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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 paper examined the challenges of maintenance of paper based archival information materials and strategies for enhancement in academic libraries in South East, Nigeria which doubled as the objectives of the study. Descriptive survey research method was used for the study. The population consisted of 277 library staff in academic libraries of government owned institutions. Questionnaire and structured interview guide was used to collect data which was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to analyze data generated for the two research questions while ttest was used for the hypothesis. Real limits of numbers were used to determine the bench mark. The major findings of the study showed the challenges involved in maintenance of archival materials to include inadequate funding and tropical climate that breeds insects. The strategies involved in archival maintenance practices include: recruiting adequate personnel in libraries, provision of maintenance policies, adequate funding of libraries for proper maintenance of archives, proper control of insect by the use of insecticides and adequate training of maintenance personnel. The hypothesis tested revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings between the male and female library staff in respect to strategies for maintenance practices of paper based archival paper materials in the academic libraries. The paper recommended that the library administrators should engage qualified and competent staff on the field of Library and Information Science and ICT to ensure adequate maintenance of archival materials in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors analyzed 21,005 citations from 124 Ph.D. theses submitted to ten departments in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, in Nigeria, during the period 2006 to 2013. The overall analysis of the cited information sources revealed that journals (67.6%) were the most cited sources, followed by books/monographs (13.6%), and conference papers (2.6%). The cited journals were predominantly non-Nigerian journals. This study also analyzed and compared the characteristics and variations of the cited literature across the ten departments. In addition, evaluation of the availability of cited journals in the University Library showed that the library is deficient in providing adequate journals for students' scholarship and research.

The article discusses importance of maintenance of archival paper materials for the academic institutions where they are located and for posterity in Nigeria. It mentions archival maintenance practices for paper based archival materials has been under researched in era of global access to information online; and also mentions archival maintenance practices requires controlling of environment to elongate archival paper based materials.

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.

Evolution is one recurrent phenomenon that affects almost every facet of human endeavour. Libraries have had their own share in many ways. The green library concept, although, a relatively new-sprung initiative, have not been given full attention. The understanding of librarians, and the levels of adoption of the green library concept in Nigeria is reported herein. The descriptive survey approach was used. Results showed that librarians have the right perception about the concept, and have implemented or currently translating their policies, practices, and services in compliance with environmental sustainability objectives. However, much more needs to be done as the libraries also have not sufficiently engaged in climate change sensitization activities with patrons or their immediate community. The libraries do not collect rain water, recycle paper or reduce the use of plastics as stipulated. In implementing the initiative, low awareness, poor funding, lack of collaboration with environmental agencies among others have bedeviled their efforts. The establishment of a Nigerian Green Building Council (NGBC) for building standardisation with the support of the Nigerian Library Association is thus recommended for on-thespot redesigning of already built antique libraries. It is also pertinent to begin inspiring green architectural projects especially for newly proposed library buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relevance of electronic resources and improved access for effective distance learning and continuing education. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population of the study comprises 7,125 registered students of the National Open University of Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 379 respondents. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through a research assistant, and only 320 valid responses were returned and used for the study. The study used frequency counts and percentages as statistical measures for data analysis. Findings revealed that students access e-resources regularly. Electronic resources were also relevant as they provide students with up-to-date information, complete information from different sources, speedy and easy access to information, and more. Access to electronic resources can be improved through the following means: provision of useful Internet/server to enhance the accessibility of e-resources, online user guideline for accessing e-resources, creation of user-friendly interfaces for easy access to online contents. It was recommended that audio and video conference chats be made available to students to connect librarians for assistance when the need arises; compulsory user-education and orientation program should also be conducted for students on the use of electronic resources.

