English abstract
SSM has been used as an interpretive approach to achieve the primary aim of this study,
which is to extract the real world complexity and evolve the use of social networks and
thereby to realize the main target of improving the use of social networks in accordance
with the original problematical situation. Seven academic libraries were involved in this
study: Sultan Qaboos University main library, Nizwa University library, Middle East College
library, Ibri Applied Science College library, Sohar Applied Science College library, Muscat
Higher Technical College library, and Nizwa Technical College library. 53 participants were
involved in characterizing their situation in face-to face individual interviews in order to
obtain understating of the complexity of implementation of social networks in OALs.
The findings revealed that implementation of social networks in OALs was problematical
due to lack of use of social networks activities in OALs. Currently, two out of seven
libraries use Facebook, and only one library uses Twitter. Meanwhile, the library of Sultan
Qaboos University is starting to apply the YouTube channel and Instagram on its Beta web
site. The results also revealed factors that were delaying adoption of social networks in
Cybrarians Journal Issue 53, March 2019
OALs. The internal factors identified include lack of awareness and training, lack of
communication between academic libraries and library staff and IT staff, and lack of
employees in libraries. Meanwhile, there were external factors related to lack of policy and
regulations and weakness and low speed of the internet and factors related to
sustainability and data conservation.
Interestingly, the findings of this study acknowledge social networks could enhance
academic libraries in such fields as: giving the library an identity, promoting library
information services, marketing library services, providing current awareness services,
providing new acquisitions and communicating with library users and other libraries.
Therefore, it was concluded that academic libraries should educate librarians and users
regarding the use of social networks in library services, as well as formulate a policy and
laws to use these applications in Omani academic libraries
Then, the results of finding out about the problematical situation were used to develop
conceptual models and two group interviews were conducted for the purpose of discussing
conceptual activities which were suggested for improving the situation and identifying
systems that are systemically desirable and culturally feasible. A workshop was then
implemented for the purpose of applying awareness raising and training systems,
enhancing communication among OALs, and training library staff on how to develop
strategic plans and action plans towards the implementation of social networks in their
libraries. The processes of this study were designed to contribute to changing the
structure, attitude and procedure of the OALs in regard to the use social networks in these
libraries. This study would likewise contribute in the field of using SSM in the implantation
of social networks in academic libraries.
