Integrating social media in library and information services at Lubiri Secondary School
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Date
2021-02-11Author
Nassiwa, Jamirah
Nagawa, Sharon
Mugweri, Godfrey
Nalusi, Elizabeth Savera
Okulega, Charity
Naminha, Yose
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The study aimed at Integrating Social Media in Library and Information Services at Lubiri Secondary School. The objectives of the study were to; find out the different social media platforms used in dissemination of information, establish the benefits of using social media in dissemination of information, examine the challenges that hinder the use of social media in library and information services, and integrate Social Media in Library and Information Services at Lubiri 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, 58 students, 2 teachers and 1 librarian provided relevant information for the study.
The study established that 43(70%) have Facebook accounts used for communication at Lubiri SS. Though 70% of the respondents had Facebook accounts, none of them used it for dissemination of information in the school library.
It was also established that 22(36%) use social media for online communication and feedback services, search, browse, and retrieval of information, as well library staff use social media to provide 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 laboratory, 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 generator. The study concluded that there was a need to integrate social media in library and information services at Lubiri Secondary School. The study recommended the school to adopt user orientation sessions, e-mail alerts, and use of flyers and brochures to disseminate information.