Using mobile technologies for social media based library services at the University of Development Studies Library, Ghana. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akeriwa, Miriam; Penzhorn, Cecilia; Holmner, Marlene
• Is Part Of: Information development. Volume 31:Number 3(2015)
• Page Start: 284
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: mobile technologies -- social media -- university libraries -- Ghana; Library science -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; 020.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0266666913515898
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6669

Abstract

Libraries all over the world are utilizing the latest Information and Communication Technologies to assist in their objective of providing clients with effective and efficient services, as well as timely access to needed information. The implementation of social media and the use of mobile technologies for service delivery are trends that have, however, not yet been fully embraced by academic libraries in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This article reports on a study aimed at investigating the possibility of using mobile technologies to implement social media based services to graduate students at the University for Development Studies Library in Ghana. This article provides a short overview of the various technologies and services available, discusses the opportunities and challenges for implementing such services at the University Library, and provides a number of recommendations to support this goal.