University Libraries and Social Media - The Case of the Postmodern Library, Kenyatta University (original) (raw)
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This research project was conducted through descriptive method of questionnaire and Interview schedule to gather information on access and utilization of Web 2.0 tools and Social networking sites at Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library the main library for the university of Nairobi.The researcher established that university of Nairobi Library staff uses Web 2.0 tools and social networking sites such as Youtube, Facebook and twitter to create online visibility,connect with students,publish library events, provision of information literacy and also networking among Library staff.However despite the fact that university of Nairobi students are technosavvy, among the 35 students who participated in the study only 6 students (3Female and 3 Male) were able to identify the types of web 2.0 tools and social networking sites such as Youtube and Facebook with twitter which are linked to the university of Nairobi Library website.Facebook was widely used at the rate of 80% by students in connecting with the library staff and ask questions on use of electronic resources and other information resources. The researcher established that the university of Nairobi Library has not marketed these Web 2.0 and social networking sites to enhance their access and utilization in addition challenges such as in-adequate time for the library staff to facilitate the use of these library 2.0 tools, Unstable wifi in the library and regular power-outage were some of the reasons why these Web 2.0 tools and Social networking sites have not been accessed and utilized by many students.
The impact of Web 2.0 tools on academic libraries in Kenya
International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2015
Web 2.0, the read/write social web, has become ubiquitous in most academic libraries, even in developing countries. The use of Web 2.0 tools is increasingly changing the way academic library users seek, access, use, or share information. Thus, the use of Web 2.0 has the potential of impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of service design and delivery in academic libraries the world over. This study explored the impact of Web 2.0 on the effectiveness of service delivery in academic libraries in Kenya. Data for the study were collected through an analytical survey of the web platforms of nine academic libraries in Kenya. The libraries were selected through information-oriented purposive sampling. Additional data were obtained from key informant interviews with librarians and users in two academic libraries also purposively selected from the nine. Secondary data were also collected through documentary analysis of relevant literature. The findings of the study reveal that the use of Web 2.0 tools in academic libraries in Kenya has increased the users' interests in the library resources and services; promoted learning; as well as enriched library promotion and marketing programmes. The findings also revealed that the effective use of Web 2.0 tools in academic libraries in Kenya is hampered by infrastructural, technical, technological and cultural challenges, among other factors, which require urgent attention to enhance their impact. The findings of this study can be used to justify investments in Web 2.0 platforms by academic libraries. They can also be used by library schools to develop curricula which empower librarians to make optimal use of Web 2.0 and similar tools.
Exploring the use of social media tools in the University of South Africa Library
2019
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, for giving me the health, strength and direction throughout this journey. My mother, Nomathemba Molokisi, for always being supportive through the ups and downs, and her prayers and wise words, for allowing me the space to try and balance between home, work and studies. I will always love you. My supervisor, Dr Madely du Preez, for always being patient, and for her guidance and answering my questions in a timely fashion. My editor Susan Swanepoel who assisted me graciously.
Internet obviously facilitates students and teachers to gain access to information, create and exchange ideas more efficiently and effectively. Those web based social networks provide ways and means for users to interact over the Internet. As such social networks in which user are connected in the light of expanding communication channels are becoming popular and costs involved are getting further reduced. (Barsky & Purdon, 2006). The term social media encompasses any internet-based or mobile application which operates for the purpose of collaboration, where participants can connect, create, comment, view, share, rate, discover, profile and exchange user-generated content (Bradley & McDonald, 2011; Hanna, Rohm, & Crittenden, 2011) Web 2.0, social networking and social media are inextricably linked, and have in fact often been used synonymously (Cook & Hopkins, 2006).
Library as a Goldmine: Social Media Technologies (SMT) as the Way Forward
2017
There is no gainsaying that academic libraries are a natural goldmine for the University community and for the general public as a whole. Extant literature has shown that academic libraries are source of enrichment for curriculum and research thus leading to academic productivity and global visibility of the parent institution. The realization of this fact has gone a long way in enhancing the status of academic libraries globally by changing the orientation of library clienteles and also correct the misconception in which they perceive the library as an antique, a reading place and has little or nothing to offer them. Thus, 21-century academic library is now being viewed as an invaluable resource and a gold mine which is supposed to be harnessed and cherished by library clienteles. The paper, therefore, looks at academic libraries and how her roles have changed due to the technological innovation brought to fore by Social Media Technologies (SMT). An emerging technology which makes ...
Innovation, 2009
Social networking tools are impacting on the scholarly and research activities of staff and students in the academic environment. The university library has an important part to play in supporting these endeavours and a Web 2.0/Library 2.0 strategy has been in place in the University of Pretoria Library for a number of years. This article discusses the first phase of a collaborative project between the University Library and the Department of Information Science which was initiated with the aim of monitoring the introduction and use of social networking products and services by the reference librarians. Valuable information was obtained on the range of products implemented as well as problems accompanying this; which led to renewed strategies for addressing the shortcomings. The article concludes with recommendations for future implementation of relevant products and services.
The research paper was on assessment of digital libraries' visibility on social networking sites in academic libraries in Kwara State. Libraries in higher institution have impact on academic development of both faculty members and students and there is urgent need to move their visibility from the physical library wall to the online society created as a result of digital information age. The major objectives of the paper was to find out the need for digitalization; level of digitalization and resources for the establishment of digital libraries in academic libraries; the desirability for social networks and the social networking sites that academic libraries are visible on. The research adopts adescriptive survey design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents as the sampled population and 52 were returned which accounted for 51% of the population. Questionnaire was used for data collection and analyzed using simple percentage, histogram, pie chart and mean. The finding revealed that the need for digitalization by libraries is buttressed by the need to access information and ensures durability of library resources; level of digitalization are majorly photocopying/reprography and the major resources required are uninterrupted power supply and ICT infrastructures. The findings also showed that most digitized information resources are books and journals. Findings further revealed that desirability for social media networking is rooted in the need for speed and quick information, advertising and marketing programmes of the library services and users' participation and libraries are mostly visible on are Facebook,Whatsapp and LinkedIn. Major challenges affecting academic libraries visibility on social networking sites according tothe findings are insufficient fund; lack of technical knowledge and low bandwidth of internet; low interest of librarians in learning and utilizing social media and low patrons demand. Therefore, the study recommends that Government at all levels should provide strong financial support to academic libraries;each library's management should expose its staff to training and retraining on library digitalization and effective use of social networking sites in order to make apparent their visibility on social networking sites and speedy provision of online library services and instructions. Also, library management should consider using social networking as a tool for visibility to reach their multiple clienteles.