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AbstractEmpowerment has been studied within many sectors, however, there has been little research on empowerment within libraries. An online, volunteer survey was sent to Canadian academic librarians to measure their levels of structural and psychological empowerment. Participants reported moderate levels of both types of empowerment, with some socio-demographic variables affecting the scores. Individuals identifying as racialized or with having a disability reported lower levels of empowerment. The structural empowerment subscale opportunity and the psychological empowerment subscale self-determination received the highest scores. The results fill a gap in the research and provide a baseline for future research into librarian empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article examines peer review of librarians’ applications for promotion and tenure (P&T), with a focus on whether individual recommendations are attributed (or anonymous) and included a written justification, as well as librarians’ attitudes on these practices and how attitudes might differ depending on the librarian’s status. The article’s data came from a survey of academic librarians in the United States and Canada and of representatives of P&T committees in a regional conference of the United States. The primary findings showed an ambivalence toward attribution but potential support for requiring justification. Achieving a professional consensus may be impossible, but best practices should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how the creation of a community of practice among early-career librarians effectively fosters change in academic libraries. The authors distributed a survey to evaluate the needs of untenured faculty librarians at their institution and assess the best approach to address these needs. The results indicated that their library's established model of mentorship between untenured and tenured colleagues left gaps that could be best met through the creation of a peer support group. The authors share the survey results, indicate the implications from these findings, and suggest how librarians at other institutions can implement similar communities of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting a new job as a academic librarian is tough. It can be more so whenever the new liaison librarian doesn't have the resources they need to be successful. In this article, the authors discuss using reflective narratives to not only critique a previous onboarding document within the Research and Instruction Services Department at Louisiana State University but to also offer suggestions on ways to improve a system in which they are new hires. Authors anonymized responses from a newly hired cohort of librarians and working alongside the department head, evaluated best practices, and offered evidence-based recommendations on ways to improve the system for all future hires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the use of non-English resources in academic libraries, with a focus on reference and instruction. Academic librarians from the United States and Canada were surveyed about their perceptions regarding the use of non-English resources during reference and instruction duties and the results are considered through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. The authors explore literature regarding the dominance of the English language in higher education, scholarly communication, and academic publishing. Library literature is also reviewed, emphasizing reference and instruction services viewed through a critical librarianship or "critlib" lens. These perspectives are applied to the survey results with a discussion of the implications for academic reference and instruction librarians. The article concludes with suggestions for areas of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Universities Initiative (EUI) was established in 2017. Its aim is to strengthen strategic partnerships between higher education institutions across the EU by building networks of universities. At the end of 2023, there were already 50 European University Alliances gathering 430 higher education (HE) institutions. In each of these Alliances, academic libraries are members, too. These libraries are already involved in intra-alliance projects, and these alliances will probably happen more often due to the EU's project-driven approach. This practice paper is, to the authors' knowledge, the first attempt to describe another challenge that European academic libraries currently face i.e., project management practice. The alliance partner universities operate under distinct national laws and institutional practices, making it challenging to easily align them for effective cross-university collaborations. Familiarity with the theoretical principles of EU project management and project management methodology greatly facilitates the preparation of the proposal and the work of the project. It also allows more effective management of the project as a whole or its individual parts. This paper maps the challenges that work in international projects brings and provides suggestions on how EUI libraries can utilize project management techniques, while also aiming at showing the paths to facilitate cooperation. Drawing from an analysis of the literature on project management that might apply in library-led projects to strengthen communities of purpose, the paper is based on the example of the work experience on the project TRAIN4EU, that was co-led by the academic librarians from the University of Warsaw Library, Poland, and run by 4EU + universities. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations based on TRAIN4EU practices, lessons learned, as well as pitfalls to avoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this reflective piece, the author, a Latino librarian with 25 years of experience in academic libraries, explores the challenges and opportunities surrounding diversity and inclusion within the profession. