This document provides an overview of using Twitter for libraries and librarians. It defines Twitter and explains why it can be useful for libraries. The basics of Twitter are explained, including the anatomy and types of tweets like general tweets, replies, mentions, retweets, and direct messages. Advice is given on getting started with Twitter, including setting up an account, writing a profile, adding a photo, following others, and engaging by tweeting. Suggestions are made on who to follow, such as authors, news sources, and other librarians. Tips are provided on connecting with authors through Twitter and permission is given to "lurk" or consume content as a way to get acclimated to the platform

1. Trending with
Sherry Gick,
Library & Instructional Technology Specialist
Rossville Consolidated Schools

2. Trending with
An overview on connecting via Twitter with
other librarians, libraries, and professionals
worldwide and the benefits for libraries.
This session will provide attendees with the
best practices of engaging and using
Twitter on a professional level.

3. What is Twitter?
Twitter is an online social networking and
microblogging service that enables users to send
and read "tweets", which are text messages limited
to 140 characters. Registered users can read and
post tweets, but unregistered users can only read
them. (definition from Wikipedia)

4. Why Twitter?

7. Anatomy of a Tweet

8. Twitter Basics
The Daring Librarian
Twitter basics

9. Tweet:
● general outbound message to all of
my followers. May include a picture or
a link to click on for more information.

10. Reply tweet:
● Starts with the other person's twitter
handle. This tweet only appears in the
other person's twitter feed and people
who follow both of us.

11. Mention tweet:
● Mentions a person within the text/body
of a tweet

12. Retweet:
● RT = Retweet:
rebroadcast of another person's tweet

13. Modified tweet:
● MT = Modified Tweet: when you want
to RT something but need to
delete/modify a portion to add your
own thoughts

14. Direct Messages:
● DM = Direct Messages: a 140-
character email. Can be read only by
that person. You can only DM
someone who follows you. This avoids
you getting spammed.

15. Hashtags:
● Hashtags = # (nope, it's not a pound
sign!) Hashtags make twitter
searchable. They're added to chats
and topics so all the tweets can be
filed together for later reference.
(Sometimes they're added to be funny or sarcastic or as side note to the tweet.
#Ididitallforthecookie)

17. What can it offer librarians?
Tips from my PLN:
#CYPDTweet

18. How do I get started?
● Setup your account
● Write a profile
Good profiles tell about you & your interests
● Add a picture - Yes, you need a picture.
NO EGGHEADS!
● Follow others
● Tweet!

19. Who should I follow?
● People who inspire you
● People in similar occupations
● Authors
● News Sources

20. Who should I follow?
● @nancy_pearl
● @MrTLibrarian
● @WorldLibrarian
● @DonalynBooks
● @MrSchuReads

21. Who should I follow?
● @IUBookGirl https://twitter.
com/iubookgirl/lists/indiana-librarians
● @PaulWHankins
https://twitter.com/PaulWHankins/lists
● @JanHolmQuist
https://twitter.com/janholmquist/lists/librarians-world-wide

22. Twitter Following
The Daring Librarian
Art of the Follow

23. Authors we’ve connected with:
● Gae Polisner
● Andrew Smith
● Sudipta B-Q
● Corey Rosen Schwartz
● Henry Clark
● Geoff Herbach
● Barbara O’Connor
● Jo Knowles

24. Permission to lurk?
YES!
● Consuming content is a great way to
get started.
● Not everyone jumps in and engages
with their very first tweet.
● Voyeurism at its finest

25. Review:

26. Questions?
Sherry Gick
@LibraryFanatic
thelibraryfanatic.com