© 2019 JETIR January 2019, Volume 6, Issue 1 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN LIBRARY

ENVIRONMENT
Dr. P.J. Rosario Vasantha Kumar D. Karal Marx P. Krishna Moorthy
Librarian Librarian .
St. Joseph’s Institute of Management, K. Ramakrishnan K. Ramakrishnan
St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) College of Engineering College of Engineering
Tiruchirappalli – 620 002. Samayapuram Samayapuram
Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirappalli – 621112. Tiruchirappalli – 621112.
Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT

The present day libraries are gradually fetching on social media in order to associate with various community
groups and move beyond the traditional boundaries of the library. Now a day there has been an enormous
change in web technology. Social networks are one among the web technology is now commonly used by
library professionals to achieve a variety of objectives. this paper provides the impact of social media on
Library services and it will lead the users to make use the most of social media and it’s also explicate the
advantages and disadvantage the Social networks.

Keywords: Social Networks, Information sharing and Services, Libraries.

INTRODUCTION:
The sharing of thoughts, message, or information as by speech, signals, writing, is called communication.
Information communication technology is additional advantages in the hands of library professionals in the
present setup. Information and communication technology has ushered in a histrionic change in the realm of
information communication in the recent time. The development of the internet and world wide web has
transformed the whole world and present a new way of communication. The Traditional method of Library
services like circulation the books and periodicals in the printed form but nowadays Library provided their
content and services in electronic form due to the developments in ICT, and become user-friendly centers.
Now the library starts to provide it’s some of the services through Social Networking Sites.

SOCIAL NETWORKS:
Boyd and Ellison (2007) define social networking sites, or SNS, as “Web-based services that allow individuals
to construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, expressive a list of other users with
whom they share connections, and view and negotiate their list of connections and those made by others
within the system. In simple words, social networking service is an online service, platform, or site that
focuses on building social relations among people, who, shares interests and activities”. A social networking
website is an online platform that allows users to create a public profile and interact with other users on the
website. Social networking websites usually have a new user input a list of people with whom they share a
connection and then allow the people on the list to confirm or deny the connection. After connections are
established, the new user can search the networks of his connections to make more connections. A social
networking site may also be known as a social website or a social networking website.

EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL NETWORKS:

Social networks (SN) have brought a unique revolution in how people interact and socialize. Social networks
are used not only as a lifestyle but also in various other domains, including medicine, business, education,
politics, and activism. The number of Social networks amounts to billions of users. At the beginning of 2016,

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Twitter claimed to have 313 million monthly active users. As of the third quarter of 2017, Facebook had
slightly more than 2 billion monthly active users. Online social media (OSM), media produced by Social
networks users, has offered a real and viable alternative to conventional mainstream media. Online social
media is likely to provide “raw,” unedited information, and the details can be overwhelming with the potential
of misinformation and disinformation. Yet, online social media is leading to the democratization of knowledge
and information. Online social media is allowing almost any citizen to become a journalist reporting on
specific events of interest. This is resulting in unimaginable amounts of information being shared among huge
numbers of Online social media participants.

TYPES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS:

The social networks services are categorized in the Seven Important areas there are Academics, Social
connections, Multimedia sharing, Professional, Informational, Educational and Hobbies

ACADEMIC:
Academic researchers who want to share their research and review results achieved by colleagues may find
academic-specific social networking to be quite valuable. A few of the most popular online communities for
academics are:

Academia.edu: Users of this academic social network can share their own research, as well as follow research
submitted by others.

ResearchGate: Online resource for scientists and researchers to find, organize and share useful information
as well as network professionally.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:
Keeping in touch with friends and family members is one of the greatest benefits of social networking. Here
is a list of the most widely-used websites for building social connections online.
WhatsApp: One of the popular messaging app It’s an instant messaging service for smartphones to send
message, image, video, audio and group conversations between multiple users.
Facebook: Arguably the most popular social media utility, Facebook provides a way for users to build
connections and share information with people and organizations they choose to interact with online.

Twitter: Share your thoughts and keep up with others via this real-time information network.

MySpace: Though it initially began as a general social media site, MySpace has evolved to focus on social
entertainment, providing a venue for social connections related to movies, music games and more.

MULTIMEDIA SHARING:
Social networking makes it easy to share video and photography content online. Here are some of the most
popular sites for multimedia sharing.

YouTube: Social media platform that allows users to share and view video content.

Flickr: This site provides a powerful option for managing digital photographs online, as well as for sharing
them with others.

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PROFESSIONAL:
Professional social networks are designed to provide opportunities for career-related growth. Some of these
types of networks provide a general forum for professionals to connect, while others are focused on specific
occupations or interests. A few examples of professional social networks are listed below.

LinkedIn: As of November of 2011, LinkedIn had more than 135 million members, making it the largest
online professional network. Participants have an opportunity to build relationships by making connections
and joining relevant groups.

Classroom 2.0: Social network specifically designed to help teachers connect, share and help each other with
profession-specific matters.

INFORMATIONAL:
Informational communities are made up of people seeking answers to everyday problems. For example, when
you are thinking about starting a home improvement project or want to learn how to go green at home, you
may perform a web search and discover countless blogs, websites, and forums filled with people who are
looking for the same kind of information. A few examples include:

The Nature Conservancy: Online community where individuals interested in adopting green living practices
and protecting the earth can interact.

Do-It-Yourself Community: Social media resource to allow do-it-yourself enthusiasts to interact with each
other.

