1. Librarians’ Use of Online Social Networks in Nigeria Uloma Doris Onuoha & Rosaline Oluremi Opeke
Presented at the 32nd Annual Conference of the American Library Association held at Chicago from June 27-July 2, 2013
Introduction
Presentation of findings
Reasons for non – use of OSNs
Conclusion and recommendations
Among the 40.54% who do not use any online social network, reasons for not using are:
Although the use of OSNs cuts across different age groups and professions, it is of particular interest to librarians because their work as information professionals demands an in-depth understanding of information technologies.
Based on the findings, the study recommends that:
Supervisors understand the implication of inhibiting subordinates’ use of OSNs, while subordinates need to be trained on appropriate use in order to avoid work conflict.
Library managers can also come up with policies to guide the proper use of OSNs as this would help to ensure appropriate use.
On issues pertaining to worries about privacy and lack of training in the use of computers, librarians should take up challenge to develop themselves in those areas.
Considering the work related information obtained from most of these OSNs, it is recommended that librarians who do not use them begin to do so in order to reap the associated benefits.
A search of Librarians on Facebook groups by Martine (2008) actually affirmed that librarians constitute the three largest groups on Facebook. While this search includes librarians from all over the world, studies by Ezeani (2010) and Olasina (2011) confirm that librarians in Nigeria are visible on online social networks (OSNs).
In order to find out the reasons for use and non – use of online social networks, respondents were first asked to indicate if they use online social networks.
Reasons for non – use of OSNs
Frequency
Percentage
My supervisor does not allow the use of those networks during office hours 38
36.19
Discouragement due to erratic power supply 34
32.38
Worried about privacy issues 31
29.52
Consider it a waste of time 26
24.76
Don’t know about online social networks 23
21.90
Don’t have access to the internet 20
19.05
I do not have formal training in the use of computers 16
15.24
Objectives of the study
Predominant reasons for use of specific OSNs
Investigate the predominant reasons for use of specific OSNs
Examine possible reasons for non-use of OSNs
Determine the level of use associated with each OSN under study
Ascertain the OSN from which librarians iln university libraries in Nigeria obtain more work related information
Reasons
NLA Online forum
Facebook
LinkedIn
ALA Connect
LNG
CILIP
Twitter
MySpace
Locating experts within the library profession ×
Finding solutions to work problems
Finding people to collaboration with
Acquiring new ideas for research
Publicising library events
Getting current information on the library profession
Socialising with friends
Getting updates from family members
interacting with library users
Exchanging photographs
Level of use associated with specific OSNs
References
Methodology
Survey research design
Population size: 1,137
Sample size: 317
Data collection instrument: Questionnaire
Method of data analysis:
Frequency & percentage count
Ezeani, C. N. (2010). Network literacy skills of academic librarians for effective services delivery: the case of university of Nigeria library system. Proceedings of second professional summit on Information Science and Technology (PSIST) 3rd-7th May at the Nnamdi Azikiwe New Library Complex, University of Nigeria Nsukka 56-66
 Martine, C. (2008) Facebook for professionals. Information Today Vol. 25(4):1&48
 Olasina, G. (2011). The use of Web 2.0 tools and social networking sites by librarians, information professionals, and other professionals in workplaces in Nigeria. Retrieved June 12, from
Online social networking site with more work related information
Contact information
Out of the 317 copies of the questionnaire sent out, 259 were retrieved.