Search

If intentional, college students in campus jobs can develop professional skills valued in the post-college workforce. However, many students are not likely to realize the potential of their experience without advisement or instruction that teaches them how to reflect on experience and articulate its value, usually in the form of a resume or in an interview. This study examines the value of three workshops to help students reflect on their development of National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies as a result of their library work experience. Survey and focus group data suggest students' confidence in their ability to articulate and apply their newly-developed skills increases when provided with a vocabulary of professional competencies and a reflective framework for evaluating their experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column discusses the benefits and limitations of continuous assessment by reporting on the authors' perspectives of ongoing assessment using examples from patron surveys designed to understand user experience in the physical library and to measure whether needs were met throughout the pandemic. This column will be helpful to anyone involved in assessment or who is interested in what factors to consider while carrying out ongoing assessment or using evidence-based data for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plans and activities of academic libraries revolve around a user-centered approach to make noticeable improvements in the use of library resources and services. The purpose of this study was to examine library support strategies for the effective utilization of library support services and resources by distance-learning students. The research was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast with distance learning students. A mixed-method approach was used, with 1170 students participating in quantitative research and 12 students and six (6) librarians participating in qualitative research, with Astin's (1993) Input-Environment-Output Model guiding the study. The findings of the study identified a lack of organized strategies for the use of library resources and services among distance learning students. The study proposed a model to improve the use of library resources and services among distance learning students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study explores students’ perceptions of librarians as teachers or instructors in virtual library instruction sessions. This study applied online surveys as data gathering techniques, using open questionnaires. The respondents were students (diploma, undergraduate, master, doctoral) of Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. Students perceive librarians as teachers or instructors in the virtual world as someone who is “cool,” “knowledgeable,” “motivating,” “helpful,” and “tech-savvy.” Those are positive values for librarians as teachers or instructors in virtual library instruction sessions. Theoretical contribution of this study is the enrichment of librarian’s roles concept that has existed, especially librarian roles as teacher in virtual environment. The findings could also guide librarians in shaping their roles as teachers so they can increase the engagement with students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this article, the authors share their own experience of developing and implementing the concept of an alternative and safe online environment for library interaction with users to overcome emotional tension in the crisis times of uncertainty of COVID-19 and martial law in Ukraine. This study examines the effectiveness of interactive online environment for library-user interaction and adds to the list of publications devoted to the concept of the library as ‘third’ place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University 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.)

To promote Red Culture with cultural instruction, reading promotion activities and collection resources is an important way for academic libraries to exert holistic education and inherit fine traditional Chinese culture. Current research on Red Culture reading promotion mainly focused on the instructional function of Red Culture, the innovation of forms and the diversification of subjects. However, there is a lack of in-depth study on the role of media in the Red Culture reading activities in academic libraries. In order to maximize the instructional function of academic libraries in promoting Red Culture, this paper attempted to propose a Red Culture reading promotion model based on Transmedia Storytelling Theory. With methodology of literature review, theoretical analysis and case studies, this article conducted a deep study of the Transmedia Storytelling Theory and analyzed its application on Red Culture reading promotion activities. Based on the Transmedia Storytelling Theory, it proposed three aspects to develop Red Culture reading promotion and took the practices of Nankai University Library as a case to testify the feasibility of this model. (1) Media convergence corresponds to the content generation in Red Culture reading promotion, aiming to sort out the Red Culture collections of the library and enrich the layers of Red Stories through content convergence, channel convergence, and terminal convergence. (2) Story construction corresponds to the deep development of Red cultural resources, focusing on the multi-angle interpretation of Red Culture through spatial storytelling, character storytelling, and immersive storytelling, expanding the connotation of the story world and broadening the depth and breadth of Red Culture reading promotion. (3) Fan participation refers to readers actively engagement with media content in various ways beyond passive consumption including forms such as joint dissemination, live interaction, and reader creation to encourage reader participant and generate collective intelligence, achieving better promoting effect. The article concludes that the Transmedia Storytelling model provides an applicable framework for academic libraries to promote Red Culture through reading activities, including resources development, promotion models, service scenarios and media advocacy. It provides reference not only for academic libraries but other types of libraries to conduct reading promotion activities with different features. Future research on Red Culture reading promotion is called for based on more practices, and integration with other disciplines ranging from communication studies, management, sociology to marketing is required to further refine the theoretical framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of visual and audio media, to access, interpret and create visual information across different media and platforms is essential for effective expression and communication. Visual literacy empowers individuals to engage capably in a visual-oriented society. This research aims to bring forward references and enlightenment for visual literacy instruction in higher education by representing visual literacy instruction theories and practices of overseas colleges and universities. It elucidated the definition of visual literacy and research trends through literature review, analyzing the core elements of visual literacy instruction set forth by