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A small branch of a large academic library is in the process of relocating from one area of campus to another. Although the new space is drastically smaller than what they currently have, the librarian wishes to build upon the small maker area that was recently created for the relaxation and enjoyment of patrons. With the SCAFFOLD makerspace design framework, this new area will be created using the latest research in making and learning, keeping inclusivity at the forefront of all activities. This paper describes the current maker area, what the plans are for the new space, and how that space will be designed using this new SCAFFOLD method. It is hoped that this project can be replicated by any academic librarian wishing to add a small yet useful makerspace while staying within their budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper expounds the application and perceived impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries in Nigeria. Libraries especially in developing countries may become moribund in the 21 century unless they begin to harness new, smart and intelligent technologies for improved operations and service delivery. This research adopted a literature-based approach to x-ray the applications and perceived impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries in Nigeria. Through a systematic analysis and review of literature, the study brought to limelight the current state of AI integration in academic libraries in Nigeria and its possible impact on library services, collections, users, professionals and general library operations and services. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries has the potential to revolutionize library operations and services. Some of the identifies AI tools include: Natural Language Recognition, Robotics, Big Data, Data Mining, Chatbot, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition and Expert system. Findings from the study revealed that the application of AI in academic libraries have the potentials to increases productivity, improved customer satisfaction through personalization, easy availability and accessibility of information, easy collaboration and knowledge sharing, virtual assistance and chatbots, and ultimately increase overall operational effectiveness. This paper also explored some of the challenges associated with the application of AI technologies in academic libraries in Nigeria such as poor ICT skills and technical expertise, high initial costs of implementation, phobia for job displacement, epileptic power supply, poor maintenance culture, resistance to change, poor network connectivity, privacy and ethical implications, etc. To maximize the potential benefits of AI applications in academic libraries in Nigeria, it is crucial for these libraries to implement appropriate planning, guidelines and regulations on AI use as well as training and retraining of academic librarians to acquire the required ICT skills, knowledge and competence in order to adapt in the present digital and changing library environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. The population comprised all professional and non- professional librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. One hundred and thirty-two (132) librarians from Southwest, Nigeria were selected using simple random sampling technique. Four research questions were answered. A structured questionnaire titled "QKPLCTLSN" was used for data collections. The reliability coefficient of the instrument yielded r = 0.76 and r =0.82. The findings of this research revealed that, librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria have knowledge about cloud-based technology and they have been using one or more applications in academic libraries but their perception towards the use of cloud-based technology was negative. In view of this, the following recommendations were made; librarians should embark on staff development programmes that would enable them keep pace with the latest technology, library management should encourage librarians to attend seminars, conferences and workshops that would enhance their technological skills, there should be adequate funding from the government and provision of stable power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the awareness and use of self-archiving options among librarians in public university libraries in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the level of awareness, means of becoming aware of, extent of use of self-archiving options and factors motivating the use of self-archiving options by the librarians. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of twenty-seven librarians of public university librarians in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This figure comprised eleven librarians of Federal University Otuoke Library and sixteen librarians of Niger Delta University Library. An online questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Library and Information Science in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. The researcher distributed twenty-seven soft copies of the draft of the validated questionnaire to the librarians via social media platforms such as Federal University Otuoke Library Whatsapp Group, Niger Delta University Library Whatsapp Group, Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigerian Library Association Whatsapp Group and Personal Whatsapp Accounts. Out of the twenty-seven questionnaires distributed, twenty-five questionnaires were properly completed, returned and found usable for data analysis. This produced a response rate of 92.59%. The data collected was analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the level of awareness of self-archiving options by the librarians was low. It also showed that the librarians gained awareness of self-archiving options by doing personal research, conference/seminar/workshop attendance, interaction with professional colleagues and reading professional literature. Moreso, it indicated that the extent to which the librarians used selfarchiving options was low. Lastly, it revealed that the desire to enjoy wider research visibility of research works and personal recognition were the factors that motivated the use of selfarchiving options by the librarians. The study recommended that the librarians should make conscious efforts to participate in institutional repository affairs, attend conferences/seminars/workshops, make more use of online publishing to increase their awareness of self-archiving options; the librarians should cultivate the habit of exploring the use of self-archiving options like Kudos, Mendeley.com etc. to draw global attention to their research papers and increase their use of self-archiving options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navigating confusing peer-review structures in publishing can be daunting for librarians at all stages of their careers. In this paper, the authors will differentiate peer-review models and reflect on their experiences with these formats in the context of the September 2022 special issue of College & Research Libraries. Additional discussion will include the hidden curriculum of professional norms in academia; areas for growth in peer review related to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and peer review as an individual and collective form of professional development that shapes how we engage with scholarship in LIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries have an innovative service called 'Research Support Service' to support institutional research. Under the research support service, the worldwide academic libraries provide a range of services. The library of Eastern University, Sri Lanka provides research