Utilization of Social Networking as Marketing  Tools for Information Services in Academic Libraries in Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Universities

Ahmed Albosaedi, Kheloud; Ben Nasser Al-Suqri, Mohammed; Ben Said Al-Kindi, Salim

	Utilization of Social Networking as Marketing Tools for Information Services in Academic Libraries in Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Universities
iraqi journal for information
Article 1, Volume 17, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 117-162
Authors
kheloud Ahmed Albosaedi; Mohammed ben Nasser Al-Suqri; Salim ben Said Al-Kindi
Abstract
This study aimed to recognize the reality of utilizing Social Networking as marketing tools for information services in the academic libraries, as well as the nature of activities that can be implemented through the use of those networks, and the services that can be developed under the development of the Internet, and how to activate their properties. The study adopted qualitative content analysis method and it has been applied on (26) academic libraries in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which use the most widely used social networks, namely Facebook and Twitter. The study result has assured the importance of social networking sites and their marketing ability as tools in various information institutions through which (30) activities and services for beneficiaries can be provided. This study has concluded a set of recommendations including providing training programs for workers in libraries to familiarize them with marketing activities and services that can be offered through social networks, and how to activate their characteristics.
Keywords
Arab Gulf Cooperation Council; Social Networking; Marketing of Information Services; Academic Libraries; Facebook; Twitter; Marketing Activities

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