The Place of Social Media Networks in Facilitating Resources Sharing in Libraries

Abstract

Resource sharing in libraries has recently become a top topic in the field of library and Information Science. This is because the present information explosion has made it practically impossible for libraries to have sufficient stock of the information needs of their users. In additionally, the general dwindling of library funding has created the necessity for libraries to look beyond their boundaries to help their users in accessing information resources. However, with the coming of social media networks and application propelled by the advances of Information Communication Technologies (ICT), opportunities have now been provided for libraries to broaden the scope of their resource sharing activities. A lot of recent studies that were reviewed have established the fact that social media networks have been very useful in libraries for marketing and promotion of information resources and services, and aiding communication and feedback of their users. This papers examines the place of social media in assisting libraries in resource sharing activities suggesting some useful social media applications that can assist libraries greatly and forge deeper cooperation.