Twitter and Libraries

Twitter for libraries serves a number of purposes, spreading the word about library events, building a relationship with borrowers, and not least, gathering support when needed.

When a proposed $37 million City budget cut threatened some of the New York Public Library's branch libraries with closure, or having them open only 3 days a week, they were able to get support from their over 51 000 followers. While I'm sure they were using more than just Twitter to fight this, there is no doubt that it helped get the word out. The tweet to thank their supporters:

Thank you to everyone who stood with us to #savenypl http://ow.ly/24JYK about 13 hours ago via HootSuite

They also promote themselves:

Cool off with a good book at the Library. Visit one of our locations:http://ow.ly/2484Q #libraries

Q: Is it true that New York City used to be called the Big Onion? A: Hoboes called it that a century before the Big Apple was used.#AskNYPL

Twitter is free, easy to use, and is another way to help us connect with our borrowers. Technology is here to stay and we should welcome the opportunities it provides and make the most them.

Twitter is an ongoing conversation and I usually tweet what book I'm reading, sometimes I read more than one at once, so...

Also Reading A Spring without Bees - Michael Schacker. Very interesting book.

For those of you with too much going on in your lives a bit of zen for you.

eBooks

eBooks are the real revolution that will impact on libraries more than any other technology. As the products of this technology become more portable and easier to operate, such as the kindle, and even the iPhone is now a book reader, most books will be replaced by these devices.

Convenience, affordability (downloads are cheaper) and the fact that one can carry umpteen books on a small portable device offering one an amazing selection of reads for any occasion. People who say that there is nothing that can replace the tactile quality of a book, or that magical new book smell, will lose out to the younger generation as they become our tax paying patrons. A plus is the saving in space, no bookshelves required, and time saving, no dusting necessary - just gently wipe that little device and your 'books' are dust free... bonus for all asthma sufferers.

The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius is freely available at Project Gutenberg.

More on the iPhone as book reader.