Search

In the twenty-first century, many users seek instant gratification when searching library resources: if it is not online, it is not worth pursuing, even if the answers sought may be found in material available in print only. The digitization of older scholarly and related resources is far from complete, and may not happen for years, if ever. It is incumbent upon professional librarians to alert users to this large array of critically important material, available in hard copy only. As these resources may be difficult to find, we must be there to help with this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stanford University Libraries has recently acquired and made available to researchers the personal and professional papers of Russian poet Andrei Voznesenskii (Andrey Voznesensky). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Recent developments in the field of scientific information resource provision lead us to the key research question, namely,what is the coverage of freely available information sources when writing doctoral theses, and whether the academic library can assume the leading role as a direct intermediator for information users. Method. Citation analysis of doctoral theses was conducted in the summer of 2015. A total of thirty-nine theses (with 6,998 references) defended at Vilnius University at the end of 2014 was selected (30 per cent of all defended theses). Theses were randomly chosen from different research fields: the humanities, social sciences, biomedical sciences, technological sciences, and physical sciences. Analysis. The research team was tasked with identifying whether certain resources could be found in the eCatalogue of an academic library, its subscribed databases, freely available online (through Google or Google Scholar), or whether the resources from the library's subscribed databases are identical to those which are freely available. The data gathering process included such resource categories as journal papers, printed and electronic books or book chapters, and other documents (legal reports, conference papers, newspaper articles, Websites, theses, etc.). Conclusions. Library collections and subscribed databases could cover up to 80 per cent of all information resources used in doctoral theses. Among the most significant findings to emerge from this study is the fact that on average more than half (57 per cent) of all utilised information resources were freely available or were accessed without library support. We may presume that the library as a direct intermediator for information users is potentially important and irreplaceable only in four out of ten attempts of PhD students to seek information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries are meant to acquire, provide and disseminate information resources to satisfy their patron's information needs. A potent means in which librarians in academic libraries can optimize for their work and services as well as maintain their relevance is through social media. The purpose of this paper is to expose library and information personnel in academic libraries to the effective utilization of social media as an effective tool for re-defining and transforming academic library services in the 21st century. The specific objectives are to identify the types of social media used for effective library service provision in academic libraries, to identify the roles of social media in libraries, to identify the skills needed by librarians to effectively sustain library services through social media, to identify the major challenges associated with social media as a tool for service delivery and to develop strategies for effective adoption and utilization of social media as a tool for library service delivery. The methodology adopted is content analysis. The study was done by related literature review in which related articles on social media in academic libraries were analyzed. Hence, the study reviewed and analyzed the content of 21 articles in which topical issues based on this paper were addressed. The study revealed that social media are powerful tools that can enhance and promote library services. To be able to stay relevant in the socially networked environment and meet the growing needs of its patrons in the 21st century, it has become imperative for academic libraries to explore and adopt social media, which has become a library technology that has the capacity to expand the frontiers of library service delivery as well as to reach the hitherto unreached categories of patrons. The study recommended that academic libraries personnel should efficiently explore and adopt various social media platforms that are suitable for their community so as to grow the visibility and social media presence of their libraries and as well, reach out to every member of their community. Furthermore, adequate budgetary provision for the purchase and maintenance of technologies and facilities to effectively drive the social media implementation for service delivery is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We spend hours teaching students where to go to find resources, but how do students really use those scholarly resources—and other resources—in their papers? Inspired by the Citation Project, University of Richmond liaison librarians examined First-Year Seminar papers to see what types of sources students used in their writing, how they incorporated those sources, and the various citation conventions they used. By focusing on the degrees to which students integrate source material into their writing, we recommend pedagogical practices that can enhance students’ understanding of source integration and citation standards. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of information resources in the research papers of the graduate students in Library and Information Science (LIS) at Kuwait University. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology chosen for this paper is the bibliometric method by way of citation count of the references found in the literature review papers of LIS graduate students at Kuwait University by identifying the preferred form of publications, retrieval method, time span, subject distribution, and the most cited journals. Findings – It is shown that the majority of students used journal articles, web pages, and books as the most preferred form of resources. Their preferred method of retrieval was the printed format. Time span of the most used citations is from three to ten years. They mostly used traditional library journals such as Bulletin of MLA, Library Review, The Electronic Library, Library Management, and College and Research Libraries. Research limitations/implications – The quantity and quality of citations were reviewed and approved by the student advisor, and the sample was drawn from a population of 74 papers based on the availability of original papers. Originality/value – The findings in this paper provide important insights for the academic library administration to take appropriate measures to achieve a higher level of awareness and skill by