Implementation of social networks in Omani academic libraries: A Soft System Methodology

Abstract

SSM has been used as an interpretive approach to achieve the primary aim of this study, which is to extract the real world complexity and evolve the use of social networks and thereby to realize the main target of improving the use of social networks in accordance with the original problematical situation. Seven academic libraries were involved in this study: Sultan Qaboos University main library, Nizwa University library, Middle East College library, Ibri Applied Science College library, Sohar Applied Science College library, Muscat Higher Technical College library, and Nizwa Technical College library. 53 participants were involved in characterizing their situation in face-to face individual interviews in order to obtain understating of the complexity of implementation of social networks in OALs.

The findings revealed that implementation of social networks in OALs was problematical due to lack of use of social networks activities in OALs. Currently, two out of seven libraries use Facebook, and only one library uses Twitter. Meanwhile, the library of Sultan Qaboos University is starting to apply the YouTube channel and Instagram on its Beta web site. The results also revealed factors that were delaying adoption of social networks in OALs. The internal factors identified include lack of awareness and training, lack of communication between academic libraries and library staff and IT staff, and lack of employees in libraries. Meanwhile, there were external factors related to lack of policy and regulations and weakness and low speed of the internet and factors related to sustainability and data conservation.

Interestingly, the findings of this study acknowledge social networks could enhance academic libraries in such fields as: giving the library an identity, promoting library information services, marketing library services, providing current awareness services, providing new acquisitions and communicating with library users and other libraries. Therefore, it was concluded that academic libraries should educate librarians and users regarding the use of social networks in library services, as well as formulate a policy and laws to use these applications in Omani academic libraries

Then, the results of finding out about the problematical situation were used to develop conceptual models and two group interviews were conducted for the purpose of discussing conceptual activities which were suggested for improving the situation and identifying systems that are systemically desirable and culturally feasible. A workshop was then implemented for the purpose of applying awareness raising and training systems, enhancing communication among OALs, and training library staff on how to develop strategic plans and action plans towards the implementation of social networks in their libraries. The processes of this study were designed to contribute to changing the structure, attitude and procedure of the OALs in regard to the use social networks in these libraries. This study would likewise contribute in the field of using SSM in the implantation of social networks in academic libraries.