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This paper focuses on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic library operations. In the quest to render fast, effective and efficient services, academic libraries have adopted different technologies in the past. Artificial intelligence technologies is the latest among the technologies currently being introduced in libraries. The technology which is considered an intelligent system, come in the form of robots and expert systems which have natural language processing, machine learning and pattern recognition capabilities. This paper examined the features of AI, the application of AI to library operations, examples of academic libraries with AI technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for AI in libraries and the challenges associated with the adoption of AI in libraries. The study concluded that AI holds a lot of prospects for the improvement of information services delivery in African academic libraries. Consequently, its adoption is a sinequanon to delivering robust library services in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, which seeks to investigate ICT-related training and support programmes for information professionals, becomes essential due to multifarious tasks that require adequate ICT skills, knowledge and application in a dynamic context to function better. This paper adopted the quantitative research approach. The quantitative approach was survey, using a questionnaire to collect data from respondents in selected university libraries in Africa. Findings revealed that ICT-related training and support programmes offered to information professionals helped to improve current practices of library operations and service delivery to users. Re-skilling becomes significant due to the existing phenomenon of pedagogical learning, thus leading to the creation and harvesting of knowledge among information professionals. The exposure, experience, knowledge and skills acquired serve as defence for information professionals in the application and use of ICT-related tools of hardware and software, irrespective of the context. Embracing continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills to navigate and sustain dynamism in the work place becomes a necessity.

Information Literacy (IL) is recognized around the world as an essential skill for the information society. The aim of the paper is to examine the various information literacy practices in university libraries in Africa, to identify the barriers facing IL programmes in Africa, and to provide suggestions on how best to improve IL practices. A survey of five leading university libraries in Africa showed them mainly practicing IL training by means such as library tours/orientation sessions, introductory information skills classes, and teaching advanced information skills (e.g. database searching). There are, however, many barriers: a lack of interest by students, professors, and library management; inadequate human resources to teach IL; lack of facilities; low use of distance education for teaching IL, and an absence of IL policies. This column argues that university authorities in Africa and other developing countries must see the need to provide the necessary facilities such as: computers with Internet connectivity in university libraries, regular power supply, training for librarians on IT, and most of all, librarians should collaborate with other stakeholders in their institutions to ensure IL policy formulation and implementation in their institutions. (Contains 6 tables.)

Because information and documentation units in libraries have responsibility for an ever-increasing number of projects, this paper aims at analyzing the discipline of project management in library and information science (LIS) from a professional perspective. To that end, the researchers employed quantitative and qualitative methodology based on a questionnaire of 17 items sent to academic librarians. The questions dealt with the geographic origin and institutional affiliation of the respondents, the education of the librarians, their professional experience, and the library projects in which they have been involved. The survey also asked about the presence of project management as courses in library and information science studies.

Information technology has influenced scholarly communication and how higher education institutions assess research impact. This has extended the role that the academic library plays in supporting researchers in the research life cycle. These global trends have impacted academic libraries in Africa too, albeit to different extents. This paper reports from the literature and empirical findings of a single aspect of a wider study on research impact assessment that enquired into best practices for assessing research impact in higher education institutions in Africa and the evolving role of academic libraries in support of research impact assessment. The paper draws from a qualitative aspect of the wider mixed-methods study informed by research impact theory, and specifically findings from semistructured interviews with relevant stakeholders such as academic librarians, university research office personnel, and African research council managers. The paper concludes that librarians traditionally have been well placed to play a pivotal role in research impact assessment due to their professional competencies. Academic libraries will continue to evolve and in doing so play a significant role in the research life cycle of higher education knowledge systems. African academic libraries need to contextualize research impact assessment such that it speaks to the research needs of African contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, academic libraries in developing nations are experiencing significant reductions in budget allocations due to budget cuts, inflation and recession. As a result, academic libraries quest for additional revenue-generating activities to raise funds beyond the limited government funding. This paper explores editing service as a possible means of revenue generation in academic libraries in SubSahara Africa. In addition, this research discloses the marketing strategies for promoting editing services in academic libraries. In conclusion, emphasis was laid on the need for academic libraries to set up editing service unit to supplement other revenue streams and to frequently display unique marketing strategies in advertising and promoting editing services of the library to enhance its benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the challenges that libraries in Africa face in responding to massification of higher education by discussing the University of Zambia library's response in library and information resources provision. As a result of massification of higher education, libraries have been forced not only to employ new and different strategies to meet the increased demand for information resources but also to balance the increased demand for services with dwindling human and financial resources. In doing so, the library's response to massification needs to take cognizance of the different levels of information literacy skills in order to afford every student an equitable opportunity to effectively use the information resources available.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in Africa. An online questionnaire and institutional repository site investigation methods were used to collect data from 134 university libraries in English-speaking countries in Africa. The study finds that there is an increasing wave of development of institutional repositories in English-speaking countries in Africa. The majority of the institutional repositories contain high numbers of theses and dissertations, followed by journal articles and conference and workshop papers. The challenges that are identified include inadequate facilities, unstable Internet connectivity, a lack of funds, an irregular power supply, collecting material for institutional repositories, a lack of skilled information and communications technology personnel, copyright issues and an absence of institutional repository policies. The results from the study provide important data and insight into the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in the context of developing countries, and offer suggestions for university librarians and management teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a Sub-Saharan African academic Librarian's experience in trying to address the changing needs and practices of university library users. Special reference is made to Makerere University Library. Most of the changes have been brought about by the various paradigm shifts in teaching, learning and research, as well as advances in information systems and services resulting from developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Achievements and challenges are highlighted.

