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A copy of a letter addressed 'to the right honourable Charles, Earle of Nottingham' is preserved in a manuscript collection in the library of Christ Church College, Oxford. (1) The [...]

Lists of academic publications to use or avoid must be based on transparent criteria. Lists of academic publications to use or avoid must be based on transparent criteria., Author Affiliations: Journal blacklists: show your working China is taking steps to crack down on predatory journals. [see PDF for image] Credit: Imaginechina/REX/Shutterstock A student in the Yunnan Normal University [...]

Creating workflows that involve the work of multiple departments within a large organization can be challenging, especially when the procedures are complex and involve a number of stakeholders. This paper describes and evaluates the redesign of an interdepartmental workflow for the dissemination of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) at a mid-sized academic library. The paper outlines the collaborative planning process within the library as well as the eventual outreach to additional stakeholders on campus, addressing the challenges of tackling such communication between the library and other ETD stakeholders. It then presents a detailed examination of the newly revised, semi-automated workflow, the revised student submission forms that resulted from inter-departmental communication, and lessons learned that may be valuable to other mid-sized academic libraries who may be considering similar projects. Keywords: electronic theses and dissertations, collaboration, institutional repository, workflow, Introduction Creating workflows that involve the work of multiple departments within a large organization can be challenging, especially when the procedures are complex and involve a number of stakeholders. This [...]

This paper present the LIS educations system of Deptt. of Library and Information Science, Delhi University and Deptt. Library and Information Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University. A comparative study of both of the universities has been elaborate in this paper. The curriculums of LIS courses have been evaluated based on the some latest terms and techniques. Based on the study observations have been laid down in this paper. Keywords: Delhi University; Deptt of Library and Information Science, IGNOU; Delhi Library Association, LIS Curriculum, LIS Education, BLiSc., MLISc., M.Phil., Ph.D, 1. INTRODUCTION Indian LIS education is about 106 years old, which was started in form of training programme for the staff of Imperial Library (now, National Library, Kolkata). It has [...]

Purpose: Electronic marketing of library resources and students patronage in University libraries of Akwa Ibom State was examined in this study. Five research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Design: Survey research design was employed in the study. The population of the study was two thousand and sixteen (2016) registered library users from four University libraries in Akwa Ibom State out of which six hundred and four (604) registered library users were sampled representing thirty percent (30) of the population. A structured questionnaire was developed and face validated by the researchers before being used to elicit information from the respondents. Four (4) of the questionnaires were invalid. Frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyse the research questions. Findings: University libraries in Akwa Ibom State were yet to effectively explore the opportunities presented by web 2.0 and other emerging technologies to market their information resources. Website, email and Facebook accounts are available in the library but they are not used for marketing of resources. Practical implications: The inability to explore the unlimited opportunities presented by these technologies in marketing of information resources adversely affects patronage. Several library users were unaware of the library's existing collections. Originality/value: The results and findings of this study were primarily derived and analysed by the authors. It is an exclusive study in the field of library and information science. The study will help inform management of University libraries in Akwa Ibom State of the need to capitalise on the prospects presented by electronic technologies to market their information resources for improved patronage. Keywords: E-marketing, Library resources, emerging tools, Instagram, Multimedia content Paper Type: Research Paper, 1. Introduction Academic libraries exist to provide specialized information services and resources to members of the academic community where it is situated. It is indeed the primary source of information [...]

Radical changes in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and changing context in Higher Education have placed academic libraries in Cameroon in crisis. Unprecedented changes in the information environment caused by ICTs has led to a digital revolution, causing academic libraries no choice but to move from one paradigm to another. Change and transition in this new dispensation is fundamental and irreversible. Consequence academic librarians are embracing new roles to satisfy the incessant changing needs of library patrons. This paper seeks to provide an understanding of academic libraries in Cameroon in the digital era. It takes up one of the critical issues concerning transition from traditional to digital as required in the digital information age. The paper discusses key paradigm shifts, major impetus of change, competencies for academic librarians, new roles and the way forward. The paper examines the situation of academic libraries in Cameroon, and establishes the urgent need for these libraries to accelerate transition to the new paradigm in order to remain relevant. This study is based on an in-depth review of literature and the author's experience, and personal points of view. Keywords: Academic libraries; librarians in the digital era; paradigm shift in academic libraries; skills and competencies; library transition; Cameroon., Introduction The Republic of Cameroon is a country located in Central Africa. It is usually referred to as Africa in miniature due to its great ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity [...]

This paper focuses on the application of ICTs in academic libraries as an emergent trend in academic library service delivery. It is strongly believed that libraries of the 21st century are experiencing changes in different areas of their services delivery. This paper, however, believes that this change is championed by the introduction of ICT in these libraries. Literature hold that ICT application in libraries is of utmost importance due to its numerous benefits. Among these benefits are; increase in effectiveness and efficiency of library services, reduction in time of information access, location and retrieval, saving of library's physical space, etc. Amidst its numerous benefits in library service delivery, some academic libraries are yet to fully apply these ICTs in their services. To some academic libraries where these ICTs are applied, there are numerous challenges facing its utilization. This paper seeks to uncover the service delivery impact of ICTs and the challenges facing the application of the ICTs in academic libraries. In conclusion, ICTs are vital components for library development as well as the promotion of library service delivery and this paper recommends its full application in academic libraries to enhance effective and efficient library services delivery. Keywords: Emergent, Trends, Library Services, and ICT, Introduction: It is gainsaying change is constant, as propounded by a famous Philosopher Heraclitus when he tried to find out what the universe is made up of and reducible to. [...]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the availability of various types of E-resources in the field of Economics on select library websites of Universities in Delhi. It highlights both the common and different types of E-resources available on three different library websites with special reference to Economics. The paper is primarily based on a content analysis conducted to explore the Library Websites/Subject Portal of the three select Universities in Delhi for finding out the availability of E-resources in the field of Economics. Keywords: Electronic resources, Economics, Content Analysis, Library Websites, Subject Portal Abbreviations: DU-University of Delhi, JNU-Jawaharlal Nehru University, JMI-Jamia Millia Islamia, E-resources-Electronic resources., 1. Introduction The library is seen as a source of training and guidance to a community of learners who are concerned with navigating the complexities of locating and using digital [...]

