Social Networking: a tool to use for effective service delivery to clients by African Libraries

Abstract

Social Networking sites are one of the new technologies offering libraries the opportunity to reach out to its clients. The use of this platform has affected the operations and service delivery of all organizations. Based on this fact most International University Libraries have attached a link of a social networking site to their library’s web pages, same cannot be said of most African University Libraries. The idea of having a social networking site linked to a University library’s web page is to enable patrons’ have a live discussion with a professional on issues pertaining to the use of the library and also allow the libraries to advertise their programmes and activities. A descriptive survey research was conducted to establish the possibility of linking a social networking site to the library’s web page. Five hundred and forty one (541) students were purposely sampled from University of Education, Winneba (Osagyefo Library). A questionnaire was used to gather information on accessing the library’s services on social networking sites. Findings indicated that students endorse the linking of social networking site to the Library’s web page to facilitate collaborations between the library and the University community.