international representative visual literacy frameworks. Case studies were conducted from six aspects including subject and object of visual literacy instruction, curriculum, teaching methods, assessment and guidelines for visual literacy. It summarized the research trends from three dimensions. First is the application of technology in visual literacy instruction which focuses on the application of digital technology in visual presentation and expression. Second is the study of visual literacy in the context of cultural background, exploring how visual arts and images are transmitted and understood in different visual culture backgrounds. Third is to incorporate visual literacy as part of information literacy, exemplified by a variety of practices of visual literacy instruction in academic libraries. It concluded with implications for domestic visual literacy instruction. (1) To establish visual literacy standards and frameworks of Chinese characteristics with multifaceted scope ranging from social, cultural, information and media communication. (2) To build a professional and interdisciplinary visual literacy instruction system, giving full play to the leading role of academic libraries in user literacy instruction and cooperating with departments and faculties to build a proficient and interdisciplinary high-quality visual literacy instruction teaching team. (3) To stress the importance of the flexible and practice-oriented teaching and service models, such as case analysis, seminars, project-based learning, situated instruction, collaborative learning, self-directed learning, brainstorming and other blended learning modes emphasizing on students competencies of research design and problem solving. At the same time, due to the scarcity of systematic guidelines on visual literacy in domestic higher education, it calls for academic libraries in China to integrate the visual literacy instruction with resources, spaces and services as well as providing visual literacy training programs to cultivate students' competencies in visual knowledge, visual communication and visual creation for further advancement of visual literacy instruction in higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee further clarified the significance and overall requirements of comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese-style modernization, providing guidance for the modernization of academic library governance. Academic libraries should align with the new development stage, implement the new development philosophy and actively integrate into the modernization process of the nation and higher education. This article, in light of the Plenary Session and its guiding document, analyzed the opportunities and challenges faced by academic libraries and expounded the goals and contents of academic library governance modernization. On this basis, six effective approaches to achieve governance modernization and intelligent transformation of academic libraries were explored, outlining a basic framework for multi-dimensional governance modernization. (1) To coordinate Party building and library's operational management simultaneously. Leverage Party building to establish a long-term mechanism and strengthen top-level design according to the strategic plans of universities and colleges, achieving coordinated and sustainable development of the library service system. (2) To enhance institutional development as well as to transform physical spaces. Create rules, procedures and organizational frameworks that ensure effective governance, accountability and sustainability and establish future learning centers that meet users' demands and educational reform trends. (3) To improve collection development and service efficiency. Construct a comprehensive and well- structured information resource system with diverse formats and distinctive features and build a holistic information service system centered on users. (4) To enhance the application of information technology and strengthen data-driven governance. Build a cluster of intelligent management and service platforms and establish a data middle platform, creating an intelligent portal to provide one-stop services supporting the entire process of learning, teaching and research. (5) To develop a core competency system for librarians and strengthen user relationship management. By centering on users' demands and in line with top-level planning, to achieve iterative upgrading of librarians' competency and library services with user engagement and high-rate satisfaction. (6) To build future learning centers by reconstructing learning spaces, reorganizing learning resources and reshaping learning paradigms. Promote integrated advancement of resources, technologies, spaces and human resources to facilitate the digital transformation of higher education. The article stresses the importance of innovation in the overall modernization of academic libraries and holds the belief that only by scientific planning, keeping pace with the times, and taking the initiative to respond to changes can academic libraries fully reflect the unique roles and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exhibitions are an integral part of academic library services, contributing significantly to the library's educational and cultural functions. By integrating exhibitions into their services, academic libraries increase the utilization and appreciation of the collections, promote cultural and intellectual communication, and foster students' lifelong learning and diverse competencies, thus enhancing the role as a center for learning, culture, and community engagement. However, current research and services indicated issues such as an overemphasis on international exhibition studies over in-depth exploration of domestic exhibition services, a focus on the subject of exhibition over the demands of library users, an inclination towards the cultural instruction function of exhibitions over the development of their diversified functions, and a preference for experiences and practices over systematic planning and design. Investigating the problem of systematic construction of academic library exhibition services from the perspective of student demands can effectively address these deficiencies, bringing academic and practical value. With a questionnaire survey, data were collected on university students' demands for library exhibition services from various colleges and grades at an applied undergraduate university in Guangdong Province. The questionnaire design covered six aspects of student demands: exhibition purposes, theme preferences, information acquisition channels, interaction needs, supporting services, and expectations for collaborating units. The survey results indicated that students primarily visit exhibitions to appreciate art, enjoy leisure activities, and acquire knowledge. Students have a wide range of theme preferences, including art creation exhibitions, film exhibitions, and historical and cultural exhibitions. Social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo are the most convenient channels for students to obtain exhibition information. Students prefer to interact with exhibitions through social media and short video platforms. They expect the library to provide supporting services such as on-site electronic interactive displays, on-site