Higher education in the twenty-first century globally has been characterized and driven on business ethos. The institutions are faced with stiff competition in an attempt to increase their student enrolment, attract international students and faculty, pioneer centres of excellence, showcase outstanding research output, produce astute graduates and get listed in top ranking league tables. The paper therefore examined the effects of leveraging on value-added services to academic library users through competitive intelligence as a predictor of competitive advantage among tertiary institutions. It identified value-added personnel, collection, processing of materials and dissemination of information as constituting specific target selling points to be enriched with the concept. It however noted and x-rayed the concept of competitive intelligence as a critical precondition for achieving effective value-added service delivery in academic libraries. The paper concluded that robust collection coupled with technology-driven retrieval system as well as digital reference services would lead to greater user satisfaction and enhanced patronage of library services. It recommended among other factors the need to benchmark competitor institutions to gain competitive advantage over the market. Keywords: Value-added Service, Competitive Intelligence, Academic Library, Library Users,, Introduction Higher education providers all over the world are in a serious competition. This is predicated on the greater demand for access to tertiary education globally. Consequently, various nations are [...]

The paper analyses research output of the journal IJIDT using bibliometric approach for five years from 2011 to 2015. The journal publishes 259 research papers during the study period and published papers were examined and analyzed for distribution of articles, authorship pattern, the degree of collaboration, and geographical distribution of articles etc. Conclusions have been drawn from the analysis and found that two authorship patterns are prevalent with 0.63 Degree of Collaboration, India as the top most contributor of the articles for the journal and amongst foreign countries, Saudi Arabia is the highest contributor. Karnataka is the highest contributor amongst the Indian States and Union Territories. Journal Articles were found the most prevalent source of information for writing research papers and used as a citation. Calculated half-life of the journal citations found to be 8 years. Keywords: Bibliometrics, Research Output, DOAJ, Authorship Pattern, IJIDT, Open Access., 1. Introduction International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology (IJIDT) is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal published on behalf of Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala. IJIDT is registered under Directory of [...]

The paper deals with role of emotions in seeking and sharing of information in library of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University of Lucknow, which is Central University. The students and faculty members of the university are surveyed with the help of questionnaire. The various resources sued, problems faced in seeking information. And management of emotion in respect to information seeking is done in detailed way. The emotions are effected by information seeking is also analysed in the paper. The feelings of users like when they receive information, or when they receive information beyond their expectation, when they don't receive the information is also analysed and discussed. The management of anger and anxiety is also highlighted in the paper. Key Words: Information Seeking Behaviour, Emotion, Information Sharing, Emotions are important in many areas of marketing, as '...they influence information processing, mediate responses to persuasive appeals, measure the effects of marketing stimuli, initiate goal setting, enact goal-directed behaviours, [...]

This paper uses informetrics methods to explore the use of LibGuides to benchmark and select books at the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa. The books selected or recommended by librarians in all public university LibGuides were identified and compared with those of NWU Library and Information Services-Mafikeng Campus. A list of all books that were not available at the Campus but conform to the collection development policy of NWU Library and Information Services was sent to the relevant academic departments for selection. The books that were recommended for purchase by the departments were then ordered. This study reports the results of this exercise. The availability of the books at North-West University, extent of their usage, their users and the publishers are determined. Among the findings is that 60.6% of the titles have been checked out in the last six months or so. The check-out rate was 0.93 times per title. Books published by publishers that have a strong local content performed well in terms of check-out rates. Another finding was that undergraduate students were more likely to borrow the books than the other user groups. The results of this study will add to the growing body of literature on the impact of LibGuides in academic libraries. It will also provide a new perspective of how LibGuides are used as a collection development tool in the developing world. Keywords: LibGuides; collection development; collection management; acquisitions, circulation; research guides, 1. Introduction Collection development is one of the major tasks of academic librarianship (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2001). It involves painstaking processes of analysis and evaluation, benchmarking, [...]

This paper aims to analyse the solutions of the problems of university libraries of Lucknow which have been adopted by them. Using a questionnaire as a research tool for data collection, this study explores the several aspects of solutions to the problems faced by the targeted group. The study reveals that appointment of trained LIS professionals, updated technical infrastructure, clear policies for book selection, acquisition & technical section and circulation section are enhancing the quality of the services provided by them to the users. As a result, the university libraries of Lucknow are able to support the academic programs by providing their users quick & efficient service. It has also helped them in the fulfilment of the library mission and to achieve academic excellence. Keywords: Outcomes, Problems, Libraries, University, Lucknow., 1. Introduction University libraries may be regarded as the heart of modern institutions as they are the integral part of educational institutions. The quality of university libraries is judged by [...]

