Library Social Media Research Articles

Analysis of the library quality assurance system in supporting international accreditation of department at Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia

PurposeLibrary quality assurance systems are collaborative governances that facilitate the presentation of data on international accreditation of departments, which contains data on services, human resources, library facilities and infrastructure. This research analyzes the supporting and inhibiting factors and the advantages of the library quality assurance system in supporting international accreditation of departments at Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta, Indonesia using Talcott Persons' theory of structural functionalism.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data in exploratory research and action research obtained from the Quality Assurance Team at the university level under the Educational Quality Assurance and Development Institute (LPPMP), the Quality Assurance Unit (UPM) at the faculty level and the Quality Control Group (GKM) at the department, librarian and academic community levels. Supporting informants are international assessor practitioners. Data validation using source triangulation, namely information obtained through different sources, and method triangulation through different methods. Data obtained from library studies, observations, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), documentation and interviews with staff, library leaders, lecturers from departments that have and will carry out international accreditation and UNS students and analyzed interactive analysis models, namely data reduction, data presentation and concluding.FindingsThe research results show that the UNS Library quality assurance system facilitates higher education organizations, such as bachelor's, master's and doctoral departments at UNS; search and presentation of international accreditation data. Supporting factors include the availability of digital library systems, online catalogs (UNSLA), e-journal and e-book databases, library websites and library data links for accreditation; facilities and infrastructure consist of indoor-outdoor study rooms; library social media; Self Access Terminal room; facilities for international students; involvement of librarians in international internships/conferences, librarians who have had competency tests and certification; librarians pursuing doctoral degree and support for student interns in system development. Inhibiting factors include the unavailability of programmers and dependence on UNS Information and Communication of Technology Unit. The benefits of the department quality assurance system include accelerating and improving the organization's quality and presentation of international accreditation data for departments at UNS.Originality/valueThis type of qualitative research with an exploratory approach takes library study data, observations and in-depth interviews with library staff and quality assurance of departments. The informants were selected using purposive sampling, which was adjusted to the needs and interests of the research. It also uses the action research method, a collaboration between the quality assurance unit, librarians and academics. Action research is a form of collective self-reflection that involves a series of daily activities, which include the processes of research, diagnosis, planning, implementation, monitoring and establishing the necessary relationships between evaluation and self-development. The research object is something that will be subject to conclusions resulting from something that will be discussed in the research. The object of this research is the quality assurance of the UNS Library. Primary data was obtained from the Quality Assurance Team at the university level under the LPPMP, the Quality Assurance Unit (UPM) at the faculty level and the Quality Control Group (GKM) at the department, librarian and academic community levels. Supporting informants are international assessor practitioners. Data will be collected using observation, in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentation. To ensure the validity of the data, source triangulation is used, namely, information obtained through different sources, as well as method triangulation through different methods, for example, interviews with observation or FGD. Data analysis using an interactive analysis model, namely data reduction, data presentation and concluding. This research was conducted at the UNS Library, with the research object being all departments at Sebelas Maret University, which have and will undergo international accreditation.

“May Be a Picture of a Dog and a Book”: The Inaccessibility of Public Library Social Media Feeds

Libraries use social media to connect with their communities. This paper outlines research examining the accessibility of those social media feeds within public libraries in Ontario. Of particular focus are the accessibility of social media feeds and their use of alt text to describe visual media. Findings are rather bleak. Only two libraries were found to regularly use alt text. This research outlines three key issues including the enormity of the access issue for people with visual disabilities, the limitations of accessibility legislation, and the limitations of AI generated alt text.

Penguatan Citra UPT Perpustakaan UMM melalui Media Sosial untuk Meningkatkan Peran dan Fungsi di Era Masyarakat 5.0

The development of digital technology has now entered the era of society 5.0. Artificial intelligence has been applied in various forms. Previously, library services were traditional technically and physically, which is different from today's with the application of digital systems to social media. This research aims to analyze and describe strengthening the image of the UMM Library UPT through social media to maximize the role and function of the library in the era of society 5.0. In this paper, the author applies descriptive research with a quantitative approach. Based on a survey regarding library social media branding optimization, 143 UMM students found that they were more active in using Instagram accounts than other social media, with a figure of 72.7% after branding optimization was carried out for eight months starting September 2022 – April 2023. Therefore, UPT UMM Library formed a special team called the Social Media Team (social media), which is assigned to maximize the publication of creative content through social media accounts, especially Instagram. To convey maximum information, the social media team creates content as much as possible by compiling a Brand Guideline focusing on post templates and Social Media Design, concentrating on design and content arrangement. There are four content pillar concepts: Spall-Spill, Play and Fun, UMMLibTalk, and Kober. These efforts produced results for the UMM Library UPT by increasing the number of followers and physical visits to the library. UMM librarians are also more confident by being involved as Content Creators; apart from that, another impact is the interaction of the UMM Library UPT with students, the academic community, and the general public.

