Factors Influencing the Adoption of Social Networking Tools in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

The study examined the factors influencing the adoption of social networking tools in Federal University libraries in Nigeria. The descriptive survey used a quota sampling technique with a sample size of 414 academic librarians selected from the six zones of Nigeria. The questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analysing data collected. Statistical tools, including frequency tables and percentages, were used in displaying the results of the study. The study shows that social networking tools were adopted at various institutional libraries. The study found that Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instant Messaging, Twitter and LinkedIn were the most frequently used platforms, while Flickr, Slideshare and Wikis were the least known and used social networking tools across the various libraries. Comparatively, Facebook has the highest adoption rate and the most consistently used platform across all the institutions, while Wikis is generally underutilised in all the universities. Lack of institutional support, poor Internet infrastructure, and inadequate funding were the most pressing challenges. The study recommended, among others, that federal universities should share best practices and encourage peer learning among librarians to promote more balanced and uniform usage of social networking tools.