Web 2.0 applications to library services are aimed at enhancing the provision of relevant and cost-effective information resources for quality education and research. Despite the richness of these web applications and their enormous impact on library and information services as recorded in the developed world, Nigerian academic libraries are yet to deploy and overcome the challenges of active participation in the application and use of these new technologies to library services. This paper reviewed various success stories of the Web 2.0 technologies to library and information services delivery around the world; competencies required and why Nigerian academic librarians should adopt, embrace and apply Web 2.0 to their academic library services. The paper recommended amongst others, the need for Nigerian academic libraries to take a policy decision on implementation of Web 2.0 technologies to library services; developing adequate core competencies required for librarians in Nigerian higher education institutions and a need for professional development of academic librarians.

In this paper the logistic growth model of spontaneous utilization of school library in Imo State, is presented. First-order variables separable logistic equation is solved. The parameters that gave the best logistic curve for the data were determined. The number of male and female science students who utilized school library spontaneously also is presented. The logistic equation allows rigorous estimation of 2.34% growth rate of male science students' spontaneous utilization of school library in Imo State. While that of female students is decreasing by 2.71%. The results revealed that male students are experiencing upward trend in the spontaneous utilization of school library while their female counterparts are experiencing downward trend. Therefore, it is recommended that science students should utilize the school library resources spontaneously without being induced to do so. They should also develop passion for reading because reading books pushes readers to use their imaginations and encourages creativity for scientific endeavours.

The paper examines the level of library automation and virtual library development in four academic libraries. A validated questionnaire was used to capture the responses from academic librarians of the libraries under study. The paper discovers that none of the four academic libraries is fully automated. The libraries make use of librarians with background training in computer applications coupled with in-house and sponsored conferences and workshops. Again, none of the automation and internet equipments in these four institutions is assessed to be adequate. The paper recommends that parent institutions should give priority to the development of library automation and virtual library development through internet connectivity by voting adequate fund to this project. (Contains 7 tables.)

The desire of academic institutions to link up to the virtual repository is a global phenomenon. Traditional scholarly publication through established journals characterized by peer review is being challenged by less formal net-based communication that links scholars essentially instantaneously. The contention is that universities need to preserve the benefits of the old system, in which the review process provides cohesion to a given field, while taking advantage of the speed and ease of access promised by the new media. This paper explores the Nigerian situation as it pertains to universities. The paper is basically descriptive and relies mostly on empirical evidences. It was revealed that because of the opportunities created by this new innovation, there is a burning and widespread desire to latch on this opportunity to increase the visibility of their intellectual output and productivity in the universities. The universities also face challenges in this respect which includes poor technology infrastructure, inadequate funding and lack of awareness amongst others. It is believed that if progress made so far is sustained with improvements on challenges the development, management and deployment of IRs will record tremendous success in universities in Nigeria.

Libraries before the 21st century carried out daily routine library task such as cataloguing and classification, acquisition, reference services etc using manual procedures only but the advent of Information Technology as transformed these routine task that libraries can now automate their activities by deploying the use of library software in carrying its routine task. Library automation no doubt offers many opportunities to improve library services to library patrons. Despite the numerous benefits derived from library software, its use by users during information search in the library it still at a formative stage because most users do not use the library software. The study was based on appraising demographic variables as factors influencing accessibility and utilisation of library software by undergraduates in two selected private universities in Nigeria with the objectives of investigating the purpose of using the software, determining the benefits and challenges of using a library software in managing its collection: Descriptive survey was adopted for the study and the study population comprised of a total population of 4.860 undergraduates: 2,210 in Redeemers University and 2,660 in Bowen University. Simple random sampling was used with a sampling fraction of five percent to give a sample size of 244. The questionnaire was the main instrument complemented with interview guide for the systems analyst and observation checklist. The data was analysed using frequency distribution with percentages and regression analysis. Undergraduates in Bowen that used the library software were male in 300 level between ages 16-20 years while those in Redeemers that used the library software were female students in 200 level between 16-20 years. Both universities had functional and accessible library software and 67 and 70 respondents in Bowen and Redeemers University respectively stated that the software was user friendly and access to the software was free for all registered users of the library. Undergraduates in Bowen used the library software occasionally for assignments 36 (36.4%) and project 31 (31.3%) while those in Redeemers used it for assignments 49 (44.1%) and term paper 36 (32.4%). In both universities undergraduates learnt to use the library software through training from library staff (72.7% in Bowen and 47.7% in Redeemers). Also, the benefit derived from having a library software in the library included time saved and assistance in carrying out their research. Some identified major challenges included frequent downtime of software package and server and irregular power supply. There was also a joint effect of demographic variables on utilisation of library software by undergraduates (r[superscript 2] = 0.035, p<0.05) and there was a significant relationship between gender and utilisation of library software (r[superscript 2] = 0.140. p<0.05). Deployment of library software for the routine task has helped to ensure proper management and retrieval of resources; however its use is still minimal that undergraduates should be encouraged to make maximum use of the software regularly when searching for library materials. For improved use of the software, librarians should make the undergraduates aware of the software and its benefits and also evaluate the software to ensure that it is still meeting the needs of the users.

