Student opinion on the use of social networking tools by libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 594-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Kumar Bhatt ◽  
Amit Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Opinion ◽  
Jawaharlal Nehru ◽  
Social Networking Tools

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the students’ opinion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, regarding the use of social networking sites (SNSs)/tools by library and their expectation from the library through SNSs. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using a well-designed questionnaire circulated among 200 students studying in JNU for the academic session 2011-2012. Findings – The study explores that most of the students are in favor of using the SNS/tools by the libraries and they expect the services should be provided to them by libraries through SNS/tools as well. Research limitations/implications – The study geographical area was confined to the students of the JNU, New Delhi, regarding their opinion on use of SNS/tools by the library. Originality/value – The paper highlights the student opinion regarding the use of SNS by library and further explores the expectations of students from library through SNS/tool.

Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: picking up the Slack in communication and collaboration

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Elson Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Audience Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Media Networks ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Social Networking Tools

Purpose This paper aims to present the use of social media to engage internally with employees and stakeholders, which is becoming a popular option of communication for many business, organizations and libraries. Design/methodology/approach The popularity and importance of social media networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram cannot be ignored. Findings The number of users on these networks continues to grow with 65 per cent of American adults using social networking sites (Perrin, 2015). Social implications Social networking tools provide an ease of communication that allows for increased interaction and audience engagement. Originality/value Many of the elements that make social networking platforms strong communication tools are now being used internally, allowing employees of these organizations and businesses to collaborate and connect with the same ease as with external audiences.

Students opinion about the success of mobile technology in libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 471-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Jawaharlal Nehru ◽  
Area Of Study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the students’ opinion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, regarding the use and success of mobile technology in the library environment for providing better services by library and their expectations from the library through mobile technology. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted through a well-structured and precise questionnaire circulated personally among 200 students studying in Jawaharlal Nehru University for the academic session 2012-2013. Findings – The majority of students are in favor of using mobile technology for better services, and it is expected by the students that services should be provided to them by libraries through mobile technology. Furthermore, the study also explores the students’ opinion on improved services using mobile technology. Research limitations/implications – The geographical area of study was confined to the students of the JNU, New Delhi, purely regarding their opinion on use and success of mobile technology by the library. The research results are limited to this environment only. Originality/value – The paper highlights the students’ opinion of JNU regarding the use of mobile technology by the library for better services, and further it also explores the expectations of students from the library through this technology.

Optimizing transparency for users in social networking sites

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Wauters ◽  
Verónica Donoso ◽  
Eva Lievens
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Cognitive Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This article aims to reflect on possible ways to optimise current ways to deliver information provision to make it more transparent to users. In particular, this article will refer to the benefits (and challenges) of using more user-centred approaches to inform users in a more transparent way. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper we analyse individual, as well as contextual factors (e.g. cognitive differences, time constraints, specific features of social networking sites [SNS] platforms) which may have an impact on the way users deal with Terms of Use, privacy policies and other types of information provision typically made available on SNS platforms. In addition, possible ways of improving current practices in the field are discussed. In particular, the benefits (and challenges) of a user-centred approach have been referred to when it comes to informing users in a way that is more meaningful to them. Finally, it is discussed how user-centred approaches can act as mechanisms to increase transparency in SNS environments and how (alternative) forms of regulation could benefit from such an approach. Findings – The authors believe that it is necessary to start focussing on users/consumers’ needs, expectations and values to develop visualisation tools that can help make law (more) meaningful to users/consumers by giving them a better insight into their rights and obligations and by guiding them in making truly informed decisions regarding their online choices and behaviour. Originality/value – By looking at different techniques such as visual design and the timing of information, the article contributes to the discussion on how people can be made more aware of legal documents and actually read them.