support services since 2014. This paper investigates the research support service model of the library of Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). This investigation analysed the documents such as official correspondence, pamphlets, library home page and students' feedback. The research support service of EUSL library focused more on training the undergraduates in research related aspects by organising a series of sessions on students' requests. As an extension of the research support service, the library also has introduced the individual research consultation service, where the researchers as an individual or group meets the library professionals to get personal assistance on research. The feedback analysis showed that the undergraduates highly appreciated the service on its usefulness. Moreover, the service was commended by programme review of the university grants commission of Sri Lanka. There are challenges to implementing this service, such as lack of skills and capacity among library professionals, lack of human resources and physical facilities, the conventional mindset of library professionals and lack of proper marketing of library services. However, this was a successful service, and increased the recognition of the library and library professionals among students and faculty. In turn, library professionals were invited to higher-level committees to contribute to the institutional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Since internationally visible scientific productivity is a criterion for state evaluation of Croatian academic and scientific institutions and their scientists, Croatian academic libraries have a key role in quantitative evaluation of scientific productivity using methods such as bibliometrics, scientometrics and the like. The aim of this case study is to identify and illustrate the current situation of library services for evaluating scientific production at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and to make recommendations for the further development of such services, which could serve as a framework for the systematic implementation of this type of service in all libraries at the University of Zagreb and beyond. More specifically, the purpose of this paper was to identify the existence of the bibliometric services in the libraries of the University of Zagreb (UNIZG), examine the status and involvement of university librarians in the academic advancement procedures and to identify the required competences for bibliometric experts in Croatia. The research was conducted using the content analysis method, the survey method, and the focus group method. The research results show that although UNIZG libraries are integrated into the system of academic promotion and the role of UNIZG libraries is enshrined in Croatian regulations, the bibliometric service is not standardised at the University level. The results also indicate that the service needs to be strengthened in terms of training of professional staff and greater investment in staff capacity and infrastructure. The fact that the study was conducted at a single Croatian university is a possible limitation that could relate to the application of guidelines for further actions and the development of bibliometric services at national level. It would therefore be desirable to conduct future research to identify the situation at other Croatian universities as well. It would also be necessary to determine the open science and open access policies at UNIZG through further research and, in this context, to establish guidelines for possible improvements in the processes of evaluating scientific productivity. The results of this study make an important contribution to the possible future positioning of university libraries and UNIZG librarians in the process of evaluating scientific productivity. In addition, some practical advice is given so that this case study may be a good introductory overview for the wider academic community in relation to this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians across Africa have had to portray proactive measures in combating the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic. They were faced with the probability of how libraries would function amidst employees calling for closures while seeking for safety and looking for how to activate open access e-resources, minding workers' rights and copyright guidelines on these eresources. Their perception on providing health information sensitization to their immediate community, the challenges and facing the change agenda was the focus of this paper. Respondents were drawn from different libraries for the survey which adopted qualitative research methodology through interviews. The data collected were thematically analyzed to answer the research questions. Findings indicated that librarians perceived the COVID-19 sensitization as a challenge that could be overwhelming, but achievable with support from stakeholders, the government and non-governmental agencies. Recommendations were that the new normal has brought changes to information processing and dissemination. Librarians and libraries should thrive in this new reality and remain more responsive. Furthermore, enhanced impact assessment should be carried out to find out how the measures of sensitization on the pandemic became effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the information infrastructure, facilities and services in Nigeria's Agriculture University Libraries., Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Federal, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, are the respondents. The main objective of the study is to assess the information resources, services and facilities at Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria in order to analyze the types of available information resources, services and facilities, and the constraints associated with on the provision of information resources services and facilities to library users. Although questionnaires were provided to university librarians, the researcher was in charge of monitoring the activities of library users. The researcher took the entire respondent population of university librarians, in Agriculture University Libraries sampled were retrieved and analyzed, representing 100 %. The process of observation was also used to fill in the holes that the questionnaire did not fill in. Key findings show that in the Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria, the existing agricultural information tools and facilities available, accessible and used are inadequate. In the Agriculture University Libraries, infrastructural facilities and internet services existed, but were not well established. There was no access to adequate information resources for users because of the insufficient number of library employees. The study recommended the enhancement of existing information tools, services and user information needs facilities, offline database subscriptions such as AGORA, HINARI, AJOL, JSTORE and EGranary to access agricultural information. To resolve these limitations, library management should look beyond the annual budget and reliance on TETFund, on consultancy services, printing, binding, publishing, donations from philanthropists into the future field of revenue streams and financing the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal development, development of society, development of country and nation is based on education Indian culture has been the culture of Rushimunis and Vedas since time immemorial. At that time, in order to acquire knowledge, studies were done in ashrams which included knowledge, art. skills, theology, practical knowledge, etc. Recognizing the importance of education in the country, it is imperative