From leisurely posts to urgent Tweets: what can we learn from using social media in an emergency?

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference presentation explores how public library social media provides a trustworthy community forum. It can be used not only to inform audiences of library activities and services, but also provide libraries with tools to embed themselves further within their region and deepen their understanding of local needs. It can offer another place to harvest, disseminate and archive locally significant information and stories thus contributing to positive experiences and participation in community life.

Drawing from the use of social media in an emergency setting, this presentation explores how social media tools can help libraries support their communities whether in a crisis or not.