100 Useful Tutorials for the Twittering Librarian
Whether you love it or hate it, Twitter is becoming more and more widespread. Individuals, business, and others have utilized it to promote themselves and stay in touch. Below are the best 100 ways Twitter can be used for librarians.
Best Tutorials for the Beginning Twitter User
Those who are new to Twitter will appreciate the guides, tips, and tricks listed below.
1. Tweeternet: This site is ideal for someone just starting out on Twitter. You can get the basics, as well as links to follow when you’re more comfortable.
2. Top 10 Twitter Tips for Beginners: The experts at “PC” magazine give insightful and useful tips for all Twitter users. Learn how to shrink URLs, direct message, and more with the help of this tutorial.
3. What is This Twitter Thing, and Why Should I Care?: Tips by Tony gives you a more in depth look at the basics of Twitter. You can even get tips for terminology, desktop clients, and use with smart phones.
4. Twitter How: Twitter’s own website gives some useful tips on starting up an account. You can even get a video on Twitter in plain English.
5. The Art of the Tweet: If 140 characters seems like a lot to you, then read this useful article by someone who feels the same. Learn how to say more with less with a few easy tips.
6. Still Don’t Get Twitter: Learn the pro’s and con’s of Twitter by reading this short tutorial. Get tips for immediacy, discovery, and searches.
7. Newbie’s Guide to Twitter: CNET provides an insightful, if at times cynic, guide to Twitter. Get tips on the basics of Twitter and even a few advanced ones.
8. A Guide to Twitter: This guide provides a tons of tips on the why and how of Twitter. Get tips for etiquette, uses, and even a few applications.
9. Six Ways to Make Twitter Useful: Now that you know how to tweet, learn how to tweet usefully with this guide. It will show you how to perform common tasks and even get help in your own daily life by turning to your followers.
Best Blogs for Twitter
Learn the best and newest ways to utilize Twitter by getting tips directly from the experts.
10. Twitter Blog: The official blog of Twitter, it has been up and running since 2006. Posts generally deal with the new and interesting ways people are using Twitter.
11. TwiTip: Darren Rose gives tips, tools, and tricks all for Twitter users. Recent entries show how to do a Twitter chat, etiquette, the Tweeway, and more.
12. Twitter Handbook: This blog is full of tips for how to make things happen with Twitter. You can get tips for beginners, more advanced tools, podcasts, making money with Twitter, and much more.
13. Twitter Tips: Marko runs this site about all the best ways to improve your tweeting experience. Recent posts include twitter insights and how much time to spend on it.
14. Twitter Status: Get the latest updates on Twitter and its status by checking out this regularly updated blog. You can also get official help documents, a pingdom uptime report, and more.
15. Zoomerang: This site is regularly updated with tips on surveys and Twitter. Categories include academic, business, marketing, and more.
16. TwitterSweet: Stop here for an unofficial look at Twitter. Although there hasn’t been a post in a while, you can still follow the writer on Twitter, and get useful tips for it.
17. Twitter Facts: Another unofficial blog, you can get facts and opinions on the Twitosphere. The latest entries were on Twitter Search and Poken.
18. Twitter Fan Wiki: This fan page has many tips and tutorials for Twitter users. You can get a guide to common Twitter users, a comic strip, and more.
Best Ways to Find Other Twittering Librarians
Now that you know how to use Twitter, begin your friend search by utilizing the sites below.
19. Just Tweet It: Want to find other librarians on Twitter? Then go to this online directory and click on it in the Education section.
20. Twellow: This site is where Twitter meets the yellow pages. Find librarians, arts, education, and much more with the help of this site.
21. Twubble: Use this free service to find other Twitter users who share your interests. Find other librarians with the click of a button and choose to follow them with another click.
22. Twits Like Me: Similar to the above, this site uses your interests to locate and follow like minded people on Twitter.
23. Twitter for Teachers: Find a host of new friends by joining this site for teachers and educators. Join a forum, view a video, and much more on this site.
Best Communities for Twitter
Still need help with Twitter or want to stay up to date with the latest? Then visit or join one of these communities for loads of help.