that every member of the society, parents of students, experts in various disciplines, and the government should always strive for the spread of education. However, since the current education system is library-based, it is appropriate to say that the library is also taking advantage of this opportunity. It is no exaggeration to say that the library is the people's university and the librarian is also called the teacher of the teacher. From the above matter, it is clear that the responsibility of shaping the future citizens is in the hands of the library profession as the library plays an important role in education both formal and informal. For example, just as an expen doctor can save his patient's life, an expert lawyer can save his client from punishment, an expert trader can give his client the best thing, in the same way. a library professional can give accurate information to his users and can make him a subject matter expert. Thus, since the literacy rate of the country is hidden in the hands of library professionals in addition to educational institutions, every library professionals should be educated and for this, he should get an education in library science. It is also important to note that their curriculum needs to change over time. The present article is an attempt to introduce the origins, objectives, dissemination of library science education in India, and especially the status of library science education in the field of higher education in various universities of Gujarat state and its current curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study is to review the literature related to the use of emerging technologies by university libraries. The primary objective of the study was to examine the core literature related to emerging technologies used in the university libraries and to find out the changing role of the university librarians in these technologically equipped modern libraries. The study also focuses on the attitude of library professionals towards this modern environment. The findings of the study are based upon four themes, they are: "status of emerging technologies in the university libraries", "attitude of librarians towards the emerging technologies", "technological compatibility among the professionals of the libraries" and "barriers in the implementation of emerging technologies". Nevertheless, if there have been many researches performed at university libraries on emerging technologies, this study is primarily aimed at improving understanding of these expanding technologies by the library and information sciences profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic librarians deliver information literacy instruction (ILI) to students, engage with a range of stakeholders, and work in a range of learning environments that are continually changing. While past research has focused on the perceptions of librarians regarding their role in ILI, this has not been a significant focus of research in the Australian higher education context. This study set out to explore the perceptions of six practising academic librarians at a regional Australian university, seeking to understand their perceptions of information literacy (IL), their role in ILI and the challenges they face in this role. The participants did not have a consensus on the nature of IL, despite having a clear definition from the institution. Librarians felt they had both an educative and supportive role and that they brought expertise and authority to ILI. Librarians noted that their ILI supported the broader function of the university to meet internal policies and external regulatory requirements. Librarians suggested that an integrated approach to ILI at the institution would improve librarians' agency in supporting students. The analysis of the findings led to the development of a model for the delivery of effective ILI for this institution. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of IL research by (a) giving voice to the views of academic librarians working in a regional Australian university, and (b) highlighting the challenges that academic librarians face when delivering ILI at their institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study unpacks the experiences of academic librarians who identify as racialized, a concept that refers to actions and processes rather than an identity, to better understand the weight of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work. The themes that emerged from the interviews with the librarians were emotional labour, interpretive labour, identity labour, racialized labour, and aspirational labour. These forms of labour are often oversimplified, unacknowledged, or unquantifiable. For one line on a curriculum vitae, committee, advisory, or working group, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work may not be compensated or financially supported to reflect the intensity and expertise needed for the work. It is essential to unpack the complexity of the work to demonstrate how to better support racialized librarians who engage with this work that contributes to changes in the academic library and profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians within a newly combined, multi-campus research and instruction department undertook a large-scale peer review of their online instruction program and materials. This collaborative assessment project sought to unite three library departments with a cohesive vision for self-guided online library instruction while establishing consistent quality standards and building a shared sense of ownership and accomplishment. These goals were achieved through a collaborative assessment of online instructional modules that included the development of a novel rubric based on the Quality Matters Course Design Standards. This article reports on that ongoing journey, as well as the goals, challenges, and outcomes of the process, which at its core was dedicated to ensuring that high-quality online research, information, and data literacy programming are available for faculty and students. The processes and structures that the team built to facilitate collaboration and quality assurance may serve as a model for other academic libraries experiencing similar transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who used the University of Sargodha library were asked what they thought about Cloud Computing for the study. The goal of this study was to find out more about how people feel about cloud computing in general and how well they understand it. There were both descriptive and quantitative methods used in the study. Over sixty-nine people were asked to take part in the study, and 65 were randomly picked from the census. The study used SPSS version 21 to turn table data with numbers into percentages and rates. Most people know what Cloud Computing is and how it works, according to the study findings. People who work in libraries should encourage people to be open to new technology and try it out. They need to give money to more study, workshops, and conferences that focus on librarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on empowering the librarians of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and the University of Isfahan libraries. This applied research was conducted using a survey method. The population of the study consisted of 135 librarians in the the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and the University of Isfahan libraries in Iran. Due to the limited number of participants, data were collected from the whole population and sampling was not carried out. Two questionnaires for assessing the Web 2.0 Library Tools and empowerment of staff were utilized to collect data. The analysis of the data was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests such as Kolmograph-Smirnov, Friedman, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and Univariate Linear Regression in SPSS software version 22. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the use of Web 2.0 technologies and the empowerment of librarians (r=0.835). Also, statistically significant positive relationships were found between the use of Web 2.0 technologies and different dimensions of empowerment (i.e. independence and freedom of work, professional development and progress, self-control, Job satisfaction, and responsibility), with professional development and progress dimension had the highest (r=0.678, p=0.000) and independence and freedom of work had the lowest correlation (r=0.423, p=000) with the use of Web 2.0 technologies. The use of Web 2.0 technologies has also a statistically significant positive relationship with the librarians' level of education (r=0.863, p=0.000) and their participation in training instructional courses on Web 2.0 and academic libraries (r=0.749, p=0.000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated how librarians working in various university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria, adopt and use artificial intelligence. The study raised four research goals as well as four research questions. A descriptive survey method and random sampling techniques with 450 randomly selected librarians from Kwara State Universities, Nigeria, were used for the research. Five research assistants were trained on how to contact respondents and secure their consent before distributing the structured questionnaire designed by the researcher, who assisted in the tool distribution process. The researcher was able to retrieve 410 copies of the 450 questionnaires that were given to the respondents. However, the rate of return was 91%, which is a respectable amount. A self-designed questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents, and a simple percentage was adapted for data analysis. The results showed that there was little adoption of AI in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The research also reveals that security scanning devices at the entrances and exits of university libraries are the most prevalent AI systems, while other AI systems such as bots, chatbots, face recognition, touch recognition, RFID technologies, humans, AI classification tools, machine-readable catalogs, and not smart AI features are still missing from the Kwara State University libraries. A self-designed questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents, and a simple percentage ratio was adapted for data analysis. The findings revealed that AI has received minimal attention in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. According to the study, the most common AIs are security scanning equipment at university library entrances and exits, followed by robotics, chatbots, face recognition, and touch recognition. RFID technologies, humanoids, AI classification tools, machine-readable catalogs, and AI smart features are still lacking in Kwara State's university libraries. The results of this study also indicate that librarians in a university library are aware of the many ways in which artificial intelligence can be applied to provide services. The results of the study indicate that obstacles to adoption include significant disruption caused by artificial intelligence in traditional library services, a lack of skills and a need for training prior to adoption, irregular power supply, and a lack of adequate infrastructure for adoption, among other problems. The study recommended the need to organize training for librarians to enhance their skills in using artificial intelligence to provide services, and the university administration and libraries should commit and provide the necessary support for the adoption of artificial intelligence by providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure its rapid implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated pattern of internet use among librarians in three Federal university libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Three research objectives guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population comprises 30 principal librarians and University librarians in the three Federal University libraries in Southeast Nigeria. A total of 27 copies of the questionnaire were returned. Interview was conducted and observation was made on internet facilities to determine the authenticity of the respondent's responses. Findings revealed that major internet facilities available in the libraries include laptops, cybercafé, institutional website, institutional virtual library, desktop computers, wireless fidelity, cable modem, computer networking (local/wide area network), broadband internet, satellite dish and e-mail. The findings equally revealed that internet is used majorly in the libraries for sending and receiving mail, chatting, reading news and sports information, downloading music, researching for products and services, downloading images, searching for job online, cataloguing, video conferencing, sharing information, accessing information on any subject worldwide, accessing online directories and encyclopedia, review of literature and research investigation, sending research article for publication, sending and receiving questionnaire online, collecting research data through interview, giving and receiving information from users, giving and receiving information from vendors and contacting government agencies. Based on the findings the study recommended that library management should encourage their staff especially librarians to improve on their use of internet facilities available in the university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated conference attendance and job satisfaction of librarians in some selected university libraries in South -South, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 113 recruited librarians in all the federal universities libraries in South- South Nigeria. A total of 113 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 95 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above and percentage score of 50% were considered as acceptable. The study revealed that the effects of conference attendance among librarians in the university libraries under study are as follow: professional experience, learns about current events, learn about current technology, learn about current trend and improves job satisfaction. Also, the study further affirmed that the extent of conference attendance among librarians are: It improves relations among librarians, it opens new horizon in the profession, it helps to recognize the interdependence of knowledge and information and to improve on their basic education. The study recommends that parent institutions should try as much as possible to sponsor librarians to conferences to broaden their horizon. Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND) should make funds available and disbursed accordingly for the sponsorship of conferences in librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated how librarians working in the various university libraries in Southern Nigeria adopted and used artificial intelligence. The study raised four research objectives as well as four research questions. A survey design was used for the study with 848 librarians from university libraries in Southern Nigeria as the sample. The entire population was chosen for the study using the total enumeration sample method. Eight research assistants who had received training in how to contact respondents and secure their consent before distributing the structured questionnaire designed by the researcher assisted in the instrument distribution process. The researcher was able to retrieve 704 copies of the 848 questionnaires that were given to the responders. However, the return rate was 83%, which is a respectable amount. The descriptive statistics approach was used to analyse the data that the questionnaire produced. The results showed that there has been little adoption of AI in university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The research also reveals that security scanning devices at university libraries' entrances and exits are the most prevalent AIs, while other AIs like robots, chatbots, face recognition, touch recognition, RFID technologies, humanoids, AI classification tools, machine-readable catalogues, and AI smart features are still lacking in Southern Nigeria's university libraries. The results of this study also suggest that the university library's librarians are knowledgeable about the many ways that AI may be applied to provide services. The study's findings indicate that adoption hurdles include considerable disruption brought on by AI to conventional library services, a lack of skills and the need for training prior to adoption, erratic power supply, a lack of suitable infrastructure for adoption, among other problems. It was recommended in the study that training should be organized for librarians to boost their skills in the use of AI for service delivery and university and library management should be committed and give the needed support towards the adoption of AI by making available the needed infrastructure to ensure their swift implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is set to ascertain Knowledge Culture and Librarians' Productivity in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study population was 132 Librarians working in the Federal, State and Privately-owned University libraries in South-South Nigeria. The entire population was used for the study as it was manageable. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge culture and Librarians productivity. Means were used to answer the Research questions while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient was used to test the hypotheses. Results from the study show that University Librarians adopted different strategies for Knowledge Culture and that there is a positive significant relationship between knowledge Culture and librarians' productivity in university libraries. The study recommended amongst others that Librarians should adopt Swift decision-making strategies in university libraries University librarians should set time aside for knowledge sharing among colleagues Nigerian Library Association, University librarian Association and other professional bodies should write policies to knowledge sharing and it should be made known to all libraries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study correlated the digital literacy skills of librarians in academic libraries in Taraba State, Nigeria and their services delivery. The correlational design was adopted in studying 112 librarians drawn from 11 academic libraries in Taraba State. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. 112 copies of the questionnaire were administered but 109 were retrieved. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The single null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance using the linear regression. Consequently, the strength of relationship between variables was decided using the Creswell correlational ranking and results presented in frequency tables. Findings of the study shows that digital literacy skills possessed by the librarians was low as they were only skilful in using the Internet to search and communicate information, conduct website evaluation and use Boolean logic, among other skills. However, numerous services were provided. Furthermore, result showed a correlational value of 0.17 and hypothesis yielded a p-value of 0.08. This shows that there is a positive very low and insignificant relationship between digital literacy of librarians and services delivery in academic libraries in Taraba State, Nigeria. Based on the result of insignificant relationship between the digital literacy skills of librarians and services delivery, the study recommends that library authorities should intensify efforts in creating the understanding of digital literacy skills, their essence and application to enable the librarians to acquire more of the skills as well as apply them in the discharge of their duties, among other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the role of libraries as educational resource centers and the need for proactive direction control for effective service delivery. Topics include the evolving demands on libraries and their function as institutions that preserve and disseminate information across civilizations.

The study evaluated the impact of job stress on job performance of librarians in selected public university libraries in Nigeria. It employed descriptive research design with the population of two hundred and sixty (260) librarians from all the public university libraries in South West, Nigeria. A questionnaire on the impacts of job stress and effects on job performance of librarians was raised and validated. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha reliability to estimate the internal consistency of the instrument. The split half reliability was employed using 30 librarians from Nnamdi Azikwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and it yielded 0.78. One hypothesis and two research questions were formulated and answered. The frequency counts and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that there is high level of job stress experienced among librarians in the university libraries in South West, Nigeria. The study also established that there is a negative significant relationship between job stress and job performance, implying that increased job stress actually contributing to the drop in the job performance of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. Based on these findings, library managers are encouraged to regularly organize conferences, workshops, seminars and other form of training on the effective management of stress for the purpose of increasing the level of job performance of librarians and librarians' attendance to such training should be made compulsory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the level of Awareness and application of blockchain technology among librarians for effective service delivery in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. 643 Librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-South Nigeria made up the population of the study. 495 librarians were sampled using multistage sampling technique. Online questionnaire was used for data collection, which was shared via the state WhatsApp group. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings showed that, majority of librarians studied have low level of awareness of blockchain technology. The extent of application of blockchain technology for library service delivery was very low. The major challenges affecting the awareness and application of blockchain technology for library service delivery are inadequate awareness of the technology and how it can be applied in the library, inadequate technological infrastructures in the university libraries, inadequate knowledge of blockchain technology as well as erratic internet connectivity in the university libraries. The study recommended that, awareness of blockchain technology should be created among librarians through in-house training or sponsorship to national or international conferences and workshops. The university library management should acquire adequate technological infrastructures into the university libraries, most especially stable internet connectivity should be provided around the university library among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research data services are increasingly offered by academic libraries. As a result, librarians may need to upskill to provide data services and build capacity. This study measures the current level of data services skills of academic librarians and explores preferred methods of continuing education. An online survey was circulated asking respondents to self-assess data skills in four categories. The results capture a baseline of self-assessed data skills and show statistical significance between the percentage of time a librarian provides data services and higher levels of technical skill sets. The findings support the hiring of data librarians in academic libraries offering data services and providing training for librarians who provide any level of data services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the challenges of recruitment and selection process of librarians in federal university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey. The population of the study consists of 108 librarians. 95 copies of the questionnaire were filled and returned. The questionnaire was used in collecting data. The overall reliability of the instrument yielded 0.95 with the use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. Standard deviation and mean was used to generate the data that was gathered. The rating scale of 4 points was subjected to an estimation procedure using SPSS version 17.0. A mean score of 2.5 and above on any item was accepted. The findings revealed that the librarians identified the challenges to include ethnicity influence; favouritisms; recruitment based on godfatherism; dwindling budgetary allocation. The librarians also identified some of the strategies to include performance at interview as benchmark; equity and fairness as benchmark; recruitment should be done according to relevant discipline; and having channels for reporting cases of corruption during recruitment. Based on the above findings the study recommended among others that recruitment and selection of qualified librarians should be done according to the laid down procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the rewards and recognition of librarian's job performance in some selected university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 112 librarians in some selected university libraries in South-South Nigeria. A total of 112 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 101 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above and percentage score of 50% were considered as acceptable. The study revealed that rewards and recognition enjoyed by librarians in the past five years are: verbal praise, bonuses/monetary value, formal recognition as against written praise and informal recognition. Also, the study further shows how rewards and recognition influence librarians job performance positively. The study recommends that: Harding working librarians should be rewarded and recognized for their efforts; Library management should always motivate their staff to work hard to earn those rewards and recognition; Equity and fairness should be the guide when rewarding and recognizing librarians and also nepotism should be ruled out when rewarding and recognizing hardworking librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of internet and the widespread adoption of technology in academic libraries brings about new roles and responsibilities for subject librarians. Digital literacy instruction remains the indispensable service in academic libraries in the 21st century. This emphasises the necessity for subject librarians to possess relevant digital literacy skills. This article reports on the quantitative findings emanating from the explanatory sequential mixed methods study (2022) that investigated digital literacy instruction in academic libraries in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region in South Africa. The quantitative findings were used to achieve the study's objective that sought to find out if subject librarians possess digital literacy skills necessary for digital literacy instruction in academic libraries in KwaZulu-Natal region, South Africa. The study adopted a census method and collected data from a total of 58 subject librarians from traditional universities and universities of technology in KZN region through an online survey. The findings revealed that subject librarians in academic librarians (KwaZulu-Natal region, South Africa) are competent in various digital literacy namely e-mailing skills, Word processing, PowerPoint, information retrieval and blended learning. Further, the study revealed a significant lack of digital literacy skills related to library management system, knowledge of statistical software packages, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Access, Website design and copyright licensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capabilities offered by Web 2.0 tools have attracted many academic libraries. The present study aimed to identify factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 tools in selected Iran medical university libraries including Iran, Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences. Methods: The study was conducted through a survey distributed among librarians working in the libraries of Iran, Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences. The data was collected using a questionnaire which examined the factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 technologies in terms of three general categories: factors related to librarians, users, tools/technology, and organizations. In order to ensure the content validity, the opinions of 10 medical library and information science faculty members were used. Further, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha. Findings: The results of the study indicated that among the librarian-related factors, the greatest impact was related to the teaching Web 2.0 applications to the librarians with the average of 4.19. Considering user-related factors, the users' need to use these tools had the greatest impact with an average of 4.4. Regarding the tools/technological-related factors, Internet speed, Internet bandwidth, and filtering some Web 2.0 tools, with an average of 4.62, had the most inhibitor effect to adopt these tools. Finally, the support of library managers was the most influential factor for adopting Web 2.0 tools in libraries in terms of organization-related factors. Conclusions: Identifying the factors influencing the adoption of Web 2.0 tools and planning to control the inhibitor factors in using these tools can help libraries to appropriately adopt and use these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No library today can boast of having it all to satisfy all the vital needs and demands of her clientele without recourse to some forms of collaborative assistance or the other. This study so to speak is an assessment of networking and resource sharing in federal university libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by four research objectives and questions respectively with a population sample of 86 librarians purposively derived from 43 federal university libraries. The major instrument used for data collection for the study was a 34-item modified Likert scale questionnaire while the data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentile and presented in tables and figures for clarity sake. The outcome of the study showed among other things that most federal university libraries in Nigeria were not participating in Wide Area Networking rather concentrate mostly in local area networking which implies that no federal