the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report a study of how research literature addresses researchers' attitudes toward data repository use. In particular, the authors are interested in how the term data sharing is defined, how data repository use is reported and whether there is need for greater clarity and specificity of terminology. Design/methodology/approach: To study how the literature addresses researcher data repository use, relevant studies were identified by searching Library Information Science and Technology Abstracts, Library and Information Science Source, Thomas Reuters' Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. A total of 62 studies were identified for inclusion in this meta-evaluation. Findings: The study shows a need for greater clarity and consistency in the use of the term data sharing in future studies to better understand the phenomenon and allow for cross-study comparisons. Furthermore, most studies did not address data repository use specifically. In most analyzed studies, it was not possible to segregate results relating to sharing via public data repositories from other types of sharing. When sharing in public repositories was mentioned, the prevalence of repository use varied significantly. Originality/value: Researchers' data sharing is of great interest to library and information science research and practice to inform academic libraries that are implementing data services to support these researchers. This study explores how the literature approaches this issue, especially the use of data repositories, the use of which is strongly encouraged. This paper identifies the potential for additional study focused on this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the emergence of resource discovery systems and services, along with their advantages, best practices, and current landscapes. It outlines some of the key services and functionalities of a comprehensive discovery model suitable for academic libraries in developing countries. The proposed model (VuFind as a discovery tool) performs like other existing web-scale resource discovery systems, both commercial and open-source, and is capable of providing information resources from different sources in a single-window search interface. The objective of the paper is to provide seamless access to globally distributed subscribed as well as open access resources through its discovery interface, based on a unified index. This model uses Koha, DSpace, and Greenstone as back-ends and VuFind as a discovery layer in the front-end and has also integrated many enhanced search features like Bento-box search, Geodetic search, and full-text search (using Apache Tika). The goal of this paper is to provide the academic community with a one-stop shop for better utilising and integrating heterogeneous bibliographic data sources with VuFind (https://vufind.org/vufind). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University libraries worldwide are reconceptualising the ways in which they support the research agenda in their respective institutions. This paper is based on a survey completed by member libraries of the Queensland university libraries Office of Cooperation (QulOC), the indings of which may be informative for other university libraries. After briefly examining major emerging trends in research support, the paper discusses the results of the survey specifically focussing on support for researchers and the research agenda in their institutions. All responding libraries offer a high level of research support, however , eResearch support, in general, and research data management support, in particular , have the highest variance among the libraries, and signal possible areas for growth. Areas for follow-up, benchmarking and development are suggested. [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]

The paper is about Application of Technology Resources to Library Information Processing in Academic Libraries in Nigeria. The electronic age has made users search beyond print media while looking for information resources. Latest research work are sent across the world through electronic means and no serious researcher of this age ever depends solely on print media rather the use of internet, websites, e-mail etc are the language of the day. Functionally, university libraries of the current dispensation provide access to both print and electronic resources to serve users and to increase the visibility of their institutions, and as a measure of prestige. In other words, they must go beyond the border of print collection in information delivery. It must extend to computer resources and other non-print format. The paper concluded that technology resources is indispensable in the 21st century for global access to information materials. Therefore academic libraries in Nigeria must strive to apply these resources to their information processing for total production and distribution of information contents in a quality manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses utilization of library and information resources and its importance in research process. It views research as a systematic painstaking investigation of a topic or in a field of study often employing technique of hypotheses and experimentation, undertaken by a person intent on revealing new facts, theories or principles or determining skill and identification of research problems which is connected to the level of library and information resources usage and hence determines the productivity or output of researchers. It discusses library and information resources as resources that include all forms of information carriers that can be used to promote and encourage effective research activities and developmental projects including books, journals, periodicals, audio-visual etc. Impediments to the full utilization of library and information resources are highlighted. They include lack of adequate current or relevant materials, non-involvement of lecturers in book selection, lack of adequate professional library staff, lecturers' lack of awareness of new arrivals among others. The study concludes by recommending acquisition of current and relevant information sources particularly books and journals, well qualified, experienced and adequate professional and Para-professional library staff should be employed by the university, approval of more funds for university library, research productivity should be encouraged with adequate funding in form of grants to lecturers/researchers in respective of their level and rank, lecturers promotion and entitlements should not be delayed, and Libraries and Librarians should embark on awareness and information literacy programs in order to improve on library patronage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the library is vital in all types of education - traditional as well as distance mode. The purpose of this paper is to know the distance learner's satisfaction with library resources, services and facilities in Kuvempu University Library. This study used questionnaire-based survey method to collect the data from the PG distance students of Kuvempu University. 1435 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 1435 duly filled in questionnaires were received back. The study suggested that advanced training for users at different levels should be started. The contents of the training programs should be (a) introduction to library services and facilities, (b) Using OP AC, (c) Methods and tools for searching information resources, (d) Using the Internet etc. The library should extended library hours with adequate number of staff who can assist in providing the easier access to subject related documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Ma'mun: Jurnal Kajian Kepustakawanan dan lnfonnasi is the property of UIN Saizu Purwokerto 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.)