24. Twittown: Visit here for an apps and widgets community and forum designed around Twitter. Get the latest news on Twitter by reading the blog or join a forum.
25. Tweetboard: Get all the answers to your Twitter questions by visiting this massive online community. Search through the current boards or add your own question.
26. twitQA: Ask or answer any question using Twitter. You can be the first to answer an unanswered question or post your own.
27. TwitterPacks: Find other “packs” of Twittering librarians with the help of this community. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, start your own pack.
Best Timesavers for Twitter
A library can be very demanding, so use the below tools to maximize your Twitter time.
28. TwitterFeed: Use this site to feed your Wordpress blog to Twitter. You can even get a free tool to track your feeds in real time.
29. Twitter Digest: Love Twitter but can’t spend all day on it? Then use digest to create a list of people you would like to follow and it generates a daily digest of their tweets for you to read at your leisure.
30. GroupTweet: Have a special group of friends from work, school, etc? Then get GroupTweet to send them messages all at once.
31. Twizon: This stream is ideal for Twittering librarians who are constantly on Amazon. Get the latest updates, reviews, and more.
Best Ways to Promote Your Library Using Twitter
Everyone else is doing it and so can you. Visit the below for the best in advertising, job searches, and more.
32. Twitzu: Go beyond advertising with this easy to use site. You can also post special offers and even contests for your library right on Twitter.
33. Twittad: Need to advertise your library or event? Then visit this site to get a simple way to reach all of your followers.
34. Twtvite: This is the evite for Twitter users. Create an event and send it to your Twitter follows with this easy to use tool.
35. TweetCube: Share files on your library straight from Twitter. You can post images, videos, music, and more with just a couple of clicks.
36. TwtBizCard: Attach a professional looking electronic business card to all of your tweets using this site. You can include all of your contact info and even a picture.
37. TweetMyJobs!: Looking for a position in a library or for a new staff member? Then visit here to post or read tons of job openings listed across Twitter.
38. TwitterJobSearch: Another job search engine, merely type in what you want and the engine will return Twitter related results. There have been over 200,000 job posts in the last 30 days.
39. TweetBeep: Want to know if someone is discussing your library instantly? Then get TweetBeep to alert you through email whenever it comes up in a tweet.
Best Tools for Twitter
Librarians, along with the average Twitter user, will find many useful items for maximizing their tweets.
40. TinyURL: A very common tool. Shorten any URL with this free service to easily meet the 140 character limit.
41. TwtCard: Want to say “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” using more than the basic 140 characters? Then visit this site for customizable greeting cards especially for Twitter.
42. Twtwlst: Go beyond the basics of online gift registries with this site. List the needs of your library for donors and visitors to see right from their homepage. You can enter the product name or URL for items without even registering.
43. TwtPoll: Want to know what speaker your Twitter followers think you should invite or what book to read next? Then use this simple tool to create a poll, count the votes, and track the results.
44. Tweetree: This site puts your tweets in a tree so you can see the posts people are replying to in context. It also pulls photos, YouTube videos and more, so that you can see them right in your stream without having to click through every link your friends post.
Best Games for Twitter
Got some down time at the library? Then try one of these easy and fun games to play straight from Twitter.
45. ChessTweets: They use the Twitter API to send chess moves remotely to your opponent by using Twitter’s versatile status update methods. You can start a game or view one in progress without signing up.
46. Funtrivia: Follow this Twitter user to get trivia questions on all sorts of topics. You can even win a monthly prize by answering correctly.
47. Twitter Me This: Another trivia game, followers are asked a simple question on popular culture, current events, etc. A correct answer can result in a cash prize.
48. Beat My Tweet: Stop here for a variety of user created word scrambles. You can even create your own to gain more followers.
49. TweetBomb: Sign up for this game to be randomly entered into a drawing. If picked, your username will be spread through out their database for instant and random messages. A great way to acquire more followers while having some fun.
50. Swinefighter: Beat the swine flu with this popular and fun game. Nearly 20 million games have been played and you can post your results on Twitter.