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the author highlights the persistent underrepresentation of Latinx librarians in academic settings and the growing importance of addressing this disparity, particularly in response to the demographic shifts in the United States. The establishment of the REFORMA Academic Librarians Advancing Service (ALAS) committee emerges as a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering Latinx librarians and better serving Latinx student populations. Drawing inspiration from mentors and predecessors, the author emphasizes the need for proactive measures from library deans and directors to support initiatives like ALAS, promote cultural competency, and foster diversity within their institutions. By fostering inclusivity, representation, cultural competency, and equitable access to knowledge, the profession can evolve to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In October 2019, the Ensor Learning Resource Center at Georgetown College lost one staff position. While this reduction in force was not a major surprise, what happened over the next three budget years was. With each new year, the library lost positions as part of budget cuts at the institution. To manage these cuts, the library and its staff underwent a major realignment of duties and services to continue to meet patron needs. The article below offers some context and advice for those who may find themselves in similar situations. Recent history in library staffing has seen a reduction in the numbers of qualified librarians and paraprofessionals. According to the IPEDS data, academic libraries have seen an approximately 14% drop in the number of staff and librarians in their ranks. Given this reality, it is incumbent on library leaders to adjust to these new realities, rewriting job descriptions, dropping job duties—including those that are vitally important—and working to ensure building operations continue. This retrenchment in library staffing leads to impacts—both negative and positive—that have far-reaching effects beyond the library walls. As library director at Georgetown College, a small liberal arts campus of approximately 1200 students and a faculty of 75, I faced the situation described above four times in four straight budget years as a staff of seven dwindled to a staff of three. While one staff position was added in October 2022, for three months, a 65,000 square foot building that had to deliver services and spaces for over twelve hundred students ran with a skeleton crew. In this article I offer background to this situation, how it was addressed, and some (hopefully) helpful tips to those in a similar situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What role should libraries play to ensure citizens develop the competencies they need to fulfill their vital civic roles in our democracy? Alarms raised over widening civic knowledge gaps have prompted a renewed commitment to building more civically literate, active citizens. Like their counterparts in schools and universities, librarians teach many of the skills and dispositions that citizens need to participate in civic life. Yet their information literacy frameworks equip twenty-first century learners primarily for success in college and career, not citizenship. With schools and colleges launching new initiatives to bolster civic participation, librarians must join forces with other civic literacy proponents to empower citizens to emerge as civic agents that cocreate their future together. While the nation's great experiment in democracy undergoes a momentous test, libraries must assert their role in fostering civic literacy as central to their mission as cornerstones of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors conducted a survey containing the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory to explore the degree and type of burnout experienced by academic librarians in the spring of 2023. The average burnout score of the respondents (N = 267) was found to be middling (M = 45.68142). When subtypes of burnout were explored, academic librarians showed the most personal burnout, followed closely by work-related burnout. Client-related burnout was low. Analyses were conducted to explore differences due to demographic or workplace characteristics; however, the only significant relationship observed was between the duration of a librarian's career and their degree of client-related burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study describes the value and impact of the ten-year Fudan-Appalachian Library Exchange Program ((FALEP)). Beginning in 2008, seven librarians from Fudan University and five librarians from Appalachian State University had the opportunity to explore library operations and service provision; learn from colleagues; investigate solutions to common problems; engage in scholarship together; and experience another culture. Librarians found that the exchange experience had a huge impact on their professional and personal lives as they learned to live in a different culture and work in another library system. The exchange program equipped participating librarians with global perspectives, intercultural skills, opportunities for cross-cultural scholarship, and new ideas that were then incorporated into their service provision and work with domestic and international students in their home libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficit thinking, or a "blame the victim" mentality for academic failure, continues to plague higher education since it often requires specific training to recognize. International students are particularly vulnerable victims of instructors exhibiting a deficit viewpoint. Instruction librarians can break out of the deficit mindset by acknowledging the actual issues that impact international students, critically examining their own teaching background and identity, demonstrating cultural humility, employing culturally responsive teaching methods, and intentionally designing classroom experiences that will equip international students with the tools they need to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the importance of involving academic librarians in the development of ethical AI policies. The Academic Librarian Framework for Ethical AI Policy Development (ALF Framework) is introduced, recognizing librarians' unique skills and expertise. The paper discusses the benefits of their involvement, including expertise in information ethics and privacy, practical experience with AI tools, and collaborations. It also addresses challenges, such as limited awareness, institutional resistance, resource constraints, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evolving AI technologies, offering practical solutions. By actively involving librarians, institutions can develop comprehensive and ethical AI policies that prioritize social responsibility and respect for human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the quadratic usage framework for predicting the blockchain use intention of librarians in Southwest Nigerian universities. A pure quantitative method was adopted using a survey research design and a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection from 169 librarians who were drawn through a total enumeration from fifteen university libraries in Southwest Nigeria. A Quadratic Usage Framework (QUF) which is rarely used in Information System research has used a lens to predict the intention of librarians to use blockchain technology for library services. The findings revealed that the four factors of the model, access, skills, policy, and