No abstract

PurposeLibraries worldwide, including Hong Kong, increasingly use social media tools to introduce and promote their services and resources to users. Instagram, in particular, is used to target younger users. This study investigates the effectiveness of Instagram in promoting library services and university students' perceptions of the value of Instagram as a learning support tool.Design/methodology/approachA major academic library in Hong Kong was chosen for this study. Library users' habits, perceptions, preferences, and views on Instagram's effectiveness as a learning support tool were compared in two age groups. The data were collected using a survey based on the 5E Instructional Model.FindingsDespite the significantly higher frequency of Instagram use by younger students, the results showed that Instagram was probably an ineffective promotion platform for either age group because of low user engagement, relatively neutral perception of Instagram as a learning support tool, and notably low user acceptance of Instagram as a promotional tool.Originality/valueStudies of student perspectives on various social media tools have increased; however, few have explored the use of Instagram, especially in Hong Kong or Asia. This study provides researchers and librarians with practical insights into current Instagram users' engagement, perceptions, and preferences and their view of its effectiveness as a learning support tool. The study also provides suggestions for improving the current situation.

Traditional services have had to adapt to keep up with changing dynamics in the digital age, including the digitalization of library services and moving them online, especially for overcoming COVID-19 limitations. Small special libraries aimed at reading promotion, in particular, remain at risk, especially those addressing the needs of young people and children. Furthermore, the growing generation now learns differently, with digital media dominating the education and library sectors. This study investigates Rolling Books, a non-profit reading promotion and educational performance-based small organization in Hong Kong, as a case study on moving reading promotion services for schools. The authors analyze the pros and cons of replacing its featured onsite reading promotion program “Clown Story Theater” with an online version using the 5E instructional model. Besides overcoming the limitation of COVID lockdown, the online program can leverage digital media and eBooks to foster digital and media literacy skills while promoting reading, storytelling, and story creation.

Academic libraries are experiencing significant changes and making efforts to deliver their service in the digital environment. Libraries are transforming from being places for reading to extensions of the classroom and learning spaces. Due to the globalized digital environment and intense competition, libraries are trying to improve their service quality through various evaluations. As reference service is crucial to users, this study explores user satisfaction towards the reference service through WhatsApp, a social media instant messenger, at a major university in Hong Kong and discusses the correlation between the satisfaction rating and three variables. Suggestions and recommendations are raised for future improvements. The study also sheds light on the usage of reference services through instant messaging in other academic libraries.