The possibilities and perils of academic social networking sites

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann E Williams ◽  
Melissa A. Woodacre
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Academic Social Networks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: the first aim is theoretical – to review extant literature on academic social networks, while considering current limitations and potential avenues for future research; the second objective is practical – to introduce an illustrative comparison guide that researchers can use to identify and distinguish between the functionalities of popular academic social networking sites (ASNSs), including Academia.edu, Mendeley.com, ResearchGate.net, Zotero.org, and Google Scholar. Design/methodology/approach – The review of research is descriptive and conceptual. Findings – The overarching outcomes of the review suggest that research on academic social networks falls into two primary arenas – promises (i.e. potential benefits to the academic community) and perils (i.e. reservations expressed by scholars). The authors recommend that a greater focus on the unique characteristics and utilities of specific sites and a more robust understanding of scholars’ use preferences and practices is warranted in future and ongoing research. Originality/value – This is the first review of ASNSs to provide comparative descriptions for scholars to utilize when making decisions about adoption, use, and research.

Social networking sites in the workplace: an imperative

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveenraj Xavier ◽  
J. Reeves Wesley
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature

Purpose This paper aims to lay a theoretical foundation favoring the use of social networking sites (SNS) in workplace and its implication on employee stress and well-being. Prescriptive policies are also formulated to control unintended negative consequences. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used an explorative design. Prescriptive data were drawn from extant literature, simple discussions with employees and employers. Discussions were centered on the consequences of SNS. Findings In recent years, SNS usage has skyrocketed and use in the workplace has been controversial. Use of SNS enables employees to communicate and connect not only with coworkers but also with family members and friends, and it also helps to minimize the stress and improve the well-being of employees. However, a comprehensive policy that controls negative consequences should be in place. Originality/value This paper sensitizes readers on the need for permitting SNS usage within a policy-controlled setting in organizations. It also throws light on social support, stress and well-being.

Role and users’ approach to social networking sites (SNSs): a study of universities of North India

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
K P Singh ◽  
Malkeet Singh Gill
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
North India ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Authentic Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and assess the awareness and extent of the use of social networking sites (SNSs) by the students and research scholars of universities of North India. Design/methodology/approach – The study is a questionnaire-based survey on the usage of SNSs among the students and research scholars of the universities of North India. The data of the study were collected through questionnaires, which were personally distributed to the identified population, i.e. undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research scholars, by the authors. The survey was based on a sample of 610 questionnaires; of which, 486 questionnaires were received, having a response rate of 79.67 per cent. Findings – The study showed that all the respondents were found to be aware of and making use of such applications in their academic affairs. It was revealed from the study that Facebook is the most popular SNS by all categories of respondents. To determine the purpose of SNSs, it emerged that SNSs are mostly used for entertainment and communication. The study also found that the majority of respondents were aware about the security aspects of SNSs. It signifies that excessive time consumption and fear of misusing personal information were the major hurdles in the way of accessing SNSs. Research limitations/implications – The study covers the students and research scholars of select universities of North India. It also signifies the use of SNSs in their research and academic environment. Originality/value – The paper provides reliable and authentic data. The study is worth, justifiable and enlightens the salient findings on the topic, which will be very useful for researchers in this area.

Using values to segment virtual consumers on social networking sites

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziz Madi
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Best Worst Scaling ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Although social networking sites (SNS) are providing marketers a lot of information, it is also providing consumers with the ability to present their virtual identities, limiting the benefit of such information. The purpose of this paper is to understand how marketers can segment virtual consumers. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature is first conducted. Followed by a survey method, data from 258 consumers were analyzed using a combination of scales including best-worst scaling. Classes and other demographics, behavioral and psychographic covariates were determined using latent-class analysis. Findings – Findings show there exist three different segments based on values: self-conservers, social entertainers, and achievers. The results show how SNS consumers differ in their motivation to use social media, even when there is similarity in the uses (virtual behaviors) of SNS. Research limitations/implications – Analyzing behavior of virtual consumers can be limited by the fact that they are presenting their virtual identity. Psychographic metrics should be the focus of future research when dealing with online consumers, values and motivations provide a better way as they are more consistent than the virtual behavior. Practical implications – Practitioners should look for more ways to integrate SNS segments with traditional segments, values-segmentation can aid in this. Additionally, practitioners should maximize the information access benefits of SNS by focussing also on underlying motives to certain behaviors on SNS. Originality/value – This research value is derived from the fact that it is the first to perform values-segmentation on SNS. The results show that it is reliable and necessary when segmenting consumers on SNS.

