Social Media Tools for Academic Library Services

Abstract

Today, SMTs have become very popular among students and the young generation, which gives academic libraries an opportunity to use them to engage with their communities outside the library walls. According to the Internet live statistics, over 3 trillion (40%) people globally are using the Internet out of which about 74% are engaged in social media tools. With this in mind, this study explored ways through which academic Libraries in Zambia can exploit SMTs to promote library services to both existing and potential users (students and lecturers). The study took the case of the University of Zambia (UNZA) and National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Libraries in Zambia. uestionnaires and interview guides. The study established that over 80% of respondents (both librarians and students) are already engaged in SMTs except that they use SMTs for socializing and not for academic purposes. The two institutions also do not have roadmaps on SMTs adoption. Identified methods though which libraries can incorporate SMTs in their service delivery included the creating social links, pages and blogs onto the library website each with accounts of all students/users, establishing a social media librarian position to be responsible for all activities on social media platforms, and to come up with a roadmap on SMTs adoption. In order to have a smooth adoption of STMs, the study noted the following requirements: adequate Internet facilities, establish an SMT policy to provide guidance on access and use of SMTs on the institutional network, and to conduct sensitization and training programs on how to access and use SMTs. However, more than 80% of the respondents indicated that they would support its adoption because of the many benefits associated with SMTs.