IS YOUR LIBRARY READY FOR A SOCIAL MEDIA LIBRARIAN?

IS YOUR LIBRARY READY FOR A SOCIAL MEDIA LIBRARIAN? 

C.CHOI

Faculty Liaison Librarian, The University of Sydney Library, <crystal.choi@sydney.edu.au>

ABSTRACT

Imagine a time when social media becomes an integral part of life. In fact, there‟s no need to
imagine anymore, as Facebook and Twitter use soars beyond the combined total of 900
million users. Social media is now mainstream. Many businesses, cultural organisations and
other institutions are leveraging social media to achieve their strategic goals. While many
libraries already have a social media presence via Facebook and Twitter, how are libraries
considering social media as part of their core communication and engagement strategies?
How are libraries preparing their staff to communicate and engage professionally using social
media through the inclusion of social media in library strategic plans? In short, how are
libraries future-planning for the inclusion of formal social media roles in their institutions?
It‟s time to start answering these questions and to put forward the case for formal recognition
of social media duties and the creation of specialist social media librarian roles. A review of
the literature across library and non-library sectors will investigate the current social media
environment relating to strategy, communication and engagement. In addition, the outcomes
from a survey of library and information professionals and paraprofessionals on Social Media
Roles in Australian Libraries data will be discussed. This will highlight current practice in
social media strategy, communication and engagement. A range of pathways will be
explored for libraries entering this exciting yet challenging space, and for those interested in
creating the new library positions of the future.