For optimum utilization of information materials & access to information, libraries have changed strategically and that is the aim of this paper to appraisal of the Synchrous and asynchrous techniques of marketing library services in two university libraries. Five specific objectives guided the study which was what are the library services for marketing, techniques use in marketing library services, the extent to which the techniques have improved the services, challenges & strategies to enhance the library service. Descriptive survey design, questionnaire was used for data collection & was distributed to 74 librarians in the two universities. Mean & tables were used to clarify the findings. It was found out that majority of the library services for marketing were online information services, library publication, reference services, current awareness services, selective dissemination of information, referral services, user education & indexing & abstracting services. In techniques used in marketing library services it was discovered that is mostly Synchrous means like instant messaging, chats, digital references services e.t.c. Asynchrous means like texts, emails, & face to face marketing strategies were seldomly use. On the challenges are lack of autonomy of libraries, lack of funds, poor internet access, power outage & so on. While some strategies were profound for the challenges like autonomy of libraries to run its affairs without fear or favor & interference with the parent institutions. Keywords: Marketing, University Administration, Synchrous & Asynchrous modes, Information Materials., INTRODUCTION Libraries are no longer the only information providers; they now have to compete for customers with the internet, bookshops, online book dealers and demand for more efficient services and [...]

This paper focusses on the Use of Web-Based Library Services in Mysore City Engineering Colleges. The study covers Web-Based Reference, Acquisition, Circulation, Cataloguing, Periodical Services, ILL/Document delivery services, problems in accessing Webbased library services by users of engineering college libraries of Mysuru city. We were also consulted to design the questionnaire. A well-designed questionnaire was an issue to engineering college's students in Mysuru city. Altogether 300 questionnaires were issued personally to users of engineering college's students of Mysuru city and 250 were collected with a response rate of 83.3%. Essential statistical techniques (SPSS) and methods will be used to examine the research data. The results given in table 7.8 reveal that (P Key Words: Web; Library Services; Engineering College Libraries, Mysore City; Karnataka; India., 1. Introduction: The traditional methods of offering library and information services have changed greatly in recent years because of the development and application of new technology, especially the Internet and [...]

Purpose: This study investigated knowledge and users' preferences of contemporary marketing strategies used in academic libraries. It is a user study innovation characterized by granting users' with the information appropriate for better library usage and their feedback to analyze how what is presented to them makes an impact towards their attainment of academic goals. Methodology: This study carried out in University of Calabar Library adopted survey research design on a population of 1804 registered users. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 600 undergraduate and postgraduate registered users. Accordingly, 600 copies of questionnaire were distributed in the reader services units, which comprised Social Sciences, Medical, Africana, Humanities, Law, Reference as well as Science and Technology/Annex Divisions of the library. Questionnaire was distributed with a condition that only registered users who use the library often (at least thrice a week) were eligible to respond. Only 428 usable copies were returned and these were analyzed for the study. Findings: Study revealed users' knowledge of marketing strategies in the following sequence Digital media marketing 423 (98.83%), Awareness services marketing 377 (88.08%) and Conducive environment marketing 224 (52.34%). The result of preferences showed Digital media marketing as most preferred with 421 (98.36%), Awareness services marketing had 398 (92.99%) respondents and Conducive environment marketing 204 (47.66%). On the challenges, two respondents (5&34) frankly indicated their lack of understanding for the term conducive environment. This has a great implication for the result altogether but other respondents revealed their challenges with regards to inappropriate time fixed for library use of e-library, epileptic power supply, low bandwidth, that causes the network to show while pages were unable to open and staff negative attitude. Suggestions were given to encourage the publications of local news and magazines, which would help to intimate users of issues relating to library use among others. Originality: This article offer valuable insight on the users' knowledge and preferences of contemporary marketing strategies in academic libraries. This indicate that, it is only when users' are given what they desire, that they could be said to be satisfied. Classification: Research paper Keywords: Information, librarians' empathy, Knowledge, users' preferences, Contemporary Librarianship, Marketing strategies, Academic libraries., INTRODUCTION Contemporary librarianship focuses on giving users' the needed information at the right time and place. This is because actual and potential users' of information are busy people who have [...]

National Law University, which are the premier institution for the law studies established in most of the states. The paper analysis about the issues like, Vice chancellor, teaching faculties, Library collections and the Librarians and content of the National Law Universities. Key Words: Law Universities, Library Collection, National Law University, Librarian., Introduction: The National Law universities, which are established by the state government Act and act as a premier institution in the state for the law education. The admissions are based [...]

The purpose of this study is to present University of Calabar statistics and functional areas using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The process of using a GIS is faceted and involves different methods of presentation. Being that University of Calabar Library has not yet been geo-mapped, author traced in-use statistics in the different divisions for a 3-years period especially to show that the library, in whatever format is useful for Information services. The summed in use statistics gave a total data for study in all the functional areas. Analysis was presented using three different types of GIS charts------ Lines with markers charts, Radar charts, and a 3-D 100% stacked column chart. The findings revealed that library use data can be represented using a GIS. In addition, when data is accurate, whatever GIS design used for presentation and visualization will be accurate, most times self-explanatory and easy to understand. There is little published research to date on the capabilities and applications of GIS in this area of the world. This research provides a practical application-base overview. The paper therefore recommends that library Management in collaboration with the parent institution should arrange for the training of librarians in GIS usage. This would be important to boost contemporary Librarianship in this aspect. Keywords: Information, GIS, In-use statistics, Functional areas, GIS-charts, University of Calabar Library., INTRODUCTION The train of modern librarianship is moving rapidly through libraries as recently, all types of libraries have become active users and providers of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) resources. Larsgaard [...]