As a doorway for users seeking information, library websites should be accessible to all, including those who are visually or physically impaired and those with reading or learning disabilities. In conjunction with an earlier study, this paper presents a comparative evaluation of Ivy League university library homepages with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates. Data results from WAVE and AChecker evaluations indicate that although the error of Missing Form Labels still occurs in these websites, other known accessibility errors and issues have been significantly improved from five years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present basic resources and practical strategies for undergraduate art history research. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the author's experience as both an art librarian and instructor for a core requirement art history course. Findings - The plan detailed in this paper covers every step of the research process, from exploring the topic to citing the sources. The resources listed, which include subscription databases as well as public web sites, are deliberately limited to a manageable number. Additional topics include defining the scope of inquiry and making appropriate use of internet resources such as Wikipedia. Originality/value - The paper provides the academic librarian with clear guidance on basic research resources in art history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective use of information resources by lecturers is one of the determinants of university education outcomes. To function optimally, lecturers utilise digitised information resources in their duties. University libraries are saddled with the responsibility of organising and providing lecturers' needed information resources. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of digitised library information resources availability on the use of information resources by lecturers in six federal universities in Southern Nigeria. Instruments used for data collection were the DLIRA (r = 0.73) and UIR (r = 0.64) scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson product moment correlation, and multiple regressions at.05 level of significance. The results showed that digitised library information resources availability on the use of information resources influenced the use of information resources by lecturers in the federal universities in Southern Nigeria. Thus, there is a need for the management of university libraries to intensify efforts at converting most of the paper-based resources to digitised formats for increased use of library resources by lecturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than seventy online studies were reviewed to identify awareness, usage, satisfaction, and challenges of using information resources and services in academic libraries by users. The main objective of this study is to review the literature on information resources and services regarding awareness, usage, impact, challenges, satisfaction levels of users of various academic libraries. The study includes research papers published in national and international journals and other sources available on the internet. A review of various studies revealed that users use library resources and services for various purposes. Studies reveal that most users are satisfied with print resources, but they face problems while accessing online resources due to lack of skills to use these resources. Most students today rely on online resources, but a lack of training prevents them from getting the information they need. Most of the studies have suggested that the library should play an important role in providing information literacy program and user studies at regular intervals in their institutions to provide better library and information services to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aims at determining students' attributes and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in Imo State. The study focused on four (4) Universities in Imo State while four (4) variables were considered: students' study habit, intellectual curiosity and information literacy skill, with a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Methods: The sample respondents were drawn using a simple random sampling technique through structured questionnaires. The answer to the research questions were arrived at using the descriptive analysis while the hypotheses were tested using t-test at 5% level of significance. Results: The results show that the major determinants of students' utilization of library information resources are: students' information literacy skill to use the computer and Internet facilities provided to access information resources for their assignments; to explore new ideas and balance their study time with recreation to avoid conflict. The result also shows a significant relationship between students' study habit, intellectual curiosity, information literacy skill and utilization of information resources in the library. Conclusion: The extent of students' knowledge of how to access sources of information using computer and Internet facilities provided; students' desire to explore new ideas to among others update themselves and carry out their class assignments affects their utilization of library information resources. Finally, the students' study habits, intellectual curiosity and information literacy skill significantly affects the utilisation of library resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on library impact on online-only graduate student success has been limited. This paper will present a structure to evaluate the effect early program instruction and contact with library professionals and library resources has on success metrics for graduate students in online-only graduate programs at a regionally accredited nonprofit online institution. This paper will explore how to build an assessment program to measure library impact on fully online graduate students, touching on selecting outcomes, data analytics, synchronous vs. asynchronous instruction, and cross-campus collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In library applications, radio frequency indentification (RFID) technology, sensors, and