Idea Lab: Discussing Library Social Media Ethics

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement

Journal Abbreviation

J. Libr. Outreach & Engagement

Abstract

In recent years, social media companies like Twitter (or “X”) and Meta have come under scrutiny. These companies face data leaks, provide platforms for hate speech and disinformation, promote unchecked echo chambers, and are becoming increasingly predatory. Still, many libraries continue to use these platforms as a convenient tool to reach their users. Considering these ethical challenges, we sent out a call for contributions targeted to LIS professionals and students that asked, “should librarians and libraries walk our digital footprints away from exploitative platforms?” Potential authors were encouraged to consider the following topics and questions:

  • As information professionals, do we have a responsibility to our users to lead by example and stop lending our credibility to troubling products?
  • What other platforms (Mastodon, post.com, Bluesky, etc.) are you using or considering as Twitter alternatives and why? How effective are they?

First Page

154

Last Page

161

Publication Date

Summer 2023

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