Wikimedia+Libraries/Program/Submission/Not Just a Trend: Information Seeking and Knowledge Sharing on TikTok

Slides

Title of your proposal

Not Just a Trend: Information Seeking and Knowledge Sharing on TikTok

Name(s) and/or username(s)

Amber Morrell

amber.t.morrell@gmail.com

Topic

• Advocacy and Outreach through other digital channels

Type of submission

• Lightning sessions (Short talks/shares in an un-conference format) (5-8 minutes)

Keywords and hashtags

video, social media, storytelling

Abstract

Video sharing app TikTok has over one billion monthly users and it was the most popular website in 2021. How does short-form video affect information-seeking behaviors and knowledge sharing? Librarian, author, and TikTok creator Amber Morrell will share her experiences in developing the Wikipedia-based TikTok account @storytimeamber, which has almost 300,000 followers. Because of their popularity, low barrier to entry, and accessibility, short-form video platforms deserve more attention from library researchers.

In this lightning talk, I will share my experience on TikTok, explain why this is a valuable avenue for libraries to explore, and consider future research implications.

• Knowledge sharing through short form video
  • How/why I started TikTok
  • How my TikTok relates to libraries
  • How other librarians are using TikTok
• Library research implications
  • Accessibility
    • Anyone can create, Anyone can view (low barrier to entry)
    • Same as Wikimedia & library missions
  • Storytelling & connection through story - taking a topic and creating a narrative to engage viewers
    • Short form video has this in common with oral traditions
  • Questions for further study: how are people spreading knowledge and information through short-form video, and how has it affected information seeking behaviors?
    • Can TikTok creators send new readers to Wikipedia? - first thoughts from an informal collaboration with the Wikimedia Foundation

Expected outcomes

Attendees will be invited to consider how TikTok and similar channels can be used in mission-aligned ways by librarians and Wikimedians

Duration (without Q&A)

8 minutes

Specific requirements

Sharing video on-screen as part of the talk

Interested attendees (Please add yourself, and you may indicate your questions to the presenter).

1. KellyDoyle (talk) 23:07, 21 June 2022 (UTC)
2. FRomeo (WMF) (talk) 13:26, 22 June 2022 (UTC)
3. I've definitely considered using TikTok alongside my Wikipedia work to inform students! Rachel Helps (BYU) (talk) 16:46, 22 June 2022 (UTC)
4. EriedgenArc (talk) 12:03, 23 June 2022 (UTC)
5. Kclibrarian (talk)
6. LEscamilla (WMF) (talk) 14:35, 27 June 2022 (UTC)
7. Karolingva (talk) 16:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC)
8. briing