Role
of Social Media for Information Services
Abstract: This paper examines how Libraries can
leverage on social networking and Social Media skills to provide dynamic
library services in the face of dwindling economic problems in India. Because
of miraculous technological advancement of 21st century, Library services have
impacted globally. The Social Media has gradually scrabbled into the library
profession with social sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, Flickr,
YouTube, Library Thing; it has become evident that our services will need to
change to meet the growing needs of our end users. Challenges faced by Indian
libraries in the use of these Social Media are investigated and possible
solutions proffered.
Keyword: Social Networking, Libraries, Library
services
Introduction
Social connections have become very important
and have improved the library profession in India. Social networking refers to
a process of relationship building among a group. The Facebook initially was
used only for social discussions, however over time, particularly by the turn
of the 21st century the grouping of individuals into specific groups
emerged. Professional groups & library profession had its own group with
the sole purpose of sharing ideas and gathering first-hand information
regarding the profession. With the use of these Social media sites strategies
for the enhancement of library services have been proffered.
What is
Social Media?
v Newspaper
or radio is a media instrument on communication and Social Media is a social
instrument of communication.
v In
Web 2.0 terms, one website which is giving you information and also interacts
with you while giving the information. This interaction is simple, that asking
for your comments and also letting you vote on an article.
v Social
Media is a two-way street that gives you the ability to communicate.
v Social
Networking: A Platform for Open Access to Knowledge.
v Social
networking sites are constantly promoting open access to knowledge.
Definition
“Social Media are primarily Internet-based
tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings.” -
Wikipedia
“An umbrella term that defines the various
activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction
of words and pictures.”
Anvil Media
“Websites and applications that enable users
to create and share content or to participate in social networking.”
Oxford English Dictionary
Objectives
of the Study
Ø To
explore the attitude towards the use of social media in marketing of library
resources and services.
Ø To
provide possible implication of social media for marketing library and
information products and services.
Ø To
investigate the problems in utilizing social media for marketing purposes in
libraries.
Why
Social Media in Library?
1.
Marketing of library product and services
2.
Marketing specific children's, youth and adult services programs
3. To
modernize the library image and e-reputation
4. To
reach a new audience of potential users
5. To
spread news and service alerts
6. To
provide quick updates to users
7. To
build discussion groups and collaborative work
8. For
fund raising
How works
Social Media in Library?
Social News
Digg: Digg is a
news aggregator with a curated front page, aiming to select stories
specifically for the Internet audience
Propeller: Propeller was a social news aggregator. It
was similar to Digg users could vote for which stories are to be included on
the front page and could comment on them as well.
Reddit: Reddit
is an American social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion
website
Slashdot: It is a social news website. It
features news stories on science, technology, and politics that are submitted
and evaluated by site users and editors
Fark: Fark is a social website it
allows members to comment on a daily batch of news articles and other items
from various websites.
·
The James B.
Hunt Library, NC, USA is using above tools of Social News but In India This
service is not provided by any University Library.
Social Networking
Facebook:
Most popular because it is user - friendly, with many applications like JSTOR
search, World Cat, and much more. Librarians can interact with users to know
their information need. Libraries try to link some of these specialized library
applications to Facebook.
Twitter: A micro blogging application, to keep staff
and patrons updated on daily activities, like frequently updated collections.
Users can utilize this platform to type in short messages or status update.
Librarians can use this platform to give users first-hand information. Users
can send Instant Messages (IM) on complaints or ask questions on a particular
issue and get a feedback on the spot using twitter.
LinkedIn: Librarians can get patrons connected with
specialists in their particular field of interest via LinkedIn. Librarians can
use this platform to render specialized services such as Strategic
Dissemination of Information (SDI).
WhatsApp:
Through WhatsApp Librarians can give instant information to users.
Blogs: Here, librarians can periodically post
messages; share information on a particular subject or issue, and allow users
to contribute to content. They can write articles, news on topical issues and
expect an instant reaction from their users.
·
In India & USA all university
Libraries are using above tools of Social Networking. Myspace & Ning are
also Social Networking site but India less university libraries are using this
tools.
Social Photo & Video Sharing
YouTube:
Through this tool
Libraries can share videos conferences, workshops and library events.
Flickr: Librarians can use this tool to share and
distribute new images of library collections. Cover page of new arrivals of
both books and journals can be disseminated to users via Flickr.
Google
photos: It is a photo sharing and
storage. Librarians can share photos.
Pinterest: It is an image
sharing site that allows users to create and label theme-based image
collections called “boards.” Users can “pin” original content to their boards
or re pin other users’ content.