EDUCATIONAL
Educational networks are where many students go in order to collaborate with other students on academic
projects, to conduct research for school, or to interact with professors and teachers via blogs and classroom
forums. Educational social networks are becoming extremely popular within the educational system today.
Some examples of such educational social networks are listed below.

The Student Room: UK-based student community featuring a moderated message board and useful resources
related to school.

The Math Forum: A large educational network designed to connect students with an interest in math, this
site provides interaction opportunities for students by age group.

ePALS School Blog: This international social network for K-12 students is designed to build international
connections to promote world peace.

HOBBIES
One of the most popular reasons many people use the Internet is to conduct research on their favorite projects
or topics of interest related to personal hobbies. When people find a website based on their favorite hobby,
they discover a whole community of people from around the world who share the same passion for those
interests. This is what lies at the heart of what makes social networks work, and this is why social networks
that are focused on hobbies are some of the most popular. A few examples of hobby-focused social networking
sites include:

Grow It: Social media network app specifically for gardening enthusiasts.

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My Place at Scrapbook.com: Designed specifically for scrapbooking enthusiasts, users can create profiles,
share information, post updates and more.

SOCIAL NETWORKS AND LIBRARIES:

Social networking sites allow librarians adopt a new role by placing themselves into a social realm with users
(Ezeani, 2012). To provide the needed services, libraries are using social networks to connect, communicate
as well as collaborate with users in an innovative way. It has often been stated that the major reason why
libraries are using social networks is to connect with their patrons. De Rosa et al (2007) admit that librarians
make use of social networking sites with the purpose of “being part of their communities”. By reading blogs,
group postings and message boards, the librarian becomes an active participant, who is able to anticipate and
advise patrons as needs arise. Linking to patron’s profile also keeps the library within the consciousness of
users, potentially increasing interaction (Courtney, 2007). Social networking sites allow libraries to reach out
to patrons and vice versa.
In contributing to the importance of social networks to libraries, Suraweere et al (2011) admit that the use of
online social networks by libraries and information organizations is increasingly prevalent and a growing tool
that is being used to communicate with more potential library users. Ezeani (2012) add that social networking
sites are two way transparent communications that encourage a feedback mechanism; connecting people with
shared interest. Furthermore, in citing Steiner (2009), Ezeani states that the use of social networking tools
enables librarians to identify library patrons on the social cyberspace and proactively provide the type of
information that would normally result from reference service. Social networking tools are not only being
used as a vehicle for promoting services, programs and new resources but they are also used for reference
service. Students are using tools like Ask a Librarian, meebo and twitter to ask questions in “real time and
this is assisting in promoting the library as a relevant, efficient and helpful place.
In the social networking platform, users are both consumers and producers of online content (Ezeani, 2012).
Users add value to library services in social networks by creating knowledge repositories on Wikis,
developing bibliographies through social bookmarking sites, building historical and cultural collections
through media sharing applications, and forming relationships with like-minded individuals in social
networking communities (Kroski, 2007). In this platform, users can help create new library services by
contributing their knowledge through online network (Casey & Savastinuk, 2006). While, the library can be
harvesting information from individual users for improving library services, academic research, etc.
(Chu,2010). SNs in libraries act as information resource while supporting collaboration between students and
libraries. Succintly put, social networks are rebranding the academic library and re-establishing their worth
as key players in information dissemination and knowledge creation.

USE OF SOCIAL NETWORK IN LIBRARIES:

 Marketing of Library product services.
 Marketing specific adult programs and services.
 To Modernize the library image and e-reputation.
 To reach a new audience of potential users.
 To push library news and press release.
 To provide quick update to users.
 To build discussion groups and collaborative work.

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 To Spread news and service alerts.

USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN LIBRARY SERVICES:

 Social network is vital for promoting library services.
 Social network can provide a better servicer than the traditional ways in which libraries are providing
their services.
 Social Media confine potential users of the Library
 Social network allows users to create, connect, communicate, to contribute vote and share information.
 Its Enables the Libraries to have close contact with users.
 It helps the Libraries to reach new users.
 Through Social network user can identifying library resources easily.
 Social network can provide right information to user very quickly.
 Its creates a platform to fulfilling needs of distance learners.

DISADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN LIBRARY SERVICES:

 Need to learn larger number of social networks.
 Lack of time for the library professionals to use social networks.
 Chances of lack of privacy and identity theft.
 Confidentiality of information
 Lack of Adequate k knowledge a among staffs its operation.
 No adequate fund required for libraries to acquire such type of technology
 Low interest of librarians in learning utilizing social media.
 Lack of training opportunities for library staffs.
 Low bandwidth of internet and ICT infrastructure in the library.

Conclusion:

Social Networks in Library services brings visibility to the Library, Its Collection and enhances its services
and their reach; along with these benefits it’s also brings responsibility too. These services demand
commitment, aware of current technological trends, regular monitoring, and marketing of the service of
product. Developing social media and Social networks enabled services will go a long way towards
developing a dynamic and interactive library, but this demands the constant monitoring of user needs and
expectation. Social network is also seen as an effective outreach tool, helping librarians to promote the work
of their faculty and connect more deeply with the broader library community. Social networks are used by
libraries to deliver a blend of customer services, news and updates content / collection promotion
dissemination of the institutions research output, provision of educational tools and resources and for building
relationship both within and outside of Institutions. Facebook and twitters remain dominant on the rise, while
there is a drive for librarians to use social media with library setting, it has been acknowledged that this is still
an evolving process with many librarians experimenting with what works or not, how it can benefit the library.

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