Promoting Library Services in the Social Media Era: Exploring Use, Objectives, Challenges and Perceived Influence

Abstract

This study examined the use of mediated platforms for creating awareness regarding the services in libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by five objectives. Descriptive survey was used as the design of the study. Both librarians (n=300) and library users (n=300) were sampled for the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Descriptive analysis like simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for the study. It was found that there is low extent of application of social media for the purposes of increasing public awareness of services in libraries. Also, seven objectives of applying social media to enhance awareness of services in libraries were found. Seven strategies for using social media to promote library services were also reported. Six obstacles to the use of social media to promote library services were also reported. The perceived influence of exposure to social media messages promoting library services were also reported. The implications of these results on library practice and scholarship have been explored. Based on the results of the study, the researchers recommends, among others, the utilization of social media to promote library services.