Online Social Networks as Correlate of Job Performance and Career Success among Librarians in Nigerian University Libraries

IntroductionLibrarians as information professionals are involved in the acquisition and processing of information, maintenance of information sources, services and systems and provision of information to end-users demands that they stay up- to-date on trends in the field, as well as participate in discussions of philosophies of service especially in an age heavily influenced by technological changes. Although some researchers such as Brzozwski (2009) and Gruber (2008) have associated work benefits with use of online social networks (OSNs), Hane (2008) and Gaudin (2009) express concern over their use by professionals especially as it affects their job performance.Job performance is a crucial issue for librarians in university libraries, as they are expected to assist libraries achieve their major objective which is the provision of information for members of the university community (Okere and Onuoha, 2010). The notion of connecting career success and job performance to OSNs is captured by the concept of social capital (Burt, 1982). Sparrowe, Liden, Wayne and Kraimer (2001) collaborate this view in their study, which found that the accumulation of knowledge and expertise for problem solving and the giving of future advice in social networks is positively related to individual job performance and career success.Meanwhile, the use of OSNs continues to grow among internet users in Nigeria and other parts of the world. NLA online forum, which is mainly based in Nigeria, for instance, witnesses the registration of new members almost on daily basis. According to Opera Press Releases (2010), individual users of Facebook grew more than 600% during 2009. Considering the current global interest in OSNs, there is need for an in-depth study of their role in job performance and career success.Statement of the ProblemThe use of websites for social networking is a popular internet activity engaged in by most internet users including librarians. However, arguments abound for and against the use of OSNs by professionals. Although the literature reveals that online social networking can lead to the creation of a network of colleagues with whom one can consult, share resources, etc., it also reveals that it could have negative consequences as it can also be used for non- work related purposes which could lead to neglect of official assignments.Despite these arguments, the literature suggests that the use of OSNs is on the increase and yet its relationship to the job performance and career success of librarians remains uncertain. Without proper understanding of how OSNs relate to job performance and career success, it is extremely difficult to ascertain their usefulness or otherwise to the professional life of librarians. It was against this background, that this study investigated the use of OSNs and its relationship to job performance and career success of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.Objectives of the StudyThe general objective of the study was to find out how online social networking relates to job performance and career success of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. In order to achieve the objective, the following research hypotheses were tested:There is no significant relationship between the use of specific online social networks (NLA online forum, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and the job performance of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.There is no significant relationship between the use of specific online social networks (NLA online forum, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and the career success of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.Scope of the StudyThis study covered only librarians in university libraries. This choice was based on the fact that they are the most advanced type of library in Nigeria. Although the study looks at the concept of online social networking generally, it focuses attention on specific use of four general and four professional OSNs (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Nigerian Library Association (NLA) online forum, American Library Association Online Discussion Forum (ALA Connect), Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) online forum and Library Networking Group (LNG). …