wireless transmission networks have been applied to various services such as self-service checkout and return systems, electronic reader cards, intelligent bookshelves, intelligent monitoring of library premises, augmented reality (AR) interactive picture books, physical corridors, and seat reservations; in regional library alliances, real crossregional and cross-system alliance cooperation through IoT technology is also becoming increasingly important. Continuous information resource sharing is an important means to maximize the effectiveness of library information resources and meet the information needs of various users. The development of IoT technology opens new ideas and methods for information resource sharing in regional library alliances, effectively expanding the scope of information resource sharing and improving the efficiency of information resource sharing. This paper briefly presents the relationship, architecture, and key technologies of IoT technology and the definition, characteristics, and types of regional library consortium and content. Analysis of the characteristics and principles of regional library consortium information resource sharing is in the context of IoT and the corresponding studies on information sharing between regional library consortia at home and abroad. We also propose strategies to establish a specialized agency for information resource sharing, establish a sound investment mechanism for information resource sharing, ensure the security of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium, and increase the publicity and training capacity of information resource sharing of the regional library consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of libraries in preparing students to thrive during their studies and innovate after university is growing in importance. Information is more easily accessible through digital channels and is increasingly abundant. Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) adds to this reality and increases the need for digitally driven information literacy skills. This paper aims to guide librarians by discussing the digitalization of information creation, retrieval, and use. It recommends the training of both digital and information literacy for students. Librarians are called upon to provide clear guidelines to their universities to steer the use of generative AI. The implications of digital information sources and generative AI are discussed with the role of librarians in context. Information literacy and digital literacy are related. Academic libraries should include digital topics in information literacy training. Information literacy should be trained at the start of university education and before students begin dissertation writing. University libraries should propose guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence tools by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-- To discuss the issues and challenges of digital preservation facing institutional repositories and to illustrate the Joint Information Systems Committee's (JISQ view on institutional repositories and its key initiatives in helping UK institutions address these issues. Design/methodology/approach-- A combination of published work and JISC documents (public facing or internal) were used as reference material. Findings-- Digital preservation is a complex process and there are still many unsolved issues which make it a challenging task for institutional repositories. However, the wide deployment of institutional repositories also provides new opportunities for digital preservation. Much could be done to consider digital preservation from the outset, to involve the authors and to embed digital preservation into repository workflow, which will ease the later preservation tasks. Research limitations/implications-- A number of ongoing JlSC-funded projects are briefly reported which explore different models for the provision of digital preservation services for institutional repositories. These models may be a way forward to tackle collectively the issue of long-term preservation within the setting of institutional repositories. Depending on the outcomes of the projects, further investigation and implementation could be undertaken to test the models. Practical implications-- This paper will help the reader to gain a better understanding of the issues related to digital preservation in general and how JTSC's work has helped to tackle these issues. Originality/value-- This paper clearly states JISC's view on, and future plan for, digital repositories. This is of value to the UK educational community as JISC works on its behalf and responds to its needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the findings of a quantitative study of 1,698 public library websites in Australia, Canada, and the United States over a period of three years using a spreadsheet protocol. The purpose of the research was to evaluate public library websites, available online sources, and whether library staff were available to respond to users' questions and concerns regarding the website. Descriptive statistics are used to report the results. The study provides public library website information regarding which protocol criteria each country's libraries attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual paper identifies future directions for information practices theoretical discourses addressing marginality, community, and embodiment. We extend arguments from critical research identifying how existing discourses fail to capture the nuanced, lived experiences of people and communities confronting marginalization, predominantly via their reinforcement of deficit narratives. We then connect a series of qualitative projects examining the information practices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual communities in the American South with relevant Library and Information Science (LIS) research to examine how marginality, community, and embodiment shape these practices. Specifically, we introduce a conceptual model that describes marginality by framing information practices as tactical and agentic responses to and refutations of social and structural barriers and risks. While some of the information practices of participants and communities appear to be uninformed or unsafe, they represent the products of community sharing and vetting. Embodied navigations further inform participant practices as they navigate information worlds produced and informed by their intersectional identities. These arguments coincide with key categories established within our model that describe information practices: defensive and protective, and community and self. Based on these insights, we offer directions for future research and theory to reorient existing discourses in ways that inspire middle‐range theory building that fully captures people's lived experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Libellarium is the property of University of Zadar, Department of Information Science 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.)

