The use of social media tools for research support in academic libraries

Abstract

Academic libraries in Africa need to provide a research support service that is relevant to clients. Academic libraries are attached to the institutions of higher learning and support their teaching, learning and research objectives. Institutions of higher learning are always evolving and competing amongst each other based on the output produced. The study addresses the importance for academic librarians of using social media tools to support researchers and how the academic libraries in Africa can tap into these opportunities presented and introduce new sustainable services using these tools that specifically support researchers. A qualitative research approach was used in the form of a questionnaire distributed to a sample of two groups from the Continuous Professional Development programme offered by the University of Pretoria, with participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania. The questionnaire comprised closed and open-ended questions to complement each other. The respondents were asked to indicate which social media tools they are familiar with, and which specific tools they used to support researchers or lack of use and reasons thereof. Although social media tools are used widely in academic libraries and in developing (African) countries, this study showed that the tools are not widely used for research support services in the African academic libraries studied. There are hindrances that need to be overcome and addressed such as training of librarians on the tools relevant for research, raising awareness of such tools, assigning dedicated personnel for social media support for researchers and constantly provide upgrading of the skills. In order to ensure sustainability, the leadership must ensure that there are appropriate resources such as infrastructure.