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 0.05 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.

The authors of this paper investigated the level of information communication technology-related (ICT) information literacy (IL) skills of librarians in Nigerian Colleges of Education (COE) in order to discover the challenges they face in acquiring these skills. A descriptive survey method was adopted using a questionnaire. Study participants included professionals and para-professional librarians in federal, state and private COE libraries in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones of Nigeria. Findings showed that librarians in the study zone rate their IL skills as average. A correlation of the overall assessment of the librarians' IL skills with variables such as institution, gender, years of experience, and qualifications revealed noteworthy differences among the groups of librarians. The study also revealed that the librarians acquired their IL skills in a wide variety of professional and informal ways, but only a few indicate that they acquired their skills in library school. Lack of training, irregular power supply, poor Internet connectivity, inadequate facilities (computers), and lack of time were identified as some of the challenges in acquiring professional IL skills.

Information is a bedrock of any developing society and that is the core purpose of university libraries. This enables staff and student to learn and teach students not just in theory but in practice. However, without well-established libraries the above role may not be implemented. Therefore, there is need for globally competitive libraries in academic institutions especially in privately-owned academic libraries were the cost of tuition is relatively high compared to federal and state owned universities. This is to ensure that lecturers gain access to relevant up-to-date information to teach students and for graduates to meet the demands of dynamic work environment.This paper seeks to examine the various bottlenecks in meeting the above by academic libraries of private owned universities and proffers the way forward.

Advances in Information and Communication Technology have significantly affected the way information is acquired, processed, stored, retrieved, communicated as well as secured. This has changed the way Librarians handle and secure information systems while users are expected to have some level of information and communication technology skills to access and utilize information systems to their full benefits. This study investigated the influence of tech-skills of librarians and users in securing the information systems of selected Nigerian University libraries, employing multiple regression as well as mean and standard deviation involving a survey of 48 librarians and 44,508 registered users of purposively selected university libraries in South-west Nigeria. The study established that most librarians have basic information technology skills but are poor at advanced skills, furthermore, library users also have basic IT knowledge and skills but most users are fairly skillful at advanced information technology. Basic information technology skills of librarians did not significantly influence information systems security, whereas advanced information technology skills does. On users basic information technology skills, there is significant inverse influence on information systems security while advanced information technology skills of users had significant positive influence on information systems security. The result also revealed that there was significant joint influence of basic and advanced information technology skills of librarians and users on information systems security. The study concludes that it is pertinent that librarians have advance skills in order to ensure secure information systems. The paper recommends structured training and capacity building initiatives to re-tool and up skill librarians.