Perceived Risks of Social Media in the University Libraries of Pakistan: An Empirical Investigation

Purpose The research on social media adoption and use is on the rise in Pakistan. However, researchers did not focus on investigating the risks associated with social media use for library services. So, this study examines perceived risks of library services through social media in the university libraries of Pakistan. Also, suggest possible solution to overcome the observed risks. Methodology Using a structured questionnaire, a national-level survey was conducted. Respondents of the study were professional librarians designated as Head or Chief or University librarian representing their organization. The study was conducted in an organizational perspective and required a single response from each organization. The questionnaire was distributed among 181 university librarians working both in public and private sector university libraries in Pakistan. However, valid responses were 124 (69%). Findings The Pakistani university libraries are using social media platforms for library services. However, the research findings reveal that there are several risks to offering library services through social media. Among the responded libraries, the libraries that do not use social media platforms for service delivery feel riskier compared to the libraries that offer library services through social media. It is also found that there is no formal policy on social media usage in the libraries. Practical implications The research findings provide valuable insight to university administration, library social media users, and developers on how to consider the identified risks while designing state-of-the-art library services through social media. Also, the study findings may be easily generalized at national level due to the coverage of the whole population. Originality This is a novel study that explores the perceived social media risks associated with using social media to offer library services. Also, the study is first attempt that covers whole population through a census survey in an organizational perspective.

Increased Usage of Alt Text Is Required Across Ontario Public Library Social Media Feeds to Increase the Accessibility of Content

A Review of: Hill, H., & Oswald, K. (2023). “May be a picture of a dog and a book”: The inaccessibility of public libraries’ social media feeds. Partnership, 18(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v18i1.7008 Objective – The research project sought to explore how accessible the social media feeds of Ontario public libraries are, particularly the use of alt text for images, by assessing the usage of alt text and by making recommendations for appropriate use within social media posts. Design – Collection of social media posts and computer-assisted textual analysis of visual media content. Setting – 76 public libraries and 9 public library systems in Ontario, Canada. Subjects – Approximately 900 Ontario public library social media posts from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Methods – A random number generator sampling of 30 libraries per platform from the relevant social media accounts from a spreadsheet created using Ontario Public Library Statistics (OPLS) data of social media usage from the included libraries was initially created capturing 76 individual libraries. Then the researchers performed targeted sampling of posts from the nine library systems serving over 250,000 residents each. Researchers identified the 10 most recent posts from each included platform feed, and then undertook textual analysis for the presence of alt text with each post using two Mozilla Firefox browser extensions that determine the presence of alt text. Main Results – Of the 76 unique libraries chosen by the random sampling and the nine library systems that serve populations over 250,000, only two regularly used alt text and five had at least one instance of alt text. Only Toronto Public Library regularly included alt text across each of the three social media platforms analyzed by the study. The study also initially aimed to assess the quality of alt text used by public libraries in social media posts. However, due to the lack of alt text use across the sample, this was not possible at the scale initially aimed for, although a small number of examples are analyzed in the findings. Conclusion – The initial goal of analyzing the alt text to make recommendations for improved usage could not be realized due to the surprising lack of inclusion of any alt text across the sampled posts. This lack of any alt text can prevent some disabled users from engaging with content and information, leading to an inequitable experience. Public libraries should consider how accessible their engagement with users is and seek to improve the accessibility of social media posts.

