The Role and Importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Social Media to Library Operations and Services

Abstract

This study adopted a theoretical approach utilising data generated through the content analysis of secondary data such as journals, textbooks and internet resources. The study highlighted the importance of ICTs and Social Media to library routine activities. Library operations and services such as cataloguing and classification, circulation services, reference services, digital content services, institutional repositories, library cooperation and resources sharing, administrative services and online user education with the aid of ICT were all pinpointed. The study further discussed the adoption of social media to library services. Social networking tools such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Google+ and MySpace were discussed. Others include: Twitter and Tumbler, YouTube, Flicker, Instagram, Library Thing, Stumble Upon, Pinterest, Goodreads, Delicious and Diigo were all discussed. Moreover, the study also looked at areas to be considered by libraries while planning to adopt social media in their services, challenges faced in using ICTs in library operations and services such as paucity of funds, rampant power outage, unfavourable working conditions etc. Finally, recommendations were made to address such anomalies which include adequate allocation of funds to library, provision of alternative power sources, conducive working environment among others.