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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]

Collection development policy (CDP) is an essential working tool for effective collection development activities as it provides guidelines for selection, acquisition, evaluation, and weeding of library materials. However, despite its importance in developing library collection, collection development policy (CDP) has not yet been implemented in most academic libraries in Nigerian and this has greatly affected the collection development activities of the library. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine factors that could facilitate CDP implementation in Nigerian academic libraries as perceived by academic librarians. The study employed a quantitative methodology using a survey research design. One hundred and thirty-six (I36) academic librarians were recruited from three selected academic libraries in the Northwestern zone of Nigeria using random sampling. A paper-based questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study revealed that factors that could facilitate CDP implementation are librarians' awareness of the importance of CDP, knowledge of CDP, and management support. Hence, to ensure CDP implementation in Nigerian academic libraries, the librarians must not only be made aware of the importance of CDP but must also be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for CDP implementation. Also, library management support is necessary for CDP implementation. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge by exploring the vital factors that could facilitate CDP implementation and tried to resolve the important issue of CDP implementation by developing a framework. This study is more important for practitioners to promote CDP implementation in Nigerian academic libraries by exercising these three factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

his paper proposes teaching strategies and techniques for library instruction in academic libraries to achieve the intended goals. The recommendations are based on insights from previous research IN library instruction with the intention to identify possible strategies and techniques for different user groups. This study applied a systematic literature review method, using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to examine the use of teaching strategies and techniques in library instruction programs. The Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were searched for relevant literature using specific keywords. Applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 27 articles out of the 1380 documents extracted, were deemed relevant to the study. The results show that library instruction is usually conducted in the form of individual sessions. Teaching strategies used by librarians include flipped classroom, faux flip, class room teaching, research clinic, consultation, asynchronous learning, and online synchronous learning, among others. These teaching strategies improved engagement and relationships between students and librarians, while impacting critical thinking, confidence and self-directed learning. It is concluded that librarians should consider adopting and combining teaching strategies based on individual needs and use technology to improve teaching effectiveness and increase student learning. This study shows that most studies on library instruction have only partially addressed instructional strategies. A critical review of the literature revealed that a strategic shift in the management of library instruction is necessary to achieve the intended outcomes. In this study, three teaching strategies for library education are proposed, namely Embracing for freshman, Encouraging for sophomore, and Leveraging for postgraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article showcases the authors' personal journeys of building trust with their teams as BIPOC women leaders in the academic libraries. The article attempts to focus on trust-building with team members through changes either at personal level or at a larger professional context level. This paper elucidates challenges and opportunities that BIPOC leaders are experiencing in their roles in academic library settings as well as how junior and mid-level leaders develop their skill sets to facilitate their effort in trust-building. Literature searches show that study and research in the area of BIPOC leadership in the library context are sparse. The authors strive to contribute to the area, share the experience of building trust in their teams as a leader and invite BIPOC peers to explore possibilities of building trust and advancing their careers in the library leadership path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In August 2021, the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), in partnership with the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), received $100,000 in funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program National Forum Grant in the Lifelong Learning project category for Path to Leadership: National Forum to Advance Asian/Pacific Islander American (APIA) Librarianship. Funding from the grant resulted in an online national forum, webinars, and a reunion program. This paper details the planning and implementation of this project. It also includes project evaluation and a proposed curriculum outline to fully develop an APIA leadership program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the establishment, growth, achievements, and future planning of the CALA Canada Chapter. Since its inception in June 2018, the Chapter has experienced significant growth, with the number of members doubling, and the number of life members also doubling. Currently there are a total of thirty members in the Chapter, comprising ten life members, eight overseas members, and seven student members, with the majority residing or working in Ontario. The Chapter has achieved notable milestones, including the organization of successful events such as conferences, workshops, and networking sessions. The Chapter has also contributed to the development of the library profession in Canada, particularly by promoting diversity and inclusivity. Looking forward, the Chapter plans to expand its reach and increase its membership by promoting itself in other regions of the country. The Chapter aims to continue providing valuable resources, programs, and opportunities for its members to enhance their professional development and foster collaboration. Through these efforts, the Canada Chapter aims to play an essential role in advancing the library profession in Canada and promoting its growth and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the availability, accessibility and utilization of electronic information resources by undergraduates of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study. A population of six thousand three hundred and forty (6340) undergraduates were involved in the study. A total number of Three hundred and seventeen 317 undergraduates were drawn as sample size through stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Two hundred and seventy 274 four dally filed questionnaires were received, given an overall response rate of 86.49%. