The use of mobile technologies for social media-based service delivery at Muni University Library, Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed to understand how Muni University Library can effectively use mobile technologies to deliver social media-based library services. Data was collected from 100 undergraduate students and 4 members of staff of the University Library on the use of mobile and social media technologies for provision of library services and resources using self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews, respectively. Only 88 student questionnaires were returned while all 4 members of staff participated in the face-to-face interviews.

The results show that the majority (96.6 per cent) of the students own mobile devices and social media accounts that are used for both academic and personal purposes. There is convergence in responses among students and staff that mobile and social media technologies are crucial for provision of library services and resources in the 21st Century. They suggest that these technologies be used in the Muni University Library to access subject guides, MOPAC, mobile website, library map, and e-resources, and reference services. Also, the results show that the Muni University Library is already providing services to its users through mobile technologies and social media using WhatsApp, Facebook, and Kindle Fires e-readers.

However, this study identified challenges that hinder the use of mobile and social media technologies, including unreliable internet connectivity, lack of a member of staff of the library responsible for managing technologies, lack of adequate skills among users and library staff required to use social media technologies, and lack of an independent library social media strategy. Discussion of the results and recommendations are presented in this mini-dissertation.