This paper examines the accessibility options for SRDs in university libraries in Nigeria. Access to the library's information resources is a benchmark for effectively utilizing information resources and services and fulfilling information demands for the educational growth of people within a community. Students that struggle with reading and it affect their capacity to learn are students with reading disabilities. University libraries should support and encourage scholarly work and research in all areas of human endeavor, regardless of ability or disability. As a result, this paper explores the idea of students with reading disabilities (SRDs), their traits, and the responsibility of university libraries in Nigeria in supporting SRDs. The article looks at the discrepancies between accessible and necessary information sources and the difficulties Nigerian university libraries experience in bridging such gaps and presents pertinent suggestions for improving access to SRDs. • The paper examined the provision of access for students with reading disabilities (SRDs) in Nigerian university libraries. • The study adopted a conceptual approach. • The takeaways are its emphasis on the critical role university libraries should play in improving information access and availability for SRDs. • The article examined the discrepancies between accessible and necessary information sources and the difficulties Nigerian university libraries experience in bridging such gaps. • The study recommended the repackaging and recreating university library information resources, facilities, and services to improve access to SRDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2020, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Libraries began work towards building a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. One of the ways in which the organization set out to achieve this goal is through the digitization of materials by and about underrepresented and diverse peoples as well as the accurate representation of these individuals and groups in our metadata. This paper describes how the UTA Libraries' Committee for Metadata and Digitization approached this charge through the creation of three subgroups. There is discussion of the committee's goals and processes, an evaluation of progress toward meeting objectives, plans for sustaining this work, and a list of proposed strategies for other institutions interested in implementing similar efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2020, the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries (Libraries), which includes a main library and four branch locations, closed to the public and quickly shifted its services to support remote learning, instruction, and research in response to COVID-19. We fully transitioned services such as reference and research support to an online environment and pivoted collection development to primarily acquire e-resources. This was a dramatic change in operations that altered the way faculty and students interacted with the Libraries and we wanted to understand how these changes impacted our users. The authors collected and analyzed data about the use of the Libraries' collections and services to understand user expectations during the pandemic, and measure user satisfaction with recent adjustments. The presentation and this paper summarize findings from various library data sources and survey results, and provide recommendations for prioritizing library services that best meet user expectations for the academic year 2021–22. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries play a key role in the promotion of user centered services through the provision of information resources and services for the information needs of the library clienteles. With the emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the traditional library services have no place in satisfying the curiosity of the library users. Library users are gradually keeping away from the use of the library and less value are attached to the library. This paper looked at the traditional and hybrid services that are easy to access and more convenient for the library users as a way of promoting clientele centered services in academic libraries. The study recommended that academic libraries should introduce and employ strategic services in order to attract the library users to the library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Universities Commission, the supervisory body of all Universities in Nigeria assesses the universities for standards and quality assurance of programmes on regular basis. The paper examined how accreditations are carried out by the National Universities Commission and the accreditation roles of the university libraries were examined. The study also unveiled the challenges of accreditation in University Libraries which include late notification of forthcoming accreditation, financial constraint, out datedness of information resources, and understaff. The study suggested possible ways out of these challenges which include timely notification of date of accreditation, provision of finance to enable the library acquire current information resources and the like. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study assessed the conservation and preservation of information resources for improved service delivery in Francis Idachaba Library at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Orkpoogh, Nigeria. It mentions that process of conservation and preservation to safeguard the information resources from further decay and deterioration.

