pew Research, How People Approach Facts and Information. http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-
content/uploads/sites/14/2017/09/12135404/PI_2017.09.11_FactsAndInfo_FINAL.pdf

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Questions | Comments
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