Information gathering strategies in online social networks: a survey of librarians in selected geo-political zones in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain librarians’ perception of online social networks and identify their strategies for gathering information. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The study population was made up of 317 librarians from 29 university libraries in three geo-political zones in Nigeria. Sampling was enumerative. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage counts. Findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents have positive perception of online social networks. Information gathering strategies where also found to be mostly: looking at profile information to identify whom to follow; visiting social networking sites often and joining professional discussion groups. The least used strategies for gathering information were equally identified as: searching through the posts/comments of other users and viewing members update. Based on the findings, the study concluded that librarians in Nigeria use mainly targeted asking technique for gathering information. Suggestions were also made to improve information gathering on online social networks.