explanation or consultation services, and online virtual exhibitions. Additionally, students expect the library to collaborate with various units, including subordinate colleges, administrative departments, student organizations and external institutions. Finally, based on the survey results, strategies for the systematic construction of academic library exhibition services are proposed: reshaping the exhibition value system, reconstructing the systematic design of exhibitions which includes the diversification of exhibition categories, the design of exhibition scale and frequency and the design of the exhibition implementation process, optimizing the exhibition interaction mechanism by creating impressive online exhibitions, providing immersive interactive experiences, establishing effective feedback and evaluation mechanisms, and promoting the implementation of exhibition policies to support the high-quality, connotative, and sustainable development of the exhibition system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 20th CPC Central Committee's Third Plenary Session studied further the comprehensive deepening of reforms and the advancement of Chinese-style modernization, imposing greater demands on the modernization of the higher education. As the hub of teaching, learning and research of higher education, academic libraries play their due role in promoting the construction of Chinese-style modernization, and to modernize from the librarians is of high priority. By sorting out the relevant theories and practices of the competency development of academic librarians at home and abroad, it is found that the current literature mainly focuses on two aspects: one is the transformation of librarians' roles, represented by the new requirements for librarians' competencies and the shift of librarians' priorities; the other is the emergence of new types of librarians and the stress on competency development and personnel training system among academic librarians. Based on the literature review, combined with the evolving situation of Fudan University Library in recent years, this paper elaborates on the exploration and practice in the development of librarian competencies from five aspects. (1) To enhance diversified capabilities by appointing librarians as graduate mentors, conducting systematic onboarding training and providing librarians with professional training opportunities. (2) To improve the ability to apply new technologies through a series of lectures and seminars to enhance librarians' technical literacy and empowering librarians with data thinking by launching cross-units working groups to collaboratively develop the Smart Library Digital Base, improving the library's data service. (3) To develop innovation capabilities with instructional programs such as seminars, lectures as well as domestic and international conferences, collaborating with public libraries and research institutions on research projects. (4) To strengthen team collaboration skills by organizing team-building activities, such as Chief Librarian Award to recognize those with outstanding performance and merits, giving rise to well-recognized results exemplified by the Fudan Academic Repository System, which has become the academic data portal for the university. (5) To cultivate humanistic literacy among librarian in order to improve their cross-cultural communication skills, critical thinking and sense of cultural diversity. In the future, Fudan University Library will continue to keep abreast of the national priority, to serve with generous humanity, scientific spirit, professional expertise and global vision, which is manifested in leading the educational sector with ideology, aiming for lifelong learning, focusing on integrated innovation, and guiding with an international perspective, gradually enhancing the competencies of academic librarians and promoting high-quality development of the academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The library's renovation and stacks-books reduction projects began more than 1000 days ago. During these past 4 years, the projects suffered numerous starts and stops as those involved changed due to staff turnover in the library caused by the pandemic, the elimination of positions due to lower enrollment, the closure of the physical library caused by the pandemic, and shifting leadership priorities. First came the campus construction initiative that reduced library space. Then I introduce myself as the source main source of information for the article. Next, I lead you through the progression of the projects by examining the projects' goals and objectives, assessing the projects, assigning roles for the project, and determining the project's costs. Finally, I conclude with the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned by fostering change from this ongoing project management experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this column, we share what we have done before to teach students how to access the databases. In addition, we briefly discuss our past marketing efforts and the tools we used for our information literacy assessment programs in the past. Finally, we discuss what we're doing now including the platform we chose and why, the audience (who is this for), and the details of the project plan. Ultimately, by migrating from Teachable to the Learning Management System tools for the online library orientation program I have reduced redundant technologies, saved the library money, and reduced my workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This article explores the scientific construction of library olfactory space, based on the case of the olfactory space in the Jiangsu University library. It specifically focuses on understanding the interaction between the physical architectural space of the library and users’ olfactory perception and behavioral activities, with the ultimate goal of creating a deeply integrated olfactory experience in the Jiangsu University Library. Design/methodology/approach – In this article, an empirical research method was used to gather perceptions from 30 university student users regarding the library olfactory space and to understand their olfactory preferences and requirements for its construction. Through qualitative analysis of the interview texts, the study identified correlations between user perceptions and elements of the library olfactory space. Findings – The qualitative analysis of user interview texts and results from the library olfactory space design experiment contributed to the design proposal for the Jiangsu University Library olfactory space. The design proposal for the Jiangsu University Library olfactory space is provided and includes library architecture, activity context, functional services, olfactory experience design and technological applications. Research limitations/implications – This case study takes the environment, development strategy and user needs of the Jiangsu University Library as its unique research background and as such is not universal or generalizable to other libraries. Originality/value – This article differs from others by advocating for the innovative architectural spatial design of libraries through olfactory experience, breaking the traditional perception of libraries as solely through visual and auditory senses.