Purpose: The paper seeks to examine the health risks faced when using computer-based systems by library staff in Nigerian libraries. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses a survey research approach to carry out this investigation. Findings: The investigation reveals that the perceived health risk does not predict perceived ease of use of computer-based libraries. Even though a wide range of health hazards were identified in the libraries, the level of availability of ergonomic programmes to tackle them was low. Practical implications: In general, librarians, university authorities, IT policy formulators and systems administrators should find this paper useful, as it educates them about the fact that perceived health risk does not significantly deter people from using information systems. This is due to the enormous benefits arising from the use of IT when compared with the manual systems. Originality/value: The study offers new insights in the area of IT use by librarians in Nigerian universities. That the study found that prevailing health risks do not significantly deter people from using information systems means that it differs from other studies.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. Online questionnaire, IRs investigation, and interview methods were used to collect data from the 21 university libraries that have developed IRs in Nigeria. The study revealed that only few universities have successfully developed open access IRs to preserve and manage their intellectual outputs emanating from their universities. Contents such as journal articles, theses/dissertations, and conference / workshop papers were found to be the most popular contents that are hosted in the IRs. The interview revealed that although few respondents mentioned having IR policy statements in areas such as access policy, submission policy, preservation policy, content policy and copyright policy, the majority mentioned not having any defined policy in their IR. Also in the interview, inadequate fund, challenge of collecting contents for the IR, shortage of skilled ICT personnel, and inadequate facilities were the most mentioned challenges encountered in the development of IRs in Nigeria. Findings from this study will inform University Librarians, university management and policy makers on the need to provide the necessary infrastructure and formulate policies for smooth development of institutional repositories to make research visible globally. The results will therefore provide important data and insight into the development of institutional repositories in university libraries in the context of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries are at the forefront of supporting their parent institutions in teaching and learning, research activities, and community services for the students and faculty members, but, the researchers observed that some of the research emanating from faculty members in academic institutions particularly universities remains largely unknown, unrecognized and invisible on the global scene. This present paper is therefore a modest attempt towards addressing the issue of enhancing the faculty research visibility in the institutions of higher learning by the academic libraries. It also examines the extent academic libraries in public universities in Nigeria use research visibility channels to increase the global visibility of their faculty members. Difficulties encountered by librarians and ways of tackling the visibility of the faculty were also examined. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and the population consisted of all the 162 librarians in public universities in South-East (S.E), Nigeria. Telephone calls and Online Questionnaire were used for data collection. The number of librarians was obtained through phone calls from the Heads of each of the Libraries. The Online Questionnaire was submitted to the WhatsApp platforms of librarians in Nigeria- Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) and Chartered Librarians in Nigeria Connect (CLN-Connect). The questionnaire was structured in such a way that only the Librarians in Public universities in the S.E. Nigeria will respond to it. At the end of the day only 120 librarians responded, at a response rate of 74%. The study was analysed using tables, percentages and charts. The study recommended that librarians who are unaware of RVCs and its utilization should go for training to acquire the knowledge that will enable them enhance the global visibility of faculty staff, Management of Public universities in S.E, Nigeria should in addition to addressing copyright issues by the use of disclaimer notices and creative common licensing and provision of infrastructural facilities e.g. steady power supply, High power brand Internet connectivity, establishment of an Institutional Repository, etc, also should mandate the faculty staff to release their productive work to the library for onward submission to the RVCs platforms for enhancement of their global visibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Due to the increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in developed countries, this paper examines the adoption of AI for effective library services in academic libraries in Nigeria. The paper defines artificial intelligence while chronicling its history. He also identified the advantages of adopting artificial intelligence in academic libraries, which include ease of use, endless functionality, and the ability to perform complex work, among others, and the challenges faced by library management towards adopting artificial intelligence, which include financial uncertainty, job loss, and technological defects, among others. The paper concluded that adoption of AI in academic libraries sets