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This study investigated the level of undergraduates' satisfaction and their perceptions towards library resources and services provided by the Science Library, University of Peradeniya. The survey research method was adopted to achieve the above objectives. A questionnaire was administered to 442 undergraduates of the Faculty of Science. 371 duly filled questionnaires were returned, were then analyzed. The findings revealed that more than 60% of the undergraduates visited the library daily and weekly, while more than 80% of them visited the library for multiple purposes. Regarding the available resources, the majority of the undergraduates were satisfied with the library book collection, periodicals and available magazines. Yet, only 39% and 32% of students reported that they were satisfied with e-resources and audiovisual materials available in the library respectively. Considering the library services, the majority of respondents were satisfied with lending, reference, referral and photocopying services. However, 11% of them were not satisfied, where as 13% of the students were not even aware of online services provided by the library. Further, the findings demonstrated that limited number of computers, unavailability of Wi-Fi facilities, unawareness of the library website, difficulties of accessing the Internet and searching research articles were the main reasons for students' dissatisfaction. However, the majority of the undergraduates praised the library staff for offering an impressive service. The results proved that undergraduates have positive perceptions towards the library and its services. Based on the findings, some suggestions were made to increase user satisfaction and to enhance the library resources and service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Participating in collaborative scientific research through citizen science, a component of open science, holds significance for both citizen scientists and professional researchers. Yet, the advantages for those orchestrating citizen science initiatives are often overlooked. Organizers encompass a diverse range, including governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, corporations, universities, and institutions like libraries. For libraries, citizen science holds importance by fostering heightened civic and research interests, promoting scientific publishing, and contributing to overall scientific progress. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific ways in which citizen science can benefit libraries and how libraries can effectively utilize citizen science to achieve their goals. The paper is based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles that discuss the direct benefits of citizen science on libraries. A list of the main benefits of citizen science for libraries has been compiled from the literature. Additionally, the reasons why it is crucial for libraries to communicate the benefits of citizen science for their operations have been highlighted, particularly in terms of encouraging other libraries to actively engage in citizen science projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial literacy (FL) is an important ability needed by any individual to understand, evaluate, and communicate business and financial information. Having accurate financial information increases one's competency to be financial literate. It is regarded as a common and basic life skill that libraries can develop for their users. Using purposive sampling, this study ponders into the status and challenges of eight public city libraries in the Philippines in terms of providing FL education and how they can potentially share a role in developing the economy of a country. Public libraries' readiness to serve their users can be observed in terms of their collection, web presence, services, and programs. The level of financial knowledge and competencies of city librarians were also assessed. A look into the available professional development programs for public librarians in business and finance librarianship was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the extent of academic librarians' teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians' teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users' (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the general consensus that field experience during library school is important for applying theory to practical situations, there is a lack of understanding about what students want from, and the barriers they face to acquire, graduate employment. A survey was sent to ALA accredited Master of Library Science programs in the United States, asking students about their library employment status and to rank factors that influenced their decision to accept their positions. Patterns emerged when results were grouped by various life factors. The results of this study show what students are looking for from employment, which could help employers recruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the distinct challenges that works of art pose for those managing non-art specialist research libraries across the United Kingdom. Using analysis of survey and case-study interview data, the article demonstrates that current approaches to the management of art in non-art specialist research libraries are uneven in such key areas as collection management; cataloguing; storage and access; and librarianship and training. This article seeks to build consensus on best practices with respect to the management of art in libraries and proposes practical recommendations for libraries seeking to improve the care and use of the art in their collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate what semiotic analysis can reveal about how welcoming and inclusive a science library space is for patrons. A space was examined in terms of its messaging to patrons of various genders, abilities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and disciplines. Findings are presented about the space's messaging regarding the disciplines it serves, inclusion of patrons from minoritized demographics, and general expectations of visitors. Recommendations for library practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While scholarship in library science continues to expand understanding of collaboration and its potential to transform the collective collection, librarian acquisitions trips have been largely absent from the conversation. In early 2020, three US-based South Asian studies librarians traveled together to India, jettisoning solo travel in favor of a model of collaborative fieldwork. Using this trip as a case study, the authors draw on interdisciplinary literature to explore how intersecting identities and the embodied nature of fieldwork shape outcomes for the collective collection. They reflect on how foregrounding care in the field can converge with efforts to build more ethical collections. