Exploring the Use of Social Media Tools among LIS Research Scholars: Usage Patterns, ICT Skills, Research Skills, and Barriers

Abstract

The present study investigated the use of social media tools (SMTs) among the Library and Information Science (LIS) research scholars for research activities. The main aim of the study was to examine usage patterns, ICT skills, research skills and perceived barriers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 172 postgraduate (MPhil/PhD) LIS students enrolled in 11 Pakistani Public and Private sector universities using a quantitative convenience sampling technique. The results of the study show that the majority of LIS research scholars prefer to use SMTs to conduct research from home and the library was their second most preferred location. The respondents possess an adequate level of ICT skills. Moreover, participants indicated a moderate level of proficiency in research skills. Financial, cultural, health-related issues and a lack of control over content were the main barriers. Inferential tests (one-way ANOVAs and independent-samples t-tests) did not show any significant variation in SMTs’ usage by gender, university sector, level of study, mode of enrollment and age. Pearson's r correlations revealed positive relationships between SMTs’ usage, research skills, and ICT skills. To optimize the research potential of SMTs, the study suggests improved training in digital literacy and institutional assistance. This study also highlights the critical role of combining ICT and research skills with institutional support to maximize the effective use of SMTs in academic research.