a new level of efficient and effective library service delivery, but adoption in developing countries such as Nigeria is low due to some identified challenges. The paper recommended that government and library management should come together to suggest the way forward for academic libraries in terms of meeting the latest standard for the use of AI in libraries; library staff must undergo training and retraining in the use of artificial intelligence in providing library services, among other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looked at the current global paradigms in cataloguing and the significance and difficulties for library adoption in developing countries like Nigeria. The paper employed a four-sturdy approach to explore the subject. The first approach to the paper put forward the concept of library in the 21st century. The second approach focused on the dimension of information and communication technology in cataloging and the latest modern cataloging practices. The third approach compared cataloging practices in advanced countries with Nigeria, while the last approach expatiated the significances, problems, and methods for libraries in Nigeria to espouse. The paper enumerated some problems and methods that libraries in Nigeria and other emerging countries in Africa can embrace for instance, sufficient funding, adequate staff training, adequate provisions and prompt maintenance of infrastructure, elimination of corrupt practices, and so on. Although a lot of literature has appeared on the problems of ICT diffusion to library operations and management in Nigeria, only a few significant doable and practical strategies have been identified for solving the problems. The writer proffered the utilization of the latest development to cataloguing initiatives and suggested the adoption of new and workable strategies for the effective application of ICT to cataloguing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of teaching and learning is the key to sustainable development. This has inspired innumerable educational stakeholders to search for means of restoring quality teaching and learning in Nigeria's education system. To accomplish this, significant epistemological efforts have been made over the years on teaching methods/models, student learning styles, and curriculum content reforms. However, the role of academic libraries has not been given any significant consideration. It is, therefore, the conviction of this paper that sustainable development depends profoundly on the availability of information provided and accessed through a well-managed library for effective teaching, learning, and research. So, using desktop literature review and the author's experience, this paper examines the roles of academic libraries in restoring quality teaching and learning for sustainable development in Nigerian institutions of higher learning. The study recommends and concludes that there may be scope for the augmentation of social media and ICT information literacy in academic library service delivery, which may address a plethora of challenges faced by the government in restoring quality teaching and learning for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The library profession is in a period of change. Moving from conventional library practices and services to the modern technology and tools based sources and services, created changes in the roles they play. To provide more and more innovative services and to cope with the changing scenario of the library and its services has forced library professionals to equip themselves with better skills for their survival. This paper discussed three requisite skills, for librarian to function in the 21st century, in marketing of library services and resources for optimal utilization. And these are categorized as Professional, Technical, & Personal skills. The paper discusses marketing library services and resources as a concept, benefits of marketing, such as boosting the level of Library's patronage by users, promotion of resources; user awareness, improving the library's reputation were mentioned. Strategies for marketing which include making a library website, emailing users, setting up exhibits and displays of new arrivals, using flyers and posters, planning user education, offering electronic access to information, and planning library week were also explained. Challenges in marketing library services and resources in academic libraries in Nigeria include; lack of fund, Ineffective marketing strategies, lack of marketing policies, shortage of experienced staffing, and infrastructure limitations. Starting with an introduction to library marketing and related literature, the paper draws its conclusion and recommendations were made such as professional development for librarians involved in library marketing, librarians upgrading their technical skills, librarians should enhance their ability to trouble shoot new technology, keep abreast with new technology among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to examine the current state of academic utilization of government publications in Nigerian university libraries. Using a descriptive survey, the study focused on three academic libraries in Southeastern Nigeria serving a population of 11,996 undergraduate and postgraduate student library users, 592 of whom answered a questionnaire. The study relied on questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists for data collection. Means, frequency counts, and percentages were used to analyze the data. The study recommended that libraries should make the reading spaces and environment in government document sections more comfortable and that government document libraries should engage fully in online subscriptions to government publications.

