Use of WhatsApp in Libraries

Library and Information Centres provided information from ancient times  but were just the medium 

of conveying information has changed. The delivery process of information has changed. The 

application of Information Communication Technology has changed the services of Libraries. We 

Librarians should utilize new technology to make services more efficient. There is a necessity to change 

with time so librarians should update their services. Social media are emerging these days and so we 

should use these platforms to provide services to their users. WhatsApp is one of the platforms, used for 

instant messaging. It is very popular among the student community and so we need to use this platform 

so that the student community benefits from it.

There are lots of messaging platforms available worldwide such as WhatsApp, Line, Hike, Nimbuzz, 

WeChat, Facebook Messenger, IMO, and Telegram. These applications are being used by everybody for 

different purposes. The common purpose is that users use it for sending messages to anybody. But 

through this application, fake information is being sent and made viral. Librarians' work is to verify any 

information and then forward it. These applications can forward audio, video, documents, contact 

details, etc. Now users are more comfortable with mobile devices so they need information on their 

mobile. So Librarians should follow the trends.IBM Simon Personal Communicator was the first 

internet-enabled smartphones launched in the United States in 1993. Now almost all users are using 

smartphones so they can access these applications. WhatsApp launched in 2009 worldwide its services 

and in 2010 it was launched in India. Initially, it was used by common people but now Academicians 

and researchers are using it. Professionals have made groups and use them for discussion. Lots of 

Libraries and Librarian groups are available on WhatsApp and Telegram.

WhatsApp is the most popular and used Messenger service. It was developed by Brian Acton and Jan 

Koum. This service was sold to Facebook in February 2014. Now Facebook is the proud owner of this 

service and trying to make it better. It provides text, voice message,, as well as video calls.

It is mostly used on mobile but It can be used on computers. This application can be used in other 

platforms like Android, Apple, BlackBerry, and others. WhatsApp was launched in January  2015 for 

the Computer platform. It is easy to download from Playstore and activate by using a mobile number. 

Millions of people are using it.

Library Services which can be delivered on WhatsApp.

1. Current Awareness Service
2. Selective Dissemination of information
3..Reference Service
4. Ask Librarian
5. Acquisition Recommendation
6 . Discussion Forum
7. Library News
8. Document Searching
9 . Reminders and Notifications
10. Reprography Service
11. Multimedia Service
12 . Library Rules and Regulations
13 . Document Reservations
14  . Abstract services
15  . Feedback
16  . Webinars Group

WhatsApp and other social media platforms are user-friendly and services are provided very easily. Its 

instant messaging is the best thing and users need not wait for it. We Librarians are very enthusiastic 

and hope that it will prove to be a wonder for users who seek information on this platform. It is an 

outstanding application. Librarians should update themselves with applications on mobile which helps 

to reach the users. Librarians are professionals, who have to work 24/7 for their loyal users, especially 

researchers. Their needs should be given priority and try to give solutions in time and these applications save the time of users.