Application of Social Media Network Platforms for Research Productivity of Librarians n Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State – Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated application of social media network platform for research productivity of Librarians in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was employed to select all 12 professional librarians at the Polytechnic which constituted the population of the study. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents while data collected were analyzed using tables, frequency counts and simple percentage. The study concluded that professional librarians at the Polytechnic were in tune with emerging technology of social media and utilize the technology in their research activities. However, this is limited to a few social media network platform like facebook, twitter and youtube. Some of the challenges which hinders effective utilization of social media for research by the librarians included epileptic power supply, lack of maintenance culture and poor funding. The study recommended amongst others that government at all levels should adequately fund provision of the ICT facilities in tertiary institutions to enhance research and academic development, while most institutions should provide alternative power supply to supplement the national grid.