The Social Media Directory of Academic Libraries: A Resource for Academic Librarians Managing & Researching Social Media

• Main Author: Gary Marks, Jr.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Marketing Libraries Journal 2019-08-01
• Series: Marketing Libraries Journal
• Subjects: academic libraries; library marketing; Social media; directory
• Online Access: http://journal.marketinglibraries.org/summer2019/02_MLJv3i2_Column_Trenches_Marks_Jr.pdf

Abstract: The Social Media Directory of Academic Libraries (SMDAL) website is a directory of hundreds of international academic library social media accounts across numerous social media platforms. The SMDAL is an online resource designed by academic librarians in New Jersey that launched on May 31, 2018. In June 2018, the site had nearly 2,000 site visits by more than 600 unique users, across ten countries worldwide. This article presents the development of the SMDAL, discusses the value of the content it provides, details the technology and tools used to create the directory website, and touches on the ongoing expansion and new initiatives of the project. Of special interest are two challenges that were faced by the directory team: maintaining the long-term viability of the project and overcoming language barriers caused by an international expansion—which was solved by developing partnerships with librarians around the globe. The project site can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/SMDAL.