Applications of Social Media and Web 2.0 for Research Support in Selected African Academic Institutions
Applications of Social Media and Web 2.0 for Research Support in Selected African Academic Institutions
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Date
2015
Authors
Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Vuyokazi, Gontshi
Mutibwa, Lois
Ukwoma, Scholarstica
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Publisher
Journal of Balkan Libraries Union
Abstract
This study examined the use of Social Media/Web 2.0 for research support and it is guided
by three objectives namely: a) to ascertain the uses social media in academic institutions; b) to
identify the challenges associated with social media use for research purposes and c) to provide
experiences of social media application in selected African academic institutions. The study
makes use of literature analysis in combination with personal and professional work experiences
on the use of social media from librarians in four different countries. Institutional experiences
by the four librarians showed that it is only Rhodes University Library that uses social media in
its library, which is as a result of a formal social media strategy. For the other three universities,
University of Education, Winneba Library in Ghana, Makerere University Library in Uganda
and the University of Nigeria Library, the use of social media is not encouraging. They use it
mostly for communication and interaction with colleagues. It was also discovered that there is
no social media strategy available in these university libraries. Based on these findings, the
study recommended the implementation of social media strategy, appointment of social media
librarians in these libraries, and continuing professional development of librarians to keep
abreast with current trends. Web 2.0/Social Media is a new technology offering new options for
African academic librarians in their research support role.
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Citation
OWUSU-ANSAH, C., Gontshi, V., Mutibwa, L., & Ukwoma, S. (2015). Applications of social media and web 2.0 for research support in selected African academic institutions. Journal of Balkan Libraries Union, 3(1), 30-39.