Transforming the Library Service: From Library News Bulletin to Library Facebook Page

Abstract

The study sets out to look at ways of transforming the library service by examining the trend of communication channels used by the Library of a Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria to engage and serve its patrons. This started with the Library News bulletin, the library notice board, and a Facebook page.                                    The descriptive survey was used making use of questionnaires, library records, and an analysis of the library’s Facebook page as data collection instruments.                   The population for the study is 700 library users of which 10% of them were randomly selected to participate in the study.                                                                     The study recorded a 100% response rate, probably because the researchers self-administered it. On analysis of the data collected, respondents noted that the Library's Facebook page increases their knowledge on how their information needs could be met and make academic progress, it also gave them an awareness of the
periodic training programs of the library and increases their awareness of the library resources and services. It was also found that as more people were reached through the Library's Facebook page, more users got registered with the library which increased the library patronage. The study concluded by making a few suggestions on how to make the Library's Facebook page more engaging.