Purpose: This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was used, involving the administration of open-ended questionnaires to librarians from six selected federal universities located in Southwest Nigeria. Findings: The findings of this research highlight that a significant proportion of librarians are well-acquainted with the relevance of big data and its potential to positively revolutionize library services. Librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences. Research limitations/implications: This study exclusively focuses on the Nigerian context, overlooking insights from other African countries. As a result, it may not be possible to generalize the study's findings to the broader African library community. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is unique because the paper reported that librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is a considerable body of literature that presents the results of citation analysis studies, most researchers do not provide enough detail in their methodology to reproduce the study, nor do they provide rationale for methodological decisions. In this paper, we review the methodologies used in 34 recent articles that present a "user study" citation analysis with a goal of informing collection management. We describe major themes and outliers in the methodologies and discuss factors that require careful thought and analysis. We also provide a guide to considerations for citation analysis studies, so that researchers can make informed decisions.

Purpose: This study examined the utilisation of the Essential Electronic Agricultural Library database (TEEAL) at the University of Agriculture Library, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: Data collection was by questionnaire following a purposive sampling technique. A total of 104 out 150 (69.3 per cent) responses were received and analysed. Findings: Postgraduate and final year undergraduates are the major users of the TEEAL database. The study also revealed that though most of the users are computer literate, they still seek the assistance of library staff for database searching. The major constraints to the use of the TEEAL database include the high cost of printing of selected papers and the limited number of workstations. Practical implications: The study recommends that the number of workstations be increased, the cost of printouts should be subsidised by the university and more library staff should be trained in ICT. Originality/value: Offers recommendations to improve the accessibility of quality information for research in Nigerian universities.