motivation are all correlated with librarians' intention to use blockchain technology for library services in academic libraries. Also, all four QUF factors jointly predict the intention to use blockchain technology by librarians for library services in academic libraries and are also good individual predictors of intention to use blockchain. The analysis of variance performed on multiple regression yielded an F-ratio value of 80.69. This was found to be significant at 0.05 levels. These results suggest that all four determinants/factors together made up 78% of librarians' intention to use blockchain technology for library services in academic libraries. The most significant challenges to librarians' intention to use blockchain technology reported are limited budget available to libraries and inadequate supply of electricity, limited skills possessed by the librarians, slow internet connections, and attitudinal change/mindset of the librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As academic librarians engage in Open Educational Resources (OER) creation and adoption programs, exploring student perceptions of OER provides information that can be used to revise and improve OER, to inform faculty perceptions, and to contextualize the benefits of OER in relation to student financial concerns. This case study explores how first-generation students perceive their textbooks, particularly in the areas of cost savings and format. It also supports research indicating that firstgeneration students are concerned about the cost of textbooks and experience financial challenges, such as food insecurity. Adopting OER may ease financial concerns and increase access to higher education for first-generation students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) have long collaborated with academic librarians, especially around the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, but full, reciprocal partnerships are relatively rare. This exploratory, interview-based study seeks to gain insight into how participants (n=4) experienced one such partnership, focused on building institutional capacity for engagement with scoping reviews in SoTL. Our findings reveal that these types of partnerships can have distinctive influences on participating faculty members that extend beyond a single program, service, or project. These insights illuminate the challenges and opportunities long-term partnerships present to both the institutionalization of SoTL and the evolving positionality of both educational developers and librarians (and their respective units). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of Web 3.0 technologies in academic libraries exemplifies a crucial advancement in enhancing services, resources, facilities, and librarians' skills, with a comparative analysis of Regions 11 and 12 revealing key insights into varying strategies and outcomes. This study aimed to determine and compare the extent and category of implementation of Web 3.0 among academic libraries in Regions 11 and 12. The study employs descriptive comparative research design and utilized research-made questionnaire administered to 70 respondents who were academic librarians in Regions 11 and 12, using purposive sampling, employing mean. The finding of the study revealed that over-all extent of implementation in terms of library services, resources; facilities and librarian skills was assessed as substantially implemented. The comparative analysis between the extent and category of implementation among academic libraries in Regions 11 and 12 revealed not significant, thus fails to reject null hypothesis. The study concluded that the both regions show similar extent and category of implementation in their academic libraries, which indicates a comparable adoption of Web 3.0 technologies and practices. The study recommends for the academic libraries in Regions 11 and 12 to continuously improve the library facilities, adapt and practice the Web 3.0 in their libraries, and to enhance and develop the skills of the academic librarians by providing adequate trainings and continuing professional development related to Web 3.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student assistants play an important role in the smooth operation of the library for effective and efficient delivery of services to users. This descriptive-regression research design was utilized to determine whether student assistants' library workload has a significant influence on their academic performance. It involved 100 academic library student assistants from Regions 11 and 12, who were selected using Purposive and Universal Sampling techniques. A wellstructured and self-made questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents who worked in the library for more than two semesters. Mean scores and simple linear regression analysis were utilized to interpret and analyze all the data gathered. Results showed that the level of library student assistant's workload was not significantly related to the level of their academic performance. It also revealed that the student workload could not significantly influence student academic performance. Thus, the study failed to reject the null hypothesis. One of the recommendations is that students' assistants should develop effective time-management strategies to balance work responsibilities with academic commitments to improve academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "A Multi-Year Odyssey: Unveiling the Weinstein Collection at UVA Library" in the Journal of East Asian Libraries discusses the extensive cataloging project of the Stanley Weinstein Collection at the University of Virginia Library. The collection, which spans over 10,000 volumes, focuses primarily on Buddhism and includes materials from various Asian countries and historical periods. The article highlights the legacy of Professor Stanley Weinstein and his wife, Lucie Ruth Weinstein, and details the challenges and successes of cataloging the collection, culminating in its integration into the library's resources. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses dysfunctional breathing (DB) as a breathing pattern disorder that can lead to breathlessness, often co-existing with other non-respiratory symptoms and organic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Despite the lack of a consensus definition and diagnostic standard for DB, studies suggest a high prevalence in populations, especially in individuals with asthma. The article highlights the complex relationship between DB and vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) and emphasizes the need for further research to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this common condition. [Extracted from the article]

