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The study investigated the perceived role of digital theological library and term paper counselling in undergraduate religious education students' academic success in the federal universities in southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire developed by the researchers was used for data collection. 166 undergraduate religious education students were chosen as respondents in this research. The results showed that items on the perceived role of digital theological library and term paper counselling were all accepted by the students as means of achieving academic success. There was a significant difference in the perceived role of the digital theological library in achieving academic success among religious education students by the university. There was a significant difference in the perceived role of term paper counselling in achieving academic success among religious education students based on university. There was also a significant difference in the perceived role of university librarians in achieving academic success among religious education students based on university. The researchers noted that these findings have implications for university librarians across the universities and it was recommended that the use of digital theological libraries for academic purposes and term paper counselling should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the usage electronic academic databases resources by lecturers and postgraduate students in Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of electronic academic databases that lecturers and postgraduate students are aware of, the electronic academic databases that are available and used, purpose of usage of electronic academic database and the problems militating against the effective use of electronic academic databases resources. Four specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study is 134 lecturers and postgraduate students in WDU. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with the title "Usage of Electronic Academic Database Resources Questionnaire (UEADRQ)". Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that there was a high level of awareness of the electronic academic database by the lecturers and postgraduate students and they equally made use of them. However, NUC Virtual library, HINARI, Research4life, AGORA and EBSCO Host were not being used as such. JSTOR, Elsevier, DOAJ, ProQuest, Science direct, and LexisNexis where been put to maximum usage. Research, writing of seminar/conference paper, assignments/seminar presentations and getting up-to-date information with subject areas were the purpose of their usage of the electronic academic databases. Lack of search skill, slow internet bandwidth and incessant power outrage were some of the problems militating against the effective usage of electronic academic database resources in WDU. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that electronic academic databases are vital information resources that need to be available in academic libraries for use by lecturers and students in the pursuit of their academic advancement. The study recommended among others, that orientation, workshop and seminar should be organized by librarians and university authorities on how to acquire the needed search skills in order to be able to make adequate use of these electronic academic database resources in order to advance academic excellence. Lecturers and student's attendance at such orientations, workshop and seminars should be made compulsory by the university authority. Also University libraries should endevour to acquire standby generator. This will be very vital particularly in the situation of power outage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines the future of 21st century libraries against the backdrop that many libraries have moved or are in the process of moving from a traditional print-based collection to one where traditional hardcopy and electronic information resources co-exist and are brought together in an integrated information service, accessed via electronic gateways available both on site and remotely via the internet or local computer networks. Design/Methodology/Approach: This is a reflective paper based on author's observation, experience and review of related literature. Findings: Hybrid libraries are the new norm in most public and academic libraries of this 21st century since they offer a combination of traditional and virtual provisions in collections stored in digital formats which are accessible via computers and bibliographic databases that index thousands of peer-reviewed scientific journals; many offer access to full text articles. This means bringing the two worlds of librarianship in one place. Research Limitations/Implications: The implication of this study is therefore that hybrid library should not, then, be seen as nothing more than an uneasy transitional phase between the conventional library and digital library but, rather, as a worthwhile model in its own right, which can be usefully developed and improved. Originality: The approach and prototype described in this paper provides an enhanced model hybrid library service as the main model for future existence, development as well as a direction of library in the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will explore some of the views that were expressed during the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) workshop held in cooperation with the UK's Digital Curation Centre (DCC) in March 2014. The event provided an ideal opportunity to assess librarians' views on the changing research data management landscape and to consider how these changes might affect the role of academic librarians in South Africa. The paper compares these views with experiences garnered through the DCC's work to support universities in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: This paper considers how changes in the research landscape are simultaneously changing the skills needs of library staff, and opening up new opportunities for researchers to pursue careers within libraries. It explores what skills, competencies and knowledge staff with doctoral qualifications can bring to library research support services. Context: Librarians working in research support areas need different skills to the skills academic librarians have traditionally needed. There is currently a gap in the training which those undertaking professional librarianship qualifications receive, in relation to the skills needed for research roles. Simultaneously, expansion in the numbers of PhD students in the UK in recent years has been accompanied by the professionalisation of researcher skills development, equipping students with transferable skills for careers outside, as well as inside, academia. Methodology: This paper compares the skills' needs of research librarians with the competencies and skills of doctoral graduates, specifically in the UK context (as articulated in the Vitae Researcher Development Framework). It also surveys and discusses the skill-set and qualifications of research support staff employed at three UK research