Description
This paper details a reputational threat to an American academic library where a viral social media post and associated negative comments misrepresented the institution and brand’s values. Immediately, the marketing librarian responsible for social media responded to the threat by engaging directly with the library consumers, sharing content and information with the broader online community, and reinforcing the library’s values and commitment to consumers. While the resolution to the crisis was mostly favourable, the event was unanticipated and invited a keen learning opportunity that is documented in this case study. Reflections and takeaways from this incident are discussed in the context of emerging literature on crisis communication, reputation threats, and social media.
DOI
10.30658/icrcc.2018.7
Recommended Citation
Stewart, M. C., & Atilano, M. (2018). Reputational threats online: Social media as a simultaneous agent of crisis and tool for response and resolution in the case study of an American academic library. Proceedings of the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (pp. 24-26). Orlando, FL. USA. Nicholson School of Communication. https://doi.org/10.30658/icrcc.2018.7
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Library and Information Science Commons, Organizational Communication Commons, Public Relations and Advertising Commons, Social Media Commons
Reputational Threats Online: Social Media as a Simultaneous Agent of Crisis and Tool for Response and Resolution in the Case Study of an American Academic Library
This paper details a reputational threat to an American academic library where a viral social media post and associated negative comments misrepresented the institution and brand’s values. Immediately, the marketing librarian responsible for social media responded to the threat by engaging directly with the library consumers, sharing content and information with the broader online community, and reinforcing the library’s values and commitment to consumers. While the resolution to the crisis was mostly favourable, the event was unanticipated and invited a keen learning opportunity that is documented in this case study. Reflections and takeaways from this incident are discussed in the context of emerging literature on crisis communication, reputation threats, and social media.