In the midst of financial challenges, colleges and universities in the United States have significantly cut funding for their academic libraries in the name of enhancing efficiency. Using longitudinal data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) on 1,325 four-year colleges and universities, this study finds that total academic library expenditure is positively associated with student graduation rates, net of a wide range of institutional and student-related characteristics. Such findings are evident for total graduation rates as well as graduation rates for students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds. In particular, the positive association between academic library expenditures and graduation rate is most consistently evident for Black students who attend predominantly White institutions (PWIs). The findings reinforce the important role that academic libraries can play for students and shed light on the need for institutions to consider the educational consequences of reducing funding for academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the last decade or more, circulation numbers of physical materials have declined in academic libraries across the United States. In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered society and daily life, not to mention library functions. In particular, fears of contagion via physical surfaces and transmission by contact led many libraries to shutter their in-person services or temporarily close altogether. The circulation of physical materials was hit particularly hard, as the ability to browse shelves, check out items, access interlibrary loan, and a host of other similar services were curtailed. This article will examine the statistical markers of physical material handling (checkouts, renewals, item browses, etc.) for two years before and after the pandemic, to reach conclusions about how COVID-19 impacted usage, what we can tell about general patterns in circulation before and due to these changes, and ultimately what these numbers tell us about the future of traditional material use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the moderating influence of library size on the relationship between library space attributes and learning satisfaction. Employing a quantitative methodology, a sample of 196 university library users in Ghana was selected to investigate the perceived impact of repurposed library spaces on learning satisfaction. The author conducted an empirical analysis to examine how organizational size (the total number of workers at a particular location) moderates the association between library space attributes (including access and linkages [physical location and proximity to campus resources], usage patterns [highlights the hours when users are most active and displays when a specific app is utilized during the day], sociability [the propensity and corresponding abilities to look for friendship, interact with others, and take part in social activities], and comfort [a state of physically ease and freedom from pain or constraint]) and the learning satisfaction of users. The research, administered through a closed-ended questionnaire, underscored the significant influence of access and linkages, usage patterns, sociability, and the physical environment on users' satisfaction levels. These four library space attributes together accounted for 13.1% of the variance in learning satisfaction, according to a multiple regression study conducted with SPSS version 27. Nevertheless, moderation analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.3370) between the characteristics of the library space and learning satisfaction through organizational size. The paper recommends adaptations to library designs to better align with the evolving learning needs of university library users in Ghana. A notable suggestion is the transformation of university libraries into dynamic physical spaces known as "learning commons" on campuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting college users' willingness to participate in smart services of academic library. The paper analyzes the factors affecting college users' willingness to participate in library smart services, and constructs a conceptual model with 17 hypotheses proposed, based on the theory of Uses and Gratifications, Social Cognition Theory, Innovation Diffusion Theory, and Information Systems Success Model. The conceptual model was empirically tested using structural equation modeling technique through questionnaire survey data. The questionnaire was distributed online to college students and teachers in different provinces of China by using random sampling technique. College users' willingness to participate in smart services of academic library is directly and positively affected by information need of users, innovative consciousness of users, service platform performance, user satisfaction, library publicity and guidance, and extrinsic incentives. Information quality, service platform performance, service quality, and service value have significant and positive impact on user satisfaction, and they all indirectly affect users' willingness to participate in smart services of academic library through user satisfaction. The survey results also show that the purpose of college students and teachers' participation in smart services is mainly to meet their information needs. And users' participation willingness is not affected by self-efficacy of users and others' influence, which is different from the participation motivation of users on social Q & A and short video platforms. Understanding of factors affecting users' willingness to participate in smart services of academic library will likely demand rethink into a number of issues ignored by studies on smart library and smart services. Few studies focus on users' participation behavior in smart services of library. This study focused on the factors affecting users' willingness to participate in smart services of academic library, which would expand the understanding of users' participation behavior in smart services and enrich the scope of studies on smart library and smart services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy has evolved to digital literacy and emerged as a key concept to cope with competing demands in a digital society. This article conducted a scoping review focused on the trends and features of information literacy instruction in academic libraries in China over the past 40 years, aimed at providing references for digital literacy instruction in digital age for higher education. Through a systematic study of literature, it summed up the past development of information literary as three phases. The sprouting phase featured with manual retrieval dated back in 1981 with the Literature Retrieval course organized by academic libraries. At that time, due to the lack of expertise and experience, the information literacy instruction were beset with difficulties. The growing phase marked by the advent of online public access catalog widely used to discover digital resources, libraries then focused on the IT skills and information retrieval competencies of the patrons. The consolidation phase with the diversified teaching models of information literacy as embedded teaching, MOOC, flip teaching, etc., demonstrating an evolving process of information literacy instruction in the context of technology development. It summarizes the past accomplishments from five perspectives. (1) The release of guiding policies on information literacy education in different phases represented from the Regulations on Academic Libraries in the People's Republic of China in 1981 to Action Plan for Enhancing Digital Literacy and Competencies in 2021. (2) The found of Steering Committee for Academic Libraries in 1981 as an overall coordinated insinuation. (3) The compilation of abundant textbooks on information literacy ranging from document retrieval to resource discovery. (4) The expanding expertise in information literacy instruction with regulated pedagogy. (5) The popularization of the information literacy instruction among academic libraries in higher education. Main experience is concluded as the important role of the government, the industriousness of the librarians in the information literacy sector, and the abundance of textbooks and reference resources, the frequency of experience exchanged in the library community and the customization of information literacy instruction oriented towards user demands. It points out main problems of the current information literacy instruction such as the lack of importance attached to the course, the lag-behind knowledge structure of teaching faculty as well as the outdated content of information literacy instruction teaching materials. It also recommends including critical information evaluation capabilities as a basic competency as well as skills on