| dc.description.abstract | The study was carried out at Old Kampala SSS Library and the aim of this project was to design a social media platform for Electronic reference service provision for Old Kampala SSS library to address the current challenges faced in the provision of the manual reference service.
Electronic reference service is an emerging trend of traditional reference service. Easily accessible Electronic reference service has become one of the hall marks of the library and information service. The project highlights how traditional reference service is developing as a natural solution to keep pace with comprehensive technological environment.
The objectives of the study were; to identify the reference services provided by Old Kampala SSS Library, to find out the challenges faced in the provision of reference service, to find out the users’ ability to utilize web2.0 applicationsand then to design a social media platform for the provision of reference service for Old Kampala SSS Library.
The study used a case study research design and data collection methods included questionnaire method, interview method, and observation method. Data was collected from the library staff and students, and the data collection instruments were used to support the data collection methods which include questionnaire guide, interview guide and observation guide.
Findings exposed that Old Kampala SSS library provides reference service manually and as a result, the library faces a number of challenges which included information explosion, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of school library policy and standards, lack of information literacy skills among students, and users suggested the use of web2.0 applications in the provision of reference which included twitter, facebook, wiki, blog and others, the most preferred web2.0 tool wasthe blogs. Recommendations included; staff training, staff time, co-ordination, and improved technology. | en_US |
