Swem Library was recently named one of the 100 Most Social Media Friendly College & University Libraries for 2013, as ranked by LibraryScienceList.com. Swem is the highest ranking academic library in Virginia on the list, coming in at #14. Other Virginia university libraries on the list are Virginia Tech Libraries #30, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries #36 and University of Virginia Library #92.
The staff at LibraryScienceList.com evaluated the presence and activity levels of libraries on the most popular social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others, ranking a total of 442 college and university libraries. Swem received an overall score of 83.6 out of 100.
“We are thrilled to hear that Swem Library is one of the most social media friendly academic libraries in the nation,” said Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. “Communication and outreach is an important area of focus for us, and we are pleased that our efforts are being recognized.”
Swem has an active social media presence on Facebook and Twitter, as well as Flickr, YouTube and Foursquare. The library’s Special Collections Research Center and Media Center also have accounts on various social media platforms (these accounts did not factor into the ratings). You can find a list of all the ways Swem connects with its users on the library's website.
“Social media gives us the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, staff and alumni in an interactive, immediate way,” said Tami Back, Swem Library’s associate director of strategic communications and outreach. “It allows us to connect and build relationships with the people we serve, while sharing our story and communicating our messages to an even wider audience.”
Swem uses social media to publicize library events and programs; promote new additions to our collections such as books, journals or databases; share library and William & Mary news; and interact with patrons.
LibraryScienceList.com is social community for librarians around the world whose aim is to showcase creative editorial around the field of librarianship. For more information on LibraryScienceList.com, visit their website. Read their full article to see who made the Social Media Friendly Libraries list.