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The Role of Social Media in Shaping Library Resource Usage: An Analytical Study

 


The Role of Social Media in Shaping Library Resource Usage: An Analytical Study

Rekha Saha,

Librarian,

Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls’ College,

8/9, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

&

Ph.D. Research Scholar,

Department of Library and Information Science,

Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata,

West Bengal, India.

 

Abstract: The rapid evolution of social media has transformed the operational practices of academic libraries, modifying communication and service provision. This research evaluates the impact of social media on the library services of colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta. A descriptive and analytical study approach was used, and data were collected using a standardized questionnaire administered to students, faculty members, and librarians. A total of 100 respondents were selected via convenience sampling to represent diverse stakeholders of college libraries. The examination of demographic characteristics and use patterns was performed using descriptive statistics, while the association between social media usage and library services was analyzed by linear regression. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between social media use and the efficacy of library services. Social media was shown to enhance communication, increase knowledge of library resources, facilitate access to information, and elevate user satisfaction levels. The regression results indicate that social media use significantly contributes to the variation in the effectiveness of library services, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study finds that social media has become an integral component of contemporary academic library services. To optimize its potential in enhancing library services, assistance is required in strategic planning, professional training, and institutional backing. The findings will assist library personnel and administrators in formulating effective social media strategies to improve academic library services at the University of Calcutta institutions.’

 

Keywords: Social Media, Academic Libraries, Library Services, College Libraries, University of Calcutta

Introduction

ICT has blossomed at a very fast pace, transforming higher education. Communication, collaboration, and sharing of information are now supported through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, and YouTube (Eisenbardt, 2021). They are not simply socializing media anymore; they are now very important in the academic and career arena. Social media has become a popular way of extending services, connecting with users, and remaining up-to-date in the digital information environment of academic libraries (Noel & D. Masalinto, 2025).

Historically, college libraries were physical entities that centered around print collections and face-to-face services. Users, in particular digitally native students, today require information in a different way, and libraries have to reconsider their models of service (Tobechukwu et al., 2025). Libraries can use social media to interact with their patrons in real-time, publicize resources and events, inform patrons about new acquisitions, distribute academic content, and offer online references and advisory services. Social media also gives feedback to libraries, learns the needs of the users, and creates a participatory culture due to the interactive nature of social media (Kumbar, 2019).

Academic libraries in India have adopted social media in the last ten years. These platforms are used to address physical access restrictions, staffing deficits, and time scarcity in college libraries. Social media is particularly helpful in the process of remote learning, where libraries are able to keep the services running and assist teaching and learning. Nevertheless, the incorporation of library services is not homogeneous as it depends on institutional policies, technological infrastructure, employee competencies, and user digital literacy (Akporhonor & Olise, 2015).

The University of Calcutta is a big and heterogeneous academic network comprised of colleges. Its libraries vary in their disciplines, student population, facilities, as well as access to digital resources. Communication and promotion through social media has been practiced by many, and previous studies have dealt mainly with universities and there remains a gap in the knowledge on how the media can affect the services of college libraries (Collins & Quan-Haase, 2012).

The key to assessing the effectiveness of social media in relation to library services is first to understand the influences of social media on how well the library can provide information, better user satisfaction, and a stronger library presence. Best practices, challenges, and areas that need improvement can be determined with the assistance of an analytical assessment (Pawar, 2024).

Problem statement

The increasing use of social media has brought significant changes to communication and information dissemination in higher education, including academic libraries. College libraries are now using social media platforms to promote resources, announce services, communicate with users, and support learning activities. While social media offers opportunities to improve visibility and user engagement, its actual impact on the effectiveness of library services has not been adequately evaluated, especially in colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Most existing studies on social media and library services focus on universities or large institutions, with limited attention given to affiliated college libraries that operate under varied infrastructural, technological, and administrative conditions. ‘As a result, there is insufficient empirical evidence on how social media is being utilized in these college libraries and whether it contributes meaningfully to improved service delivery, access to information, and user satisfaction. Moreover, issues such as a lack of trained library professionals, inconsistent social media usage, uneven digital literacy among users, and concerns related to information reliability may influence the outcomes of social media adoption. In the absence of a systematic analytical assessment, library administrators and policymakers lack reliable data to guide effective social media strategies. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the impact of social media on library services in colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta to understand its effectiveness, challenges, and scope for improvement in the academic library environment.

