My Sincerest Apologies To You, Twitter: Why More and More Libraries Are Using Twitter

To the most-beloved Twitter,

Oh, how I hated you in the past. I created an account on you not too long ago, hoping that I could keep track on my friends' lives. I desperately wanted to like you, as you seemed so attractive and clean in appearance. I also wanted to learn how to use hashtags properly, and not in a mocking way. 

But alas dear Twitter, it was just not meant to be. I was simply too verbose and long-winded for you; I couldn't become comfortable using 140-character limits. My friends thought so too. They ditched their accounts two weeks after creating them. And so, with nothing else to look forward to, I abandoned you. My once lively account was now (and sadly still is) in a comatose state. 

Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm sorry I misunderstood you. It went over my head that you are a librarian's dream come true.

You are more than just some silly website to pass time with. 

You were (and still are) a very useful tool to look up various types of information, even if it's just a quote from a D-list celebrity. 

You single-handedly put microblogging on the map. 

You have helped libraries around the world get in touch with patrons more easily and effectively. You have helped to create more pro-library communities.

Libraries are surprisingly popular on you, sweet Twitter; the New York Public Library has around 605,000 followers. Of course, libraries don't need to get that many followers to be successful. 

Smart library staff aren't just using you and other forms of microblogging to share info about recommended books, updated policies, etc. They also use accounts to relate to patrons and help them explore the big, beautiful world around them.

The Winnipeg Public Library, for example, released a tweet yesterday stating about James Dean's death, and linked relevant info on how he impacted our culture. I think that's a clever way to re-introduce classic actors and other important figures to unfamiliar users.

Libraries can also use Twitter and microblogging to inform the public about community events. Everything ranging from free concerts to knitting classes is posted on many library Twitter accounts. Twitter is also an effective tool to create discussions with, engaging with patrons to think critically and voice their opinions more easily. 

It's amazing how many interesting things a library can pack into you, my little Twitter.

I'll admit, it may take me a while to boot up my account again. But at least I now have a better understanding of you. Where I once despised you, I have now grown to at least admire you from afar.

Sincerely,

Erin.

P.S- I found some accounts that I really like a lot. I hope that they may never falter on you:

1. Vancouver Public Library: https://twitter.com/VPL
2. Winnipeg Public Library: https://twitter.com/wpglibrary?ref_src=twsrc%5egoogle%7ctwcamp%5eserp%7ctwgr%5eauthor
3. Scottish Poetry Library: https://twitter.com/ByLeavesWeLive

I'm Not Boring, Really: Why I Chose To Become a Library Technician

Much like Alice and her Wonderland adventures, I seem to have fallen down into a complex world known as libraries and librarianship. Yes, I'm talking about that quiet place which sometimes smells like a combo of dusty furniture and over-perfumed ladies. And yes, right now I'm trying to acquire my library and information technology diploma. Someday, I want to be one of those leathery librarian techs, the ones that give you annoyed glances if you make noises louder than a silent but deadly fart.

But unlike Alice and her dream, I don't want to "wake up". I don't want to choose another profession. And I don't want to give up on libraries and the services their staff can provide. 

I had a talk with a friend of mine months before I began my program. It was your typical visit I guess, full of phrases like "I've missed you so much!" and "I'll literally die if we don't eat!". Soon came that classic college student topic: courses.

"So, how are you doing in your college courses?" I asked.

She gave me a look equivalent to a shrug. "Some of my classes are OK, others I'm having trouble with," she replied.

Her goal was to take over her mother's bridal store one day, so she took up business administration.

She asked, "Are you excited for your library program coming up?".

"Of course!" I said, "It feels like an eternity waiting for it to start. I better enjoy it.".

Suddenly, the ominous bells of concern rang from my friend:

"Are you sure you'll like it Erin? I can't imagine being in a library. It seems super boring to work at, and it stinks in there. Why take a job like that?".

I couldn't stop her questions planting inside my brain, they were toxic mushrooms threatening to overtake my emotional garden.

But then I remembered. 

Back in high school, I was a page at my local public library. A bunch of my shifts were in the children's section downstairs, but my work schedule called for a lot of upstairs shifts too. Sure, I had slower evenings just reading shelves and putting away material properly. I guess for some it could be as exciting as this:

But I also thought back to Saturday story times, with grinning children trying to guess what happened next. I remembered trying to help patrons learn how to use our brand-new Mac computer to send messages to their families. I recalled all the "thank you's" and nods of approval anytime I successfully found the right material for a patron.

I remembered doing more than putting away picture book copies.

I, along with others, acquire and provide information for all types of patrons. My chosen profession helps to foster positive change for my community.

And for me, that will always be as exciting as running a bridal store.