Social Media as Information Sharing Tool in Libraries: A Comparative Study of Public and Academic Libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Information sharing is an important service among librarians and library users. This study examined social media as tools for information sharing among Librarians in public and academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the Akwa Ibom State Public Libraries (PL) and Academic Libraries (AL) in Akwa Ibom State were used for the study.

Purpose of the study: To examine the use of social media as tools for information sharing among Librarians in public and academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 

Methodology: A descriptive survey research design method was employed for the study. A sample of 50 Librarians was drawn from two branches of the Akwa Ibom state public library and two public academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analysed using percentage, mean and interpreted with charts and tables.

Findings: The study revealed that social media tools are effectively used by librarians in information sharing in the public as well as academic libraries. It indicated that Facebook and Facebook Messenger are the most frequently used social media tools by librarians in Akwa Ibom State. Also revealed is increased technological acceptance, as the Fear of technology (Technophobia) is very low. Some challenges the librarians encounter in the use of social media included low internet subscriptions in libraries. 

Conclusion: This study concluded that Social media usage is common among libraries of both public and academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It has revealed that Social media platform is an ideal tool for information sharing among librarians irrespective of the library type. 

Recommendations: The study recommended increase in subscription to internet by the government and management of both public and academic libraries. 

Keywords: Librarians; Public Libraries; Academic Libraries Social media; Information Sharing.