artificial intelligence, digital twins and other arisen development of information technology in the information literacy instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the growing global biodiversity crisis, citizen science initiatives have emerged as powerful tools for long-term ecological data collection involving non-experts in research. “USM Campus Nature Challenge”, a collaborative effort led by the USM Library in partnership with the School of Biological Sciences and the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, aimed to create awareness about ecological concerns and biodiversity conservation within the university community by documenting biodiversity at USM’s main campus. Methodologically, the project organized a 6-week ‘bio blitz’ event open to citizen scientists to explore the flora and fauna of USM’s diverse campus habitats while cataloging species through the iNaturalist app. The results revealed that plant species dominated the observations, constituting 64.9% of recorded biodiversity and reflecting the rich botanical diversity on the USM campus. Further observations included insects (10.4%), fungi (7.6%), birds (6.3%), and various other species, underscoring the complexity of the ecological web of the campus. An evaluation of data quality revealed that 36.6% of the species identifications were categorized as “Research Grade”, 47.8% were designated as needing further identification, and 15.7% were graded as “casual”. In conclusion, the project leveraged the approach to create more public awareness about local ecological concerns and to strengthen the University community’s connection to nature. This USM Library’s pilot initiative closely aligns with the Open Science movement related to citizen science in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The student's academic success is considered as a measure of institution's performance and their departments, therefore also of the libraries. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to determine the impact of university libraries on student's academic success. A four-step literature review methodology was performed. The search was made in Web of Science Core Collection and Google Academic databases. The most used elements to measure this success were: grade point average, semester grades and retention. The most used library services were: borrowing, information literacy, library visit, computer login and library website login. The literature analyzed in this research shows that university libraries have a clear positive impact on the student's academic success. Also, they have a role in maintaining academic integrity and promote nine Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries embrace all aspects of sustainability. However, the focus is on environmental aspects. The importance given to this subject increases starting from 2017. Another aspect that should be mentioned is that there are no articles that came from the Central and Eastern Europe region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Health literacy and its potential impacts on the wellbeing of patrons remain a highly regarded objective among health science and medical librarians when considering learning outcomes of patron communities. Librarians are positioned to champion literacy instruction activities. This study aimed to examine health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an academic-based employee wellness program before and after health literacy workshops were developed and facilitated by an academic health sciences librarian. Methods: The intervention included instruction informed by Don Nutbeam's Health Literacy Framework and the Research Triangle Institute's Health Literacy Conceptual Framework. Sixty-five participants obtained through convenience sampling attended workshops and were invited to respond to pre- and post-session surveys. Using a quantitative quasiexperimental methodology, surveys collected health literacy indicators including preferred sources and handling practices of in-person and online health information. Results: Findings indicated workshops influenced information seeking behaviors as participants documented a decrease in social media use for health and wellness information (-36%) and medical information (-13%). An increase in the usage of consumer health databases (like Medline Plus) was also indicated post-workshop for health and wellness information (18%) and medical information (31%). Conclusion: Favorable impacts are evident in this small-scale study; however, more research is needed to confirm the influence of these methods on larger and more diverse populations. Librarians should continue to develop and disseminate theory-informed tools and methods aimed at engaging various communities in constructive health information seeking practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the opportunities for academic libraries to engage as a partner in digital initiatives in academia have expanded significantly. The traditional focus on digitization, preservation, and dissemination of collections has developed and shifted considerably, bringing new strategies for adequately serving the changed academic needs, as well as building and utilizing different types of collections. The goal of this article is to elaborate on these strategic shifts by presenting one of Panitza Library's newest digital collections projects – the Sound Library of the American University in Bulgaria, thus sharing insights into the practical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to obtain accurate information about the student satisfaction level with academic library services in State Christian Religious Higher Education institutions and to evaluate the performance of each attribute service. A quantitative approach involving descriptive statistical methods was used. For data collection, a questionnaire comprising 16 statements, validated by five experts, was employed and the data were gathered from 382 students across three participating State Christian Religious Higher Education institutions. The data analysis employed descriptive statistical methods and involved the use of the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) formula and the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method. The results showed that the percentage of overall student satisfaction level for academic library services was 66.24%, indicating students were largely content with these services. However, there was room for improvement in the performance of these services. This study identified certain service attributes such as internet accessibility, library collection, library catalog system, timeliness of library opening and closing, library staff readiness, and the speed of library staff in handling requests, which were found to provide low satisfaction levels to students. A comprehensive performance evaluation for each academic library service attribute resulted in a mapping visualized through the four quadrants of the Cartesian diagram. The management of the State Christian Religious Higher Education must develop various facilities for library operational support and also staff competencies to improve the academic library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"null"

The aim of the article is to research and critically analyse the use of innovative technologies in academic libraries of foreign countries. Research methods used in the study. To achieve the goal, a systematic approach, scientific analysis, synthesis, generalisation and systematisation was used. The methodology of the article was formed by a complex of approaches to scientific knowledge – objectivity, connection between theory and practice, cognitive, structural and functional. The scientific novelty consists in revealing the specifics of the application of innovative technologies in academic libraries of foreign countries, performing a critical analysis, the advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of new technological trends, namely: artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics and automation systems, virtual reality and immersion technologies, the Internet of Things. Main conclusions: The discussion in this article demonstrates that there are risks and limitations of in applying technology in the library. User privacy, information security, financial and human resources, and the creation or reinforcement of social injustice all deserve careful consideration in the process of selecting and implementing new technology in the library. With that awareness and consideration, information professionals can then move beyond accessing new products, to advocating for equity-diversity-inclusion (EDI) -oriented design practices. Before fully embracing a technology, information experts may critically explore the social justice concerns and empower user with their findings in their digital literacy programs.