Research objective

To evaluate the impact of social media on the library services of colleges affiliated to the University of Calcutta.’

Research questions

i)     How is social media being used by college libraries to deliver and promote library services?

ii)   What is the relationship between social media usage and the effectiveness of library service delivery?

iii) How does social media usage improve access to library resources and information dissemination?

Research hypothesis

H0: ‘There is no significant impact of social media on library services of colleges, affiliated to the University of Calcutta.’

H1: ‘There is a significant impact of social media on library services of colleges, affiliated to the University of Calcutta.’

Literature review

(Henez, 2024) This research examines how social media affects outreach, community involvement, and communication in contemporary libraries. Libraries are increasingly using social media to engage with patrons, offer resources, and spread information. This study examines how YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter affect library usage and patron satisfaction. 500 library customers were surveyed on demographics, customer satisfaction, and social media usage. The research found strong links between library usage and social media use, particularly Facebook. Although user happiness varied across platforms, YouTube proved to engage individuals the most. The research reveals that interactive content and rich multimedia might help libraries reach more individuals on social media. The target market is mostly younger women. This initiative aims to simplify libraries' social media and improve user participation and experience.

(Kumar et al., 2024)This study examines how university libraries employ social media marketing from the perspectives of library professionals and user responders from various academic fields and schools. A questionnaire was the major data collection tool in this investigation. It was sent to 1,189 library users and 100 personnel from 8 institutions. The research also collected data via general observation and interviews. SPSS chi-square test and analysis of variance were performed to assess whether library workers' and patrons' opinions varied substantially. Participants, including library professionals and social media users from many academic fields, agreed that social media may one day be a valuable library marketing tool. The poll found that librarians are cautious and insecure, making them reluctant to change. SMM aims for engaging, actionable content.

(Mamdapur et al., 2023) This study presents a foundation for future research on social media and library research article patterns. This research uses Scopus data and bibliometric methodologies from 2002–2021. The study included 1,208 research papers. These pieces were evaluated using publication and citation counts, country productivity, international collaboration, keyword frequency, recurring themes, institution productivity, author productivity, and journal reputations. No publication ranks higher than "Library Philosophy and Practice" or "Journal of Biomedical Informatics" in citation count or publications. US publication, citation, and cooperation rates are high. Keyword analysis indicates the writers use "social networking" and "digital libraries" often. Comparing the findings to the literature led to more investigation and recommendations.

(Modak & Pari, 2022) College libraries often give bachelor's degrees to students who finish post-secondary education programs. Three or four years are usual for these programs. One- to four-year curricula are possible. The library now offers automated circulation, web-OPAC, 24/7 electronic resource access, e-CAS, and more. It is already a broad inventory that now includes these additional services. This refreshes library services to meet steadily rising patron demand. Each library employs professionals, semi-professionals, non-professionals, and technicians. A library typically employs four types of workers. Out of 42 nationally owned or supported general education institutions, 15 participated in the survey, and 16 completed the questionnaire. The study examined thirteen higher education institutions, including three government-funded and twelve privately endowed general degree colleges. Every educational institution received a questionnaire for this survey-based inquiry. Following the survey analysis, the study presents findings and suggestions for further research.

(Yalung et al., 2020)This research examined a metropolitan college's academic library in the Philippines since social media heavily influences college library usage. With SmartPLS' predictive powers, the college library advertised academic services on social media. 174 students completed validated structured questions for this descriptive study. Personal social media profiles are used by most. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are available in the academic library. Objectives, library account contents, and social media benefits are compared. The research showed that these characteristics affect academic library social media marketing. Active social media usage may help promote the library's resources and services.