Academic librarians dedicate significant time to developing and maintaining library guides. To keep these resources relevant, accessible, and aligned with modern educational practices, it is essential to assess both current methodologies and innovative strategies. The following articles explore evolving management, application, design practices, and associated challenges and opportunities to ensure these resources continue to meet the ever-changing needs of academic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a world of advanced technology, traditional reference faces the ever-increasing challenge to maintain its relevance and significance. Statistics show a drastic decline in reference desk transactions in academic libraries nationwide over the last few decades. As academic libraries around the nation are now transforming their services to adjust to the changing needs of today’s library users, how does the Reference department at Francis Marion University compare to its peers in keeping pace with this trend? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two library professionals, a technical services librarian and an Archivist, describe their workflows during a system migration to OCLC Worldshare Management Systems from multiple existing systems at Lincoln Memorial University Carnegie Vincent Library. The migration was difficult at times and had some unexpected outcomes, but the end result was excellent for the students and the faculty of the university. The librarian and archivist provide suggestions to help other librarians and archivists during the process of a migration. They relate the experience to Past Perfect and Exlibris, Alma which were two system migrations they were separately involved in during later employment at new institutions. This case study relates how the two professionals learned from the early migration while accepting new responsibilities at other institutions, where their early experience proved beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article interviews several college librarians in the U.S. including Robert L. Butterfield, Kendra Lake and Adriana Poo. Topics include the impact of textbook costs on student equity, the role of academic libraries in supporting Open Educational Resources (OER), and innovative library-led affordability initiatives.

Copyright of Arab International Journal of Library & Information is the property of Arab Institution of Knowledge Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research investigated student perceptions of the level of digital inclusion and the difficulties they face in using information services at the University of Jordan library. A questionnaire was distributed to students with physical disability (mobility, hearing, visual) at the University of Jordan (N = 284) of whom 173 responded. A low level of digital inclusion of students with disabilities in the University of Jordan library information services was confirmed. Accordingly, academic libraries need to be more inclusive of students with disabilities in their information services. The study will be useful for library managers to realize their libraries' role towards the local community. The result of this research will provide insights for librarians, academic professionals and stakeholders to plan for the digital inclusion of people with disabilities in libraries' information services. It will also provide insights for planning the required training for librarians to support the library provision of a digital inclusion plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians have been grappling with the issue of burnout for decades, at least. This study uses the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Job Control Inventory to show how job control impacts burnout. Using the CBI, academic instruction librarians, on average, have high work-related burnout and even higher personal burnout compared to other jobs. However, librarians have low client-related burnout, similar to other "caring" or "helping" professions. The findings point to key factors that impact job control and burnout to help consider ways of mitigating burnout and increasing job control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, there have been multiple peer-reviewed articles that suggest academic libraries do not establish appropriate succession plans, nor do they develop the required leadership capacity in their librarians. This article discusses (a) the development of a survey instrument to measure the frequency with which succession planning activities take place in libraries, and (b) the results of a survey study that explored succession planning practices in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in the United States. This study utilized a cross-sectional design with a stratified random sample (n = 353) of academic librarians and administrators employed by ARL member libraries. After data analysis, validity and reliability analyses revealed the survey instrument demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties and produced a strong alpha coefficient of.91. Findings also suggest that several factors impact respondents' knowledge of and/or participation in succession planning activities, including their sexual orientation, primary job duties, layers of management in their library hierarchy, and whether or not managers identify and prepare interims for critical positions in their library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness) on knowledge acquisition and application by Pakistani university librarians. To increase their impact in academic institutions, it is imperative to examine how people acquire and apply knowledge within the field of librarianship. This study employed a quantitative research approach based on the survey research method. The Big Five personality inventory designed by John and Srivastava was adopted, however, measurement items related to knowledge acquisition and application behavior were developed with the help of the existing literature. The study population comprised academic librarians working in the university libraries of Pakistan, with a census sampling method used to collect data and 357 completed questionnaires received. The results indicated that extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience positively affect the university librarian’s knowledge acquisition, while neuroticism has a negative effect. The findings also revealed that extraversion and openness to experience positively affects academic librarians’ knowledge application behavior while neuroticism has a negative effective, however, conscientiousness and agreeableness personality traits were found to be insignificant predictors of the same. This study highlights the significant personality features contributing to knowledge acquisition and application behavior in academic libraries from a developing country’s perspective.

