A Systematic Review of Application of Social Media in Libraries

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a pivotal technological tool for libraries, enabling them to promote resources, services, and online offerings effectively. Many scholars and experts worldwide are trying hard and fast to explore the possibilities of an effective library social media presence. This paper systematically reviews 25 studies from the last six years (2018-2023) available in the area of social media application in libraries. PRISMA guidelines have been used to filter and select the most relevant literature to present a holistic and tangible view of the contemporary level of social media amalgamation in libraries. The chosen articles represent the numerous social media platforms available for libraries, the challenges in incorporating those platforms into monotonous services, and promotion and operative strategies to overcome those challenges. In the review, the library's social media practice revolves around three dimensions, i.e., communication, advertising, and services. Reference service is found to be the most preferred service through social media. Multiple factors, indicators, actions, and motivations have been found to strategize the libraries' social media incidence. This paper will provide a bird's eye view of the current status of library social media applications and help library professionals strategically select and utilize different social media platforms.