Academic Library Services in Nigeria: Integrating Social Media

Abstract

The paper examined the integration of social media for academic libraries in the provision of information service delivery. The paper also described some of the services that could be provided through the application of social media tools such as communication, feedback, reference services, special events, circulation services, new arrivals, user education, marketing, provision of archival services among others. The paper also described some of the social media platforms whose tools could be adopted in academic libraries to include: Linkedin, Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, Instant messaging and YouTube etcetera. The following challenges could hinder the practical application of social media in academic libraries such as lack of knowledge, lack of interest, too many academic tools to learn and slow internet networks among others. They could hinder the useful application of social media to academic library services. It was recommended that academic libraries in Nigeria strategise before adopting and implementing social media. At the same time, librarians should develop a positive attitude towards the application of social media in service delivery.