Abstract

The study explores how social media platforms enhances library patronage in among tertiary institution in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. With the increasing reliance on digital communication, libraries are adopting social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouT determine the impact of social media usage on library patronage among library users in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The objectives are to; determine the impact of social media usage on library patronage among library users in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State, examine the impact of Social media platforms on students’ awareness and utilization of library resources in Bayelsa State, identify the challenges limiting effective use of social media in library operations in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The study investigates how these platforms are used to promote library services, disseminate information, engage users, and foster a reading culture. The population of the study is made up of Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Niger Delta University and Federal University Otueke. The study applied stratified, purposive and random sampling technique in conducting this research. A structured survey questionnaire was used to get respondence response on the questions asked, and these responses were analyzed using descriptive analysis such as percentage, mean, median and standard deviation, inferential tools such as correlation coefficient. The findings that social media usage enhances library patronage among tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. While the recommendation includes, that tertiary institutions should create and sustain lively social media platforms, institution libraries give their staff regular in social media management