The study investigates the mutilation of information resources in University libraries in Abuja. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprises 244 library staff made up of professionals and non-professionals in Universities in Abuja. Because the population was small and manageable, all the 244 library staff were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Mutilation of Information Resources Questionnaire" (MIQ). The questionnaire was validated by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained. Data were collected and analyzed using Frequency, Percentages, Means and Standard Deviations. Findings of the study revealed that, journals, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, projects/theses/dissertations, government publications, term papers, compact discs, CD-ROMs and audio-visual materials were the information resources affected by mutilation. It was also revealed that the forms of mutilation of library resources include, tearing of pages of books/journals, underlining of texts/journal, highlighting pages of textbooks/journals, bending spines of textbooks and journals, using of wet hands to turn pages of books/journals, cracking of CDs, marking of books/journals with biros, shading of books/journals with pencils, ear-dogging pages of books/journals and making comments on pages of books/journals. Further, it was revealed that the causes of mutilation of library resources in universities in Abuja include, poverty/financial constraints among users, high cost of photocopying library resources, insufficient library opening hours, ignorance of impact on the users, inadequate loan period, low quality of library services, frustration with library services on the part of users, lack of power supply, high cost of books, lack of security men at the reading section and inadequate close circuit cameras in the library. The study concludes that, plethora of information resources in university libraries in Abuja are prone to mutilation. Recommendation were made that, the cost of photocopying information materials in the libraries should be subsidized by Universities to enable easy access to information materials by library users as this can help in curbing the issue of mutilation; mutilators should be subjected to heavy and well defined penalties such as withdrawal of library card to serve as deterrent to other users and libraries should adopt the use of new technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to solve some of the problems caused by mutilation of library resources among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the information resources provided to remote clients by the distance education academic libraries in Gauteng Province of South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The positivism research paradigm anchored this paper and used the quantitative research approach. Microsoft Form was used to design the questionnaire to collect data from the academic library staff. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Cluster sampling was adopted as the actual number of the target population was not known. The findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic brought changes in the provision of information resources to remote clients in academic libraries in a distance education environment in the Gauteng province of South Africa; therefore, adaptation is essential for advancement in academic libraries operating in the distance education environment. The policymakers, academic library management, and stakeholders gained an insight to revisit the existing policy regarding the provision of information resources (hard and soft copies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the importance of leadership on innovative practices in academic libraries in Nigeria. Academic libraries are expected to provide services in all forms, they provide reference services, technical, readers' services and so on, and also providing information resources in all kinds of format. Being a routine-like organization, users will desire new methods and expect creativity. Without creativity, turnout to the library may be less. Hence, good and innovative library leadership is important to keep its relevance to the university. It is therefore crucial for academic libraries to have effective leadership that will foster creativity and innovative practices. This paper therefore stated relevant leadership traits and skills that will foster innovation and suggested innovative practices that may be adopted in academic libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine undergraduate students' information-seeking behavior and their thought processes involved in, criteria applied to, and methods of, evaluating the results of their searches, in determining which information to apply to their research. Design/methodology/approach - The paper observed, recorded and analyzed the processes and sources used by undergraduate students when seeking information on a given topic. Findings - Students did not use as many of the criteria necessary for evaluating sources for a research paper as the authors had hoped to observe; therefore, the students identified relatively few scholarly sources. Practical implications - Even though many of the students had had a course-integrated library instruction session before participating in the study, it did not seem to increase their evaluative skills, leading the authors to think that research skills need to be integrated in the curriculum in more meaningful ways by teaching faculty. Originality/value - The paper raises awareness of the search strategies and criteria that undergraduate students use to find information for their research papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identified the training strategies for distance education academic libraries that could improve remote clients' access to information resources during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The positivism research paradigm anchored this study and employed a quantitative approach. Eighty-two (82) online questionnaire was sent to the library staff working in academic libraries that operate in a distance education environment in Gauteng Province of South Africa. The collected data were analyzed with