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of a shift toward collaboration beyond mere coordination, and offer suggestions for how a relational perspective might be advocated for in their work. At the intersection of theory and practice, this article helps readers understand the holistic work behind area studies librarianship, and offers a vision of improved practice in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of the Spring 2020 semester, academic institutions in the United States shifted rapidly to virtual instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift forced the libraries associated with these institutions to create innovative ways to reach faculty, staff, and students in an online mode. At the University of Memphis, librarians enhanced many existing online services and developed new ones. This study tracks the utilization of these services by online instructors during the span of one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The methods were mixed, involving a survey soliciting information from online instructors using both qualitative and quantitative methods and follow-up interviews conducted privately and virtually with teaching faculty and staff. This article presents the findings of this research and details the plans for further action at the University of Memphis to enhance and promote library services to online faculty. The plan involves increasing the level of online marketing, involvement with faculty training, and the enhancement of existing services, specifically embedded librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving a nation's traditional and cultural heritage is imperative to transcending generations. Manuscripts and rare collections serve as invaluable windows into the past, allowing us to connect with our ancestors, understand our roots, and appreciate the rich tapestry of our cultural diversity. In this ever-changing world, exploring innovative approaches to conserve, digitize, and promote access to these treasures for the benefit of present and future generations is crucial. Libraries must preserve these rare collections, which are essential for future generations. This paper mainly focuses on the important deterioration factors for paper objects and book materials. It provides various methods, tools, and techniques for conserving manuscripts and rare collections in libraries. In conclusion, this study recommends the essential skills and competencies that Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals should possess. These competencies are vital for preserving and restoring manuscripts and rare materials, ensuring their usability for future generations, thus contributing to preserving a nation's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship education seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skill and motivation to encourage entrepreneurial success in a variety of settings. Entrepreneurship is developed as a way of developing skills such as risk-taking and problem solving that facilitate the achievement of life goals and in education. It is the recognition of an opportunity to create value, and the process of acting on this opportunity. In the recent years, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have developed very rapidly in line with the growth and convergence that occurred in telecommunication technology for entrepreneurship success. The convergence of computers and telecommunication technology has popularized the electronic generation and access to information. Consequently, different technological applications are now created in order to support the operational activities of human life and organization. As a result of this, users are now expected to be computer literate to enable them explore information resources for entrepreneurial business. ICT is mainly concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or receipt of digital data. The improvement of the entrepreneurship educational system over the years has been the concern of educators and researchers. This yearning is not unconnected with the undisputable fact that National Development is hinged on the successful development, use and execution of research findings in the application of ICT tools in teaching and learning of entrepreneurship. By inference, entrepreneurship education develops enterprising people and inculcates an attitude of self-reliance, using appropriate learning processes. Going by this, therefore, many LIS schools are now incorporating entrepreneurship skills in to their curriculum. In a similar way, however, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) greatly influence education and training on information resource generation and distribution for economic gain and development LIS students. The ICT is providing new professional and entrepreneurial learning in LIS schools [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library and information science practice and research have transitioned from positioning the user in the life of the library to placing the library in the life of the user. A review of OCLC Research themes during the past twenty years identifies a shift in focus from the optimization and quantitative analysis of library collections, systems, and services to the study of the needs and expectations of users of library collections, systems, and services. Just as libraries operate within local and global networks and ecosystems, users, with diverse needs and expectations, are embedded in communities in various ways. This new environment changes the focus from individual decision making to collaborative decision making, centering and emphasizing the importance of relationships and experiences. OCLC's research has addressed these trends, providing a path for library leaders and staff to create their New Model Library that focuses on agility, collaboration, virtualization, and space within their work, collections, and engagement experiences. This framework offers a way to navigate the transition to the library in the life of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subject librarianship (SL) has long been practiced in academic libraries. But, with the transformation brought about by socio-cultural and technological factors, the roles have evolved. This article discussed the traditional role of Kazakh subject librarians, their current practices, and personal strategies in delivering services