·
In India University Libraries are using
YouTube, Flickr, Google Photos and Pinterest for image and video sharing.
Other Social Sites
RSS: In RSS
feeds users can get the information of their interest subject through mail.
·
In India
only 20% Libraries are using RSS Feed & in USA most libraries are using
this tool.
Podcast: Podcasts are free radio shows. One can listen to podcasts at any time
in any place. They include shows and stories not found on TV, online, in print,
or on the radio.
·
In India no
Library is using Podcast & in USA most libraries are using this tool.
Mobile Apps: In India
some library have their Library Apps. Users have to download the App and access
the resources and also get the services from mobile App. In USA almost all
libraries have its Mobile App.
Medium: It is an online publishing platform. The platform is having a hybrid collection of
amateur and professional people and publications, or exclusive blogs or
publishers on Medium.
·
This Service is also not using by any Indian
University Library.
Advantage of use of Social Media
v Social media searches potential users of the
library
v Social media offers marketing of library
services
v Social media helps students to use library.
v Social media allows user to create, share,
vote and contribute information.
v It helps libraries to get closer to the users.
v It is great way attracts new users.
v Social media helps students to reach library
resources.
v Social media promotes knowledge sharing.
v Social media helps in promoting distance
learning.
Role of Librarians
1
Librarians should be able to find the users information needs and match them
with the library collections.
2
Librarians should have ability to share views and create awareness of the
different social network sites and their uses.
3.Librarian
should be an expert in web navigation.
4. Librarians can cross-link people and ideas
among the conglomerate of different groups.
5. Librarian
should be diversified in knowledge and able to link information to people’s
profiles.
6. Users
have the opportunity to actively engage in the construction of knowledge rather
than being passive consumers of content;
7. Users
are kept abreast of the latest developments and can have open access to
knowledge;
8.Social
Network ensures knowledge sharing, establishes communication link with experts
and allows users to develop a team working skill.
Challenges of Social Networking.
1.
Copyright Issue
– Because of open access Users can copy, paste and edit without permission of
author.
2.
Awareness –
Librarians are still not aware about the social networking and also about how
to give services through Social networking.
Patrons are also not aware about the social networking sites.
3.
Bandwidth problem
– In India the major issue about internet that is limited bandwidth. Users
would be frustrating of Poor connectivity.
4.
Technophobia
– In 21st century librarians are still giving the traditional
library services. They are not eager to embrace change.
5.
Training of staff –For
giving the effective library services related to social networking tools
Librarians are still not trained.
6.
Lack of maintenance culture
– Maintenance culture is seriously lacking in most institutions in developing
countries.
7.
Lack of power supply
–The low supply of electricity is major issue in India. It discourages people
from participating in the online forum.
Recommendations:
v All
libraries should develop their web site.
v Internet
service must be provided in all types of libraries in order to utilize social
media tools.
v Library
schools should emphasize on the practical aspects of marketing and using social
media in their syllabus
v Libraries
should develop social media services.
v Facebook
is most popular & user friendly. Libraries should develop their Facebook
page.
v Librarians
must be educated and trained in using social media tools for marketing library
resources and services.
v Libraries must be conduct virtual conferences
v Libraries must be use social bookmarking web sites to tag and
develop online catalogue of library resources
References:
1.
Dave, Parkes , Geof Walton, Web
2.0 and Libraries : Impacts, Technologies and Trends, Cambridge : Chandos Pub.
P.97, 79-80 ISBN978-1-84344-346-2
2.
Rheingold, Howard (2002). SOCIAL
MEDIA art mobs: The next social revolution (1st printing ed.). Cambridge, MA:
Perseus Pub. p. 288. ISBN 978-0-7382-0608-0.
3.
Kaplan Andreas M., Haenlein
Michael, (2010), Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of
Social Media, Business Horizons, Vol. 53,(page 59-68)
4.
"Social Media Revolution
Video". Youtube . "Top 100 Social Media
Colleges-StudentAdvisor".
5.
ALA (2001). Libraries making good use of
social media and Web 2.0
Applications . Retrieved May 9, 2012,
6.
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(2011).
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Jue, Arthur L., Jackie Alcalde Marr, Mary
Ellen Kassotakis (2010).
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Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. (2007).
Social network sites: definition, history, and scholarship.
9.
Steiner, H. (2009). Reference
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Tech News, 26(5/6), 4-6.
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social networking in libraries and
information organizations in Asia and Oceania.
11. World Library and Information Congress,
76thIFLA General Conference and Assembly. 10-15 August 2010.
12. Topper, E. F. (2007). Social networking in
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