(Deepthi et al., 2017) Libraries are increasingly using social media to deliver services. Due to libraries' social media prominence and accessibility, users are growing increasingly dependent on library services. Many social media channels may be used by libraries to provide services. Examples: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram. This research examines university libraries in Karnataka's usage of social media using data from 54 institution websites. Websites were analyzed using content analysis. Most universities have websites, with 53 out of 54 having various domains. Nearly one-third of public and private colleges use Facebook. 18.51% of links lead to YouTube. Other networks are older than LinkedIn and Twitter. Few institutions (18.51%) have access to multiple networking sites. State university libraries are catching up with modern technology, even though most people only use them for basic stuff. The study's authors recommend that academic libraries use social media.

(Khan & Ansari, 2014) This research investigates how social networking (SN) technologies affect interpersonal communication and planning. For this research, writers polled information specialists via questionnaires. According to the research, Indian LIS professionals use SN tools extensively. Social media users are mostly 26–35 years old, and their search patterns on SN vary from those on conventional search engines. All experts agree: SN is ideal for LIS dissemination. Indian research institution librarians and information scientists were surveyed on social networking in library and information science.

(Tella & Akinboro, 2014) Internet growth has made sharing and finding information simpler, more sociable, and more entertaining, including the rise of social media networks. Few libraries utilize social media to serve their users better, which means fewer individuals use the sites and less feedback. To address libraries' low social media usage and attract more users to their SNSs, this book chapter aims to raise awareness of their benefits. So, what are social media and SNSs? How do they affect digital library services? SNSs have several traits and sorts. This section covers these and other subjects.

Research Methodology

The present study is quantitative in nature, as it is aimed at evaluating the impact of social media on the library services in colleges within the University of Calcutta. In order to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret data from the library's primary constituents, including students, faculty members, and librarians, the descriptive and analytical design was implemented.

Research design

The study is based on a descriptive and analytical model that looks at the impact of social media on college library services. Such a design will allow a systemic description of existing practices in social media usage in libraries and make a critical evaluation of their effects on service delivery. The data collection process was cross-sectional, i.e., the data were collected at one instance, which was to capture the current situation of social media adoption and perceived efficacy. The research is conducted with regards to a quantitative paradigm, i.e., observed variables and statistical conclusions to be reached.

Variables

Independent variable: Social media usage

Dependent variable: Library services

Population and Sample

The population to be included in the study consists of users and service providers to college libraries affiliated to the University of Calcutta. The sample size used was 100 respondents, which is a convenient sample, selected due to its accessibility and willingness to participate. A sample size of 75 percent students, 15 percent faculty members, and 10 percent librarians was used to balance between users and professionals.

Sample collected from 10 colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta.

1.         St. Xavier's College (Autonomous): A++

2.         Behala College (Autonomous): A++

3.         Lady Brabourne College: A

4.         Scottish Church College: A

5.         Loreto College: A

6.         Shri Shikshayatan College: B++

7.         Surendranath College for Women: B++

8.        Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College: B

9.        Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College: B

10.       Syamaprasad College: B

Data Collection Tool

The structured questionnaire that was developed in this research was used to collect primary data. The questionnaire consisted of four parts, namely the demographic information, frequency of library use, a Social Media Usage Scale, and a Library Services Scale. The usage scale was used to gauge awareness, engagement, and perceptions of library social media sites, whereas the services scale was used to gauge quality, accessibility as well as effectiveness of library services. The scale items were rated using a five-point Likert scale.

Data Collection Procedure

The questionnaire was distributed through online and offline versions to the selected colleges in University of Calcutta. The purpose of the study was explained to the participants, and confidentiality was assured. The analysis was only done using full questionnaires.

Data Analysis Techniques

The analysis and coding of data were done in SPSS. Demographic variables were described using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages). The hypothesis was tested, and the effect of social media use on library services was studied with the help of inferential statistics (linear regression). Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Scope of the Study

The present study focuses on examining the impact of social media on library services in colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta. It also analyzes how it is used in platforms to communicate, promote library resources, deal with users, and disseminate information. The major stakeholders are the students, members of the faculty, and librarians. The study assesses the effectiveness of social media as a way of enhancing the effectiveness of the service and accessibility of information. It is based on the targetaffiliated colleges and employs statistical approaches to quantify the connection between using social media and the performance of library services.

