Proliferation of social media in academic libraries: use of WhatsApp as a platform for providing library services Available to Purchase

Aubrey Harvey Chaputula (PhD) obtained his Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from the University of Botswana in 2009 and PhD (Information Studies) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 2017. He has attained the rank of associate professor and is currently working as readers services librarian at Mzuzu University. He has also worked as an adjunct member of staff in the Department of Information Science at Mzuzu University. Dr Chaputula has served as reviewer for several journals under the Emerald and Sage Publications such as electronic library, library review, library high tech and information development. He also serves as postgraduate external examiner for the University of Cape Town and University of KwaZulu Natal. His research interests are in the fields of ICT applications in libraries, ICT4D, collection development and management, use of social media and mobile applications in libraries and disability and inclusiveness in libraries.

Hamis Abdullah is a senior library assistant responsible for reference and information services at Mzuzu University Library and Learning Resources Centre. He boasts of 19 years' experience of working in readers services section. He holds a Bachelor of Library and Information Science which he got in 2010 and currently pursuing Master of Library and Information Science at Mzuzu University. His research interests are in the fields of information for development, reference and information services, knowledge management, continuing education and libraries, information literacy and indigenous knowledge. Hamis Lack Abdullah is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Information Science at Mzuzu University and teaches courses in project management and information storage and retrieval.

Brave Mwale graduated with a Bachelor of Library and Information Science from Mzuzu University in 2019. Ever since, he has worked as an intern at Mzuzu University Library specially in the reference and technical services Sections. His research interests are in the fields of social media and information access, information security, information preservation and conservation and information systems.