Librarians’ Use of Online Social Networks in Nigeria Uloma Doris Onuoha & Rosaline Oluremi Opeke Presented at the 32nd Annual Conference of the American Library Association held at Chicago from June 27-July 2, 2013 Introduction Presentation of findings Reasons for non – use of OSNs Conclusion and recommendations Among the 40.54% who do not use any online social network, reasons for not using are: Although the use of OSNs cuts across different age groups and professions, it is of particular interest to librarians because their work as information professionals demands an in-depth understanding of information technologies. Based on the findings, the study recommends that: Supervisors understand the implication of inhibiting subordinates’ use of OSNs, while subordinates need to be trained on appropriate use in order to avoid work conflict. Library managers can also come up with policies to guide the proper use of OSNs as this would help to ensure appropriate use. On issues pertaining to worries about privacy and lack of training in the use of computers, librarians should take up challenge to develop themselves in those areas. Considering the work related information obtained from most of these OSNs, it is recommended that librarians who do not use them begin to do so in order to reap the associated benefits. A search of Librarians on Facebook groups by Martine (2008) actually affirmed that librarians constitute the three largest groups on Facebook. While this search includes librarians from all over the world, studies by Ezeani (2010) and Olasina (2011) confirm that librarians in Nigeria are visible on online social networks (OSNs). In order to find out the reasons for use and non – use of online social networks, respondents were first asked to indicate if they use online social networks. Reasons for non – use of OSNs Frequency Percentage My supervisor does not allow the use of those networks during office hours 38 36.19 Discouragement due to erratic power supply 34 32.38 Worried about privacy issues 31 29.52 Consider it a waste of time 26 24.76 Don’t know about online social networks 23 21.90 Don’t have access to the internet 20 19.05 I do not have formal training in the use of computers 16 15.24 Objectives of the study Predominant reasons for use of specific OSNs Investigate the predominant reasons for use of specific OSNs Examine possible reasons for non-use of OSNs Determine the level of use associated with each OSN under study Ascertain the OSN from which librarians iln university libraries in Nigeria obtain more work related information Reasons NLA Online forum Facebook LinkedIn ALA Connect LNG CILIP Twitter MySpace Locating experts within the library profession × Finding solutions to work problems Finding people to collaboration with Acquiring new ideas for research Publicising library events Getting current information on the library profession Socialising with friends Getting updates from family members interacting with library users Exchanging photographs Level of use associated with specific OSNs References Methodology Survey research design Population size: 1,137 Sample size: 317 Data collection instrument: Questionnaire Method of data analysis: Frequency & percentage count Ezeani, C. N. (2010). Network literacy skills of academic librarians for effective services delivery: the case of university of Nigeria library system. Proceedings of second professional summit on Information Science and Technology (PSIST) 3rd-7th May at the Nnamdi Azikiwe New Library Complex, University of Nigeria Nsukka 56-66  Martine, C. (2008) Facebook for professionals. Information Today Vol. 25(4):1&48  Olasina, G. (2011). The use of Web 2.0 tools and social networking sites by librarians, information professionals, and other professionals in workplaces in Nigeria. Retrieved June 12, 2011 from http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/PNLA%20Quarterly/olasina75-3.htm Online social networking site with more work related information Contact information Out of the 317 copies of the questionnaire sent out, 259 were retrieved. ud_onu@yahoo.com