How librarians and archivists communicate the value of a major project, like making institutional archives discoverable online, to all community stakeholders can be challenging when they are not receptive to the change or don't see the project'sproposed value. This column is a first-hand account of the challenges associated with communicating the results of a lengthy and complicated project that has high perceived value by librarians and archivists to community stakeholders with minimal understanding of a this project's limitations and scope. In this column, we will summarize lessons learned from an 11-month-long archival digitization and discoverability project that saved institutional artifacts from further decay. The project frustrated stakeholders who couldn't search for most of the digitized artifacts due to the lack of metadata which prevented easy searching and locating items they were looking for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uncovers how university libraries contribute to research processes conducted at universities. To do so, a bibliometric and systematic analysis of the literature is presented. The review shows that the line of research on university libraries and their contribution to research is a fragmented field in constant development, with a marked tendency toward the use of qualitative methods and case studies. The original value of this work lies in the creation of a thematic map and a thematic-temporal evolutionary scheme that allows us to understand the main perspectives from which the role of libraries in supporting research activities has been approached. Three time periods that reflect different terms in the conceptualisation of the library are characterised. The study concludes with recommendations, including indications for future research that should consider larger and more diverse samples, involve researchers as the object of study and consider applying quantitative or mixed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on workstations, work postures and employee job satisfaction in the Brawijaya University Library. This study aims to determine the influence of workstations and ergonomics work posture on employee job satisfaction in the library. The research method used quantitative approach. The sampling technique is total sampling with a total of 45 library staffs from 5 department in the library. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The results of the study there is influence of workstations and ergonomic work posture to employee job satisfaction with the t test value for both variables are 2.899 > 2.018 and 3.050 > 2.018 respectively. Based on the results of the R2 test that has been carried out above, the results of the R test of this study are the Workstation variable (X1), Work Posture (X2), simultaneously having an effect of 0.674 or 67.4% on the Job Satisfaction variable (Y). This means that the independent variable provides 67.4% of the information needed to predict and explain the variation of the dependent variable. While 32.6% is influenced by other factors or variables that are not examined.

AbstractThe changes experienced in the digital era require academic library staff to constantly update, expand, and develop their skills in order to carry out their roles efficiently and remain relevant in the provision of services to clients. Consequently, academic libraries have been among the first organizations to adopt knowledge sharing as a means to enhance the provision of services to clients. Several studies on knowledge sharing in academic libraries have been conducted in recent years. However, the focus of these discussions has been on understanding the knowledge sharing practices in academic libraries, and on technology as a factor making knowledge sharing possible so as to improve service provision in this context. Delta State University (DELSU) has yet to develop, adopt and formalize adequate strategies for sharing knowledge so as to improve service provision. This article explores the barriers to knowledge sharing among staff at the DELSU library and suggests strategies to enhance knowledge sharing among staff for improved service provision. A mixed method research approach and case study research design were adopted. A census was conducted on the target population, consisting of the entire staff at the DELSU library, using questionnaires that comprised both open and closed ended questions, while seven heads of department from the various library sections were purposively sampled for the collection of data through interviews. Social exchange theory provided the underpinning for the study. The findings revealed a lack of effective knowledge sharing for service provision in the library. The absence of a knowledge sharing culture; the absence of information and communication technology tools and infrastructure; a lack of motivation; and inferiority and superiority complexes among staff hindered knowledge sharing, with concomitant repercussions for service provision in the library. Strategies for knowledge sharing among the staff for improved service provision were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the key factors affecting user experience improves the service of Future Learning Center in academic library and contributes to its construction. Firstly, fourteen factors that affect user experience were summarized from five dimensions:reservation experience, environment experience, technology experience, service experience and learning experience. Then, the model of factors influencing user experience in Future Learning Center was developed according to the relationship between factors. Finally, the key factors affecting user experience were identified by using DEMATEL method. The results indicated that the group environment, the usefulness and interactivity of technology, the pleasure and satisfaction derived from learning, as well as the growth experience gained through learning were key factors affecting the user experience in Future Learning Center. Combined with these key factors, recommendations for the construction and development of Future Learning Center were formulated from environment experience, technology experience, service experience and learning experience aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation and innovation of academic library services are not only a major issue to respond to the development of the era and serve the strategy of developing the country through science and education, but also an eternal proposition to continuously improve their own construction and enhance their professional values. Based on the practices and the development trend of the librarianship, this article deeply analyzes the scientific connotation, fundamental tasks, and value pursuits of the transformation and innovation of academic library services, providing theoretical references for promoting the leapfrogging innovation and development of academic library services in the new era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to support the mission of the institution in which they are attached, academic libraries provide services in both manual and digital but COVID-19 pandemic that spanned between March and September, 2020 has changed the scenario. With particular reference to Nigeria, about 249,606 cases were confirmed and in order to curb the scourge of this deadly disease, physical academic activities were prevented by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). With this development, innovative tools became indispensable tools for successful delivery of library services in Nigerian academic libraries. Whether or not these tools are still in use for reformation of library service during post-Covid era remains unclear, hence, need for this study. This study examined librarians' use of innovative tools for information dissemination in Nigerian academic libraries during the post-Covid era using a descriptive survey design. Data were obtained both in quantitative and qualitative formats from one hundred and forty-four librarians as respondents. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was minimal. Findings of the study revealed that innovative tools such as videoconferencing, WhatsApp, teleconferencing, Facebook, LinkedIn, and web-based learning applications are still in use by librarians for the dissemination of information during the post-Covid era. These tools are useful and beneficial to librarians during the post-COVID era, as they facilitate easy participation and engagement of library users in various discussions. Inadequate funding and lack of advanced technology skills were also identified as major impediments to the successful use of innovative tools for information dissemination. As a result, it was suggested that academic libraries throughout Nigeria prioritize staff training on the necessary digital skills needed to cope in this advanced technology era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Library & Information Science is the property of Anhui University 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.