Guidelines for integrating social media in library and information services at Wakiso Muslim Secondary School

Abstract

The study aimed at developing the guidelines for integrating social media in library and information services at Wakiso Muslim Secondary School. The objectives of the study were to; find out the different social media tools used, examine how social media is used for the access and dissemination of information, examine the challenges in access and dissemination of information using social media, and develop the guidelines for Integrating Social Media in Library and Information Services at Wakiso Muslim Secondary School. 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, 84 students, 4 class teachers and 2 librarians provided relevant information for the study. The findings of the study are as summarised below; The study established that majority of the respondents, 70% have Facebook accounts used for communication at Wakiso Muslim SS. 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% use social media for online communication and feedback services, search, browse, and retrieval of information, helps in location of information materials in the library, 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, preference for use of traditional methods in dissemination of information to students, inaccessibility to computers and the frequent power cuts within the school. The strategies to improve on the use 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 and provide fuel for stand-by generators. The study concluded that there was a need to develop guidelines for dissemination of information using social media. The study recommended the school to adopt user orientation sessions, e-mail alerts, and use of flyers and brochures to disseminate information.