More user engagement, better for libraries: Proposing a framework for social Media integration in libraries

Abstract

The integration of social media into libraries has become a popular worldwide trend, offering the potential to improve services and increase user participation. This literature review explores the benefits, challenges, and barriers experienced by libraries during social media integration. A comprehensive search was conducted, and the literature was synthesized by breaking it down into various titles, findings, and key takeaways. The findings reveal that social media integration in libraries is beneficial and increases user engagement. However, financial constraints, lack of competent personnel, and lack of policies were identified as barriers to successful integration. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework for successfully integrating social media into libraries is proposed that involves four steps: 1) study, 2) adoption, 3) implementation, and 4) interaction that comprehend identifying library goals, assessing resources, developing a social media strategy, creating and implementing policies, and evaluating performance that will lead to enhanced user engagement.