Toward a homogenization of academic social sites

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 812-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strong Increase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Virtual Spaces ◽  
Homogenization Process ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the distribution of profiles from academic social networking sites according to disciplines, academic statuses and gender, and detect possible biases with regard to the real staff distribution. In this way, it intends to know whether these academic places tend to become specialized sites or, on the contrary, there is a homogenization process. Design/methodology/approach To this purpose, the evolution of profiles of one organization (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) in three major academic social sites (Academia.edu, Google Scholar Citations and ResearchGate) through six quarterly samples since April 2014 to September 2015 are tracked. Findings Longitudinal results show important disciplinary biases but with strong increase of new profiles form different areas. They also suggest that these virtual spaces are gaining more stability and they tend toward a equilibrate environment. Originality/value This is the first longitudinal study of profiles from three major academic social networking sites and it allows to shed light on the future of these platforms’ populations.

Impact of students personality traits on social networking sites usage, benefits and risks

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamshad Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Ramzan ◽  
Arslan Sheikh ◽  
Asif Ali
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose This study aims to explore the personality traits (agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience and neuroticism) of the students. The differences among the personality traits of students toward social networking sites (SNS) usage, benefits and risks are also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach Two instruments including; BFI scale and self-structured instrument, were administered to collect data. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to determine the differences between the personality traits of students. Findings Results revealed that the majority of the students (298) possessed openness to experience, while only 12 possessed extraversion in their personality traits. Moreover, students possessing the extraversion trait use more SNS that impact negatively, while, students of the conscientiousness trait use SNS moderately that impact positively on their health, education and daily routine life. However, students of neuroticism are increasingly more users of SNS without considering the benefits or risks of SNS. Moreover, students having extraversion and conscientiousness traits can more judge the benefits and risks of SNS as compared to other personalities’ students. A significant difference was found among the personality traits of student’s use of SNS and risks while no difference was observed toward SNS benefits. Originality/value The findings of this study will help the students studying in different Pakistani universities/institutions to identify their personality traits and reduce the negative effects of SNS.

Fashion and social networking: a motivations framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 608-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Wu Nelson ◽  
Marguerite M. Moore ◽  
Kristen K. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Limited Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to add to the literature concerning potential motivations that drive social networking sites (SNS) for fashion-related behaviors among millennial consumers using a Uses and Gratifications (U&G) perspective. Four SNS platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter – were examined. Design/methodology/approach The study presents a mixed-methods approach to develop and test a motivations framework among millennial consumers that will lead to practical understanding of both the existence of and impact of different motivations for engaging in SNS. Findings Unique motivations appear to drive use of the four examined platforms. Results indicate that a broad set of common motivations for SNS use among millennial consumers who exhibit an interest in fashion can be determined. Further, the results indicate significant differences among motivations within the respective platform types. Lastly, the results reveal common factors among three or more SNS platforms: “Fashion,” “Connection,” “Following” and “Pictures.” The ‘Entertainment’ factor was common among two SNS platforms. Research limitations/implications Limitations of the study are the limited sample and SNS selection. A broader representation of the millennial consumer behaviors would provide a more comprehensive picture of the motivations for using SNS platforms. Practical implications The study provides useful information for fashion marketers and researchers who can benefit from an updated understanding of SNS behaviors. Originality/value The study provides a relevant contribution to SNS research as well as understanding of millennial consumers. Additionally, it adds contribution to the U&G theory concerning new media platforms. It also delivers a replicable research design for other SNS platforms.

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