Institution is to attain high level of productivity; efficient and effective leadership must be provided thereby enhancing the overall job performance of the entire personnel. This study therefore examined leadership styles as determinants of library personnel's job performance in public university libraries in North-Central Nigeria. The Paper adopted a survey research design of a survey method in order to objectively collect information from the respondents. The population for the study was 421 (140 librarians and 281 library officers and library assistants) in public universities in North Central states in Nigeria while, total enumeration was adopted for the selection of 421 research subjects used in this study. Data were collected using a self-developed, validated, pretested (Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient value of 0.801, and 0.750) and administered questionnaire titled 'Leadership Style and Job Performance Assessment Questionnaire (LSJPAQ)' which was designed through the extensive literature review. The results revealed that, democratic leadership style was most adopted or exhibited by librarians/library managers (average [bar.x] of 3.51) while, librarians/library managers do not exhibit or adopt the autocratic and laissez-faire styles of leadership (grand [bar.x] of 2.95 and 1.93 respectively) in public university libraries in North-Central Nigeria. The study also showed that the performance of library personnel in the studied universities in North-Central Nigeria was very good (grand [bar.x] of 3.24). Findings from the tested null hypotheses revealed that, there was a positive correlation between leadership style and library personnel job performance (r = 0.542, p < .05). Based on the findings observed, it was recommended that Librarians/library managers should employ a mixture of autocratic and democratic style of leadership in their library administration in order to enhance better job performance among library personnel; and the use of laissez-faire leadership style should be discouraged by librarians/library managers as it could not bring a better job performance among library personnel. Key words: Job Performance, Leadership Styles, Public University Libraries, Introduction The university is an institution regarded as one of the sources from where students in different disciplines acquire knowledge and skills for self-development. It is also regarded as the [...]

OPAC is an imperative device in the libraries to offer a moral support of the clients. Electronic Information access and recovery in numerous ways should be possible utilizing the OPAC administrations. The present study explores the Use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) at Sadakathullah Appa College (SAC) Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. This paper discusses various aspects of OPAC use such as frequency use, and satisfaction regarding use of OPAC etc., KEYWORDS: Electronic Information Access, OPAC, Online Public Access Catalogue, Internet Resources, Library Services, User Satisfaction., INTRODUCTION OPAC is an acronym for 'Online Public Access Catalogue'. It is an access tool and guide to the collection of resources in the library or libraries which provides bibliographic [...]

There is no gainsaying that academic libraries are a natural goldmine for the University community and for the general public as a whole. Extant literature has shown that academic libraries are source of enrichment for curriculum and research thus leading to academic productivity and global visibility of the parent institution. The realization of this fact has gone a long way in enhancing the status of academic libraries globally by changing the orientation of library clienteles and also correct the misconception in which they perceive the library as an antique, a reading place and has little or nothing to offer them. Thus, 21st-century academic library is now being viewed as an invaluable resource and a gold mine which is supposed to be harnessed and cherished by library clienteles. The paper, therefore, looks at academic libraries and how her roles have changed due to the technological innovation brought to fore by Social Media Technologies (SMT). An emerging technology which makes academic library pervasive, thus not constraint but time, means and location. The study also takes into cognizance how these technologies can be leveraged for clienteles in accessing the wealth of the priceless resources the library has to offer so as to improve the research output of staff, students and faculty members of these institutions. Keyword: Academic Library; Social Media Technologies; Library Services, Introduction The history of the library dates back to unknown antiquity, and its impact on human development in all spheres of human endeavour cannot be over accentuated. It has for [...]

Electronic resources are becoming an integral part of the modern education system, especially in higher education settings. Due to the need of medical professionals for high quality, authoritative, relevant, accurate and timely information, students studying in healthcare institutions need to know the various e-resources and the best suitable way to track and access them in order to support their learning and evidence-based medical practice. The present study has tried to assess and compare the awareness and usability level of medical students of two different colleges at Al-Jouf University in using the subscribed electronic resources. The main purpose was to determine students' knowledge and use of e-databases, and to identify the areas in which further training and research needed. A questionnaire, supplemented by an unstructured interview was used to collect data from 300 randomly selected undergraduate medical students. The study found that the awareness and utilization level of students related to available e-databases varied significantly especially when comparing individual colleges and databases. The overall knowledge and use of e-databases by medical students was much higher than the dental students and those who were aware of the existence of e-resources found using e-books' databases more than those containing journal publications and EBM. The overall low response from dental students and lack of e-resources useful to them, are very much evident from the study. The study also found that those dissatisfied with the subscribed e-resources tend to use general search engines and databases of other university in order to meet their information needs. The paper concludes that the medical students lack the necessary information literacy skills needed to meet their academic and research requirements. It is recommended that the medical librarians and faculty should come together and intensify their efforts through proper information literacy programs in order to educate students how to use these resources effectively. Keywords: Electronic Databases, Academic Libraries, Medical Students, Information Seeking Behavior, Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia, INTRODUCTION Students in Medical Sciences today need current and evidence-based information applicable to their problem-based learning (PBL) and clinical problems. Effective information searching and access to the most nascent and [...]