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and correlation analyses. Pear Correlation Coefficient was the statistical analysis adopted to test the hypothesis under study at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of this study revealed that availability, accessibility and utilization of electronic information resources significantly influenced the utilization of electronic information resources in LAUTECH Library (Adj. R-squared 474, F(3) =41.985, p =000). The findings further revealed individual significant influence of availability and accessibility of EIR on its utilization. Each of availability and accessibility had relative influences on utilization of EIR. EIR were available, accessible and utilized in LAUTECH library. The study concluded that availability and accessibility of e-resources lead to EIR utilization. It is recommended that adequate budgetary allocation should be given to LAUTECH library for subscription to online databases and acquisition of e-books and e-journals. The library management should create awareness on how to use the e-resources available in the university library and its importance to undergraduates. The librarian should train and retrain both lecturers and undergraduates on how well to use online databases for maximum gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An online survey has been made to study the role of Libraries in prestigious Institute and University web portals of India. Leading Institute and University portals of India have been studied and evaluated with the functioning of Libraries for dissemination of knowledge resources in the parent Institution. Many of academic Institutions &Universities have now been bringing Libraries under top Header as Library / Central Library / e -Resources / Digital Library / Library & Information Center /e -Library etc. at par with Teaching, Research and Education system of learning. The study suggests that many Libraries of Institution/ University are envisaged by facilities / central facilities / infrastructure /quick links / student/ campus /facilities /life/ student welfare / student corner/ popular links / information desk / student information / services / support facilities /explore facilities / fraternities either at the Header or Footer side of Institutional web portals for awareness & location. Besides library abilities, librarians must have multidisciplinary academic interactive skills to deliver lectures, promote educational trainings and decision making power to recommend procurement plans for any resources/items / services and works in the meeting with Chairman. The study implicates there is need to implement Library Resource Learning Center, Digital Resource Learning Centre, Educational Resource Learning Centre etc. With the adoption of trending technologies, the concept of Library and Information Science (LIS) subject has also been metamorphosed and contemplating with ICT based Library Management and Information Services (LMIS) ensuring parity and compatibility with existing work culture of any Library / E - library / Digital Library/Mobile Library system and services. The study highlights library at the executive levels, many of the Institutions and Universities are more concerned with designations like Director General /Director / Deputy Director / Professor / Assistant Professor (LIS),Chief Librarian/ Librarian / University Librarian / Head Librarian / Deputy Librarian / Associate Librarian/Asstt Librarian & Library officer / Officer In charge to justify the works of Library Management and Information Services. With seamless participation of multidisciplinary academic teachers/officers can streamline parity of job structure with equal opportunities and accountability to support and justify common administrative work culture of library system and services irrespective of Library and Information Science (LIS) subject concerned. Libraries should not remain with collections or warehouse of resources but also execute efficient, effective services among user, for this, a celebration of Digital Library Literacy day may be organized to ensure awareness of digital library services along with inculcation of reading habits in digital environment so that optimum utilization of resources could be attained effectively among users. [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]

Libraries and librarians perform a fundamental role in terms of providing information services to its patrons within and outside the academic environment. Despite the availability of smart technologies in most university libraries, there are still incidences of slowness and decrease in job performance. This study examines the effect of smart technology on job performance of librarian in Southwest Nigeria using descriptive survey research design. The study used multistage random sampling technique to select a sample size of 50 librarians in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State and University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. Data was collected with the use of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study concludes based on its findings that smart technologies have impactful effect on job performance of librarians in university libraries. It is recommended that; the government should increase the financial allocation to university libraries to facilitate the use of smart technologies in library operations; power supply should be adequate and functioning standby generating set to be made available; there is need for training and retraining of librarians on the use of smart technologies. The study has provided a framework for library management on the type of smart technology that are most needed for library services; and that effective use of smart technologies will improve library services which will definitely increase the level of patronage. [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 write up considered the evolution of libraries in Nigeria which of course cannot be separated from the history and development of universities. Development of libraries in private universities can also not be separated from that of public libraries. Therefore, the Management Models of libraries in private universities may not really be different from that of public libraries, however, the uniqueness in the set -up of private universities has warranted the adoption of unconventional management models in running such university libraries. These models include Management By Groping Along (MBGA) or The Chess Management Model, The Participatory Management Model and The Intersection Management Model. In this study, a robust suggestion was made to Proprietors (Visitors) of Private Universities on ways of making private universities, and by extension, the Libraries World Class and attract respect and recognition of stakeholders in the academic world. It is recommended that experienced candidates should be engaged as University Librarians from the inception of universities to occupy the positions. Equally important are issues bordering on restructuring of personnel and budgets deductions which are abnormally and usually experimented from libraries, this practice is expected to be discontinued. [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]