A Systematic Review of Application of Social Media in Libraries

Social media has emerged as a pivotal technological tool for libraries, enabling them to promote resources, services, and online offerings effectively. Many scholars and experts worldwide are trying hard and fast to explore the possibilities of an effective library social media presence. This paper systematically reviews 25 studies from the last six years (2018-2023) available in the area of social media application in libraries. PRISMA guidelines have been used to filter and select the most relevant literature to present a holistic and tangible view of the contemporary level of social media amalgamation in libraries. The chosen articles represent the numerous social media platforms available for libraries, the challenges in incorporating those platforms into monotonous services, and promotion and operative strategies to overcome those challenges. In the review, the library's social media practice revolves around three dimensions, i.e., communication, advertising, and services. Reference service is found to be the most preferred service through social media. Multiple factors, indicators, actions, and motivations have been found to strategize the libraries' social media incidence. This paper will provide a bird's eye view of the current status of library social media applications and help library professionals strategically select and utilize different social media platforms.

An analysis of users’ continuous use intention of academic library social media using the WeChat public platform as an example

PurposeThis study aims to discover the factors which influence user satisfaction levels and their continuous use intention (CUI) of academic library social media, and then considers how to promote and improve further work on library social media to reduce user churn and increase user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachAn updated DeLone and McLean information systems success (D&M ISS) model and the expectation confirmation model for information systems continuance (ECM-ISC) with new variables of emotions are used to examine the factors which influence user satisfaction levels and CUI of academic library social media through 445 questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data and presented in tables.FindingsThe results show that information quality, system quality and emotions affect user satisfaction and CUI, and reveal that emotions can affect that most obviously.Research limitations/implicationsThe WeChat public platform is mainly used in China, so the study only focuses on Chinese academic libraries. There are still limitations on the settings of observed variables which cannot cover all the causes of users’ positive and negative emotions. In addition, although the respondents of this questionnaire can represent academic library users, 445 samples are still fairly low in contrast to the great number of academic library WeChat public platform users.Originality/valueThis study integrates ECM-ISC and D&M ISS models, adds positive and negative emotions as new variables, to broaden the application scope of these models, and demonstrates the applicability of these two models in the fields of researching academic library social media, expanding and deepening related theories above. This also provides practical reference for academic libraries on how to improve user satisfaction and CUI of academic library social media and academic library WeChat public platforms, promoting the development of academic library social media.

‘May Be a Picture of a Dog and a Book’: The Inaccessibility of Public Library Social Media Feeds

This research investigates the accessibility of Ontario public libraries’ social media feeds. Social media plays an important role in how public libraries engage with their communities. This patron engagement outside of library-maintained websites, raises questions around accessibility for persons with disabilities. Given the increasing usage of social media as a communication mechanism, how accessible are Ontario public library social media feeds? Of specific interest here is the use of alternative text (alt text) attributed to images posted on Ontario public libraries’ social media posts. Findings indicate a dearth of alt text on social media feeds. Suggestions are made for creating good alt text in order to create a more equitable environment.

Technology usage of off-campus undergraduates for library social media engagement

This study aimed to explore the technology usage of off-campus undergraduate students for library social media engagement. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 off-campus university students at Adeleke University. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The findings suggest that off-campus undergraduate students are ready for library social media engagement, with Facebook being the most commonly used platform. However, among the off-campus students, the study found that working students tend to engage less frequently with the library social media than non-working students. The major hindrance to off-campus students’ engagement with the library’s social media is their busy schedule, followed by a lack of time. The study recommends that libraries prioritize Facebook more as a social media platform for engaging with off-campus undergraduate students.

Analisis Penyebaran Informasi di Perpustakaan Dalam Memanfaatkan Media Sosial

The use of social media has now become a way of life. Libraries as institutions providing information services must be able to adapt to this. Currently there are many libraries that use social media, but not many libraries can make optimal use of social media. This study aims to determine the benefits of social media as a medium for disseminating library information, trends in the use of social media in libraries, what social media platforms can be used in libraries and how to optimize the use of social media for libraries. In this study the authors used qualitative methods. The data collection technique is to do a document review or literature review. Optimum use of social media can support libraries in providing the best service to users. Therefore, with the current technological developments, the library must be able to take advantage of the opportunity as well as possible to maintain the existence of the library.
 Keywords: Trends; Social media; Library.

