International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM)

Use of Social Networking Tools by College Librarians: A Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nagu N. Bansode 1
S. B. Patil 2

1 Department of Library & Information Science, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

2 Associate Prof., Department of Library & Information Science, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

10.22034/ijism.2026.2048571.1670
Abstract
Social networking tools (SNTs) are gaining traction in academia and play a significant role in disseminating information. By utilizing social networks, librarians can connect with users’ communities, share valuable resources, provide updates on new arrival materials and databases, and offer support for research inquiries. The present study aims to explore the use of SNTs by college librarians working in engineering, architecture, and agriculture colleges affiliated with three state universities (Shivaji University, Kolhapur; Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere; and D.Y. Patil Agriculture & Technical University, Talsande) in the state of Maharashtra, India. The study found WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, and LinkedIn as the most preferred SNTs among the respondents. It is worth noting that librarians use SNTs for both personal and professional activities. The surveyed college librarians are generally satisfied with the facilities and information services provided through SNTs. The study identified user security and privacy concerns, excessive advertisements, lack of information authenticity, lack of proper training and technical knowledge, and lack of search skills as the challenges encountered by the respondents when accessing SNTs.

Keywords

Social media
Social Networking Tools (SNTs)
Academic Libraries
College Librarians
Subjects
Ajayan, A. & Thanuskodi, S. (2024). Inclusion of social media and digital infrastructures in marketing library products and services in the central libraries of multi-disciplinary universities in Kerala. International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM), 22(3), 123–137. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2024.1989064.1035
Bhardwaj, R. K. (2014). Use of social networking sites by LIS professionals in higher education institutions in India: A study. The Reference Librarian, 55(1), 74-88. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2014.855604
Bhatt, R. K. & Kumar, A. (2014). Student opinion on the use of social networking tools by libraries: A case study of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The Electronic Library, 32(5), 594-602. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-09-2012-0110
Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210-230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x
Chu, S. K.W., & Du, H. S. (2013). Social networking tools for academic libraries. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 45(1), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000611434361
Dickson, A. & Holley, R. P. (2010). Social networking in academic libraries: The possibilities and the concerns. New Library World, 111(11/12), 468-479. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011094840
Gmiterek, G. (2021). Polish university libraries' social networking services during the spring term lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(3), 102331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2021.102331
Gupta, V., Rubalcaba, L., Gupta, C. & Pereira, L. F. (2022). Library social networking sites for fostering startup business globalization through strategic partnerships. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(6), 102504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102504
Haneefa, M. K. & Sumitha, E. (2011). Perception and use of social networking sites by the students of Calicut University. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 31(4), 295-301. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.31.4.1109
Kaushik, A. (2016). Use of social networking sites, tools, and services by LIS professionals for libraries: A survey. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 36(5), 284-290. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.36.5.10283
Khan, A. M. & Ansari, A. (2014). Role of social networks in library and information services in India: A case study of efficiency and effectiveness. Library Hi Tech News, 31(5), 11-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-04-2014-0027
Mahmood, M., Uddin, Md. A., Hwang, H. J., Ostrovskiy, A., Orazalin, N. & Griffiths, M. D. (2023). Social networking site use, personality, user habit, and subjective well-being: A Kazakhstani pilot study. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 8(2), 182-195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00312-7
O’Dell, S. (2010). Opportunities and obligations for libraries in a social networking age: A survey of Web 2.0 and networking sites. Journal of Library Administration, 50(3), 237-251. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930821003634989
Omeluzor, U. S., Oyovwe-Tinuoye, G. O. & Abayomi, I. (2016). Social networking tools in library service delivery: The case of academic libraries in the South-East Zone of Nigeria. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 36(5), 269-277. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.36.5.10174
Ponera, M. J. & Ngulube, P. (2023). Implications of policies on the use of social networking sites for knowledge sharing: Experiences from postgraduate students in higher education institutions in Tanzania. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100585
Sahu, M. K. (2016). Best practices of social media in academic libraries: A case study of selected engineering college libraries of Odisha. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 36(5), 302-308. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.36.5.10445
Shivani, K.T. & Haneefa, M. K. (2024). Scholarly use of social media by doctoral students of universities in Kerala. KELPRO Bulletin, 28(1), 71-85. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382254112_Scholarly_Use_of_Social_Media_by_Doctoral_Students_of_Universities_in_Kerala
Shoyel, M. R. & Jalal, S. K. (2019). Emerging roles of librarians in academic libraries: A great leap forward. Library Herald, 57(2), 183-194. https://doi.org/10.5958/0976-2469.2019.00010.1
Statista Search Department (2024, March 22). Frequency of using social media and messaging platforms in India as of January 2022, by platform [Infographic]. Statista. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1388171/india-social-media-and-messaging-app-us
Tella, A. & Oyedokun, T. T. (2014). An evaluation of online reference services through social networking sites in selected Nigerian university libraries. The Reference Librarian, 55(4), 343-367. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2014.947889
Vanwynsberghe, H., Boudry, E., Vanderlinde, R. & Verdegem, P. (2014). Experts as facilitators for the implementation of social media in the library? A social network approach. Library Hi Tech, 32(3), 529-545. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-02-2014-0015
International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 August 2026

  • Receive Date 20 December 2024
  • Accept Date 08 August 2026

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us

Copyright Ownership