university library in Nigeria can boast of being fully involved in global networking as to gaining from piles of information available in academic libraries of developed nations. The study further identified some of the factors militating against these services and operations. The study after due consideration of the findings recommended among other steps that all identified challenges as displayed in table 4 and figure 3 should be tackled head-on by all concerned and that the National University Commission (NUC)as universities' control and monitoring body should partner Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to sponsor and finance the establishment of Nigerian University Libraries consortium that will ensure effective networking and resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria and those of developed nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of study: The core aim of the study is to identify the level of professional activities and training needs of library practitioners serving in Government colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Research Method and Procedure: This study is quantitative, and the survey method is applied to achieve the desired objectives. The public sector college librarians of seven districts of the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the study population. Data Collection and analysis: A structured questionnaire was distributed among fifty-nine (59) college librarians. Out of total, fifty-five (55) librarians return the filled questionnaire with a response rate of 93%. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 is used to analyze the collected data. Major Findings and Recommendations: it was reflected that sixty-four percent of the respondents had not attended any training program in the last five years. The main reason for not attending the training program is the lack of management support with library professionals. Only thirty-six percent of the college librarians had attended conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars organized by academic libraries, training institutes and universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical libraries are continual sources of knowledge and information. Without this knowledge and information, there will be no researcher, teacher, and doctor. Libraries cannot share knowledge with knowledge seekers alone. In this scenario, the role of the librarian becomes very influential. A librarian is an information services provider. The providence of these services is dependent on the facilities which are required by librarians. Realizing the importance of this issue the researcher has carried out research to investigate issues faced by librarians while operating medical library services. This study was related to quantitative research methodology; therefore, the researcher adopted quantitative research methodology for this research work. The presented issue in this study was solved through collecting data, with the help of using different techniques associated with data collection techniques, description of collected data, analyzing collected data and then finding the solution to the problem after a detailed analysis of data. In this study, the university libraries located in Islamabad were the population of the study to collect data regarding library operational issues in medical university libraries in Islamabad. The findings of the study show that medical librarians are facing numerous issues. These issues are impending medical librarians to operate library services in effective and appropriate ways. So, this research work suggests that the budget of libraries should be increased, medical librarians should be trained to meet their challenges, and medical resources and digital resources ought to be augmented in the respective universities in Islamabad. The aforementioned strategies can be useful for medical libraries and can enable librarians to operate their library services in more influential and effective ways in terms of information providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated how perceptions and IT competencies of academic librarians influenced their use of Cloud-Based Storage (CBS) systems in libraries in South-West Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 127 academic librarians working in 11 university libraries across six Southwestern states of Nigeria. The answers from these valid copies of the questionnaire were descriptively (frequency count and percentage) and inferentially (regression statistics) analyzed using SPSS version 23. The findings revealed that the librarians had high perceptions for the use of CBS systems and also their IT competencies were on the high side. The perceptions and IT competencies of librarians significantly influenced the use of CBS systems in Nigerian academic libraries. In addition, the findings also indicated that perceptions and IT competencies of librarians jointly significantly influenced the use of CBS systems in Nigerian academic libraries. The significant outcomes of this study are that the perceptions and IT competencies of librarians have been found to be positively associated with the use of CBS systems in academic libraries in South-West Nigeria. Hence, a critical effort is required to improve the librarians' encouraging perception and level of optimism of IT competency in increasing the awareness and application of CBS systems and other library technologies among librarians in South-West Nigeria and Nigeria at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work-Life balance and turnover intentions are critical issues for employers and human resource managers. This is because of how crucial work and family are to employees and how significantly employees stand out as valuable assets for organization's competitive advantage. This study examined the influence of work-life balance on turnover intentions of librarians in universities and recommended strategies for improving librarians' work-life balance and reducing librarians' turnover intentions in academic libraries. The survey research design was adopted in this study. The study's population consisted of four hundred and twelve (412) academic librarians in universities in South-west, Nigeria. Taro Yamane's sample size determination formula and multi-staged sampling technique were used to determine and select a sample size of two hundred and three (203) librarians for the study. For data collection, a validated structured questionnaire was distributed with a 98.5% response rate. The findings of the study revealed that the level of turnover intentions among librarians in universities in South-west Nigeria is high (x̅ = 3.43, SD= 1.10) on a 5-point scale. Librarians experience work-life balance to some extent (x̅ = 3.39, SD 1.13) and work-life balance has a significant influence on turnover intentions of librarians in universities in South-west, Nigeria (F (2, 197) = 187.005, Adj. R2= 0.447, P= 0.05). The study concluded that work-life balance is a contributory factor to librarians' intention to leave their jobs in universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study recommended that library administrators and university management adopt policies to improve the work-life balance and job satisfaction of librarians to mitigate turnover intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated acquisition of 21st century librarianship skills by librarians in public university libraries in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the kinds of 21st century librarianship skills, skills acquisition methods and skills acquisition challenges acquired/adopted/encountered by the librarians. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised sixty-six (66) librarians of five public university libraries in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria. The study did not carry out sampling because the population was small and manageable. The instrument for data collection was the Survey Monkey version of an online questionnaire. The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Library and Information Science in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. The researcher distributed sixty-six soft copies of the draft of the validated questionnaire to the librarians via social media platforms such as whatsapp groups of the surveyed university libraries, state chapter whatsapp groups of the Nigerian Library Association to which the librarians belong, librarians' personal whatsapp accounts and email addresses. Fifty-three (53) questionnaires were properly completed by the librarians and returned, resulting in a response rate of 80.30%. The data collected were transferred into Google sheets and analyzed by means of weighted mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that emailing, word processing, internet surfing skills/digital literacy and social networking skills were the 21st century librarianship skills acquired by the librarians. Furthermore, it showed that colleagues' assistance and training at work place were the methods adopted by the librarians in acquiring 21st century librarianship skills. Finally, it indicated that poor funding of libraries, lack of funds to develop oneself, poor ICT infrastructure, managerial negative attitude to personnel development and non-availability of digital library courses in Library and Information Science curriculum were the challenges the librarians encountered in acquiring 21st century librarianship skills. The study suggested that university library management should organize internal and external digital training programmes for their personnel and the National Universities Commission should collaborate with Library and Information Science (LIS) Departments in Nigeria to fine-tune the LIS curriculum to reflect 21st century librarianship skills and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud Computing Application for accessing E-resources by University Librarians: Case Study of University Librarians in Niger Delta Region. Abstract This study investigated cloud computing applications for accessing e-resources by Librarians in university libraries in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. In this study, the descriptive research design was adopted, and 43 items self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. In the selection of the university libraries, the researcher used the stratified random sampling technique to select the university libraries. One hundred and fifty (150) librarians from the nine (9) the Niger Delta States were selected from three (3) centrally located states which include Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo as the target population was four hundred and thirty-two (432) librarians. Data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. The findings discovered that librarians in university libraries in Niger Delta use applications of cloud computing. Regarding librarians' response to the question of librarians' cloud computing applications, the majority of librarians agreed that they use cloud computing applications to access, store and share e-resources. In addition, a strong recommendation was made that Institutions and governments should provide internet and, facilities for effective and efficient cloud computing applications in accessing e-resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without doubt, the increase in ICT has proven a library to be a living and growing organism. Coping with technology changes are the principal driving forces of the emerging information age librarian and it seems most librarians are less equipped through formal training for the technological demand in library services. The study investigated the use of mentoring as a tool for re-skilling the academic librarian in ICT age. Descriptive survey was adopted for the study and total enumeration was used for the sample as all the librarians in the university were used for the study. The questionnaire was the instrument used for collection of data from 18 respondents and it was self-constructed. The name of the instrument is the mentoring: tool for reskilling academic librarian in ICT age MATFRALI. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics using tables and mean. Finding reveals that academic librarians studied are conversant with ICT in Library and 55.6% learnt more of ICT in library services on the Job. Furthermore the study revealed that ICT increases work speed, help in accuracy of work, and introduces new area of specialization in librarianship, and respondents indicates that they are willing to be mentored. On the same hand, academic observes internal training and pair of old and experienced staff to new staff as a way of re-skilling an Academic Librarian. The study recommended that Academic Libraries should be intentional in creating working organizational mentoring programs for their libraries, in order to equip the young librarians with the new task created by ICT in library services. In pairing mentor-mentee, management should compare characteristic trait in order for smooth collaboration and smooth mentoring process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Career commitment of librarians in Nigeria university libraries has been the subject of discussion among the administrators of university libraries as a result of unsatisfactory performance consistently noticed among librarians. There is a general expression of dissatisfaction by the users of the services rendered by the librarians. In response to this, some librarians have complained of job related problems such as poor infrastructure to support information delivery, lack of prompt promotion, poor conditions of service and lack of recognition, all of which may culminate in poor job satisfaction and a general lack of commitment to librarianship as a profession. However, there is paucity of research on librarians' career commitment in university libraries in South-west, Nigeria. Therefore, the study investigated job satisfaction and work motivation as correlates of career commitment of librarians in Universities in South-west, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine career commitment traits among librarians in the universities in South-west, Nigeria; (ii) investigate the level of job satisfaction of librarians in universities in South-west, Nigeria; and (iii) determine the level of work motivation of librarians in universities in South-west, Nigeria. Survey research design of correlational type was adopted for the study. Total enumeration technique was used to cover a study population of 295 librarians working in the universities in Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: i career commitment traits of librarians are affective, continuance and normative. Affective ranked highest (x =4.27), normative (x =4.03) and continuance (x =3.71) respectively; ii positive significant relationship existed between job satisfaction and career commitment of librarians (r =.435, N=220, p(.0001)< .05); iii positive significant relationship existed between work motivation and career commitment of librarians (r =.345, N=220, p(.0001)< .05); and The study concluded that job satisfaction and work motivation have positive correlation with career commitment of librarians in the universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study recommended that university administrators should formulate job-related policies that could enhance the career commitment of librarians in universities in South-west, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]