Perceptions and acceptance of librarians towards using Facebook and Twitter to promote library services in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on research that examined librarians’ perception and acceptance of use of Facebook and Twitter in promoting library services in Oyo state, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The survey design and interview were used to collect data from librarians in Oyo state. The questionnaire contained questions that are pertinent to the issues being investigated. The 81 responses (81 per cent) received were processed, analysed and results presented. Findings – The paper reveals that majority of the libraries in Oyo state, Nigeria, have Facebook profiles, though minority have Twitter accounts. Librarians in Oyo state, Nigeria, have high perception and acceptance of using Facebook and Twitter to promote library services. Findings also reveal that librarians in academic and special libraries in Oyo state, Nigeria, are more highly receptive to use of Facebook and Twitter to promote library services. Findings revealed further that younger librarians showed more positive perception and higher acceptance. Research limitations/implications – While the research was limited to librarians in Oyo state, Nigeria, it has applications to librarians and libraries all over Nigeria. Practical implications – This research provides information on the perceptions and acceptance of social media tools (Facebook and Twitter) in promoting library services. The findings may help provide information to library heads on adopting new and popular technologies to bring the library closer to the user and attract more users and on why it is not being used where they are provided. Originality/value – At the time of completing this study, research had mainly been on librarians’ use of social media for personal issues not on librarians’ perception and acceptance of using it to promote library services. This research also focuses on libraries in Oyo state having a presence on Facebook and Twitter to promote library service and direct and prompt communication with their users.