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which teaching staff cooperated with librarians in collection development, specifically in relation to electronic resources, and to identify barriers they encountered while performing collection development activities. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed methods approach was adopted for the study. Quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection and analysis were used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire and interviews. A total of 149 faculty members completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 51.2%, while 16 library staff members were interviewed to obtain qualitative data. Findings: The majority of the teaching staff who participated in the study affirmed that they had cooperated with subject librarians in collection development. A high percentage (62.4%) of the faculty members had collaborated with subject librarians in collection development activities. Only 37.6% of the faculty members had not participated in collection development activities with subject librarians to acquire library electronic resources. According to faculty members, some of the main challenges affecting collection development at the University of Namibia were a lack of catalogues for electronic resources and a lack of lists of titles from vendors. Moreover, librarians were not always available to assist faculty members. It is recommended that faculty members be part of the process of selecting materials and that a good relationship be fostered between librarians and faculty members to bring value to collection development activities. Originality/value: Collection development in respect of electronic resources is a complex process to be undertaken by a single entity and, therefore, requires the collaboration of all stakeholders involved. In the case of institutions of higher learning, these stakeholders include faculty, librarians and vendors. The emergence of a variety of e-resources demands a meticulous strategy on the part of libraries to ensure they can offer a wide range of up-to-date and accurate resources that meet the evolving needs of their users. To the best of the authors' knowledge, studies that are similar to this one have not been conducted in Namibia before. This case study presents useful findings and lessons on faculty–librarian cooperation for effective collection development, not only at the University of Namibia library but also at other academic libraries in economies with similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has examined librarians' possession of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge that are requisite to practicing embedded librarianship in Tanzanian academic libraries. An exploratory cross-sectional design and qualitative and quantitative approaches have been employed by the study to collect data from 166 librarians and 6 library directors. While the data collected using a questionnaire have been analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21, those collected using interviews have been analyzed thematically. The study reveals that librarians have inadequate ICT skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement embedded librarianship. More specifically, the librarians lack the skills and knowledge needed to deploy sophisticated ICT tools, software, and online platforms. Regarding the ways through which librarians acquired the ICT skills and knowledge they had, the study reveals diverse sources. To effectively practice embedded librarianship, the study recommends both long-term and short-term ICT training for library professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on workstations, work postures, and employee job satisfaction in the Brawijaya University Library. This study aims to determine the influence of workstations and ergonomics work posture on employee job satisfaction in the library. The research method used a quantitative approach. The sampling technique is total sampling with a total of 45 library staff from 5 departments in the library. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The study results are the influence of workstations and ergonomic work posture on employee job satisfaction, with the t-test values for both variables being 2.899 > 2.018 and 3.050 > 2.018, respectively. Based on the results of the R2 test that has been carried out above, the results of the R test of this study are the Workstation variable (X1), Work Posture (X2), simultaneously having an effect of 0.674 or 67.4% on the Job Satisfaction variable (Y). This means that the independent variable provides 67.4% of the information needed to predict and explain the variation of the dependent variable. At the same time, 32.6% is influenced by other factors or variables that are not examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creation of the modern academic library has become a very important task as for new as well as established universities in Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, in our country there is a little understanding of the difference between academic and public library; therefore, in many cases the universities are experiencing certain difficulties in designing the library space, which should be suitable for the university library. Most of recently created libraries are crowded with bookshelves and designed to accommodate as many printed resources as possible rather than to make them appealing for the users. However, contemporary academic libraries have to be different in many ways. First of all, printed resources should not be the core of academic collection, they should give a way to digital collections; therefore, university libraries need to keep printed resources mostly for the reference purposes and leisure reading, which would not occupy too much space. Focus in academic libraries needs to be shifted to users, they need to have a lot of rooms for event organization, clubs, conferences and instead of being only a gateway to resources has to be transformed into multifunctional space fully integrated into all academic processes organized at the university. Another difference between academic and public libraries is a decision-making process about collection design and replenishment. This process needs to be done in coherence with the university curriculum and requirements of teaching, learning, and research strategies of the university. To fulfill these requirements many universities are creating Library Advisory Boards, which consist of all interested in resources stakeholders, such as top management of the university academic staff members, researches, students, and library personnel. Its main responsibility is to develop policies and procedures of the Learning Resource Centre, develop a budget, provide strategy for further development of LRC, confirm the book order and resource subscription, and provide a platform of communication between the library and its end users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Health literacy and its potential impacts on the wellbeing of patrons remain a highly regarded objective among health science and medical librarians when considering learning outcomes of patron communities. Librarians are positioned to champion literacy instruction activities. This study aimed to examine health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an academic-based employee wellness program before and after health literacy workshops were developed and facilitated by an academic health sciences librarian. Methods: The intervention included instruction informed by Don Nutbeam’s Health Literacy Framework and the Research Triangle Institute’s Health Literacy Conceptual Framework. Sixty-five participants obtained through convenience sampling attended workshops and were invited to respond to pre- and post-session surveys. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental methodology, surveys collected health literacy indicators including preferred sources and handling practices of in-person and online health information. Results: Findings indicated workshops influenced information seeking behaviors as participants documented a decrease in social media use for health and wellness information (-36%) and medical information (-13%). An increase in the usage of consumer health databases (like Medline Plus) was also indicated post-workshop for health and wellness information (18%) and medical information (31%). Conclusions: Favorable impacts are evident in this small-scale study; however, more research is needed to confirm the influence of these methods on larger and more diverse populations. Librarians should continue to develop and disseminate theory informed tools and methods aimed at engaging various communities in constructive health information seeking practices.