In this era of knowledge economy, a time where it is difficult to ignore any type of knowledge system, it is incumbent on librarians and libraries to reduce the gap between the use of indigenous knowledge owned by local people and the western scientific knowledge. The library for users is a democracy, and there is no reason it should enhance apartheid among knowledge systems and/or resources. LIS professionals all over the world have demonstrated commendable initiatives managing IK though not without attendant challenges. This paper reports the study of how libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria provide access to IK resources and the problems encountered managing them. The descriptive survey was employed. Data was collected using self-designed questionnaire for the project; and analysed using SPSS. It was found that IK resources were not adequately represented in libraries in Oyo State. The study discovered that special, academic and public libraries have differing means by which they provide access to IK resources. While special and academic libraries catalogue and organize their resources, have a separate section created for them within the library public libraries do not. Also, while public libraries network with institutions to share IK resources, special and academic libraries do not. It was moreover found that none of the libraries provide access to IK using public access database nor own a digital library for borderless access to IK resources. Librarians however encounter challenges managing IK. It is however recommended that libraries should up the game in providing access to IK resources. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous knowledge resources, Academic library, public library, Special library, Nigeria, 1.0 Introduction Ranasinghe (2008) defines Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as a corpus of knowledge belonging to a particular geographic area. It is also seen to contrast with knowledge generated within the [...]

The McGoogan Health Sciences Library at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) completed a 14-month renovation of two of its three levels, while its top-level remains under renovation. Besides standard library space for studying and collections, the library engaged with campus partners in bringing different services to the renovated library. The newly renovated space includes spaces managed by a range of faculty and student services, such as an E-Learning lab, simulation labs, Faculty Commons, Writing Center, Maker Studio, Reflection Rooms, and inclusion space. These spaces provide library users a suite of services for collaboration and consultation with the library serving as a central campus hub., Introduction The McGoogan Health Sciences Library at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) serves the information needs of University of Nebraska students, faculty, staff, licensed health professionals, and Nebraska [...]

This essay examines how collaboration is key to a successful scholarly partnership over an extended period. We firmly believe successful collaboration only works by trusting your colleague. Part of the balancing act of working on major projects and publications is deciding who will take the lead or take on the majority of the work, while the other person takes on a more supportive role. We share three successful ongoing projects (our information literacy assessment program, onboarding program, and inventory of the book collection with Agile methodologies) that could not have been completed without each other's knowledge and skills. Keywords: library collaboration; scholarly output; institutional research; academic library; emotional support, Introduction to Our Collaboration We started collaborating on projects at Goldey-Beacom College in 2015. Russell, currently the Director of the college's Library, Learning Center, & Archives, has a background in [...]

Since their inception in the health sciences field, systematic reviews have expanded into many other subject disciplines. To address this growing need, subject librarians at the University of Maryland Libraries collaborated on a pilot program in three phases to introduce researchers to the process of conducting systematic and scoping reviews. This article describes the design and development of a workshop series based on participant feedback. Assessment and evaluation techniques are shared to encourage further refinement of the systematic review service. Keywords: systematic reviews, research syntheses, librarian as a research partner, research services, expert searching, STEM libraries, participant feedback, participant-centered workshop design, social sciences, humanities, engineering, scientists, Introduction and Background Systematic reviews proliferated in the health and medical sciences in the late 1990s and recently have grown exponentially. (1,2,3) Requests for systematic review services have increased at [...]

This article describes a collaboration between Grinnell College's libraries and its Office of Development and Alumni Relations on an oral history project in which college alumni are interviewed about their experiences at the college. Such close collaborations between development offices and libraries are rare. This collaboration was successful due to the equal participation of all parties. Keywords: oral histories, institutional repository, accessibility, libraries, development, alumni, Introduction At Grinnell College, the libraries found themselves collaborating on an oral history project with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). DAR sought to engage with alumni and [...]

Introduction 'There are powerful reasons for librarians to explore how their academic libraries can better satisfy the needs of researchers in the new data-intensive research atmosphere.' (1) Conversations surrounding data [...]

The University of Saskatchewan's University Library has been partnering with its institution's Disability Services unit for almost twenty-five years to provide space and equipment for students with disabilities in some of its library locations. This partnership has grown from piloting a Kurzweil reader, to the development of multiple assistive technology and exam writing rooms, to the recent creation of a multi-purpose room. These library spaces complement spaces Disability Services has within its own office suite and reflect the growth in the number of students registered with them, a widening spectrum of disabilities, and a collaborative desire to make disability services and resources more accessible. A literature scan revealed a small number of articles about partnerships, many of which were in response to legislation. A survey directed at North American post-secondary institutions' Disability Services employees surfaced further information about partnerships, but did not reveal any common best practices. With the increase in the number of students with disabilities attending academic institutions and a changing landscape of what is defined as a disability, how and how well academic libraries and Disability Services units are partnering to respond to these changes appears to require further exploration and assessment. Keywords: academic libraries, disability services, partnerships, disabilities, students with disabilities, Introduction The University Library at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) consists of seven physical locations distributed across the main university campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. These libraries vary in size and [...]

In May 2017, the George A. Smathers Libraries (Libraries) at the University of Florida (UF) and Elsevier delivered the Phase I findings of a pilot project that aimed to maximize visibility, impact and dissemination of articles by UF researchers who have published in Elsevier journals. Beginning April 2016, the collaboration provided metadata with article links automatically delivered to UF's Institutional Repository, the IR@UF, in the IR@UF-Elsevier Collection. As of December 31, 2018, links to over 42,000 articles by UF authors published between 1949 and 2018 are available through integration of the IR@UF with the ScienceDirect application programming interfaces (APIs) that are freely available to libraries. Access to full-text articles on ScienceDirect written by UF authors is available for all UF institutional repository users who are affiliated with a ScienceDirect subscribing institution. Keywords: institutional repository, collaboration, innovation, access, Introduction In May 2017, the George A. Smathers Libraries ([Libraries] http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/) at the University of Florida ([UF] http://www.ufl.edu/) and Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com/) delivered Phase I of a pilot project intended to [...]

