The Impact of Twitter Ban on Online Services Delivery to Nigerian University Library Users

Abstract

Rationale of Study – The study investigated Twitter features that aid the delivery of online library services to users, online library services rendered via  Twitter, and the extent to which the indefinite ban of Twitter in Nigeria has affected the delivery of online library services among Nigerian university  libraries.

Methodology – The paper adopted an online survey method to collect data from 81  librarians working in university libraries in Nigeria. The collected data  was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of frequency  counts and simple percentages.

Findings – The study revealed that images and audio sharing, retweeting posts, and following accounts are the most prominent Twitter features that  enable the delivery of online library services to users. These features accelerate the delivery of services such as user education, enquiry, and current  awareness. Similarly, the study revealed that the Twitter ban in Nigeria has affected the delivery of online library services to a large extent, especially in  creating current awareness as well as promoting library events and programmes.

Implications – This study can help university libraries to diversify their online presence by creating multiple digital outlets for engaging users. This would  avert the breakdown of online library service delivery in the event of a lack of access to a particular platform like Twitter.

Originality – Until the time of conducting this research, no particular study had been carried out to investigate the effect of Twitter’s ban on the delivery  of online library services in universities in Nigeria.