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Academic libraries are increasingly becoming affected by intrusive and disruptive technologies, changing user needs, and alternative information providers who offer similar services as the library. The dilemma of academic libraries is evident, based on the declining support from parent institutions and decreasing patronage. In the face of stiff competition, their response has to be rapid in order to preserve their position. Academic librarians cannot effectively prepare for the future or position themselves until they understand the nature of their competitors and what draws the customers to them. To remain relevant, librarians must re-strategize their marketing techniques using competitive intelligence (CI). The article explores practical application of CI principles and strategies to the marketing mix variables of academic libraries. It identifies competitive strategies that could give library marketing a competitive edge. The article also identifies possible challenges in implementing competitive intelligence strategies in marketing for academic libraries and makes recommendations. The article concludes that it is expedient for academic libraries to adopt competitive intelligence to guide their marketing efforts so as to guarantee the survival and continuous growth of academic libraries.

Librarians' commitment is crucial for the success of any library. However, this subject has become a concern to library management as it dominates recent library literature. Hence, this study examined the effects of career development indicators on the organizational commitment of librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria. Survey research design was used for the study. The population comprised 556 professional librarians from university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique was used and the questionnaire method was employed for data collection. A returned rate of 94.2% (n = 524) was obtained. Data analysis was done using multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed that career development indicators had both significance and insignificance influence on the dimensions of organizational commitment of librarians in Southern Nigeria. Consequently, the study concluded that investing in career development indicators like mentoring and training will help to boost the organizational commitment of librarians, ultimately leading to increased productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the availability and use of e-learning tools as emerging paradigms in Covenant University, Nigeria. The study population comprise of 7000 undergraduate students, out of which 1000 was used as sample. Questionnaire was used as data collecting tool for the study. A total of five hundred and eleven questionnaires were filled and returned. The study revealed that an appreciable number of e-learning tools were available and in use in the University. Notable among them is an electronic learning management system--Moodle. Most of the respondents (61.8%) indicated that they used the e-learning tools mostly for downloading lecture notes. The study further revealed that there was no significant relationship between students' level of study (class) and their use of elearning tools. Also, no significant relationship between use of e-learning tools and academic performance was established. Majority of the respondents (54%) identified inadequate internet access as the biggest challenge to students' use of e-learning platforms. The study was concluded with recommendations that could enhance the use of e-learning platforms in Universities in Nigeria.

This paper examines the role of librarians in e- learning programs, as a consequence of post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. Through a review of the relevant literature and of current practice in existing e-learning programs in Nigerian universities, a discussion is developed around the significant roles librarians can play. The embedded librarianship model was identified as the best practice to adopt in order to secure a place for librarians and libraries in Nigeria in the face of the current change in teaching approaches in the post Covid-19 environment. Furthermore, the paper describes the perceived challenges librarians and libraries may be confronted with in executing the embedded librarianship model with regard to online teaching and learning. The paper advocates that the identified challenges be addressed for the library to play a role in the evolving post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examined the emergence and important role of blended librarianship as a fulcrum of relevance for librarians in Nigerian universities. It x-rayed the global trends in blended librarianship vis-à-vis the Nigerian situation. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructure geared towards transitioning from traditional to hybrid services provision for the successful implementation of blended librarianship. The paper recommended the design and implementation of an appropriate framework for the development of ICTs in Nigerian universities, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to review the current curricula of Nigerian library schools to reflect current realities in the work place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between use of library resources and research productivity of lecturers in Private Universities in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 368 lecturers was selected for the study and questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. 231 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved, representing 63% response rate. Data was analyzed using simple percentages, and mean; Pearson correlation coefficient was used for test of hypothesis. Findings indicated that lecturers made use of library resources; however the following challenges were identified as obstacles to library use: work pressure, deadlines to meet and time constraints among others. Consequently, lecturers' research productivity level was average (they published between 1-5 times in three years). The test of hypothesis revealed a significant relationship between use of library resources and research productivity of lecturers. It was recommended that University Management should invest more on acquisitions of information resources for libraries, employ more lecturers in order to reduce work pressure and load among others. Keywords: Lecturers, Libraries, Research, Research Productivity, Nigeria, Library Resources, Introduction Research plays an important role in facilitating the prosperity of a nation and the well-being of her people. Through research, Universities and other higher institutions of learning make important [...]

