Bridging the Gap with Social Media: Academic Library Innovation in ASMV University, Raichur

The ASMV University Library in Raichur, Karnataka, has been leveraging social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube to enhance service delivery, communication, and foster connections with students and faculty. A mixed-methods research study found that social media enhances the visibility of library resources, supports real-time information dissemination, and facilitates collaborative learning. It also bridges the digital divide in a semi-urban educational context, making academic support more accessible and responsive. The study emphasizes the importance of digital literacy among library professionals and users and calls for institutional policies that support continuous innovation. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations, including integrating social media strategies into library planning, developing targeted staff training programs, and establishing evaluation metrics to measure digital impact. These insights can be useful for other academic institutions implementing or refining their own social media initiatives in library services.