Reports on the First African and African-American International Federation of Library Associations Pre-Conference Seminar, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 1984. Papers and issues highlighted cover publishing and ethnic collections, combatting racism, children's services, school libraries, public library services, academic libraries, information technology, and African librarianship awards. (EJS)

Discusses the oral tradition of Africa as history, as literature, and as an ongoing characteristic of African culture. It is argued that libraries should accommodate this tradition by actively gathering oral history and by providing community services based on oral, rather than written, materials. (Nine references) (CLB)

This paper, which seeks to investigate ICT-related training and support programmes for information professionals, becomes essential due to multifarious tasks that require adequate ICT skills, knowledge and application in a dynamic context to function better. This paper adopted the quantitative research approach. The quantitative approach was survey, using a questionnaire to collect data from respondents in selected university libraries in Africa. Findings revealed that ICT-related training and support programmes offered to information professionals helped to improve current practices of library operations and service delivery to users. Re-skilling becomes significant due to the existing phenomenon of pedagogical learning, thus leading to the creation and harvesting of knowledge among information professionals. The exposure, experience, knowledge and skills acquired serve as defence for information professionals in the application and use of ICT-related tools of hardware and software, irrespective of the context. Embracing continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills to navigate and sustain dynamism in the work place becomes a necessity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of adoption of artificial intelligence(AI) to support library services delivery in university libraries in Africa. Qualitative research method was adopted to collect data. A preliminary survey of 102 university libraries in English speaking countries in Africa was conducted to identify the university libraries that have adopted AI in their libraries. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses. The study found that the only few university libraries in Africa have adopted AI technologies such as Chatbot, ChatGPT, LibKey from ThirdIron, robots, RFID technology and Grammarly. These AI technologies are used to render different library services like answering of directional and ready reference questions posed by library users, serving as a knowledge base for cataloguing information of library materials, self-check-out machine for books, used as a marketing tool for the library, tool for statistics evaluation and recommendations, assisting in the charging and discharging of library materials, etc. Lack of funds to acquire the AI tools, training of librarians, and lack of full knowledge of AI were the most mentioned challenges associated with adoption of AI in the libraries. The study recommended a formulation of policy to guide the adoption of new technologies such as AI, and training and re-training of librarians through workshops equip librarians with skills needed to effectively use the AI technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of libraries in preparing students to thrive during their studies and innovate after university is growing in importance. Information is more easily accessible through digital channels and is increasingly abundant. Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) adds to this reality and increases the need for digitally driven information literacy skills. This paper aims to guide librarians by discussing the digitalization of information creation, retrieval, and use. It recommends the training of both digital and information literacy for students. Librarians are called upon to provide clear guidelines to their universities to steer the use of generative AI. The implications of digital information sources and generative AI are discussed with the role of librarians in context. Information literacy and digital literacy are related. Academic libraries should include digital topics in information literacy training. Information literacy should be trained at the start of university education and before students begin dissertation writing. University libraries should propose guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence tools by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess digital literacy skills possessed by library and information professionals working in university libraries in Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Online questionnaire was developed to collect data from 214 librarians working in various university libraries in English-speaking countries in Africa. Findings: The study found that librarians working in university libraries in Africa rated their database search skills, uploading documents to online platforms, skills in using different social media, sending and receiving e-mails skill, digital library development skills, skills in applying new technologies into library services, ability to create different file formats and ability to use open source software as very high. While, metadata development skills, and library website development skills were rated to be moderate and low. Overall, the librarians rated their level of digital literacy skills possessed to be moderate, and differences emerged between librarians in Nigeria and South Africa with regard to digital literacy skills possessed. Practical implications: This study attempts to identify skills that are central to librarians working in university libraries. The study will be useful for trainers who want to arrange training for academic librarians in Africa and other developing countries. For some library schools, it may help them to review their curriculum in accordance with the required skills and competencies for academic librarians in the market. Originality/value: Findings will be helpful to explore the skills and competencies needed by information professionals and to act as a guideline for competency development and curriculum update in library schools in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small-scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM. Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers. Research limitations/implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in-depth knowledge related to KM. Practical implications – This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs. Originality/value – Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent and nature of the digital divide as it applies in a developing Arab country. Design/methodology/approach – The method used is an innovative form of document availability test developed to measure the extent of the digital divide between a service offered by a university library in a developed (Western) tertiary education system (Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia) and one offered by a university library in a developing Arab country (Yarmouk University, Jordan). The method tests differences in capacity to deliver content according to format (digital or print) and tests for differences in digital access to both "international" and "local" content experienced by users of the two libraries. Findings – The findings indicate the existence of a digital divide, but also suggest that the availability of digital content has helped overcome the substantial scholarly information divide. Research limitations/implications – The research has implications for academic libraries in developing Arab countries as they attempt to redress the effects of the digital divide. Originality/value – The paper uses an innovative methodology for measuring the digital divide, and represents the first attempt to quantify the effects of the digital divide as it impacts upon the users of an academic library in a developing Arab country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non-traditional methods of providing funding for them. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades. Findings - The paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them. Originality/value - As a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income-generating activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If taking knowledge and training to the maginalised, isolated, underprivileged and the unreachable is the goal of distance education, then Africa is qualified to be the home of distance education. The paper talks about the inadequacy of education inherited in the continent at independence, and the yearning of various governments to improve educationally the lot of people, which gave birth to the obvious option of distance learning. Unfortunately the economic downturn affected proper funding of education and provision of resources including provision of library facilities. The corollary of this is that except for a handful of university libraries, library support service to distance learners is almost non-existent. The scenario is painted of the practice in some universities where a distance learning mode is adopted. The paper concludes with some suggestions on what could be done to alleviate the agony of distance learners in the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-first century academic libraries worldwide have fundamentally transformed in the past two decades. Most traditional library services have been transformed to e-library services. Some of the notable major developments in the academic libraries include online scholarly communication, mobile technologies, social mediation application, digital curation and preservation. To fit into this new information landscape, academic librarians have assumed new roles. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the recent trends in academic libraries, changing roles and skills of academic librarians and discuss the challenges faced by librarians in academic libraries in Africa. The paper also offers recommendations to overcome some of the challenges. This paper is based on desktop review of relevant literature and the authors' views. The findings reveal the major challenges in academic libraries in Africa as: chronic financial constraints and inadequate basic infrastructure, insufficient ICT infrastructure, poor library and information science curricula, slow acceptance of open access resources, resistance to change, and difficulty in the importation of books and journals. It is hoped that the findings of this study would help policy makers, administrators and other key stakeholders to develop effective strategies to address them. In addition, the findings are significant to academic libraries and librarians that are planning to transform to modem academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a detailed discussion of a large-scale library reference evaluation study conducted at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana. The study seeks to evaluate the reference service from the user perspective, focusing on how users use and perceive the service. Design/methodology/approach – Self-administered survey was used as the data collection instrument. One thousand questionnaires were distributed to library users in a three-week period, and the response rate was 63.7 per cent. Findings – The reference service had a high non-use rate of 42.6 per cent, which was primarily attributed to library users’ self-sufficiency and lack of awareness of the service. The top three motivations for library users to use the reference service were class assignments, personal interests and using library facilities. Although their overall altitude was positive, users felt that reference librarians were more successful at exhibiting customer service qualities than performing tasks related to identifying users’ information needs and searching/locating relevant information to fulfill the needs. Practical implications – The knowledge gained from this study will deepen the understanding of how the reference service is utilised and perceived by library users and offer insights on how to enhance the services to optimise the user experience. Originality/value – This study yields an enriched view of reference service provision in the African context. Its findings will help other academic libraries in Africa successfully plan and implement their own reference evaluation efforts and ultimately encourage more evidence-based library practices in the developing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information Literacy (IL) is recognized around the world as an essential skill for the information society. The aim of the paper is to examine the various information literacy practices in university libraries in Africa, to identify the barriers facing IL programmes in Africa, and to provide suggestions on how best to improve IL practices. A survey of five leading university libraries in Africa showed them mainly practicing IL training by means such as library tours/orientation sessions, introductory information skills classes, and teaching advanced information skills (e.g. database searching). There are, however, many barriers: a lack of interest by students, professors, and library management; inadequate human resources to teach IL; lack of facilities; low use of distance education for teaching IL, and an absence of IL policies. This column argues that university authorities