Lack of academic integrity has frustrated the attainment of educational objectives especially in tertiary institutions in recent times. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent fraudulent practice among students, academics and researchers today is plagiarism. This paper examines the concept, nature and intricacies of plagiarism. It notes the devastating effects of plagiarism on the individual, academic institutions and the society at large. The paper argues that libraries by their assigned and inherent functions have a strategic role to play in curbing plagiarism. The roles include awareness creation, teaching of referencing and citation skills, information literacy programmes among others. The paper concludes with further recommendations for dealing with the menace of plagiarism. Keywords: Plagiarism, Academic Institutions, Libraries, Plagiarists, Researchers, Students, Academic Integrity, INTRODUCTION Higher Institutions all over the world are battling with the 'plaque' of plagiarism. Management and designated authorities of institutions are concerned with the need to device means to curb [...]

This paper examined the involvement of public libraries in information provision to breastfeeding mothers in a developing country – Nigeria. It noted the importance of necessary and adequate information in the health care of both mother and child during the breastfeeding period. It further outlined the types of information needed by breastfeeding mothers and the role of public libraries in the provision of the various types of information. The paper identified the challenges inhibiting information provision for breastfeeding mothers to include negative attitude of breastfeeding mothers, digital divide, and poor state of libraries among others. It recommended the involvement of government and nongovernmental agencies in the provision of education and enlightenment programs for women in order to improve on their literacy levels and effect attitudinal changes toward their reception of formal healthcare information; it also recommended the intervention of government and donor agencies in the revitalization of public libraries and provision of necessary infrastructure for information provision especially in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined undergraduate students' satisfaction with reference services in National Open University of Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey. The population of the study was twelve thousand, five and forty-seven (12,547) undergraduates that registered for the second semester 2017/2018 session drawn from four Study Centres libraries. Sample sizes of 590 students were selected. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Out of the 590 questionnaires distributed, a total of 511 questionnaires (representing 86.6% return rate) were filled and returned. The study revealed that reference services were provided in the National Open University of Nigeria. These services include current awareness service, face to face interaction, and provision of electronic databases among others. The study also revealed that the respondents were satisfied to a high extent with the reference services provided in the library. Similarly, majority of the respondents were satisfied with the reference librarians in their libraries; they indicated that the reference librarians are competent in their work, always available to attend to users' needs, communicates effectively and work with users to help them create keywords and use of databases. Furthermore, the test of hypotheses revealed that there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of both gender and age of the respondents with respect to their extent of satisfactions with the available reference services in National Open University of Nigeria. The study concluded that despite the positive response of the students, the National Open University of Nigeria and other academic libraries in Nigeria should provide more and better reference facilities and introduce novel services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims at investigating the prevalence of bibliotherapy programs among practicing helping professionals in health and educational institutions in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The research objectives are to examine whether bibliotherapy programme is practiced and prevalent among helping professionals in Ota; and to identify the challenges encountered by helping professionals who practice bibliotherapy. Survey design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the sample. Frequencies and percentages were employed to analyze the data gathered. The finding from the result analysis revealed that 57.1% of helping professionals recommended reading materials to help clients gain insight into their problems, while 65.3% of them used bibliotherapy for helping clients gain understanding about others experiencing similar problems. The study concludes that the practice of bibliotherapy technique is prevalent among helping professionals in Ota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction A university library is a part of a university organization which aims at the advancement of the functions of its parent body. Kumar (2006) asserts that a university is [...]

Introduction In this age of information and communication technology (ICT), the use of the Internet has become the norm. Developing countries like Nigeria are not exempted from this trend. The [...]

