Social Media Marketing: Determining and Comparing View of Public Library Directors and Users

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aims to determine and compare the views of directors and users of public libraries on the use of social media for the marketing of library services. Methodology: Data collection was done through two researcher-made questionnaires, one from the viewpoints of directors and one investigating the views of users. The questionnaires’ validity was done by four libraries and Information Science professionals, and the reliability was determined by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The statistical population of this research is made up of all directors and users of 12 public libraries of the city of Isfahan, one of the largest cities in Iran. Findings: In users’ viewpoints, the “interaction capability” is the most important feature that social media marketing can have in libraries. From the viewpoints of the directors, “creating a true picture of the role of the library” and “informing users about library services” are among the most important reasons for the marketing of libraries in the social media. From the perspective of both groups, the Telegram is the most appropriate medium for the marketing of library services. Results: To maintain their customers and their market position, libraries need to use more exciting tools such as social media for marketing. Library directors of this study emphasized on this fact and 79.1% of users expressed interest in receiving library information through social media. Value: The findings of this study would help the library directors to better decide on the marketing of their library services in social media. Type of the study: Scientific-Research. ©, Published with license by Taylor & Francis. © Mitra Pashootanizadeh and Zahra Rafie. ©, © Mitra Pashootanizadeh and Zahra Rafie.