Increased diversity, demographics, and population shifts in higher education have led many academic libraries to reexamine their marketing efforts and adopt strategies that promote relationships and inclusivity. This requirement has become more prominent among libraries serving a highly diverse user community, particularly in a more racially and ethnically diverse campus. Adopting a marketing model that cultivates more meaningful long-term relationships with customers ensures long-term satisfaction and loyalty to the library brand. Using marketing and promotional examples from the James White Library, this article addresses the academic library's relationship marketing strategy in an increasingly multicultural higher education environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of technology and information has now gone digital with the emergence of the meta-world or metaverse. Libraries as evolving organisms need to adapt to keep up with the times and meet the needs of their patrons. This study aims to determine the extent to which research related to metaverse libraries has been carried out and how libraries can answer the challenges of digital technology developments related to metaverse technology. The method used in this research is a Systematic Literature Review using the Publish or Perish and Vos Viewer applications with the period publication analysis from the years 2014-2023. The results showed that articles related to the metaverse library are still very limited when compared to articles that discuss the metaverse itself. On the other hand, libraries are expected to continue to develop with the concept of Metaverse Library with consideration as a form of innovation to improve immersive learning, accessibility, information preservation, and collaboration globally.

This paper analyses the concept of open science and the role of the University of Rijeka Library in the context of preconditions to implement open science in practice, raising awareness, and conducting scientific research in an open and collaborative way. Promoting advances in science and the dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society, with development and focus based on relevant national and European Union documents, and strongly supporting the view that scientific information and research data produced in the course of publicly funded scientific activities must have open access, the University of Rijeka adopted the Open Science Policy of the University of Rijeka in September 2021. In order to get actively involved in the implementation of the Open Science Policy, the University of Rijeka Library has established the Centre for Open Science and Management of Scientific Information. The Open Science Centre continuously works on raising awareness and strengthening the knowledge of the University’s research stakeholders about the significance of open scientific information and research data as the key research outcome. Based on a case study of the University of Rijeka Library, the objective of this paper is to present the role of an academic library as an important stakeholder in providing support to open up the entire research process and implementation of open science practices. The article gives a comprehensive overview of the activities carried out by the University of Rijeka Library together with the University of Rijeka to achieve openness of scientific research through the active inclusion of all research stakeholders. This kind of presentation of good practice may serve other academic and university libraries as an example of different ways in which they can foster open science in the environment in which they are active.

[Purpose/Significance] There is no shortage of discussions in the library industry on how the value of academic libraries can be reflected by affecting students' learning outcome. There are also excellent cases such as the "Value of Academic Libraries' Initiative", which have a great impact on the theoretical and practical research in the field, and have initially formed a research system. Due to the differences in the higher education systems of different countries and the focus of higher education talent cultivation goals in different eras, it is necessary to consider the actual situation and based on the construction background of "double first-class" university construction to explore the paths and countermeasures that are in line with the development strategy of higher education in the new era of Chinese academic libraries. Scientific measurement and evaluation of academic library services from the student-oriented perspective is an important way to clarify the key path of library value enhancement, which is helpful for libraries to optimize their services, improve their development framework and enhance their own value. [Process/Method] In view of the above background and related research deficiencies, this research focuses on how academic libraries can improve their own value in the new era to better serve the strategic development of universities, and become the core of value for various stakeholders to discuss. Meanwhile, the methods used in related research lack the in-depth analysis of the process of library influence. In order to systematically sort out the internal logic of library impact on students' learning outcome, it is essential to explore the role of process factors in it, and it is not enough to use only regression analysis to conduct data statistics. This study analyzed 985 questionnaires by using the structural equation model analysis method, built a student-oriented value impact model of academic libraries with "situation-effect-outcome" as the main line, and explored the key influencing factors. [Results/Conclusions] It is suggested that the academic libraries should enhance their value influence in the following four aspects: to strengthen the policy guidance to improve the service utilization rate of academic libraries, attach importance to the contribution and value of academic libraries in the construction of "double first-class" university service, study and build a service system that meets the needs of users, and strengthen the service support for "double first-class" university construction. In this study, the research area is set in the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and the interviewees are set at the postgraduate education stage. Although it is representative to a certain extent, the sample scope is still limited. The applicability of the conclusions obtained from the empirical research needs to be further verified to improve the reliability of the conclusions. In the future, it is necessary to investigate the influence of more types of university libraries on students' academic performance and the influence of university libraries on students' academic performance at different stages of education. To verify whether school factors and the training level of students have an impact on the correlation between university libraries and students' academic performance, and whether the causal relationship between the cognition and evaluation of students promoted by university libraries and students' academic performance is applicable to all universities and students.