Institutional repositories (IRs) are gaining popularity globally. This paper examined the trend in a developing country—Nigeria. It reviewed and outlined the historical development of IRs and noted their low level implementation in the country. It also reviewed the role of faculty (authors) in IRs implementation. The paper identified faculty unwillingness to archive their publications in their IRs as a major inhibition to the growth of IRs in Nigeria. It therefore examined factors that influence faculty acceptance to archive in IRs with a view of ameliorating the challenge and encouraging IRs growth in the country. The paper also recommended awareness creation, advocacy programs, training on copyrights and correct referencing and citation formats, as well introduction of incentives geared towards motivating faculty to archive their publications in IRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, information products are becoming more often packaged and repackaged in electronic formats. Cataloguing these resources is a core responsibility of libraries and librarians. A major emerging standardization tool for cataloguing electronic resources is the "resource description and access" (RDA). This article examined the imperatives of RDA implementation among libraries in a developing country—Nigeria. It reviewed global trends and observed the poor RDA implementation level among libraries in Nigeria. It also identified challenges of RDA implementation peculiar to a developing country like Nigeria. The article further outlined strategies that would help to deal with the identified challenges. It concluded that the implementation of RDA is not optional, but mandatory for Nigerian libraries if they must be and remain relevant in the competitive world of librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic and print resources usages and preferences among undergraduates of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria has been examined. The study population consist of all undergraduates of the University, from which a sample of 250 that is 10 percent of the population was selected. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. 231 copies of the questionnaire were completed and returned, representing 92.45 per cent response rate. Results from the study revealed that 110 (47.6 %) of the respondents preferred print resources, while interestingly, the same number 110 (47.6 %) preferred electronic resources; 11(4.8 %) of the participants did not provide any response to the question. It therefore implies that both print and electronic resources are complementary in meeting the information needs of undergraduates. However, majority of the respondents indicated that they usually supplement print materials with electronic resources or vice versa. The test of hypotheses revealed that user preferences were influenced by demographic factors such as age, course and level of study. Libraries should maintain hybrid collections, as both resources were found to be relevant sources of information for teaching, learning and research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the state of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North-East Nigeria, the need to provide education and information services to the IDPs, and the role of libraries. It begins with the remote cause of the displacement. The paper also examined the state of the IDPs in terms of education and information services provision. It reported that the IDPs live in very deplorable conditions. There are no provisions for education and information services. The paper further discussed the importance of education and information to IDPs especially the children, teens, and youths. It recommended the empowerment and involvement of public libraries in the provision of education and information services to IDPs. It alluded that public libraries and librarians are better positioned to provide education and information services to displaced persons. The paper concluded that if necessary logistics and support are provided, libraries and librarians have the capacity to provide effective and efficient education and information services to IDPs and therefore bridge the current gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information World / Bilgi Dünyası is the property of University & Research Librarians Associations (UNAK) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of social network sites among library professionals in university libraries in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria is investigated. The study population consisted of seventy-eight librarians in four universities in the state. Questionnaires (which was the instrument for data collection) were administered to the entire population, out of which 55 (representing 70.5 % response rate) were filled, returned and analysed for the study. The study revealed that library professionals do make use of SNS. The most frequently visited SNS was Linkedln (58.2 %). The respondents also indicated that they visited SNS for the purpose of connecting and collaborating with friends and colleagues, carrying out current awareness and reference services to library users, etc. Majority of the respondents (94.5 %) in the study further revealed that the greatest challenge to the use of social network sites was lack of social media skills. The first hypothesis tested in the study indicated that there was moderate positive significant relationship between device used for internet access and use of social network sites (r=.408**, N= 55, p<.002.). The second hypothesis revealed that there was no significant relationship between gender and use of SNS (r = 0 .157, N=55, p >.05). The study was concluded with recommendations that library professionals should undergo training in social media skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, through a questionnaire survey, examined the current questionnaire response rates of librarians in seven academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria. 58, out of the 80 questionnaires distributed were filled and returned. The study revealed that there was a high response rate to questionnaires among librarians (98%). Furthermore, the study showed that majority of the respondents (77.6%) indicated professional obligation and benefits of research as reasons for questionnaire completion. The study also found out that majority of the researchers who administered questionnaires to librarians were library and information science students and professionals. Length of questionnaires, request for very personal information, complex language, and poor questionnaire construction among others were identified as inhibitions to question completion among respondents. The paper concluded with recommendations that would help boost high response rate to questionnaires among librarians and other professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to discuss new paradigms in cataloguing in 21st century and its implications and challenges for libraries in developing countries like Nigeria. The authors recommended the adoption of new strategies. The paper adopted four dimensional approaches in the discussion of issues. In the first part, the paper introduces the concept of 21st century library. The second approach focused on the role of information and communication technology in cataloguing and recent cataloguing practices. In the third approach, the paper compared cataloguing practices in developed countries with Nigeria. The fourth and final approach discussed implications, challenges and strategies for Nigerian libraries to adopt. The paper listed some challenges and strategies that Nigerian libraries and other developing countries should adopt, such as funding, training of staff, provision and maintenance of infrastructure, eradication of corruption, and so on. While there is numerous literature on the challenges of application of ICT to library operations in Nigeria, very few recommend practical and workable strategies to solving the problems. This paper proposed the adoption of new and workable strategies to efficient and effective application of ICT to cataloguing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the importance of newspapers to research, education, and economic development for Nigeria and advocates the need to preserve newspapers. The authors discuss critical preservation issues related to newspapers and emphasize the urgent need to address their deteriorating state in Nigerian academic libraries. The article also examines the binding preservation method practiced among academic libraries and observes that the method is not adequate. It recommends that academic libraries in Nigeria should adopt the digitization model for newspaper preservation. The article identifies the digital divide, poor technological infrastructure, inadequate funding, lack of expertise, and copyright prohibitions as challenges of digitization and makes recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examines the policies and occurrences of occupational health hazards among library personnel in private universities in the Southwest, Nigeria. A total population of 177 respondents from 15 privately owned universities were used for the study. The research instrument used in the collection of data was a questionnaire. The result of the study shows that most respondents have experienced occupational health hazards. The study also revealed that muscle strain, back aches, eye problems, and respiratory diseases are the most prevalent occupational health hazards experienced by library personnel. The study identified manual handling of library materials, constant exposure of the eyes to computer screens, inhaling of chemicals and dust, as well as long sitting position as the main causes of occupational health hazards among staff. Most respondents indicated that their organizations are not implementing policies on occupational health hazards. Recommendations were made on how to address the various issues raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study, through a questionnaire survey, investigates library patronage by faculties of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty (350) respondents were selected using stratified random sampling out of a total population of 700 from six faculties. The study revealed that there was significant relationship between library patronage of lecturers and level of awareness. The study also found out that majority of respondents used the library very frequently and most of the respondents used the library daily for class preparation, to seek information for general knowledge and specific interest. The study identified unavailability and inaccessibility of current information materials, poor reference and document delivery services etc as barriers to library patronage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global financial crisis has affected all aspects of human endeavor; the library is no exemption. Consequently libraries of all types are experiencing budget and staff cuts. Fewer librarians are required to carry out more tasks. Librarians therefore, need to develop survival strategies that will enable them meet their organizational objectives. This paper focuses on time management strategies to improving librarians' productivity, in a bid to beat budget and staff cuts. It examines the effects of budget and staff cuts on libraries, highlights the relationship between time management and productivity and importance of time management to librarians. It also discusses the concept of multitasking. The paper posits that good time management practice among librarians is a sure survival strategy in coping with staff and budget cuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on time management preferences and information-seeking behavior of managers. It notes that some managers use formal information services and prefer internal and personal sources of information. It emphasizes the positive influence of time management on the performance of managers. Moreover, it suggests the need for companies to have current information on market trends, productivity indicators, and benchmark data to assess organizational performance and stay competitive.

This study examines the causes and effects of information explosion as well as strategies for intervention in university libraries. It identifies the following as causes of information explosion: the invention of printing in the mid-15th century, the growth of literacy among the middle classes in the 17th and 18th centuries, the increasing relationship between information and the competitive economic advantages of nations, and the advent of information and communication technology (ICT). It also examines the effects of information explosion on library users, such as damaged health, bad judgments, and information anxiety. Information explosion also poses challenges to acquisition, cataloguing and classification, and reference services in university libraries. It recognizes that information explosion provides users with an opportunity to select from a wide range of resources. The paper suggests subject specialization among librarians, library cooperation, outsourcing, and use of ICT as strategies for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper makes a case for marketing library and information services in Nigerian university libraries. It examines the practice and problems of marketing library and information services in Nigerian universities as well as charts the way forward in dealing with identified problems. It further posits that if carefully planned and executed, marketing could help the library improve its public perception and win more readership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]