including information literacy in academic libraries. In Kazakhstan, subject librarians provide information literacy sessions and workshops dedicated for specific classes. A quantitative research method was adopted for this study using an online questionnaire for data gathering. It utilized purposive sampling to identify the competencies and performing tasks of subject librarians. It also analyzed how subject specialists promote their programs and relationship building strategies and investigates the differences and similarities with the available Western interpretations of subject librarianship. A total of 57 Kazakh university libraries and 80 librarians responded to the survey questions. Results of the research provides guidance for the implementation of subject librarianship practices of academic libraries in the region. To better serve their communities, subject librarians shall develop an excellent relationship, shared commitment, offer quality assistance, open communication, and always instils professionalism. Ultimately, the study reflects on the uniqueness of subject librarianship in Kazakhstan as well as its similarity in the practice of subject librarianship globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the language of "weeding" (library deselection) within public library collection development policies in order to examine whether such policies and practices can be usefully connected to library and information science (LIS) theory, specifically to "Deweyan pragmatic adaptation" as suggested by Buschman (2017) in the pages of this journal. Design/methodology/approach: This is a policy analysis of collection deselection policies from the 50 public libraries serving US state capitals, using Bacchi's policy problem representation technique. Findings: "Weeding" as described by these public library collection deselection policies is clearly pragmatic and oriented to increasing circulation to patrons, but the "Deweyan pragmatic adaptation" as reflected by many of those reviewed might better be defined as the pragmatism of Melvil Dewey rather than that of John Dewey. Research limitations/implications: Although this work reviewed policies from a very small sample of US public libraries, collection, selection and deselection language as shown in the policies studied appear to be consistent with neoliberal priorities and values in terms of prioritizing "circulation" and "customers," which may have additional implications for the current transition from print to electronic materials in public libraries Originality/value: John Dewey's political philosophy and Carol Bacchi's policy problem representation technique have not been widely used in policy analysis by LIS researchers, and this paper offers a number of suggestions for similar public library policy investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians at a large, federally funded, multidisciplinary research organization sought to assess the value provided by the library's collections. One method for capturing this value includes determining how well their library's collections meet researcher needs, as expressed by the materials those researchers choose to cite in the production of new scholarly communications. A cited reference analysis was performed on the publications originating from the institution to provide the necessary data for the assessment, as well as to aid in the creation of a core list of journals which will inform future collection development efforts. This paper fills a gap in the library and information science literature by addressing the citation behaviors of researchers at a large multidisciplinary government research facility, a setting that has not been examined previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the design and implementation of a pediatric library program in a short-term, in-patient, acute care behavioral health facility in Pasco County, FL. The collection was built initially with resources already held by the University of South Florida's (USF) School of Information (SI), with additional resources acquired through financial support from the Southeastern/Atlantic Region of the Network of the National Library of Medicine and the School of Information's Dr. Henrietta M. Smith Youth Services Fund. For this unique project, the USF SI Responsive Librarianship Lab researchers established both a physical library and an ongoing group session health literacy program at the facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource sharing is an important and widely well-known concept in the field of library science. The concept is recognized by the term library networking which deals with the interconnection of libraries so that the participating libraries can share information and resources effectively. It aids to overcome the limitations like enormous cost of purchase, bibliography handling, storage of material etc. as a result of the exponential growth in the information produced. Resource sharing is a solution to optimize library resources. Thus, resource sharing in libraries has become essential in current scenario, and it commands world-wide acceptance. Based on the literature review it can be said that academic libraries, especially in developing countries should continue subscribing to information resources through the Consortium Building (CB) and explore their usage by ensuring total addressing of patrons information needs. Also government should earmark appropriate funds for the purchase of information technologies facilities needed by academic libraries for resource sharing. The paper recommended that the least forms of resources sharing like Inter library loan should be given priority especially for rare information resources that have high demand but their supply is low and exist in print format to start with. The work further recommends that academic libraries should formulate effective policies that will ensure library resource information sharing is properly conducted in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has a long-standing partnership with the county's human rights education and enforcement agency, the Office of Human Rights (PGCOHR), formerly the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission (PGCHRC). The two agencies serve over 967,000 Prince Georgians, a majority-Black (64.4%) and Latin or Hispanic (19.5%) population with a sizable immigrant community (22.7%). The civil rights issues of 2020 hit close to home in Prince George's County and the agencies have sustained a multi-year effort to provide residents with opportunities to learn how to engage with social justice topics for personal and collective advancement. This paper outlines the agencies' innovative