in Africa and other developing countries must see the need to provide the necessary facilities such as: computers with Internet connectivity in university libraries, regular power supply, training for librarians on IT, and most of all, librarians should collaborate with other stakeholders in their institutions to ensure IL policy formulation and implementation in their institutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to help librarians interested in developing a basic understanding of Sub-Saharan African cinema and increase awareness of the resources available when building a collection of sub-Saharan African films for their library. A general review is provided to help become familiar with the history and nature of the four regions discussed. Design/methodology/approach - A collection development project to expand a mid-sized university's collection of sub-Saharan African films is discussed. Includes brief historical information and core titles, selected for their historical role and/or ease of purchase. Findings - A list of core films is recommended for academic and public libraries representing four geographic regions of sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, West Africa, and East Africa. Research limitations/implications - Unfortunately, many of the titles referenced in academic literature and winners of African film awards are not available for purchase outside of Africa, making it impossible to accomplish our goal of collecting a core list as intended. Practical implications - The paper increases awareness of African cinema and value inclusion in library collections. Originality/value - While there are general articles on the topic of African cinema, there are no recent articles on the topic of collecting African films for libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The paper discusses the impact of colonialism on knowledge production and library resources in post-colonial Africa. The discussion concentrates on university libraries in Africa and on the decline of monograph and serials collections and donor dependency in accessing online academic resources and information technology. The limited circulation of Africa-based journals in the industrialized world and within Africa is another concern. Examples are provided from authors listed in the African Journals Online and searched in the Web of Science database. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on non-dependent libraries in selected African countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Science librarianship is a relatively new specialty in the library profession in Africa as the bulk of the early librarians had a background in the Arts and Humanities. Unfortunately there is a dearth of science librarians on the continent and the need for science librarians is more crucial to help support meaningful scientific research and development on the continent. Why does the gap exist? What are Library and Information Science (LIS) schools doing to entice, attract, enroll, motivate, and train science librarians? What are the professional associations doing to promote the cause of science librarianship? What are academic and research libraries doing to retain and stop science librarians from invading or migrating to other niches. This paper attempts to provide answers to the above questions with input and insight from across the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries in the university environment in Eastern and Southern Africa are making efforts to join and participate effectively in the information revolution. However, these efforts continue to be hampered by many problems both internal and external. This paper reviews information technology (IT) developments in the university environment in Eastern and Southern Africa, and illustrates what university libraries can do to meet user expectations and remain relevant. The current scene in the region is assessed and analysed through selected literature reviews, the author’s personal experience working in the region, visits to some universities, other key institutions such as the Telkom telecommunications and Eskom electricity companies of South Africa, and discussions with professional colleagues in national seminars and regional conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to establish how African libraries have been thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic through systematic review of literature from the Library Philosophy and Practice e-Journal (LPP). The PRISMA guidelines were followed to review and select the twelve (12) articles used for qualitative analysis. The study findings established that research productivity pertaining to libraries and Covid-19 is very low in Africa based on LPP e-journal. Nigeria was established to be the most active country in this research phenomenon. Majority, of the studies were conducted in academic libraries, thus creating a gap in research. To sail through the pandemic, libraries are using various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft teams and Skype to provide virtual reference services. Librarians also, went an extra mile to ensure dissemination of authentic COVID-19 information by collating and verifying information sources for their patrons. Services such as curb-side pick-up have also been introduced in Africa. However, it was not clear whether African libraries are conducting document delivery by scanning or through courier services. Challenges that are likely to fuel the pandemic and inhibit transition of libraries in to the 4IR era include lack of change management, lack of ICT literacy, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and lack of technological support, lack of clear policies, power cuts and financial issues. Research implications to policy makers, librarians and researchers have been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes issues associated with acquisition and management of grey literature in African academic libraries. Topics discussed include impact of onslaught of World War Two which had the greatest impact on the grey literature, characteristics and importance of grey literature, phenomenal advances in research and learning as well as shortfalls in library acquisitions budgets and need to improve acquisition and management of grey literature.

A conference paper on the Centro de Información y Documentación Africana (C.I.D.A.F.) founded by the missionaries of Africa known as The White Fathers in October 1979 is presented. It discusses the roles of C.I.D.A.F. as a reference point for all those dedicated to African studies in Spain. It also examines the roles of the Departamento de Africa de la Fundación Sur (D.A.F.S.) established by the center in 2002 and the D.A.F.S.' Library Dionisio Segura (L.D.S.).