Twittering Libraries: How and Why New Zealand Public Libraries Use Micro-Blogging

摘要

The aim of this research is to discover how and why New Zealand PublicLibraries use the micro-blogging platform Twitter. This paper uses a qualitativemethodology consisting of open-ended interview questions conducted via e-mail.Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory is used as the theoretical framework of thisresearch.The analysis demonstrates that participants use Twitter as an alternativecommunication channel with members of the public who are Twitter users. Librarywebsites as well as library services and programs are promoted on Twitter. UsingTwitter enables participants to advocate for their libraries as Web 2.0 champions andis an invaluable professional development tool. The number of interactions andfeedback from Twitter users who follow the library is a measure of the successful useof Twitter for participants. This research also reveals what software is being used byparticipants to maximise their use of Twitter.The results of this research will allow public librarians to gain moreknowledge about the micro-blogging software Twitter and how it can be used to assistin the delivery of outcomes and outputs in their public libraries.