When short of money, one way for a library to acquire expensive books is by exchange for duplicates. In 1870 Henry Bradshaw, Librarian of Cambridge University Library, agreed with the London bookseller F.S. Ellis to exchange three duplicate English incunabula for a small group of books including an exceptionally fine copy, not previously recorded, of Colard Mansion’s edition of Boethius in French (Bruges, 1477). With this, Cambridge also acquired a book from the first press in Belgium and a Sammelband extensively annotated in the fifteenth century by a physician in Augsburg, Ulrich von Ellenbog. Hitherto unpublished correspondence gives details of the transaction. The three books from Cambridge were all subsequently acquired by the banker Henry Huth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the Libraries Build Business (LBB) grant initiative. Thirteen public library systems were selected to receive a total of $1.3 million to bolster their library’s entrepreneurial outreach. ALA and Google.org supported efforts to build capacity in libraries and library districts. Libraries in turn offered innovative programming, access to e-resources and developed services for local entrepreneurs and the business community. Libraries Build Business (LBB) objective was to identify library-led entrepreneurship models that would help lower-income and/or under-represented entrepreneurs, i.e. women and minorities to start and grow new businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article titled "Qualitative Research Part 3: Publication" from the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing provides guidelines for conducting and reporting qualitative research in the field of mental health nursing. It emphasizes the importance of following the research methodology and method meticulously. The article offers guidance on various aspects of publication, including title and authorship, the introduction/background section, and the method section. It also provides examples and suggestions for reporting findings, synthesizing results, and discussing the implications for mental health nursing practice. The document aims to improve researchers' chances of having their papers accepted by journals and offers a checklist of key points to consider before submitting a research paper. [Extracted from the article]

Amidst the scenario of digital surveillance and the treatment of personal data as a commodity, it is essential to raise issues related to the individuals' privacy, being a librarian's attribution to develop Privacy Literacy in academic environments. The general objective of the research is to present a panorama of content on Privacy Literacy developed from a sample of universities around the world, using the bibliographic and documental methods. From the bibliographic research it was found the discussion and orientation of library institutions regarding Privacy Literacy. In the documentary research with a sample of the 10 best positioned universities from each continent, 66 contents related to Privacy Literacy were identified, presenting the continent of Africa as the most representative in the content offerings. In the categorization of the contents it was identified that "Critical Thinking" is more present in the approaches, while only 5 of the total contents had the three categories, "Critical Thinking", "Technosolutionist" and "Legislative", in their approaches. It is suggested for future work the development of practices in Privacy Literacy applied in university libraries addressing the three topics, and the search for partnerships with areas that address the topic in the institutions themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of recognizing dermatological emergencies in patients with skin of color (SOC) and the challenges faced by emergency medicine practitioners in diagnosing these conditions. A survey and quiz were conducted among doctors in Victoria, Australia, revealing variations in response accuracy for different dermatological emergencies specific to SOC. The study highlights the need for comprehensive education and training initiatives to enhance patient care across diverse populations, with a focus on improving knowledge and confidence among emergency medicine practitioners in managing dermatological emergencies in patients with SOC. [Extracted from the article]

Due to the irreversible effects of COVID-19 pandemic, libraries worldwide have undergone a significant shift towards online accessibility of their resources, services, activities/events, and programs. Technological advancements have transformed how information is accessed and disseminated, underscoring the importance of library websites in supporting the learning, teaching and research endeavours of students, faculty members, and researchers. This study aims to serve as a roadmap for library practitioners, web developers, and similar stakeholders, who are planning to create and/or enhance websites for their respective libraries. This paper utilized an evaluative instrument for an academic library website developed by Wijayaratne and Singh (2015), to scrutinize the selected major Philippine universities' academic libraries. The findings of this study are expected to be valuable to academic librarians and future researchers in recognizing the significance of designing tailored websites for their institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maintain the high standard of public as well as academic libraries' services and to be able to develop them further and lead them into the future, new challenges must be overcome. These are for example the War for Talents, diversity, skills of older and younger employees, the advancing digitization, integration issues, sustainability, fake news etc. One approach to address these challenges involves implementing talent management, utilizing its methods to both retain current employees and identify well- trained new staff, effectively deploying them as needed. This paper presents results from a quantitative study titled "The Library needs Talents! An Empirical Study on the Use of Talent Management Methods for Staff Recruitment and Staff Development in Libraries" with findings about the status of this topic in German libraries and the possibility of implementing talent management. The study consists of a survey conducted in May 2019 with 143 participants, of whom 113 completed the questionnaire and a workshop held in June 2019 with ten librarians of academic and public libraries in which the questions "How can talents be found for and in a library?" and "How do you keep these talents in the library?" were discussed. The results show that interest in talent management exists in German libraries, but a lack of expertise