| START Conference Manager |
ASIST 2012 Annual Meeting
Baltimore, MD, October 26-30, 2012
Social Media and Academic Libraries: Current Trends and Future Challenges
Gary Collins and Anabel Quan-Haase
Monday, 6:30pm
Academic libraries are increasingly using social media tools to promote services and highlight resources to patrons. This longitudinal study examines the social media adoption rates and practices in academic libraries in the province of Ontario over a one-year period beginning in April 2010. Findings indicate that while interest in social media technologies amongst librarians has plateaued, patrons of academic libraries are using these tools in increasing numbers. Factors ranging from geographic location to staffing may affect the adoption and utilization of these technologies throughout the province. Outcomes suggest libraries should attempt in the future to create more original content in areas of patron interest as well as balancing information ethics responsibilities and marketing strategies.