As with any shared format for serializing data, Primo's PNX records have limits on the types of data which they pass along from the source records and into the Primo tool. As a result of these limitations, PNX records do not currently have a provision for harvesting and transferring rights information about HathiTrust holdings that the Kansas State University (KSU) Library system indexes through Primo. This created a problem, since Primo was defaulting to indicate that all HathiTrust materials were available to KSU Libraries (K-State Libraries) patrons, when only a limited portion of them actually were. This disconnect was infuriating some library users, and creating difficulties for the public services librarians. There was a library-wide discussion about removing HathiTrust holdings from Primo altogether, but it was decided that such a solution was an overreaction. As a consequence, the library IT department began a crash program to attempt to find a solution to the problem. The result was an application called hathiGenius., INTRODUCTION Many information professionals will be aware of Primo, the web scale discovery tool provided by Ex Libris. Web scale discovery services are designed to provide indexing and searching User [...]

From 2003 - 2016, the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library maintained a custom ColdFusion database of databases. Motivated by a myriad of issues, a project working group set the goal of decommissioning the ColdFusion A-Z list and migrating to SpringShare LibGuides platform A-Z list feature. This article focuses on our A-Z list migration, highlighting the collaborative approach we took to curating our list of journal databases and operationalising and distributing this shared task across several teams within our library. This article describes our project and approach, lessons learned, recommendations and best practices, as well as future directions. Keywords: subscription databases, electronic resources, LibGuides, project management, collaboration, access, migration, Introduction Libraries are stewards of information, but more importantly, they strive to provide access to these information stores. In the pre-digital world, libraries had a single system, the trusty card [...]

The library world faces pressure to prove our worth or have some measurable impact. This situation has led to the growth of research trying to correlate libraries to improved academic [...]

On June 23rd, 2017, the Gender Justice League held its fifth annual Trans Pride event, an event that came to be because of the exclusion and under-representation of the trans [...]

Introduction In today's world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has taking over all sphere of human endearvour. Presently, most organizations employed the use of ICT to revolutionize their various activities [...]

The focus of academic libraries is to support teaching, learning and research in their immediate institutions. Academic libraries support research by providing research collections, services, data literacy training and research data management. This study examined academic libraries research support and the challenges associated with the utilisation of such services by researchers in Redeemer's University and the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency both in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to collect data from researchers in the two institution and findings revealed the research activities of the respondents and the varying levels of engagement in different types of research support services offered by academic libraries. Findings also revealed that the researchers moderately utilised these services. Recommendations were given based on the findings of the study. Keywords: Academic libraries, Library resources, Library services, Research support, Library usage., Introduction Universities are tertiary institutions established to conduct demand-driven researches; award degrees; generate and disseminate knowledge, skills and competencies at the highest educational level.; provide high-level human resources training, high-quality [...]

The study investigated Competency Requirements and Acquisition among Catalogers for Effective Application of Conventional and Online Complementary Cataloging in Nigerian University Libraries. There were five research questions that guided the work. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 168 librarians drawn from six university libraries, including the University of Ife, University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt and the University of Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire (CAACOCCQ) which was face validated by three experts. Cronbach's Alpha reliability test procedure was used to determine the degree of internal consistency of the questionnaire items. The result of the trial test showed that the overall internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.93. On the overall, 98.8 percent of the distributed copies of the questionnaire were correctly filled and returned and were used for discussions. Data obtained in the work were presented in tables and analyzed using percentages, means, and Standard deviations. The findings indicate that the catalogers required information management competence, proficiency with computer applications associated with cataloging and competence in the use of cataloging databases. They possessed very high competence in browser and search engine use, Internet navigation/web competence and data mining competence. The methods they required for competence acquisition and application were self-training and development and mentoring by colleagues in the profession, while the methods employed were mentoring by colleagues, self-training and development and formal education in library schools. The study concluded that libraries should make the complementary acquisition and application of conventional and online cataloging competencies easy for catalogers. Keywords: Competency, Acquisition, Application, Online Cataloging, Conventional Cataloging, University Libraries, INTRODUCTION University libraries are academic libraries, central to the universities' objective of promoting research and scholarship (Mole, 2010), and set up basically to satisfy the teaching, learning and research needs [...]

This work is focus on the use of mobile technology for the provision of reference services in Nigeria universities libraries. The Nigerian populace has overwhelmingly embraced the use of mobile technologies as an integral part of their everyday lives. As at 2015, Nigeria ranks 7th in the world list of mobile phone users and 1st in Africa. On the world list of internet users, Nigeria is also 7th with 86,436,611 internet users. Also, in a 2015 profiling of countries that love smart phones by e-marketers, Nigeria was ranked 17th in the world. The need for this study was prompted after observing that most categories of people in the University communities rely much on Mobile technologies such as smart phones, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players and tablets as some of the mobile devices used in academic libraries, to locate, retrieve, evaluate and use information and the need for librarians in the university libraries in Nigeria to assist these Information users with the use of mobile technologies to professionally meet their Information needs. This therefore raises a question of what could be done to assist these information users in these university communities. The study reveals that electricity failure; too many mobile devices to learn; lack of knowledge; slow speed of the internet; inadequate funds, staff and training opportunities in using mobile devices for marketing library and information products and services have been identified as some of the constraints to mobile information services delivery. Because of the mentioned problems, necessary measures should be taken as recommended by the researcher in the concluding part of this research work. Keywords: Mobile technology, Reference services and Universities., Introduction The survival of a university is dependent on teaching and research. The art of teaching and carrying out research, however, revolves around the creation and dissemination of knowledge. This [...]