libraries. Results: Understanding the needs and, importantly, the behaviours, of researchers is integral to the provision of a successful library research support service. Many of the skills which are necessary for library graduates to have, are those that are already identified as essential researcher skills. The peerlevel support offered by library staff with research backgrounds has a role in developing stronger relationships between the library and the academy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary reason for establishing an institutional repository is to increase the visibility of the institution's research output by making it Open Access. Academic libraries are becoming very involved in managing electronic scholarly products and participating in the evolving scholarly communication process through institutional repositories. Although institutional repositories can make room for easier access to universities' research output, unfortunately it is not fully developed in some academic institutions. The origin of this problem is that there are known instances where librarians in-charge of institutional repository are unaware of their roles, and are unskilled in implementing the institutional repository. This paper describes a study conducted on the roles of librarians in the deployment and content recruitment of institutional repositories in eight (8) universities in Malaysia. Sample for this study are librarians who are involved with the development and implementation of institutional repository in their respective universities. The study reveals that the act of collecting materials for depositing is mainly done by librarians rather than the authors and researchers. Providing training sessions, holding meetings in departments and faculties, and also linking of the institutional repository website from the university and faculties' website have the highest rank in librarians' approach to promote the institutional repository. The paper also discusses the process of depositing, motivation factors, roles, marketing and benefits of institutional repository that will have reference value for the librarians who desire to embark on an institutional repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are increasingly adopting user-centred design (UCD) approaches to the development of their services for the benefit of customers. Less attention is paid to evaluating the activity of designing these services. To address this managerial question, we present a study that examines UCD performance in the context of digital library services' development. The study builds on the existing knowledge on library and design evaluation and examines the literature from two theoretical perspectives: performance management and temporalities. As the primary contribution of this paper, we introduce the conceptual 360-Degree Temporal Benefits Model, which captures the situation where many stakeholders are involved in a design activity of digital library service. Application of the model to two cases demonstrates that the stakeholders can assess the benefits of UCD very differently. We argue that the new model helps in framing the change from the measurable design benefits towards more ambitious and ambiguous public values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ETH Zurich's university collections and archives encompass around twenty facilities with unique holdings. Their diversity reflects the historic development of collections at the university and its modern potential for research and teaching. ETH Zurich makes its collections and archives available for research and teaching in a form that befits the digital age. To this end, it combines ETH Library's skills in information science with the expertise of the collection owners in the departments in accordance with the Strategy 2015-2020, which was passed by the Executive Board in 2014. This paper presents the strategic approach of ETH Zurich's Executive Board and focuses on the role of ETH Library in the current line of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The use of electronic library databases (e-library databases) by academic staff is accepted globally as contributing immensely-to academic staff research work. However, based on one of the researchers' experiences as a Subject Librarian as well as context-specific issues that arose from the existing literature, e-library databases are underutilised by academic staff at the University of Jos and similar institutions in North-Central Nigeria. Many previous studies on the use of e-library databases by academic staff in Nigerian universities were centred on the quantitative survey methodology, which lack in-depth perspectives of academics' experiences. Thus, additional qualitative insights are necessary. Hence, this study aimed to improve our understanding of the personal/individual experiences affecting academic staff e-library database utilisation in universities in North-Central Nigeria, through ethnographic research. Method. The stratified sampling method was used in selecting participants. The researcher employed observation and semi-structured interviews to collect data from 44 academic staff selected from 22 faculties of the Universities and one system librarian from each of the university libraries. A constant comparative approach was used in the analysis of data. Results. The results revealed negative/unsatisfying experiences and a lack of interest in using e-library databases affected academics' use of the e-library databases. The researcher discovered that online library database use and technology are generally less common to older academics but appear to be more familiar amongst the younger ones. Conclusion. Therefore, the study recommended that Academic Subject Librarians have to consider online library database design strategies to shore up the use rates. The university should also prioritise behavioural change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores Iranian Library and Information Science (LIS) educators' and academic librarians' viewpoints about a dedicated digital library education programme, as well as solicits proposed models and courses on digital libraries. A survey was administered on a sample of 45 LIS educators and 66 academic librarians via an online questionnaire. Responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics (for closed questions) and content analysis (for open-ended questions). Results show that the current LIS education curriculum in Iran does not sufficiently teach LIS students and librarians digital library principles and concepts; in addition, a high majority of LIS educators and academic librarians are in favour of a dedicated digital library education programme. This study provides the empirical data for the design and delivery of a dedicated programme or relevant courses on digital libraries at Iranian library schools, especially at the newly established LIS departments in Iran. Digital library management, digital preservation, digitization, digital library architecture, and metadata would be the key components in a digital library education programme. Research on digital library education has not been carried out before in Iran. As such, this