The main objective of this paper is to justify the need for Nigerian libraries which have not automated their functions to adopt of Koha ILMS as their automation software. The paper therefore examined the need for automation, the reasons for the choice of Koha ILMS and potential benefits accruable to the libraries, and functions that Koha can facilitate their perform in their libraries. The paper identified the need for automation to include need to handle information explosion, for effective management of library operations, to improve operation speed, resource sharing etc; the choice of Koha was informed by its features and benefits which include Koha in Nigeria libraries could be linked to its powerful features which include MARC 21 compatibility, Z39.50 search, Customizability to suit individual library needs and taste, sustainability etc; the paper identified the library operations facilitated by Koha to include acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, patron management, OPAC etc. the paper however highlighted data migration and lack of skilled manpower as limitations to Koha adoption. The paper therefore recommends that a committee should be constituted to oversee the automation project. As part of feasibility study, the committee should visit libraries where Koha is in use for on the spot assessment. Management should make the requirements for installation available, while staff training should be conducted in-house. in addition, libraries in Nigeria utilizing Koha should come together to form a network of libraries to facilitate resource sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory publishing is an emerging but worrisome trend among academics, including librarians, in Nigeria. It is in line with this that the paper investigated the awareness and knowledge of predatory journals among academic librarians in five selected Nigerian universities. The study is a survey design that is based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population of the study comprised 50 academic staff that were purposively selected for the questionnaire distribution. In addition, five principal librarians, one from each of the universities, were purposively selected for the interview session. The findings of the study revealed that academic librarians are aware of the existence of predatory journals and are also aware of the negative implications of publishing in predatory journals. The study recommended an effective mentoring programme for academic librarians on how to publish their research works in accredited journals. The study contributes to knowledge by providing fresh data for policy-makers, library management and university management on ways to eradicate publishing in predatory journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in developed countries, this paper looks at the adoption of artificial intelligence for effective library services in academic libraries in Nigeria. The paper describes the concept of artificial intelligence while tracing its origin. It further established the advantage of adopting artificial intelligence in academic libraries which include user-friendly, infinite functions, ability to take complex work among others; and the challenges faced by library management towards the adoption of artificial intelligence which include financial uncertainty, job loss, technological disadvantages among others. The paper concluded that the adoption of AI in academic libraries is setting a new level of efficient and effective library service delivery but the adoption in developing countries such as Nigeria is low due to some of the identified challenges. The paper recommended that government and library management must come together to proffer the way forward for academic libraries in terms of meeting up with the latest standard of the use of AI in libraries; Library staff should be exposed to training and retraining in the use of artificial intelligence in delivering of libraries' services; among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is titled adoption of alternative funding sources for Nigerian Academic Libraries outside Government Sources in the Post-Recession Economy. The paper dwelt on alternative funding of academic libraries in Nigeria and why it has become imperative in the post-recession economy of Nigeria. It has been reported in this paper that funding allocation to tertiary education and particularly academic libraries in Nigeria as a result of economic recession has been notoriously weak. This paper highlighted key funding alternative sources that can bring out the academic libraries in Nigeria from the wood, these include: call for library grants, call for alumni intervention, donations from philanthropists, gifts and fundraising and so on. The paper also stressed the reasons why it is important for library schools in Nigeria to encourage grant proposal writing to training librarians. In conclusion, this paper is going to be an eye opener in generating fund for the survival of academic libraries for practicing librarians in academic libraries in Nigeria and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate enhancement of library performance by exploiting the potentials of disruptive innovations. Design/methodology/approach: Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study was 167 respondents, consisting of 83 professional and 84 para-professional librarians in the libraries of the public higher institutions in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was used for the study. Data were collected using the questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tools were used for data analysis. Findings: It was found that disruptive innovation has influence on library operations, the extent of application of disruptive innovation in library operation is low, the extent of using the by-products of disruptive innovation in the libraries is low and the challenges facing the adoption of disruptive innovations in libraries include: high cost of acquiring technological infrastructure, high cost of training library personnel, high costs of internet, inadequate technical know-how and high costs of system maintenance and upgrades. Practical implications: Libraries should embrace the influence of disruptive innovations in their operations and service delivery. Originality/value: This study is novel, as it approaches library performance from the perspective of the disruptive innovation. Very few studies emanate from Africa in this area. Most of the previous narratives around disruptive innovation centred around the Western countries such USA, UK, France, Italy, etc., which maintain a lead in library innovation and development. The current study demonstrated that the performance of libraries in Nigeria is not immune from being boosted by disruptive innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource sharing and networking are among the noticeable phenomenon which have not been given necessary attention it deserves as a result of which most libraries are not meeting the information needs and services of their users as at when due. This paper highlights evolving networking and resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria. It was discovered that most of the library in developing countries are faced with the precarious issue of non-availability of qualitative services to their numerous library users due to inadequate budget allocation for library, uncooperative or inept attitude of most libraries professionals. Hence, in an effort to curb this perennial crisis, resource sharing and networking between the different libraries came into limelight. The relevance of resource sharing and networking were discussed vis a vis different types of resources that can be shared. The impact of ICT on resource sharing and networking was also stressed and myriads of challenges encountered during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper expounds the application and perceived impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries in Nigeria. Libraries especially in developing countries may become moribund in the 21 century unless they begin to harness new, smart and intelligent technologies for improved operations and service delivery. This research adopted a literature-based approach to x-ray the applications and perceived impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries in Nigeria. Through a systematic analysis and review of literature, the study brought to limelight the current state of AI integration in academic libraries in Nigeria and its possible impact on library services, collections, users, professionals and general library operations and services. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries has the potential to revolutionize library operations and services. Some of the identifies AI tools include: Natural Language Recognition, Robotics, Big Data, Data Mining, Chatbot, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition and Expert system. Findings from the study revealed that the application of AI in academic libraries have the potentials to increases productivity, improved customer satisfaction through personalization, easy availability and accessibility of information, easy collaboration and knowledge sharing, virtual assistance and chatbots, and ultimately increase overall operational effectiveness. This paper also explored some of the challenges associated with the application of AI technologies in academic libraries in Nigeria such as poor ICT skills and technical expertise, high initial costs of implementation, phobia for job displacement, epileptic power supply, poor maintenance culture, resistance to change, poor network connectivity, privacy and ethical implications, etc. To maximize the potential benefits of AI applications in academic libraries in Nigeria, it is crucial for these libraries to implement appropriate planning, guidelines and regulations on AI use as well as training and retraining of academic librarians to acquire the required ICT skills, knowledge and competence in order to adapt in the present digital and changing library environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media tools have obviously brought about a paradigm shift in the delivery of library services in Nigeria. The paper explores the applicability of various social media tools in the library and how social media tools have proven useful in academic libraries. Aside from the benefits of social media tools in academic libraries, the paper highlighted the potential challenges of using social media tools in library services in academic libraries, in particular, the lack of awareness of the university's social media accounts among library users. Despite the identified challenges of social media tools for academic library service delivery, the paper concludes that utilization of social media tools remains a boon for library service delivery in this 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussion of the role of academic libraries in curriculum development activities focuses on their role in Nigeria. Relevant literature is reviewed; the Nigerian higher education system is explained; criteria used by accreditation teams are examined; and suggestions for improving and increasing the roles of academic libraries are offered. (22 references) (LRW)

