Utilization of social media platforms by librarians for promoting library resources and services in Nigerians’ tertiary institutions in Cross River State

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the utilization of social media platforms for promoting library resources and services in Nigerians’ tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design method was employed for this study. The sample for this study comprised of 300 librarians in three Nigerian tertiary institutions in Cross River State. The questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. Frequency counts and mean were used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that Facebook and Blogs are the most frequently used social media platforms for promoting library resources and services in the libraries. Findings also showed librarians utilize social media platforms in promoting two-way communication as the highest followed by making connections with library users easily, and provides forum for feedback and increases library users/usage and providing up-to date information in campus as the least. Some challenges librarians encounter was also discovered; hence recommendations were made. These include encouraging more participation on social media platform through seminars and symposiums amongst other recommendations.

Keywords: Utilization, Social Media, Platforms, Librarians, Library, Resources, Services, Tertiary Institution