Readiness of librarians in public libraries towards integration of social media tools in library services delivery in south-east Nigeria

Ifeyinwa Aidah Ariole,Kevin Okorafor

doi:10.4314/iijikm.v8i3.10

Abstract

The study is designed to x-ray the level of preparedness of librarians in Nigerian Public libraries towards integrating social media to the provision of library and information services (LIS). The survey research method was adopted using public libraries in south-east geo-political zone of Nigeria. The population of study comprises of core librarians working in the various public libraries in the south-east geo-political zone of Nigeria. It was revealed that the level of readiness among librarians in public libraries towards integrating social media to library service delivery is very low. Paucity of funds, indifferent attitude of public library managers, non-existence of social media policy, low level of ICT literacy among librarians in public libraries are the major constraints to effective integration of social media. This study has not only provided empirical evidences on the readiness of librarians in public libraries towards integrating social media tools to library and information services but also recommends ways for successful integration of social media into the public library system..Keywords: community libraries, public libraries, social media, information services, south-east

Highlights

The results has further shown that the respondents reported that paucity of funds to sponsor librarians to training (3.36); indifferent attitude of public library managers to the application social media to library services (3.09); non existence of social media policy affects smooth integration of social media to the delivery of library services (3.05); low level of information and communication technologies (ICT)-literacy among librarians in public libraries (3.00); non-existence of computer and other devices that supports social media application to library services in public libraries (2.95); lack of access to internet connectivity; low level of technological penetration in public libraries (2.91); and difficulty in choosing the social media to apply to library services (2.82)
The results shows that paucity of funds, indifferent attitude of public library managers, non-existence of social media policy, low level of ICT literacy among librarians in public libraries are the major constraints to effective integration of social media
Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that librarians in public libraries are not fully ready for the full integration of social media to library services delivery

Summary

Objectives

The general purpose of this study is to ascertain the readiness of librarians in public libraries towards integration of social media to library service delivery in south-east Nigeria. Determine the readiness of librarians in public libraries towards integration of social media to delivery of library service; 2. Ascertain the status of social media policy in relation to integrating of social media to library services; and. 3. investigate the constraints to effective integration of social media to library service delivery The specific objectives are to: 1. determine the readiness of librarians in public libraries towards integration of social media to delivery of library service; 2. ascertain the status of social media policy in relation to integrating of social media to library services; and

Methods

Results

Conclusion