ABSTRACT
Trends
in global information communication have necessitated that academic libraries
resort to the employment of web 2.0 technologies such as Facebook, Twitter,
WhatsApp etc. in rendering services. Indeed the knowledge and use of such
platforms has become critical for the survival of academic libraries globally.
For this reason, this research focused on investigating the Professional
librarians’ perception of social media as tools for information dissemination
in selected universities in Edo state. The main objectives were to determine
the level of awareness, extent of use, major social media sites used, the
benefits of using social media sites, the challenges as well as the possible
solutions to the challenges.
Questionnaire was used
in soliciting the views of 38 librarians from UNIBEN (Federal), A.A.U (State),
and B.I.U (Private) on their awareness and use of social media. Purposive
sampling technique was used in the study. The findings of the study indicate
that majority of the librarians were aware and use social media for both
personal and work-related purposes. They, however, lacked the skill needed to
use the array of social media platforms available to make a difference in
service delivery. The study, therefore, recommended re-training and
re-orientation of librarians in the use of social media.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0
Introduction
This study attempts to
perceive the way the professional librarians view the use of social media for
disseminating information in University libraries in Edo state. These views are
both in terms of information dissemination pand also the way they receive information
(the flow of information) via the social media.
The study, in
establishing professional librarians’ perception, establishes a comparison
between the use of social media and the business of librarianship. Despite the
complexity of librarianship practice between librarians and library staff, this
study tends to bring under consideration the use of social media, to see if it
has helped make librarianship practice or mar it and how the advent of social
media as a tool for information dissemination is being used by professional
librarians and to what benefit.
1.1 Background of the study
Librarianship is a
profession that is concerned with acquiring and organizing collections of books
and related materials in the libraries and servicing readers and others with
available resources (dictionary.com).
Since librarianship
entails acquiring and organizing the collections of books and related materials
in libraries and servicing readers, it is no doubt that information is
considered a vital and major ingredient for the survival of man. Following the
assertion above librarianship does not entail just acquiring and organizing of
materials but such that are information worthy. A worthy information keeps a
man abreast of happening around his immediate environment and beyond. Hence,
the absence of information and that of half truth can lead to unruly reactions
or keep the public in the dark about their environment. It is on this premise
that this study seeks to consider the professional librarians’ perception and
determine their awareness of social media. It aims to examine the effectiveness
of social media in enhancing the librarian’s job.
The dissemination of
information is now opened to application of the use of social media through
which billions of people get informed, disseminate information, and also
interact at ease with the use of these social media such as; Google, Facebook,
Whatsapp, 2go, YouTube, Twitter e.t.c.
According to Desale
(n.d), a decade ago, social media was seen by many as having little relevance
for use in a professional context by librarians. In recent years there has been
a sea change in perception. Social media is now widely used by librarians to
fulfill a variety of objectives.
Enormous use and advantages of social media tools make it relevant not
only for large scale business and marketing activities, but it also opens doors
of opportunities in education, research and other academic fields.
The library
professionals now, however, see the social media as an opportunity. This
positive perspective encompases the social media as a new paradigm, a
revolution, a chance for professional development and as the ultimate reference
tool in the dissemination of information services.
In this view, people
now see social media as a means of creating job for themselves in education,
research and other academic areas and also in the business and marketing fields,
thereby giving room for people to sell information to information seekers.
In the digital era
Internet and mobile technology become more essential part in everyday’s life.
The way people access, create and distribute the information results in libraries
to reconsider their traditional role as librarian to Cybrarian. In this
partaking of information age , library in the community has to change , what
used to be a central point for learning and education is now being challenged.
In this outset, libraries become more relevant and evolve dramatically in the
internet age. Social networking site have given an ample opportunity to get
better service models to accommodate for needs of new online patrons. It also
induces the librarian to amend their roles as information provider to
communicators (Sahu, 2013).
With the rapid growth
of social media, librarians now face serious challenges in making sure current
and adequate information are rapidly available to students, staff, and
researchers. etc. at any point in time. The key to making an impact on users is
to raise their expectation of libraries and librarians. This can be done by
librarians demonstrating their value directly in the the work and interests of
users. Librarians could offer to participate as information architect and
manager of specific research or study groups, in a learning environment, or
workplace. For example, a librarian could set up highly specific information
portals for individual research team, linking them with resources from the
library or elsewhere. Librarians could also host blogs for a course of study
and contribute to discussion or provide pointers when matters relating to
information sources and access surface. They can help individual users set up
their own personal virtual libraries to aid them in learning activities and
studies.
A well equipped and organized library should
be able to partner with other smaller libraries in the area, Some of these
activities can probably be subsidized through federal and states grants.
Currently, the challenges for libraries and librarians is to find way to
embrace social networking sites and technologies without killing their
potential.