frequency counts and percentages. The hypothesis was tested using multinomial logistic regression statistics. The findings revealed that academic libraries provided training through the library staff to ensure that remote clients cope with the technological advancement facilitated by the emergence of COVID-19. This study recommended that the library staff should consider training intervention in the areas that seem to be neglected, such as identifying information resources relevant to their information needs, introduction to library products and services, and introduction to reference techniques to facilitate the usage and access to information resources by the remote clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides the use of OPAC (Online Public Access catalogue) by users of first grade colleges affiliated to the University of Mysore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary inputs from users of college libraries to understand the present status. Out of the 160 colleges total of 29 college libraries were fully automated i.e. is Acquisition module, cataloguing module, circulation module, OPAC (Online Public Access catalogue) and Serial control. A total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed in 29 colleges among the Students, Research Scholars and Faculty members of First Grade Colleges affiliated to the University of Mysore, Mysore. Stratified random sampling was adopted for the data collected from four districts, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamrajnagara and Hassan, coming under the jurisdiction of the University of Mysore.994 filled-up questionnaires were received back consisting of 82.83% responses. The study's findings reveal that 738 (81.54%) respondents' access OPAC from the stand-alone system, 867 (95.80%) search OPAC by 'Author', followed by 770 (85.08%) by 'Title', It is suggested that the librarians must provide through the orientation programs to familiarize new members with the library resources and services. The use of OPAC, retrieving and reserving documents, including Boolean search, should be imparted to users during orientation programs and the libraries must create e-resources portals to facilitate access to various information resources and surrogates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues on gender inequality and women empowerment is not a new phenomenon. Governments and other organizations over decades have consistently laid down processes and means to regularize situations surrounding gender. Amidst the initiatives, developmental information is seen as a stop-gap measure to end gender issues. This paper examined the role of academic libraries in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. The study reviewed existing literature, concepts from theoretical framework and interviews from librarians. The outcome of the study revealed that the rich and diverse information resources and professional service provisions of libraries position them to provide the right information resources and as well inform, educate and train women to realize their potentials. The study indicated that libraries are development agents and catalyst to women empowerment. However, inadequate knowledge to access the right information hinders the progress of women. The study further revealed that financial and low investments were the major setback for academic libraries to play its integral role to sphere head the course of gender equality and empower women. It was recommended that government officials, stakeholders, traditional leaders, and decision-makers should be apt and recognize the value of libraries in women development and partner librarians to explore creative ways to close the gender inequality gap. The study proposed a conceptual framework as a new paradigm shift for academic libraries to promote gender equality and women empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the University Libraries of five Universities spread over Kerala, providing higher education in Science, Social Science and Humanities. Cochin University, one among the five universities selected under the study, deals with Technology in addition to the conventional branches. The paper attempts to make a comparative study of the acquisition process of journals and databases among the five University Libraries. The author has collected data through a personal visit to all the five libraries with the help of a structured interview with all the University Librarians and the staff working in the periodicals section. Purchase of Newspapers and magazines is excluded from the study and importance is given to the subscription of Journals and Databases, as they are the significant information sources of higher education. Aspects such as the mode of selection of journals and databases, mode of purchase, current budget allocation, its apportion to different departments, how the fund is released as advance to the University Librarian's account, its utilization and settlement etc. are mainly dealt with in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of an intensive stock verification of more than 50000 documents of an academic library (Institute of Agriculture; Visva-Bharati) established in 1957. The physical verification process includes physical noting of all accession number of books on and out of stack and use of LibSys software to generate reports. The paper highlights that physical verification of collection can help in identifying major areas of loss and thereby can help in framing administrative guideline for collection evaluation and management policy. The paper also urges for review of existing government rules regarding loss of books and weed-out policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health sciences librarians can benefit from adding the creation or expansion of existing LibGuide services to their list of health literacy tools. By seeking out opportunities to partner with traditional library constituencies and new constituencies, health science librarians can broaden their health literacy horizons with each newly created LibGuide. This paper examines the use of LibGuides and use statistics to provide expanded user services for library clientele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]