model for collaborative community programming, which has dramatically expanded the scope and impact of their equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism (EDIA) initiatives despite minimal funding resources and the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. PGCMLS and PGCOHR's approach to joint programming is modeled in their Collaborative Programming Lifecycle, which can be applied to a wide range of content areas, whether special events, series, thematic programs, or special events. The lifecycle also touches individual presenters, partners, funders, attendees, and the daily work of programming staff. The partners have successfully deployed the Collaborative Programming Lifecycle to develop internationally acclaimed EDIA programs in multiple formats that influence local efforts to advance social equity and anti-racism. The joint mission of this partnership is to provide meaningful conversation that strengthens the collective community. While this partnership pre-dates both the pandemic and the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the agencies rapidly transitioned to virtual programming and engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to immediate local impact, the partnership's programs have resulted in a compelling new model for making local programs accessible to larger communities at state, regional, and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study seeks to evaluate the accessibility and use of library resources in the North Campus Library of the University of Education, Winneba. The study was a survey and made use of a questionnaire as research instrument. The target population consisted of all Level 300 Basic Education students and Social Studies students numbering 500 as at 2019/2020 academic year. A sample size of 300 representing 20% of the population was selected through random sampling. focusing on accessibility of how and to suggest ways through its findings and recommend solution to those challenges. The questionnaire was analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. Findings of the study were that students were not using libraries to support their learning and other academic activities as they lacked searching and library use skills. Where the library is sited at the last floor of the faculty block makes it sometime difficult for these are some of the setbacks that hinders students accessing the North Campus Library for research and for their information needs. It was recommended among other things that, student should be introduce to information literacy skills to help them analyse information problems and structure their searches so as to find their own answers. Also, circulation procedures could also hamper use. Therefore, circulation procedures should be made simple but follow up strictly. The study recommended that current and adequate information resources should be acquired to increase the level of user satisfaction which has been found to be poor, also, the librarians should use their knowledge of organisation of knowledge one and two, reference and bibliography, and media librarianship to provide access to effective information retrieval tools and audio-visual materials to help facilitate interactive learning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aims to understand elements that act as counter-productive to the achievements of females working as professional librarians. The paper uses current literature to explore inhibitive factors for the career development of female librarians. The methodology employed in the paper is epistemological realism and deductive reasoning. This methodology adds to existing knowledge while being linked with realism. The research investigates main factors like cultural stereotyping, discrimination against women, marriage, children, career breaks, mentoring, family support, and organizational structure and policies to ascertain their role in enhancing or diminishing female librarians’ career progression. The nature of research is deductive as the conclusions are drawn from available literature as applied to professional females in the field of librarianship. The findings of the research are expected to validate these important factors as integral stimulants for female librarians’ career development. [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]

Purpose: This study investigates an approach to book metrics for research evaluation that takes into account the complexity of scholarly monographs. This approach is based on work sets – unique scholarly works and their within-work related bibliographic entities – for scholarly monographs in national databases for research output. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines bibliographic records on scholarly monographs acquired from four European databases (VABB in Flanders, Belgium; CROSBI in Croatia; CRISTIN in Norway; COBISS in Slovenia). Following a data enrichment process using metadata from OCLC WorldCat and Amazon Goodreads, the authors identify work sets and the corresponding ISBNs. Next, on the basis of the number of ISBNs per work set and the presence in WorldCat, they design a typology of scholarly monographs: Globally visible single-expression works, Globally visible multi-expression works, Miscellaneous and Globally invisible works. Findings: The findings show that the concept "work set" and the proposed typology can aid the identification of influential scholarly monographs in the social sciences and humanities (i.e. the Globally visible multi-expression works). Practical implications: In light of the findings, the authors outline requirements for the bibliographic control of scholarly monographs in national databases for research output that facilitate the use of the approach proposed here. Originality/value: The authors use insights from library and information science (LIS) to construct complexity-sensitive book metrics. In doing so, the authors, on the one hand, propose a solution to a problem in research evaluation and, on the other hand, bring to attention the need for a dialogue between LIS and neighbouring communities that work with bibliographic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an online survey of access services departments at academic libraries on the responses implemented during the initial stage of COVID-19 in March–May 2020. The 33-question survey was completed by 121 respondents. The article identifies policies and procedures adopted by access services departments during the pandemic, including staffing, return of library materials, fines, due dates, quarantine periods, interlibrary loan, reserves, and retrieval of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]