According to Akporhonor
and Olise (2015), librarians in this digital age, are responsible for a wide
variety of resources and services that expand far beyond the typical eight-hour
work day. Igun (2010) opines that librarians’ role in the global information
environment is unique. His roles are critical for the necessary control of
information resources in physical and virtual domains. Notably, the advent of
other sources of information like the internet, World Wide Web and even social
media that has led to a new challenge for librarians to meet the rapidly
changing information needs and expectations of the 21st century users.
Librarians now have a challenge of making themselves more relevant in this
digital age. Iwhiwhu, Ruteyan and Eghwubare (2010) note that the challenge of
most librarians is to attract users to the library and to retain them.
As a librarian, in
order to build a networking relationship with users, we must go on social media
where the users are and not where we think they should be. They should be able
to create workshop addressed information literacy skills. Covering social media
in information literacy skill session is a good way of making users aware of
the platforms users are using.
The ever increasing
contribution of the internet and the revolution of information distribution
over the last few decades, has significantly exaggerated the relationship between
librarians and library patrons. Now this is the right time to challenge the
library professional to create awareness of social networking site among the
user and evoke participation with their communities (Sahu, 2013).
A potent means in which
librarians and libraries can optimize for their work and services as well as
maintain their relevance is through a medium like social media. In this 21st
Century, where a paradigm shift in communicating library services to users is evident,
a modern and contemporary tool would be needed to promote library and
information resources services. Social
media are one modern and contemporary new media for effective promotion of
library and information services in the technological era (Akporhonor and
Olise, 2015).
These authors further
opined that promotion in library and information science has a newer
meaning. It finds deep roots in social
media. It is a set of techniques which
is aimed at reinforcing the basic values of the library in a changing
environment at the same time meeting the needs of the library clientele. Essentially, promotion is the means of
informing users on what you do and what you can do. The benefits for those who
promote their library services and resources include: increased usage,
increased value in the organization, education of users and changed
perceptions.
Social networking has
changed the way we communicate even on a basic and personal level. This is
because social media is user friendly, it has exploded in domestic and
professional space. With social media, we are able to keep in touch with people
who are on the other side of the world and in different time zone.
Moreover, we are
becoming an increasing mobile society that send and receive messages wherever
and whenever we are and also access information anytime anywhere available to
any person having adequate access.
Social Media are
computer mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange
information, ideas, thoughts and pictures/videos in virtual communities. Social
media is a group of internet based applications which is build on the
foundation of Web 2.0 that helps users in easy information exchange and
communication. It is an interactive platform which allows users to create and
exchange user-generated content where people can talk, share information,
participate and network using technologies (Desale, n.d).
Social media is one
such user-friendly communication tool through which the libraries can promote
its resources and services to its users with the help of different application
tools such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs, YouTube, MySpace, Whatsapp etc. this
Social media enables in participatory creation of knowledge and information
sharing in simple and convenient ways. Social media is defined as a group of
Internet-based applications that is built on ideological and technological
foundations of Web 2.0 and which allow the creation and exchange of
user-generated content (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010).
These websites work via
web 2.0 technology which allows users of the internet to easily save, post and
share any information that could be sent to an heterogeneous audience
instantaneously.
Akporhonor and Olise
(2015) posited that Librarians desiring to connect constantly with their
clients with an eye to increasing users’ satisfaction through promotion must
make a social presence using social media like Facebook, MySpace, Whatsapp,
Microblogging sites like Twitter, blog, etc.
Today, university libraries have created pages on Facebook, like Kenneth
Dike Library, Delta State University Library, etc.
As part of a University
or organizational set up, the library is seen as the heart of any organization
or institution through which information is disseminated to users either in
print or non-print format. With the availability of a standard library, an
organization or institution can reach its target audience and have a greater
impact on policy and programming. Hence, the social networking site can serve
as an invaluable tool in this effort to communicate information across a wide
audience.
Social media now
possesses various websites like Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, MySpace etc. that
offers great platform for study purpose. Educators can use Facebook to set up
pages related to their lesson plans. Using online platform, students can easily
collaborate with each other and even shy students can participate more
actively. Through various other platforms like Google, Hangout or Skype,
librarians can easily initiate discussions or debate.
Libraries, according to
Ezeani (2011), should make social networking sites on the internet widely known
to patrons and encourage library patrons to use them so as to promote library
and information resources and services. It becomes imperative for these
university libraries to promote the library effectively which would in turn
help in the development of the university as a whole. Akporhonor (2011) stated
that a university library, be it federal or state owned, is part of a
university set up.
According to Desale
(n.d), social media tools have emerged as a very powerful and effective tool
for libraries. Librarians have adopted social media tools as a part of Library
2.0 movement to connect with their users. With the help of different social
media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, MySpace etc. it enhances the
process of information procurement, sharing and dissemination among users.
