Integration of social media in Kyambogo College School Library

Abstract

The study aimed at developing the guidelines for integrating social media in library and information services at Kyambogo College School. The objectives of the study were to; find out the types of library services offered at Kyambogo college school library, identify the types of social media platforms to integrate in Kyambogo college school library; determine the purpose for which social media is to be used in Kyambogo college school library; identify the challenges in integration of social media in Kyambogo college school, identify possible solutions to challenges in integration of social media in Kyambogo college school library and develop guidelines for the integration of social media in Kyambogo college school library. The study used a case study research design while adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection. Interviews, questionnaires and observation methods were used to collect the data. In the study, 65 students, and 5 staff provided relevant information for the study. The findings of the study are as summarized below; to find out the types of library services offered in Kyambogo college school library, to identify the types of social media to integrate in Kyambogo college school library; determine the purpose for which social media is to be used in Kyambogo college school library; identify the challenges in integration of social media in Kyambogo college school; identify possible solutions to challenges in integration of social media in Kyambogo college school library and to develop guidelines for the integration of social media in Kyambogo college school library. The study established that majority of the respondents, 36% have Facebook accounts used for communication. Though majority of the respondents had Facebook accounts, none of them used it for dissemination of information in the school library. Majority of the respondents, 36% can use social media for online communication and feedback services, search, browse, and retrieval of information, helps to provide quick updates to users, provides instructions on how to use the library services, for discussions online and for training of library users by use of videos. The study also revealed the challenges in access and dissemination of information using social media were; computer illiteracy, slow internet connectivity within the school computer laboratories, increased pornography, lack of social media devices like computers. The possible solutions to challenges likely to occur due to the integration of social media were; improving internet connectivity within the school computer laboratory to allow students access social networks, need to hold computer and information literacy training programs, provide fuel for stand-by generators, monitoring the students in the school laboratories to avoid engagement in pornographic activities. The study concluded that there was a need to develop guidelines for dissemination of information using social media and these included; maintain confidentiality respect copyright and regularity.