Serials being important to students and researchers as they contain the most current and relevant information that can be used for academic and research purposes needs to be assessed periodically to determine if they are still relevant to the users. This study therefore examines the analysis of serials citations in graduate-students' theses as a practical instrument for effective management of serials in academic libraries using theses submitted from 2013 to 2021 in Library and information Science of four government owned universities in eastern region of Nigeria as case in point. The study was meant to provide answers to three research questions which formed the guide while a descriptive survey design was applied with a population of 203 which stood as the total number of masters' degree theses produced by the four universities within the period under study. The main instruments used in collecting data for this study were the researcher-designed checklists with which 8445 serials citations were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics of mode, mean and range and data presented in tables, charts and graphs using frequencies and percentile. The outcome of the study revealed that journals with 76% citations were the most cited against conference proceedings/reports with 20% and the least cited being government publications with only .5% citations. It was further established that multi authorship is the most cited authorship pattern in the graduates' theses whereas the average age of serials cited were within the age bracket of 0 - 18. The conclusion drawn is that with the most cited type(s) of serials, serials titles, ages of serials and preferred authorship pattern known through citations analysis of serials in research reports, the university librarian is better placed as to knowing which serials to select, acquire and how to have them organized for easy accessibility and retrieval by users as well as the amount of money to be earmarked for their acquisitions which invariably will bring about prudent management of the library budget in this period of shrinking budget for academic libraries. The study therefore recommended among other things that for effective application of serials citations analysis as a functional tool for effective serial management, staff of serials unit most partner documentation unit as to ensuring proper citations analysis of serials submitted to the library by every department as this can be used as a guide for the unit to identify the core serials for selections, acquisitions and also as a guide for total serials collections maintenance. [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 objective of this study is to explore the contents, features, and maintenance issues of Bangladeshi public university library websites. To ensure representativeness, we selected twelve (12) public university libraries that have dedicated websites. For authenticity and reliability of data, a checklist of sixty-one (61) items divided into ten (10) categories was used, along with interview procedures. The findings of this research have been presented in both tabular and figurative forms. According to the research, the website trend, which began a few years ago, will become a driving force for library services, although there is still potential for development such as liquid layout, mobile-friendliness, Web-OPAC, online tutorials, etc. and may indicate some maintenance issues for the library's website. This research is useful for information scientists and academic librarians involved in the establishment and management of library websites, particularly in underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh, where resources are restricted and studies are sparse. [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]

This study examined Wikipedia edit-a-thon programme in a University Library in Nigeria. It adopted the descriptive design. Unstructured questionnaire and interview were used for data collection. A total of 25 people participated in the study. These are the University Librarian and two female deputy University Librarians, four library staff that serve as facilitators and eighteen participants of the edit-a-thon project. Interview was conducted with the University Librarian and her two deputies while the rest responded to an unstructured questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using frequency counts and narrative. Findings show that the library engages in edit-a-thon for a few reasons amongst which are to contribute to open knowledge and help bridge the gender gap in Wikipedia editing which is dominated by men amongst others. Discoursing and winning the library managements' consent to host edit-a-thon, is an important activity to ensure a successful edit-a-thon. Both the library, participants and facilitators have benefited from the programme. Despite the gains of participating in Wikipedia edit-a-thon, there are challenges of time constraint and infrastructure on the part of the library, lack of institutional support, problem of attracting new participants (editor) and retaining older ones as facilitators and lack of published information on Nigerian Women to support entries on Wikipedia. The implication of the study is that participating in Wikipedia edit-a-thon is an encouraging initiative for the library, an experience which every academic library in Nigeria should endeavour to have to contribute to open knowledge. Unveiling the achievements and contributions of notable women in Africa is a step towards building role models for the upcoming generation. [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]