The University for Development Studies operates a multi-campus system whereby its campuses are located in three different northern regions of Ghana. This system operated by the University makes it necessary to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided by library staff in each of the four campuses to establish the performance level of the library based on users' opinions or views. Using the survey approach, 312 registered users of the library were randomly selected to participate in the study. [chi square] [less than or equal to] 0.05 is also used in the study to test the existence of relationships among variables of interest. The following results were therefore identified in the study: Users indicated that they use the library daily as part of their day-to-day activities; They also revealed that library staff are very supportive whenever their assistance are sought. The study further indicated that there is a positive correlation between users' level of satisfaction and their opinions on the services of the library. Keywords: University for Development Studies library, multi-campus institution, users' perspectives, University for Development Studies, Ghana, library evaluation., Introduction Considering the pace at which the world is moving with the advent of information and communication technologies, libraries around the globe are left with no choice than to change [...]

The present study investigated about the management of collection in university libraries of Assam, in ICT environment. The study covered the main criteria like library organizational structures, collection development policy, document selection, supplier selection, book order, resource collection, licensing policy, technical processing, organization of resources, access to collection, library services, collection maintenance, user strength etc. data collected from the library professional. The study investigates and elaborates the primary way to learn about the collection management, collection development in accordance to today's information exploitation age of ICT. Findings and suggestions have been given to make the service more beneficial in the university libraries of Assam. Though the e-resources considered as the vital components of university library collection, till now some of the reputed university library not in a position to purchase the e-resources and though some of the university library have their e-collection till now that are not fully organized, it is due to various factors like insufficient funds, inadequate trained staff in handling computers and software packages, and administrative concerns etc. Automation has been initiated in all university libraries of Assam and they are enjoying the ICT in almost all aspects such as user, resources and staff management and services. It is important to evaluate whether the progress in ICT has any impact on the library profession in these highest educational institutions or not. The study carried out through questionnaire method for collection of data and supplemented by interviews of librarians to gather additional information required. Keywords: Management of Collection, collection management, University Libraries, Information and Communication Technologies, Assam., 1. Introduction: Library is the essential centre for any academic setting. Libraries supplement the instructional work of classrooms and carry forward the ideals of education thus real education can only [...]

Information and communication technology (ICT) use studies in libraries are often approached by generalising the ICT facilities without categorisation, however, not all ICT facilities are available, accessible and used in libraries. In the case of libraries where they are available, the dearth of literature exists as to the contribution of each category to the overall perceived benefits of the ICT to library services. Based on the categorisation by Gama (2007), this study was carried out to determine the influence of ICT facilities viz; computing facilities, film/tape-based facilities, reproduction facilities, telecommunication facilities and broadcasting facilities on perceived benefits to library services in the first generation universities in the southwest, Nigeria. A survey of correlational type was conducted using a total of enumeration of 107 staff in the study area. Data was collected through an adapted questionnaire and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was conducted to determine the correlation of each ICT facilities with perceived benefits to library service while multiple regression was conducted to determine the relative contribution of each independent measures to the dependent measure. The study found that only computing, broadcasting and telecommunication facilities influenced ICT benefits to library service, though all of the ICT facilities put together relatively contributed to the perceived benefits of ICT to library services. The study, therefore, recommended that film/tape-based facilities and reproduction facilities should be given the required attention by libraries in service delivery so as to better serve the library clients qualitatively., Introduction Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are tools that facilitate the production, transmission and processing of information (Nkanu and Nkebem, 2011). The authors categorised these tools to include computer facilities [...]

INTRODUCTION Academic libraries are saddled with the duty of supporting the goals and objectives of the parent institution which is teaching, learning and research. The library carries out this support [...]

This study was carried out to investigate the adoption of social networks media for reference services in academic libraries. Thus, the study discovered among others, the meaning of social networking media and the types of social networking media tools that can be applied in the reference section by the reference librarian for the provision of reference services in academic libraries. To achieve the objectives of this study, four (4) research questions were formulated. The study pointed out among others, that there are two major types of reference services which are: direct and indirect reference services and they are in use in academic libraries. The study also pointed out some vital Social networks media tools that can be used in the provision of reference services in meeting the needs of library users. It also discovered among others, the facilities such as computer, internet, webcam and cellphones that will enable the application of social networking media for the provision of reference services in academic libraries. The study outlined some problems that hinders the application of social networking media and they are: network bandwidth problem, lack of access to internet, unavailable power supply, lack of staff training and the problem of maintenance culture. The study concluded that the academic libraries especially the reference section should adopt the social media tools in the provision of reference services to library clientele in this era of technological explosion. Key Words: Social Media, Reference Services, Academic Library, Reference Librarian, Social Media Tools., There has been invention of new technologies to better the lives of mankind as well as organizations. At first, it was the invention of the printing technology which made it [...]

Technical services operations comprise of ordering, claiming and receipt of materials, cataloging and classification of materials; and serials control. Beside these, other technical services operations contain circulation, documents, foreign language and special collections, and bibliographic instruction in technical services areas. This leads me to believe that the distinction between technical services and public or reader services in individual libraries is based on custom and tradition arising out of incidental circumstances, rather than on fundamental principle. In this article, I tried to provide some basic aspect regarding technical processing which help in maintaining the library bitterly. In this article, I include basic aspect of acquisition, classification, cataloguing and information retrieval. Beside this I tried to focus on library management software which is most important for technical processing now a day. Keywords: Technical Processing, Acquisition, Classification, Cataloguing, Information Retrieval, Library Management Software., 1. Introduction Technical services operations comprise of ordering, claiming and receipt of materials, cataloging and classification of materials; and serials control. Beside these, other technical services operations contain circulation, documents, [...]

