Use of Social Media by Librarians in Promoting Library and Information Resources and Services in Academic Libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria

Authors

Blessing A. Akporhonor Dr., Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, NigeriaFollow
Joseph Kehinde Fasae, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, NigeriaFollow

Date of this Version

3-17-2020

Document Type

Article

Citation

Akporhonor, B. A. & Fasae, J. K. (2020). Use of Social Media by Librarians in Promoting Library and Information Resources and Services in Academic Libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal).

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the use of social media for promoting library and information resources and services in academic libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The population of the study was fifty-seven (57) academic librarians. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was the research instrument used. Data extracted from the 40 correctly filled and returned questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that librarians rarely use social media to promote library and information resources, but to promote library and information services, like to pass information across to the library users, interact with students and colleagues as well as for keeping track with current trends in the library. It further showed that librarians regularly make use of the few available social media. To effectively make use of social media, the study revealed that some essentials social media skills are necessary The study concluded that few librarians make use of the available social media in their libraries to promote library and information services, since many of the libraries do not have a social media platform that could be used by the librarians to connect with library users in academic libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States. It was however recommended that academic libraries should create a social media platform that will enable librarians and other library staff to connect and interact with the library users, while they also need training on social media skills required to make use of social media for promoting library and information resources and services.