Kompetensi Pustakawan dalam Promosi Perpustakaan Pada Media Sosial

This research intends to examine and synthesize data regarding the problems encountered when attempting to promote on library social media and the competency of librarians. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique, which is being used for this descriptive research, has three stages: planning, implementation, and reporting. SLR is a thorough evaluation of studies that are pertinent to a topic that are then identified, evaluated, and synthesized methodically with the goal of eliminating bias in order to produce more trustworthy results. The examination of 23 publications that met the criteria revealed that ICT, communication, knowledge, attitude, information literacy, pedagogy, information analysis, management, and visual skills were the abilities most commonly identified to promote social media promotion. entrepreneurship, literacy, and digital literacy. Diverse information needs and behaviors, a lack of collaboration with other parties, the abundance of information sources, a failure to adapt to information search developments, a lack of staff, a lack of scientific publications that promote their work, a lack of format management skills and minimal collections, the emergence of online culture in the millennial generation, and the availability of a variety of social media platforms are all obstacles that librarians must overcome when promoting themselves on social media. The findings of this study can be used as a guide to examine trends in librarian abilities linked to social media promotion and as a basis for librarians to consider when deciding which competencies to develop for social media promotion.

"Significant Use of Social Media in Libraries in Present Context - A Theoretical Assimilation "

In the information age, having a variety of strong social ties is becoming increasingly crucial for individuals, in addition to technical expertise and access to information technologies. Libraries are modifying their offerings to support online messaging platforms and advance this new partnership. The purpose of social media is to deliver pertinent and helpful information about products, services, and activities that benefit the local community. The purpose of the academic library's use of social media is to build a more robust and knowledgeable learning community. This essay looks at how libraries might use social media and networking to offer engaging library services in the face of India's deteriorating economic conditions. Without a question, the tremendous technological development of the twenty-first century has had an impact on library services throughout the world, but especially in India. With social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, and Library of Congress, the Social Media boom has slowly permeated the field of librarianship. However, it has become clear that in order to fulfill the expanding expectations of our end consumers, our services will need to adapt. India's libraries are being pushed harder than ever to provide more proactive and value-added services in order to fulfill the constantly changing needs of its users. Therefore, this essay aims to investigate the current situation in library service delivery using this cutting-edge technology.Investigation of the difficulties Indian libraries has using these Social Media and suggestions for solutions are made. In addition, the article attempted to analyze the idea of social networking and its use to advertise library services in the digital age. For social media to be a great experience for everyone, academic institutions will need a best practice social media policy to inform and direct acceptable online behavior and activity.

Problematika pemanfaatan perpustakaan digital Pustabiblia bagi dosen IAIN Salatiga

Introduction. The digital ebook library Pustabiblia is an ebook collection service application belonging to the IAIN Salatiga library that can be accessed by lecturers to support their information needs. This study aims to understand about the existence of Pustabiblia ebook services and the factor of the lack of access for lecturers to library ebooks owned by IAIN Salatiga.Methodology. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach from the results of interview, observations and documentation. The informants of this research are FEBI lecturers who are members and are active members of the ebook Pustabiblia.Results and discussion. The results of this study indicate that FEBI lecturers are aware of the existence of ebook library services through librarians, WhatsApp group, website, and library social media. The factors for the lack of access to Pustabiblia services by FEBI lecturers are technical and non-technical factors. Technical factors are including alignment of collections with teaching/syllabic materials, system integration, internet network stability, internet quota limitations, storage capacity, application compatibility, and account footprint, while non-technical factors are the lack of socialization and promotion of the Pustabiblia ebook service, busy work, and not being the main source of reference.Conclusion. FEBI Lecturers have already known ebooks from various sources, but in accessing them there are still technical and non-technical obstacles, the lack of socialization and promotion which is the most dominant factor in all interview data. The recommendations are aligning ebooks with the needs of teaching materials, socializing, developing and integrating ebook applications, and intensively communicating with lecturers

Use of Social Media in Libraries

Use of Social Media in Libraries

Doing More with a DM: A Survey on Library Social Media Engagement

Objectives – This study sought to determine the role social media plays in shaping library services and spaces, and how queries are received, responded to, and tracked differently by different types of libraries. Methods – In April and May of 2021, researchers conducted a nine-question survey (Appendix A) targeted to social media managers across various types of libraries in the United States, soliciting a mix of quantitative and qualitative results on prevalence of social media interactions, perceived changes to services and spaces as a result of those interactions, and how social media messaging fits within the library’s question reporting or tracking workflow. The researchers then extracted a set of thematic codes from the qualitative data to perform further statistical analysis. Results – The survey received 805 responses in total, with response rates varying from question to question. Of these, 362reported receiving a question or suggestion via social media at least once per month, with 247 reporting a frequency of less than once per month. Respondents expressed a wide range of changes to their library services or spaces as a result, including themes of clarification, marketing, reach, restriction, collections, access, service, policy, and collaboration. Responses were garnered from all types of libraries, with public and academic libraries representing the majority. Conclusion – While there remains a disparity in how different types of libraries utilize social media for soliciting questions and suggestions on library services and spaces, those libraries that participate in the social media conversation are using it as a resource to learn more from their patrons and communities and ultimately are better situated to serve their population.

