An introduction to Twitter for researchers on how to use Twitter to disseminate their research. Delivered as part of the University of Liverpool Library's researcher training workshops.

1. Twitter for researchers
Zelda Chatten and Sarah Roughley

2. What is Twitter?
Social media platform
Send messages or ‘tweets’ of 140
characters or fewer
Follow people you’re interested in
and (usually) they will follow you
back

3. Why is Twitter good for researchers?
Develop a personalised news feed of
your research interests
Publicise your publications and
conferences
Ask questions about your research
Contribute to new developments in
your field
Use it as much as you like

4. Examples of good practice
Stuart Wilks-Heeg, Politics: https://twitter.com/StuartWilksHeeg
Claire Taylor, Modern Languages: https://twitter.com/Claire_Taylor_M
Nick Greeves, Chemistry: https://twitter.com/chemtube3d
Niamh Thornton, Modern Languages: https://twitter.com/enortee

5. Recognisable Twitter
handle (though it’s handy
that Stuart has a
distinctive surname!)
Included link to
staff profile
and list of
publications
Tweets about politics
and public policy in
general

6. Claire tweets about the research
project she is currently working on
including the events that have been run
as part of it. She’s included a link to
the project’s WordPress site.

7. Nick tweets as himself but
uses his Twitter account to
raise the profile of
chemtube3d

8. Niamh’s used her
cover picture to
publicise her
book.

9. What makes a good Twitter account?
Cover photo that represents your
research
Profile picture reflects how you want
fellow researchers to see you
Good personal statement
Recognisable Twitter handle

10. What makes good content for Twitter?
Your tweets should be informative,
useful or humorous but NOT
mundane
Participate in conversations
Respond to connections
Retweet interesting content

11. Some Twitter practicalities...
Use hashtags to get your tweets noticed
and to find useful people to follow
Use like to show interest or save for later
If you want everyone to see your tweet,
don’t start it with @
Have a good ratio of following to followers

12. Our Top Twitter Tips
1. Be yourself!
2. Be timely in your response
3. Use humour and be willing to take criticism
4. Engage and respond to comments - create a network
5. Be enthusiastic but remember that Twitter is an open forum