REG NO:IN11/20620/17
NAME: TRIZA OMINAH LUMATI
FACULTY: SCHOOL OF INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT: INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COURSE CODE: INS 350
COURSE NAME: SOCIAL MEDIA AND INFORMATION SERVICES
TASK: TAKE AWAY CAT
QUESTION: Discuss the usefulness of social media in library and information services.
INTRODUCTION
Social media offers the easiest way to capture the attention of most people during the 21st
century. It is also an important media of communication used by millions of people
around the world. It is a broad term and covers a large range of websites which enables
people to interact specific audience and give them a chance to interaction with your
library. The agenda of most libraries is connecting people with information and that is
what social media is all about. There are several of social media platforms which the
libraries use in order to ensure they meet the needs of their clientele. Some of social
media platforms and their usefulness include:
Facebook
This a platform that feature interactions between users. One of its uses is to promote the library
with a library homepage. Libraries advertise hours, locations, websites information, newly
acquired materials etc. on their Facebook page which acts as portal to the library or the
information centre. Through it information centres also provide updates on the services available
and libraries put up posts related to library collections such as updates or promotions of
electronics to print collections, database trials and other research resources. Libraries and
information centres also create events invitations for programs as an additional forum to promote
library activities.
Blogs
A blog can be defined as a user generated website where entries are in journal style and
displayed in a reverse chronological order. It can be used to promote library and information
resources and services. It can also be used in a library outreach,dissemination of information
,building library image ,internal and external communications,highlight new and valuable
recently added materials and most importsnly for promoting. Librarians can periodically post
messages ,share information on a particular subject or issues both in the institutions and
government and alow users to contribute to the content ,. Articles on provoking issues can be
posted and expect an instant reaction.
Twitter
The concept of twitter relies on messaging service ,whether it uses a cell phone ,instant
messenger as such or through specific websites. Waddell and Barnes (2012) note that the ease of
posting and sharing information on twitter makes it an essential tool for libraries and informstion
centres to reach their users
Some other uses of social media in libraries and information services include:
Building brand loyalty
Promoting library and information services with social media helps libraries to not just advocate
the library but also brings library user to become library advocates. Social media is a centre for
engagement that would enhance a two-way communication which in turn builds the library
image. Using social media in information centres increases the reliability on the library thereby
building brand loyalty.
Saves time
Through social media libraries and information centres save time and staff hours by enabling
quick updates to users and provide a form for quick and speedy feedback from its patrons. It also
made it easier to reach a huge number of people at the same time.
Enhances fast two-way communication
One of the most important views of customer service is to be responsive to users concerns or
praise. The interactions between the libraries or the information centres with its users enhances a
good relationship between them.
Saves on costs and increases revenue
Social media allows a vast reach of information to reach the library and information centres
users at a very low cost. In fact using social media to market libraries products does not cost
a single shilling. It also raises revenue as libraries promote their services through the various
channels.
Increases users
The online community is opened to all as long as there’s internet connectivity. In Facebook for
example the likes and comments to a certain post by a library a friend can see it then become
interested in it.
Conclusion
Through the uses above libraries find an easy way in managing their services as they are able to
carry out most of their services online. However challenges such as poor technology and network
can be addressed especially in the developing nations.
Reference
Fakas, M. (2007). Going where patrons are. American Libraries, 38(4), 27-32, retrieved 24th
June from www.ebscohost.com from http//www.itc.com.conversationnetworking.
Ezeani, C.N. & Igwesi, U. (2012). Using social media for dynamic library services delivery:
the Nigerian experience, library, philosophy and practice.814.