Limitations

i)        The study is limited to colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta, so findings may not be applicable to other universities or regions.

ii)      Some respondents did not complete the questionnaire properly, which affected the sample size.

iii)    Digital literacy variance between respondents might have affected the social media use of libraries among respondents.

iv)    The differences in technological setups in colleges could influence the homogeneous application of social media services.

v)      A small amount of time and budget constrained the scope of the sample size and geographical area.

vi)    The research relies more on quantitative data.

Results

This section presents the analysis and interpretation of data collected from students, faculty, and librarians to assess the impact of social media on the library services of colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to test the hypothesis and interpret the findings.’

“Table 1: Role-wise distribution of participants.”

Role

 

“Frequency”

“Percent”

Student

75

75.0

Faculty

15

15.0

Librarian

10

10.0

Total

100

100.0

The distribution of respondents by role indicates that students constitute the majority of the sample, accounting for 75% (n = 75) of the total respondents. This is followed by faculty members, who represent 15% (n = 15) of the sample, and librarians, comprising 10% (n = 10) of the respondents.


“Graph 1: Graphical representation of Role wise distribution of participants.”



“Table 2: Gender wise distribution of participants.”

Gender

 

“Frequency”

“Percent”

Male

55

55.0

Female

45

45.0

Total

100

100.0

‘The gender-wise distribution of respondents shows that 55% (n = 55) of the participants are male, while 45% (n = 45) are female.’


“Graph 2: Graphical representation of gender wise distribution of participants.”

 


“Table 3: Age-wise distribution of participants.”

“Age”

 

“Frequency”

“Percent”

‘18 - 20 years’

26

26.0

‘21 - 23 years.’

43

43.0

‘24 - 30 years.’

6

6.0

‘31 - 40 years.’

9

9.0

‘41 - 50 years’

11

11.0

‘Above 50 years.’

5

5.0

‘Total’

100

100.0

The ‘age-wise distribution of respondents' reveals that the majority belong to the 21–23 years age group, comprising 43% (n = 43) of the total sample, followed by the 18–20 years group with 26% (n = 26). This indicates that a substantial proportion of respondents are young adults, primarily students, who are typically active users of both library services and social media platforms. The 24–30 years age group represents 6% (n = 6) of the respondents, while the 31–40 years and 41–50 years age groups account for 9% (n = 9) and 11% (n = 11) respectively, reflecting participation from faculty and library professionals. Respondents aged above 50 years constitute 5% (n = 5) of the sample.


“Graph 3: Graphical representation of age wise distribution of participants.”


“Table 4: Frequency of Library Use of participants.”

Frequency of Library Use

 

“Frequency”

“Percent”

Daily

31

31.0

Weekly

40

40.0

Occasionally

18

18.0

Never

11

11.0

Total

100

100.0

The data on frequency of library use indicates that 40% (n = 40) of the respondents use the library on a weekly basis, followed by 31% (n = 31) who visit the library daily. This shows that a substantial majority of respondents (71%) are regular users of library services. Meanwhile, 18% (n = 18) of the respondents use the library occasionally, and 11% (n = 11) reported that they never use the library.


“Graph 4: Graphical representationof the frequency of Library Use of participants.”

 


Hypothesis testing

Hypothesis: ‘There is no significant impact of social media on library services of colleges, affiliated to the University of Calcutta.’

“Model Summary”

“Model”

R

“R Square”

“Adjusted R Square”

“Std. Error of the Estimate”

1

.792a

.627

.623

4.44417

a. Predictors: (Constant), Social media usage

 

“ANOVAa”

“Model”

“Sum of Squares”

“df”

“Mean Square”

F

“Sig.”

