Using Social Networks for Library Funding Advocacy: A Discourse Analysis of the Save the Miami-Dade Public Libraries Facebook Campaign

Abstract

In July 2013, the social media campaign, Save the Miami-Dade Public Libraries (SMDPL) sought to influence the Miami-Dade Mayor and County Commissioners to reverse proposed budget cuts and maintain existing library funding levels. This study examines the SMDPL campaign by conducting a discourse analysis of the SMDPL Facebook posts and Twitter account @MIALibraries to examine the public value statements and interactive policymaking process using Moore’s Creating Public Value Theory. Information sharing using social network sites can be important sources of the wishes of a community but may not direct the actions of public officials and can become a source of community conflict. While the use of SNS may be disruptive in disseminating or implementing an unpopular policy that is desired by public officials and may be an inefficient way to obtain consensus, the pursuit of social equity may outweigh the potential obstacles and challenges facing public officials navigating social networks.ye

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