51. Fast 140: Don’t think a game that tests your typing speed can be fun? Then join the thousands of other users who used to feel that way and see just how fast you can type 140 characters.
52. InnerTwitter: This game is ideal for those who are stressed. A chime is sent to your Twitter account and you are instructed to listen, pay attention to your breathing, and achieve a Zen state.
53. Twtpets: Enter your pet’s name, information, and picture to enter. They are then voted on in a Twitter battle.
54. Go Go Flash Games: While you technically can’t play these games on Twitter, you can follow them to link to a site where you can play. The latest flash games include Frogger, Space Invaders, and Pacman.
Best Add-Ons for Twitter
Make the most of Twitter and your platform or browser by getting one or all of the add-ons listed below.
55. Twhirl: This desktop client is based on the Adobe AIR platform. It runs on both Windows and Mac, is available for free, and cross posts to other social sites.
56. Seesmic DESKTOP: With over 1.5 million downloads this popular add on lets you build your Twitter community. You can link to Facebook, share media, and organize your friends all with one free application.
57. TwitterGadget: Get the most out of Twitter and your Google home page by getting this auto-refreshing client. You can even get it in prism, chrome, and more.
58. Twitteroo: PC users can update their Twitter status directly from their desktop. You also get options such as URL shortening, notifications, timelines, and much more.
59. Twadget: This add on is ideal for Vista users. It runs Twitter in the sidebar and comes with similar options to the above.
60. Twitterific: Mac users with a love of Twitter and $14.95 will love this application specifically designed for them. Get a list of features, screenshots, and more by visiting this site.
61. TwitterFox: Download this free add on to combine Twitter and Firefox. You can instantly get status updates or change your own without ever having to open a new window.
62. Tweetbar: Another add on for Firefox, this sidebar runs Twitter and can be easily hidden. Also with use for Flock.
63. Twitterlights: This virtual highlighter lets you select text from the internet and post directly as a tweet. It even includes the TinyURL.
64. Treader: This add-on is ideal for those who use Google Reader and Twitter. Once installed, you can edit a tweet, Treader posts it in the background using Twitter’s API, and you never have to leave Google Reader.
65. Twitter Automator Action Pack for Leopard: Mac users will love this download to get the most out of Twitter. You can utilize Tweep, get and send replies, and much more.
66. Twidget: Another Mac widget, it allows you to easily update your status from the dashboard. Features include a timeline with 20 displays, auto refresh, and direct links.
67. Twitter Blocks: See who is following you, who is following your followers, and more with this simple site.
Best Image Tools for Twitter
Say more than the 140 characters by posting a photo of your library, favorite book, and more with the help of the below.
68. TweetPhoto: This site lets you share photos and even lets you interact with any photo or user. You can upload a variety of ways, see who has viewed your photos, automatically tag them, and much more.
69. Picktor: With Twitter as one of their newest additions, you can manage and tag your photos across several networks. View their gallery of images or read their blog to see the newest in features.
70. Twitpic: Share photos of your library, workspace, and more using this common tool. You can post by phone, API, or on the site itself.
71. AlertThingy: Send tweets, update your Facebook status, upload photos to Flickr, post to Tumblr, and more with the help of this free download. The serious librarian can also take advantage of the Yammer, Basecamp, and Huddle integrations.
72. TweetShots: Use this service to post a screenshot of your computer as a tweet. You can also use it to embed into Tumblr, email, or a blog.
73. SnapTweet: Use this service to combine your Flickr and Twitter accounts. You can tweet a photo by sending a message to this site and automated posting with tags is also available.
74. Twitplus: Send both images and video by using this free service. You can also send files privately to selected friends.
Best Video Tools for Twitter
Did you have an interesting event or speaker at your library? Then use these tools to get Twitter to help promote and share them.
75. Rich Media File Sharing: This site gets the top spot for its ability to share a ton of media including HD and flash videos, audio, tons of images, and even PDF files. You can even share beyond Twitter with their options for Facebook and Myspace.
76. TweetTube: You can share tons of stuff with the help of this site, including video. In addition to the option to share pictures or URLs, you can actually use this site to share your favorite YouTube videos right on Twitter.