1

Regression

3253.186

1

3253.186

164.713

.000b

Residual

1935.564

98

19.751

 

 

Total

5188.750

99

 

 

 

a. Dependent Variable: Library services

b. Predictors: (Constant), Social media usage

 

“Coefficientsa”

Model

“Unstandardized Coefficients”

“Standardized Coefficients”

t

Sig.

B

Std. Error

Beta

1

(Constant)

.626

1.788

 

.350

.727

Social media usage

.903

.070

.792

12.834

.000

a. Dependent Variable: Library services

 

The regression analysis was conducted to test the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant impact of social media on the library services of colleges affiliated to the University of Calcutta. The Model Summary indicates a strong positive relationship between social media usage and library services, with a correlation coefficient (R = 0.792). The R Square value of 0.627 shows that 62.7% of the variance in library services is explained by social media usage, which signifies a substantial explanatory power of the model. The Adjusted R-Square value (0.623) further confirms the stability and reliability of the model. The ANOVA results reveal that the regression model is statistically significant (F = 164.713, p < 0.001), indicating that social media usage significantly predicts library services. This confirms that the model provides a good fit for the data and that the independent variable meaningfully contributes to explaining changes in the dependent variable. The Coefficients table shows that social media usage has a positive and statistically significant effect on library services (β = 0.792, t = 12.834, p < 0.001). The unstandardized coefficient (B = 0.903) suggests that a one-unit increase in social media usage leads to a 0.903-unit increase in the effectiveness of library services. The constant term is not statistically significant, indicating that library services are largely influenced by social media usage rather than baseline factors.’

Based on these results, the null hypothesis is rejected.’

Major findings

i)     The use of social media is considered to positively influence library services in college-based universities related to the University of Calcutta, enhancing the processes of communication, service delivery, and the process of obtaining information.

ii)   The use of social media and the level of effectiveness of the library services are closely related, and social media can justify a significant fraction of the change in service performance.

iii) Social media enhances awareness of library resources, publicity of library activities, and user interaction among students, faculty, and librarians.

iv) Regular and strategic use of social media contributes to higher user satisfaction and supports teaching, learning, and research activities in academic libraries.

Conclusion

This study has investigated the impact of social media on library services at institutions affiliated with the University of Calcutta. The impact of social media on library efficacy is significant and positive. These websites expand user engagement with libraries, promote resource awareness, and enable fast information interchange. The regression study substantiates a strong correlation between social media use and enhanced service offering, validating the concept of proactive, planned engagement with social media to augment delivery and satisfaction. The null hypothesis is rejected to underscore the significance of social media as a crucial component of modern library administration. Social media is seen as beneficial for exposure, engagement with scholars, and the enhancement of services by students, teachers, and librarians outside the confines of the physical library. Despite the benefits, the study demonstrates that the administration of the platform, personnel training, and institutional policies must be integrated to realize the full potential of social media. To sustain effective social media services, it is essential to address challenges such as irregular updates, disparities in digital literacy, and limitations in resources. Social media is not only an ancillary tool but a vital component of contemporary academic libraries. Strategic usage and efficient use of social media may considerably boost the exposure, accessibility, and relevance of these libraries, hence increasing their effectiveness in supporting teaching, learning, and research.

Suggestions

i)     College libraries ought to create an effective and uniform social media strategy, which guarantees constant intentional communication with users.

ii)   The employees of the library ought to be trained on ‘how to manage and use social media’ platforms.

iii) Platforms should be utilized in advertising e-resources, new arrivals, scholarly occasions, and library services.

iv) Libraries need to promote user engagement and feedback with the use of social media to comprehend the needs and expectations better.’

v)   Social media efforts should be enhanced by strengthening institutional support, by instilling infrastructure, and explicit policy guidelines.

vi) There should be an intensification in the awareness of the users regarding library social media sites and their value.

vii)              Shared content must be correct, relevant, and easy to use to ensure that it is credible and engaging.

viii)            Libraries should periodically evaluate the ‘effectiveness of their social media activities to improve service delivery and user satisfaction.’

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