PROMOTING THE USE OF LIBRARY SERVICES: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS IN SOME GHANAIAN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The study examines marketing practices in some selected academic libraries in Ghana which include; Sunyani, Tamale and Accra technical university libraries. The study relied on both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Two hundred and eighty-four (284) students and twenty (20) professional library staff of these universities were studied. The data collected through questionnaire was analyzed with the use of SPSS whiles that of the interviews were recorded, transcribed and interpreted. The findings of the study revealed that the techniques and tools used by these universities were found to be inadequate and social media tools were highly not considered. Inadequate facilities, lack of funds, lack of staff and knowledge of staff in marketing and lack of marketing policies were identified as major challenges faced by the selected libraries in promoting the use of their services. Some recommendations were however suggested and include; advocate for more facilities and funds for marketing, increase number of staff and skills in marketing and develop best marketing policies, tools and techniques for effective promotion activities in their libraries. The study shall be useful to academic libraries and more especially to TUs in terms of policy formulation such as informing library management of the challenges facing their libraries in carrying out promotional activities in their libraries.