Social media challenges in marketing of library and information services at the Balme Library, University of Ghana

Abstract

The study investigates the challenges in the use of social media to market library and information services in the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. The survey method was used to administer questionnaires to one hundred (100) students from the Faculty of Social Sciences while two librarians were interviewed. Findings reveal that Facebook and Twitter are the popular social media tools used by students. These tools are however, not actively being used for marketing of library services. Among the major drawbacks of using social media for effective marketing is the lack of awareness of the social media services among majority of students and the inadequate infrastructure to access IT services. The study recommends the creation of a social media policy which would provide clarity to library employees on their responsibilities in the use of social media.