Use of Social Media: A Change in Library Services

Abstract

This paper is a study to explore the uses of Social Media (SM) for maximizing better library services. A great care is taken to study the knowledge, attitude, and motivation of respondents. Findings are indicating that LISPs (Library and Information Science Professionals) are gladly accepting the change in their services and profession. They are showing a good and positive attitude towards SM. Most of the LISPs are in favor of using SM to promote and capture the attention of their users particularly those who are online savvy. The majority follow the new trend for giving library services. LISPs are taking it as a knowledge-sharing activity. They are mostly using Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Blogging and YouTube. Some of them have also made online group to promote their library services. Some believe that there is a lack of proper training, lack of knowledge of some LISPs. They are also facing problems for the inappropriate fund and management negligence. It is also found that privacy may be a prime factor for such services. Connectivity to Network and problems due to the non-availability of electricity are also pushing back the use of SM for library services. This paper is a study to explore the uses of Social Media (SM) for maximizing better library services. A great care is taken to study the knowledge, attitude, and motivation of respondents. Findings are indicating that LISPs (Library and Information Science Professionals) are gladly accepting the change in their services and profession. They are showing a good and positive attitude towards SM. Most of the LISPs are in favor of using SM to promote and capture the attention of their users particularly those who are online savvy. The majority follow the new trend for giving library services. LISPs are taking it as a knowledge-sharing activity. They are mostly using Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Blogging and YouTube. Some of them have also made online group to promote their library services. Some believe that there is a lack of proper training, lack of knowledge of some LISPs. They are also facing problems for the inappropriate fund and management negligence. It is also found that privacy may be a prime factor for such services. Connectivity to Network and problems due to the non-availability of electricity are also pushing back the use of SM for library services.