A few months ago, The Digital Archive Blog posted “15 People all Archivists Must Follow on Twitter.”  Although I didn’t make the first cut, I was added to the list a few days later.  Before that article, I had around 20 followers, but now I’m at 66–wow!

Most people I talk to tend to shy away from Twitter, considering it a waste of time or just pointless.  Two common thoughts are “why would anyone want to read about what I do all day?” or “I don’t have time”.  Following other archivists has been a great way to expand my network.  Do I know most of these people on a first name basis?  No, but when I see their names pop up at various conferences or on listservs I feel more connected.  Plus, with everyone tweeting about what they’re working on or pondering, it’s a great place to exchange ideas.

I feel I’m a case in point for the “I don’t have time” arguement.  It is MUCH easier to update in 140 than write an entire blog post.  I’m on twitter everyday, but this blog tends to get pushed aside.  Why?  Because writing 140 characters is much less daunting.  If I have on comment, I can write it, without having to think of related material to fill up a post.

I’ve found twitter to be a great place for networking with other archvists and greatly prefer it over facebook or LinkedIn.  I learn about other archives throughout the world and get to know some “quirks” of others that lead to personal connections.  Although, I still think I’m the only archivist out there that enjoys listening to the princess of pop herself, Ms. Spears.