Factors influencing intentions to use library social media marketing accounts: taking the example of WeChat

PurposeThis study aims to explore the factors influencing intentions to use library social media marketing accounts from users’ perspectives to help libraries use social media to provide targeted information services to users to meet their information needs.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the technology acceptance model and theory of planned behaviour and uses WeChat as an example to build the model of factors influencing intentions to use library social media marketing accounts. It takes college students as the research object, performing empirical research through questionnaire surveys and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behaviour control have a significant positive impact on library social media marketing – attitude exerts the most significant effect while the impact of perceived usefulness is nonsignificant. Notably, attitude completely mediates perceived usefulness and use intention, while perceived usefulness partially mediates perceived ease of use and attitude. However, birthplace plays a negative moderating role between attitudes and use intention.Originality/valueThis study integrates the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance model, discusses the factors influencing intentions to use library social media marketing accounts from the users’ perspectives and proposes strategies and methods for the optimization of library social media marketing. The study helps enhance the effects of library social media marketing by improving the comprehension of current circumstances and influencing factors relevant to this issue.

Academic libraries versus the doom scroll: Engaging with at-home users on social media during COVID-19

The authors collected data from a sample size of academic library social media accounts from around the U.S., starting with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic until Fall semester 2020, by using measurable attributes for engagement. They report on the findings of that data by highlighting examples of accounts that have successfully taken advantage of these frequented platforms to effectively engage with their patrons by publicizing essential, up-to-date information to active seekers. The authors also discuss best practices for how to use social media in a way that addresses the unique needs of each university.

Social media and library marketing

Purpose The basic purpose of this paper is to find out library professionals how these libraries perceive the importance of social media and emerging technologies what would make the difference in the libraries and how they help libraries to create environments flexible and exclusive. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews various options for libraries to use different forms of social media to market their resources and services. Findings The reviewed literature has identified the importance and use of emerging technologies and social media in libraries. This paper can help library professionals to engage themselves to use social media and emerging technologies to bring innovation into the library sources and services. Originality/value This paper provides a review of social media and emerging technologies used for marketing in the libraries environment.

Do they “like” the library? Undergraduate students' awareness, attitudes, and inclination to engage with library social media

This paper reports on research into undergraduate students' engagement with university library social media. Social media (SM) applications enable university libraries to reach users in ways that may better meet their needs and preferences, but evidence suggests that undergraduate students' engagement with library social media is limited. This raises the question of whether libraries have a good understanding of student preferences for library SM content and approaches and whether students want to engage with the library at all through SM applications. This research aimed to identify if, how and why undergraduate students in select Nigerian universities engage with their library's SM through a questionnaire survey drawing on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasive communication. The results indicate that most students are unaware of university library SM posts. Those who are aware prefer content related to events and happenings on campus as well as news about library service developments. Results of the multiple regression reveal that students attach importance to the content of SM posts suggesting that the university library may still be able to reach them through social media for more meaningful interactions. Recommendations for the management of the content and approach to SM communications for university libraries are provided.

Adoption and use of social media in academic libraries in South Africa

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of adoption and use of social media for client support by academic libraries in South Africa. A survey and content analysis were concurrently used to obtain relevant data to achieve the objectives of the study. The target population comprised seventy-eight library workers from twenty-six institutions, consisting of administrators of social media, librarians and IT technicians. A total of forty-eight respondents completed and returned the questionnaires, which were then analysed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that a variety of social media platforms are available and used in most libraries in South Africa; the most common platforms are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs. The social media platforms are used to market library services, announce library news and improve service delivery. The information shared with the users relates to user information, library events and new services. Most libraries do not have policies and/or guidelines specific to the management of social media usage. Library workers associated many benefits with social media platforms, but diverse factors affect the adoption and use of social media in the libraries. The study makes several recommendations in relation to the adoption and use of social media in libraries and for further research in the subject domain.