The purpose of this study is to examine the use and perception of E-Resources by the College Students in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The present study is descriptive survey method and covers 120 students were randomly selected. Data were collected using questionnaire. The questionnaire discusses their socio-demographic information, find out that Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS). The researcher has used MS Excel and MS Word to create and format tables required for the study. Therefore one fourth of the male and female students visit the library daily, 25% of the respondents spend 1-2 hours for using the college library per day, 55% of the respondents the gender-wise female respondents visit the college library, 37.6% of the respondents learn internet skills by trial & error method/ self-instruction, 33.33% of the married and unmarried respondents are highly satisfied of using college internet services, 35 (29%) respondents are highly satisfied with use of e-journals, 48.34% majority of the respondents search for the articles by keyword wise in the in college libraries, 26.67% of the rural and urban respondents time spend an hour for accessing e-resources, 29.2% of the respondents use Google for search information from internet, 48.33% majority of the respondents faced main problems for using E-resources is slow speed of systems. Keywords: e-resources, Internet, e-journals, library use, search methods, Time spent, Introduction: The last two decades have witnessed the development and growth of internet as offshoot of post second world war era. Use of the internet and its application such as [...]

This study aims at analyzing the use and impact of e-resources among the faculty members and students at Salem college of engineering and Technology for women, in Salem. A sample of 100 questionnaires was distributed to the faculty members on first come first get basis. In the same way, 150 questionnaires were given to the students was selected by random sampling method. The well structured questionnaire was distributed among the faculty and student to collect data on the availability of use of e-resources. The findings of the study (41 %) faculty members use Internet twice a week and (13%) faculty members browse Internet daily. (37%) student respondents surf Internet once a week, just (13%) student respondents use Internet once a month. around (50%) of the respondents use Internet at least once a week. (39 %) of faculty members and (48%) of students are highly satisfied with the availability and use of e-resources in the college library. While (50%) of the faculties and (28%) of the students are satisfied, (11%) of the faculty members and (24%) of the students are not satisfied with the availability and use of e-resources in the college library. Thus, majority of the faculty members and students are happy with the e-resources available in the college library. Keyword: E-resources, Features of E-resources, Internet services and Electronic resources, Benefits of Internet, Types of E-resources., Introduction Today world is changing quickly, all professional are ready to know more information about his areas in a minimum time. All the professionals need to do many things in [...]

This study investigated operational challenges of providing library services to long distance learners at higher education institutions in Uganda. The study adopted a survey research design, and the population was drawn from distance learners and librarians at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). Quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed, online Google Form questionnaires were sent to 50 distance learners and 5 library staff. A total of 33 and 4 filled questionnaires were received back from students and library staff respectively and registering a response rate of 74%. The study revealed that 75.8% of the student respondents were not satisfied with the library services and resources. 81.8% of the respondents were not easily accessing library services and resources and mentioned the challenge lack of login credentials for accessing e-resources; Lack of access to a library nearby with relevant textbooks and journals; poor Internet Connectivity; get assistance from library staff; Not trained to access online library resources; and Geographical isolation. The study recommended the following to the management of UMU library; the library should consider establishing distance learning desk at their main library to address distance learners information needs; coordinators for distance learning programs should collaborate and work together with librarians in planning for new students orientation program; libraries in Uganda whether academic, community or public should form collaborations and sign resource sharing agreements that allow their students to freely access any library resource or services from neighbouring libraries. KEYWORDS: Academic Libraries, Long Distance, Higher Education, Uganda, Introduction and background to the study The increasing demand for higher education by learners of varying ages world over led to the introduction of distance education (Mayende & Obura, 2013). [...]

The study investigated library services provision on academic performance of nursing undergraduates in selected universities in South West Nigeria. A proportionate random sampling technique used to select three hundred and four (304) nursing undergraduates in the three selected universities and the response rate was 82.24%. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire which was administered to the respondents. The data were analysed using simple percentage and frequency tables of SPSS. The finding shows that majority of the nursing undergraduates are frequent library users, they are aware of the availability of the library services provision and the services enabled them to perform well academically. Acquisition services have the positive influence on their academic performance. It was recommended that libraries should create more awareness of their services among students by embarking on more innovative and restructuring of those services; library should encourage students to ask library staff for assistance and use several library materials. Key words: Library services, academic performance, nursing undergraduates, selected universities, Introduction Libraries have an inherent obligation to provide information service to support the educational, recreational, personal and economic endeavours of their respective users, as appropriate to the libraries' individual missions, [...]

Information technology steered the proliferation of information resources in different formats, thus, making available a lot of information choices for the diverse needs of all types of users. To be able to obtain quality resources, the academic libraries play a crucial role in developing the information competencies of college students. This study examined the information literacy of college freshmen using a cognitive test. Scores were analyzed using mean scores, frequency, and percentage. Findings indicate that college freshmen have above average literacy in accessing information, and average in evaluating and using information. Based on these findings, some implications for information literacy programs are derived. These could be used by librarians as their basis in planning and designing information literacy programs that would further develop more advanced information competencies. Keywords: Academic libraries, College freshmen, Information literacy, Introduction Information technology has revolutionized the information world. It steered the proliferation of information resources in different formats, thus, making available a lot of information choices for the diverse needs [...]