paper may fill the research gap between theory and practice of Iranian digital librarianship, as well as facilitates LIS departments to design digital library programme and implement the courses in their curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper ICT infrastructure in the libraries can't achieve the goal of a particular library unless it is supported by skilled manpower and dedication of the library professionals towards his/her duties. Library professional performs the role of collection development, organization of information resources, providing access to information resources, preservation of resources, advising and guiding the users, management and administration and also involvement in digital oriented services etc. The digital oriented technology has lead to designing new services as well as access to the navigation of electronic collection and other electronic resources. To meet the present needs library professionals have to perform various activities with the new technological environment. The authors have an attempt to identify the perception of ICT Skill and opinion among the college librarians in Assam during the pre-covid periods. A structure questionnaire has used to collect the primary data from the college librarians of Assam. The findings of the study revealed that the librarians have the sufficient ICT skills to manage the electronic resources and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated a tremendous shift in library services. Librarians need to equip themselves with the necessary skills to provide efficient services to the users. The objective of this study is to discover the digital skills possessed by the librarians and to evaluate the services that they are providing during the post pandemic era. Survey research was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the librarians working in the various higher education institutions in the State of Goa, India. Of the 64 institutions, 45 (70%) library professionals responded. The study found that most librarians lack the digital skills necessary. However, they are taking the necessary efforts to provide the services and keep the libraries going. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the digital skills of librarians working in university libraries. This study measures their digital skills to create and manage the digital library and the factors affecting their digital skills. The study also provides practical solutions to overcome those factors. This study used a mixed-method research design that is based on qualitative and quantitative research. In the first phase, an in-depth review of related literature was conducted to identify the research problem and formulate research objectives. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS software. An interview guide was developed to collect qualitative data from 50 key experts. A thematic approach was used to analyze data. The current status of digital skills of librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan is not encouraging to develop and manage a digital library. Results showed that library schools in Pakistan are not offering practice-based training to their graduates to develop their digital skills. There is a dire need to offer practice-based training and short courses for librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan to improve their digital skills. Experts recommended in-house training programs and hiring master trainers to improve the digital skills of librarians. The results of this research are limited to librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan. This study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library administration, and university libraries to develop digital skills of librarians and combat the factors/issues that are affecting their digital skills. This study has not only identified the key factors/issues that are affecting the digital skills of librarians but also provides practical solutions on how to overcome those factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign language journals are important components of interdisciplinary area studies collections at research libraries. In the US, although these are low-use materials almost by definition, they are indispensable for many types of research. Coordinated collection development among key libraries with shared interests in these materials is often the best way of broadening the collective collection, strategically reducing duplication to free up resources for broader acquisitions while relying on collection sharing infrastructures to implement shared access to the journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are existing studies on data curation programs in library science education and studies on data services in libraries. However, there is not much insight into how educational programs have prepared data professionals for practice. This study asked 105 practicing professionals how well they thought their education prepared them for professional experience. It also asked supervisors about their perceptions of how well employees performed. After analyzing the results, the investigators of this study found that changing the educational model may lead to improvements in future library data services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research data management represents a significant professional development area for academic librarians – significant for its growing importance to the profession, since researchers are increasingly expected to comply with research data management requirements, and for the extent of competence needed by librarians to support researchers in research data management practices and plans. This article recounts how the Association of College and Research Libraries is fostering professional development opportunities in research data management. The authors describe two key endeavors: (1) the development and deployment of a needs assessment survey, which allowed insight into the types of librarians expressing the most need; and (2) planning and implementation of a pre-conference workshop for ACRL 2015, intended to prototype a future professional development offering. The article concludes by discussing additional assessment that was done following the workshop and how the pre-conference laid the foundation for proposing a “roadshow” for research data management, similar to what the Association of College and Research Libraries sponsors for scholarly communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which explored the role of academic librarian and of the service perspective in the digital library environment. Definition of digital library; Human aspects of digital library; Information on remote reference services as a model.

The author addresses the significance of keeping connected using various digital platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the reason she is feeling the value of connection, in the wake of Washington Governor Jay Inslee's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order and the types of platforms that can aid people to get connected including Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, and Zoom.