Open access repositories provide free access to institutional outputs that emanate from researchers and scholars within academic institutions. It is an avenue where intellectual content is collected, stored, preserved, and disseminated to the larger audience of the research community. OAR constitutes national, research, institutional, and subject or disciplinary repositories. With the emergence of OAR, scholars and researchers in academic institutions have the opportunity to avail their intellectual output through a repository hosted by their institutions. Academic libraries are also at the forefront in complementing the effort of their parent institutions by collecting, storing, and preserving the intellectual content of the academics, and making it freely available and accessible to the intended users within and outside academic circle. The paper explores the relevance of academic libraries in the promotion of institutional repositories, with particular reference to Nigerian university libraries. Further, it highlights the emergence of open access movement as a blessing to the Android society. Policies regarding OAR are pinpointed. Open source software used in open access repositories are also identified. The role of academic libraries and librarians in the promotion of OAR in Nigerian university libraries is explicitly discussed. Adaption of institutional repositories in Nigerian universities is fraught with numerous challenges, ranging from lack of awareness, misconception, copyright issues, poor Internet services, and unstable power supply to technical know-how. The paper recommends that for the actualisation of adoption of institutional repositories in Nigerian universities there is a dire need for advocacy and awareness campaigns by librarians on the importance of OAR to the academic community. Effective Internet services and epileptic electric power supply should be improved in Nigerian university libraries to achieve greatness for successful adoption of open access repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussion of library cooperation focuses on a survey that investigated cooperation among university libraries in Ghana. Library cooperation in the United Kingdom, United States, and Nigeria is described; areas of cooperation in Ghana are discussed, including interlibrary loans, cataloging, and acquisitions; and recommendations for library cooperation in Ghana are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Entrepreneurial skills are considered one of the most important competencies expected to be possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians as information professionals. These skills include technical skills, managerial skills, business skills, personal maturity skills, ICT skills and information literacy skills. The context observation and literature review indicated limited research on the entrepreneurial skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians in Nigerian universities. The need to fill this inadvertently created gap initiated this study. The study aimed to assess entrepreneurial skills level as well as identify entrepreneurship issues and prospects of LIS faculty and academic librarians in South-West Nigerian universities with library schools. This paper was anchored on survey research design. The study employed the total enumeration method to cover all LIS faculty and academic librarians in these universities. An adapted structured questionnaire was administered and responses were analyzed quantitatively using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed lackluster technical, business and ICT skills of these information professionals including unacceptable managerial skills. Furthermore, entrepreneurship issues showed government-centered, institutional and personal subjects such as government policies, economic problems, legal registration, funding, excessive workload and lack of entrepreneurial attitude. The study also uncovered dwindling entrepreneurship prospects. The study recommends premeditated efforts by LIS faculty and academic librarians and universities at entrepreneurial development and the advancement of citizen-friendly entrepreneurial policies and a blueprint by the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Research funding organizations understand the importance of infrastructure and services to organize and preserve research data. Academic research libraries have been identified as locations in which to base these research data management services. Research data management services include data management planning, digital curation (selection, preservation, maintenance, and archiving), and metadata creation and conversion. However, some libraries are beginning to provide structure for research data management services. These services are starting to record some degree of success as local data policies are being formulated. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the importance of research data management in the academic libraries in Nigeria. The article summarized the research data management life cycle to include: data creation; data collection and description, data storage; data archiving and preservation; data access; data discovery and analysis, and data reuse and transformation. The paper further identified research data management tools and applications, which include DMPonline, Data Asset framework, Collaborative Assessment of Research Data Infrastructure and Objectives (CARDIO), and Curation cost exchange. Specifically, the paper examines some skills requirements for research data management in academic libraries. Some of the challenges facing effective research data management services identified by this paper include technology obsolescence, technology fragility; Lack of guidelines on good practice; Inadequate financial and human resources to manage data well, and Lack of evidence about best infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]