77. TwitVid: Share video from your computer, mobile phone, or webcam with this site. They even list the most popular videos, along with the latest.
78. Twiddeo: Similar to the above, you can embed videos from your PC, camera, webcam, or phone. You can also post to a host of other sites in addition to Twitter.
79. TwitVid: What makes this video sharing site special is that they automatically convert your videos to high quality. You can also chat with others when watching a video and even the NBA uses it.
80. 12seconds: Just like the title says, share twelve seconds of video on any subject by visiting their site. You can also connect it to your Facebook account along with Twitter.
81. Twitlens: Share a video or up to five pictures by using this service. You can also post as a short URL.
Best Books for Twitter
These books are idea for everyone from those who still need help on Twitter to those ready to use it to its fullest potential.
82. Mastering Twitter: In Ten Minutes or Less: This eBook is perfect for those just starting out on Twitter. A free, downloadable guide will show you the basics, in addition to a few tricks.
83. The Big Juicy Twitter Guide: This seven part online guide to Twitter was written by a professional blogger and is completely free to read. You can also get several other books or even a free blogging course.
84. Make Money Being a Geek: This free 48 page eBook on Twitter is entitled, “A Geek’s Guide To Promoting Yourself and Your Online Business in 140 Characters or Less with Twitter,” and can help you promote your library. Get tips on making a blog with Twitter, enhancing your online business, and more.
85. Underground Secret Twitter Manifesto: Get access to this eBook by reposting a message on your Twitter account and following him. You will also be sent “Enjoy Obscene Profits.”
86. 5 Things I’ve Learned from Twitter: This short, ten page pdf is available from The Smart Planner. Tips include managing Twitter, getting it to work for you, and building an audience.
87. Twitter Marketing: How to go Viral on Twitter: Order this eBook for $19.95 and get useful tips for going viral. You can also view sample pages for free or view the articles that inspired the book at no charge.
88. The Twitter Power Guide eBook: Financial Aid Podcast provides this free book, which is about how to make the most of Twitter’s power without spending your entire life on it. You can also get other resources and related links.
89. Twitter Your Way to Happiness: Joint Venture Village offers this free eBook as a download. You can also get other books on inbound marketing and starting your own website.
Best Librarians to Follow on Twitter
Find out what other librarians are up to by following their tweets. Listed in order of followers.
90. Connie Crosby: Located in Tehran, she is a Guerrilla librarian, geek girl, and book lover. Get updates on her status, travel adventures, recommendations, and more.
91. Jessamyn West: She is a library consultant from Vermont and a moderator. With many followers, find out what she is up to and get useful advice from her tweets.
92. David Lee King: He works in libraries, social media, digital communities, and even has a video blog. He just got a new iPhone and tweets on its ups and downs.
93. Amy Kearns: From New Jersey, this librarian enjoys books, technology, philosophy, and more. Tweets involve questions and answers to her readers, as well as what she is up to.
94. Michael Stephens: He is an educator, librarian, and blogger living in Michigan. Tweets often involve things that interest him and interesting links.
95. Andrea Mercado: She has a background in both library science and technology. She often responds to her followers tweets and recently began posting on her diet.
96. LISNews: This is the official stream for Librarian and Information Science News. Get the latest headlines and podcasts by following their tweets.
97. K.G. Schneider: Also known as the Free Range Librarian, she is from Florida and enjoys writing, technology, and home brewing. Get updates on her daily life along with answers to her readers tweets.
98. Michael Sauers: He is the Technology Innovation Librarian for the Nebraska Library Commission. Get tips, articles that interest him, and things he recommends by following his tweets.
99. Information Goddess: She is a resource for gaming, technology, and youth services training for libraries. Get the latest updates in library related games and books by following her.
100. Bobbi Newman: She is a librarian, blogger, and self admitted geek. Get tweets on things that interest her, as well as links to interesting articles.
Along with librarians, students, teachers, technology lovers, and others will find many useful ways to utilize Twitter with the help of these top 100 tutorials, tools, add-ons, games, and more.