More recent studies
have contributed on the dichotomy between the perceived benefits of social
media and the actual impressions of patrons. Of particular relevance to these
studies is the notion of whether social media is cherished more by librarians
or by library users (Kim and Abbas, 2010). While librarians have viewed these
tools as a method to connect with patrons and in particular students, their sentiments
are not necessary reciprocated by them (Chu and Meulemans, 2008; Kim &
Abbas, 2010).Although library social media spaces need to remain current,
active and relevant in order to retain user interest, previous scholars have
suggested that academic librarians need to ensure they do not misallocate
personnel and technical resources on an ever-evolving group of technologies
that are largely used for non-academic purposes (kim & Abbas, 2010;
Jacobson, 2011).
It is largely arguable
that, despite the benefits of social media as a tool for information
dissemination, it can become a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Despite the
benefits of social media, there are challenges faced by the librarians while
using social media tools for their library. Akporhonor and Olise (2015) posited
from their study of Social Media for Promoting Library and Information
Resources and Services in University Libraries in South-South Nigeria that
privacy concern, low level of technology penetration and network problem are
the major challenges facing librarians in the use of social media for promoting
library and information resources and services. Some studies have been
conducted on social media by scholars. However, much has not been written on
Professional Librarians’ Perception of Social Media as Tools for Information
Dissemination in Selected Universities in Edo State.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In an ever changing
world where skills often become outdated, there is need for re-learning in
other to cope with new challenges. Although Librarians have been known to
develop themselves professionally through attendance at conferences, seminars,
workshops, etc. the internet now offers additional option through social media
which enables interaction among users from all parts of the globe but the
extent to which librarians in Nigeria avail themselves of these applications
remains unknown. It is in view of the foregoing, that the present study aims to
investigate professional librarians’ perception of social media as tools for
information dissemination and how it has enhances positive benefits against the
ills.
1.3 Objectives of the study
The purpose of this
study is to examine the Professional Librarians’ Perception of Social Media as
Tools for Information Dissemination in Selected Universities in Edo State.
Specifically, the study sets out to:
- Determine
professional librarians’ level of awareness of social media as an information
dissemination tool.
- Find out
the extent of use of social media tools by professional librarians.
- Determine
social media sites professional librarians use to disseminate information.
- Ascertain the benefit of social media sites that
are used by libraries and professional librarians.
- Determine the challenges professional librarians
experience in the use of social media for information dissemination.
- Find out possible solutions to the challenges
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the level of awareness of social
media as an information dissemination tools by librarians?
- What is the extent of
use of social media as an information dissemination tools by librarians?
- What are the social media sites use in the
dissemination of information by librarians?
- What are the benefits of using social media by
librarians?
- What are the challenges librarians face in their
use of social media?
- What are the possible solutions to the challenges
of social media?
1.5
Scope of the Study
The
study focuses on the Professional librarians’ perception of social media as
tools for information dissemination in Universities in Edo State. The scope of
the study covers ‘level of awareness of social media as an information
dissemination tools by librarians, the extent of use of social media as an
information dissemination tools by librarians, the social media sites use in the
dissemination of information by librarians, the purpose of using social media
by librarians and the challenges face in their use of social media. The study
will focuses on librarians in University of Benin, Benin City, Ambrose Alli
University Ekpoma and Benson Idahosa University, Benin City.
1.6
Significance of the Study
This
study intends to examine Professional Librarians’ Perception of Social Media as
Tools for Information Dissemination in Selected Universities in Edo State. The
value of this study relates to the level of awareness and use of social media
for effective information dissemination by librarians. The findings of this
study will be useful to all categories of library staff, students, faculty
members and researchers as it will provide literature in this respect. It will
also help the University and library management to put in place appropriate
measures that will enable librarians strive with regards to social media use
for effective information dissemination in meeting the information needs of the
user in this 21st century. In a nutshell, the findings of this study will
expose librarians on the need to use modern technology (social media) in
disseminating information in the library.
1.7
Limitation of the Study
The
researcher is out to study Professional Librarians’ Perception of Social Media
as Tools for Information Dissemination in Universities in Edo State. However,
for the sake of time and financial constraint, only three Universities will be
studied. The Universities are University of Benin (Federal), Ambrose Alli
University Ekpoma (State), and Benson Idahosa University (Private).
1.8
Operational Definition of Terms
The following relevant terms will be defined as use
in the study;
2
Awareness:
The state or condition of being aware, having knowledge, consciousness, or idea
about something or object.
3
Dissemination:
To spread information, knowledge, etc. so that it reaches many people.
4
Information:
Fact or details about somebody or something.
5
Librarian:
Person who is in charge of or works in a library.
6
Librarianship:
A profession concern with acquiring and organizing collection of books and
related materials in the library and servicing readers and others with these
resources.
7
Perception:
The way you notice things, especially with the senses.
8
Professional
librarian: Person who is in charge of works in a library and
has high level of education, special training and skills providing access to
information and sometimes social or technical programming.
9
Social
media: Are computer mediated tools that allow people or
companies to create, share, or exchange information, career interests, ideas,
and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
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