Utilization of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Opiyo, Litzer | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-27T12:31:40Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-27T12:31:40Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
| dc.description | A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of master of Library and information science in the school of Education, Kenyatta University 2023 Supervisor: Dr. Wambiri Muthee | |
| dc.description.abstract | relevance of social media platforms in university libraries can’t be overemphasised. Emergence of communication and Information technologies in libraries of universities has displayed changes in clients‟ perceptions, requests, shifts in information services and in librarian‟s roles. Libraries in the universities have embraced and approved diverse media platforms. Despite that, there‟s no clarity on exactly how the social network sites are utilised by librarians in providing information services. The research was focused on use of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya. The research focused on two academic libraries in Muranga and Kitui Counties. The research meant to accomplish four objectives. They include to establish the types of social media platforms used for enhancing usage of academic library services, to assess available infrastructure supporting the use of social media platforms, to examine factors affecting use of social media in enhancing use of university library services and to explore challenges inhibiting the usage of social media platforms. The study adopted theoretical insights from Ajzen and Fishbein‟s Technology Acceptance Model to inform its theoretical foundation. The study assumed use of Descriptive research design, applying quantitative method. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County and Murang‟a University of Technology (MUT) in Murang‟a County public academic libraries were used as target population. A combined population of 17 Librarians and 400 postgraduate students was used as total sample size for the study. The objectives of the study acted as a basis of Literature review. Moderatelystructured questionnaires were used for data collection. Kenyatta University Kitui campus library was used for Pilot study. The library had similar features to the two libraries. The piloting research was carried out to establish the credibility and dependability of tools used for data collection. Data collection analysis established that seventeen (17) various kinds of social media platforms were presently applied in academic libraries to provide and receive services. The most popular platforms were Facebook and YouTube. In terms of infrastructure, majority of the respondents identified Wi-Fi to be supporting their use of the social media platforms. Similarly, among the factors affecting use of social media platforms in library and information services provision internet connectivity stood out. Limited internet connectivity or data bundles also featured in the study as a challenge in the users‟ attempt to use their preferred social media platforms when accessing library and information services. Therefore, three recommendations were made to the policy makers within academic libraries to allow better usage of the platforms among academic library users and members of the libraries staff. relevance of social media platforms in university libraries can’t be overemphasised. Emergence of communication and Information technologies in libraries of universities has displayed changes in clients‟ perceptions, requests, shifts in information services and in librarian‟s roles. Libraries in the universities have embraced and approved diverse media platforms. Despite that, there‟s no clarity on exactly how the social network sites are utilised by librarians in providing information services. The research was focused on use of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya. The research focused on two academic libraries in Muranga and Kitui Counties. The research meant to accomplish four objectives. They include to establish the types of social media platforms used for enhancing usage of academic library services, to assess available infrastructure supporting the use of social media platforms, to examine factors affecting use of social media in enhancing use of university library services and to explore challenges inhibiting the usage of social media platforms. The study adopted theoretical insights from Ajzen and Fishbein‟s Technology Acceptance Model to inform its theoretical foundation. The study assumed use of Descriptive research design, applying quantitative method. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County and Murang‟a University of Technology (MUT) in Murang‟a County public academic libraries were used as target population. A combined population of 17 Librarians and 400 postgraduate students was used as total sample size for the study. The objectives of the study acted as a basis of Literature review. Moderatelystructured questionnaires were used for data collection. Kenyatta University Kitui campus library was used for Pilot study. The library had similar features to the two libraries. The piloting research was carried out to establish the credibility and dependability of tools used for data collection. Data collection analysis established that seventeen (17) various kinds of social media platforms were presently applied in academic libraries to provide and receive services. The most popular platforms were Facebook and YouTube. In terms of infrastructure, majority of the respondents identified Wi-Fi to be supporting their use of the social media platforms. Similarly, among the factors affecting use of social media platforms in library and information services provision internet connectivity stood out. Limited internet connectivity or data bundles also featured in the study as a challenge in the users‟ attempt to use their preferred social media platforms when accessing library and information services. Therefore, three recommendations were made to the policy makers within academic libraries to allow better usage of the platforms among academic library users and members of the libraries staff. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32875 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Utilization of social media platforms for enhancing uptake of library services in universities in Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |