Occasionally I hear snark about how social media books are out of date before the ink on the page is even dry. I would disagree. Completely. If your book is about the tools (the how-tos and specifics) and not the thinking, planning and strategy behind successful communications campaigns that maximize and capitalize on social media in a big picture way, then yes… your book is out of date before the ink on the page is dry.

Fortunately, there are plenty of people who recognize that and have written some great books that help us understand the bigger picture. I’ve chosen three for this class as required reading. And I’m recommending three others. The recommended reading won’t be on the syllabus, but will certainly provide a richer class experience if you choose to incorporate them.

Of course, there will be plenty of online reading to do as well. You can check out the reading page for more details. Support your local independent bookstore. If you can’t buy at the Duck Store, shop online at Powells.com.

• Tactical Transparency: How Leaders Can Leverage Social media to Maximize Value and Build Their Brand Shel Holtz, John C. Havens
• Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff
• Engage: The Complete Guide for Brands and Business to Build, Cultivate and Measure Success in the New Web Brian Solis
• Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) that Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business by Ann Handly and CC Chapman