Uso das ferramentas de redes sociais em bibliotecas universitárias: um estudo exploratório na unesp, unicamp e usp

Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the role of social networking sites in order to improve communication and quality of services and products delivered by academic libraries. The study focuses the concept of social networks and its specific connection with social networking sites. This is an exploratory research with quantitative and qualitative approaches. We submitted questionnaires and conducted interviews with libraries from public universities of São Paulo State – UNESP, UNICAMP and USP. The results show that the libraries are still experimenting with the social networking sites. We have observed that the tools can supply new forms of communication and dissemination of information, services and products for libraries, as well as facilitate new capacities for users, which may result in innovations and more value to the current library services. We have understood that the social networking sites are not only characterized as tool for communication and dissemination of information, but also a devise for participation, collaboration and interaction. Notwithstanding, all of these possibilities have seen few effective exploration by libraries, but we believe that social networks can promote a wide range of value added products and services delivered by libraries.