Awareness and use of social networking sites technology among library users of degree colleges affiliated to Bengaluru city University A study

Abstract

Social Networking Sites (SNS) acts as a platform for dissemination of information to newlinewider number of users within a short span of time. SNS is becoming a basic need of newlineeducation. It helps students and researchers to gather wider sources of information newlineeffectively. The main function of the library is to collect, collate, store and newlinedisseminate the information. SNS helps to do all these activities efficiently. The newlinepresent research problem is conceived under the title Awareness and Use of Social newlineNetworking Sites (SNS) Technology among Library Users of Degree Colleges newlineAffiliated to Bengaluru City University: A Study . This study aims to explore the newlineawareness about SNS Technology among Librarians and library users in Degree newlineColleges and use of SNS technology by them. Survey method was followed to elicit newlinethe data. Two separate structured questionnaires were designed and administered newlineamong Librarians (100) and Library users (1700). Results of the study showed that, newlinethe use of SNS platform made great impact on teaching staff and students on using newlinelibrary resources and services, improving communication with library staff, on newlineseeking employment opportunities, accessing e-resources in library, accessing library newlinecollection, pursuing research work, development of professional skills and peer to newlinepeer collaborative learning. newlineSome of the barriers found in using SNS by teaching staff and students include: lack newlineof training to library users, lack of proper infrastructure and network facility in library, newlinelack of support from library professionals to users, lack of interest among users newlinethemselves, lack of proper policy about SNS technology, and fear among users for newlineusing new technology. Study concludes that, the classroom environment in colleges newlinehas changed much and instructional style, teaching and learning practices have newlineevolved in unexpected ways in the last two to three decades. Spurred in part by newlinethe changes encouraged by SNSs, learning activities that happen outside the newlineclassroom are acknowledged by many to be as important as wha