Social Media and Academic Libraries: Current Trends and Future Challenges

摘要

Academic libraries are increasingly using social media toolsto promote services and highlight resources to patrons. Thislongitudinal study examines the social media adoption ratesand practices in academic libraries in the province ofOntario over a fourteen month period beginning in April2010. Findings indicate that while interest in social mediatechnologies amongst librarians has plateaued, patrons ofacademic libraries are using these tools in increasingnumbers. Outcomes suggest libraries should attempt in thefuture to create more original content in areas of patroninterest as well as utilize their preferred platforms withgreater regularity.