Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The paper uses the descriptive survey research design. The targeted population for this study will consist of all 200 level students of University of Agriculture, Makurdi 200 level students of Benue State University and 200 level students of University of Mkar, Mkar and lecturers. Random sampling technique will be used to draw 100 students and 150 lecturers from the population making a total number of 250. The data collected use descriptive statistics analysis to generate frequencies and percentages to answer the research questions. Findings of the paper show that social media in preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID19) tertiary institutions in Benue state. The respondents revealed that social media is being used for circulation of information in the public and also being used for educational purpose at times. However, many agreed that social media is effective for preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID19) and it was agreed too that it should be used for prevention. Furthermore, it was revealed that there is no specific social media network for the institutions, hence librarian are not using social media to facilitate information dissemination process in tertiary institutions in Benue state. Findings on the benefits of Librarian using Social Media as a tool for preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID 19) in Benue State Six question items were presented to the respondents three of the question items were accepted based on the 2.50 decision point set in the study. The accepted question items were social media usage will facilitate information dissemination process effectively, there will be easy access to information. The rejected question items include Social media make librarian to stay in touch with their study. The overall mean was 2.60 representing 65.0%, this implies that the use of social media in preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID 19) has benefits. Findings reveal factors inhibiting Librarian using Social Media as a tool for preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID 19) in Benue Statetertiary institutions. Six question items were presented to the respondents four of the question items were accepted based on 2.50m decision point set in the study. The accepted question items include lack of facilities hinders the use of social media, poor internet facilities, misuse of the media and poor knowledge on how to manipulate social media in preventing coronavirus two question items were rejected based which include poor knowledge of the use of social media and possibility of bringing distraction. The overall mean was 2.63 representing 65.8%, this implies that there are factors inhibiting Librarian using Social Media as a tool for preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID 19) in Benue State. Findings also show on the challenges to effective use of social media in tertiary institutions in Benue state. Six question items were presented; five of the question items were rejected based on 2.50 decision point set in the study. The accepted question items are, inadequate facilities, poor technical know-how, expensive to use, poor power supply and attitude towards the usage. The only rejected question item was poor knowledge on the use. The overall mean was 2.69 representing 67.3%. This implies that there are challenges to effective use of social media in preventing the spread of coronavirus in Benue state among others. The paper recommended that university management must design time and opportunities for the use of social media activities in campus, Both librarian and public must be open to learning and using new social media approaches that extend and enhance librarian-public interactions, Class size needs to be limited to areas on cable number that will enhance effective use of social media and University management and policy makers must be prepared to allocate more time to supporting social media components. Both instructors and students must be open to learning and using new social media approaches that extend and enhance librarian-public interactions. University management or policy makers should encourage all librarians to use social media for academic purposes.