on the subject has hindered its implementation in libraries thus far. Further key findings indicate that career opportunities and development prospects still have room for improvement. Particularly in smaller institutions with only a few employees, career advancement can be challenging. All in all, the size of the institution plays a minor role. While complete talent management may not be feasible in smaller institutions, individual aspects can still be addressed and implemented. For example, relevant competencies that talents should possess could be identified in advance and reflected in job advertisements. This paper introduces a novel perspective on addressing challenges faced by public and academic libraries. It is shedding light on the status of talent management and its potential implementation. The value of this paper extends to library professionals seeking ways to attract and retain talent, irrespective of the institution's size, presenting actionable insights for competency-based recruitment practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined key findings relevant to library practitioners' experiences with virtual reference services, or VRS. It did this by examining skills, training experiences, perspectives, and challenges encountered during VRS implementation. Data was gathered through interviews with a group of library practitioners employed by academic libraries in the province of Isabela, Philippines, using a qualitative research methodology. The participants' training experiences and skill sets are restricted to limited virtual reference service training events as well as fundamental technical and communication abilities. The results of the study showed that participants had a positive opinion of virtual reference services' utility since they serve as a platform for communication that bridges the digital divide caused by physical distance. To help librarians adopt virtual reference services and maximize their anticipated benefits, specialized trainings are recommended. In order to meet the necessary operational needs for the effective delivery of virtual reference services, institutional support through sufficient funding is sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the role of Romanian academic and research librarians in optimizing access to information in the digital age, in relation to quality management and knowledge management. The novelty of this study consists in its parallel analysis of both librarians' and users' perspectives on librarians' roles and abilities in optimizing access to information. The results obtained by means of interpretative qualitative analysis combined with descriptive quantitative analysis revealed that Romanian librarians succeed in providing good information services, however, the demands and expectations of users highlight a continuous need for integration of librarians into the mission of the universities and research institutes, and knowledge sharing and a series of innovations are recommended. The results obtained by interpretative analysis, combined with quantitative analysis for corroboration, point to four interrelated themes regarding the Romanian librarians' roles and abilities in optimizing access to information. The first principal idea is that librarians' abilities and competencies are key assets for Romanian academic and special research libraries. The second is that Romanian librarians need training in knowledge management and quality management. The third is that embedded librarianship and knowledge sharing could add quality to libraries services. Finally, the fourth is that competency management can determine engagement of Romanian librarians in improving access to information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many libraries and archives have recently released statements about harmful material in their collections and the descriptions of these collections. However, these types of statements are not required for any professional accreditation or membership, nor are there specific guidelines to follow. This study collected and analyzed statements from members of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) and CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries), measuring their prevalence and identifying common elements. The findings and discussion can be used as a resource by those hoping to create or amend a statement, and for the larger library community to take stock on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of algorithms on the way knowledge is created and shared has been seen as a revolutionary shift in the knowledge apparatus of society. Using the concept of paradigm shifts, this study explores how librarians providing information literacy programs and services described the programs they offer in information and digital literacies, their understandings of algorithms and how they might see future services. Using an information practices approach, data were collected from 30 librarians from university libraries across NSW. The analysis identified a range of paradigms that could have implications for changes in professional practices. Significant was the paradigm of the algorithm as 'black box', indicating a lack of technical knowledge about algorithms. Also important was the emphasis on the transactional paradigm in the literacy programs provided, with descriptions focussing on the behavioural aspects of the skills of students. Given the situation in universities post-pandemic, there was little optimism that significant changes would be made to the programs and services currently offered, although a small number of participants had implemented their own micro revolutionary changes. As paradigm shifts occur through changes in knowledge, and revolutionary changes require a supportive environment, the study concludes that only piecemeal evolutionary changes can be made currently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led a library marketing and communication team to question how they were doing everything. Brainstorming sessions and serendipitous technology discoveries led to a media-literacy focused livestream show produced by the team in concert with library faculty and staff from other departments. The result was two successful seasons of a show that brought scholars into conversation with librarians to demonstrate the ways in which expertise can and does lead to answers to questions, and how finding information is only the start of finding those answers--finding credible sources is critical. The show attempts to provide the tools necessary to make those distinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nursing home residents often have life limiting illnesses in combination with multiple comorbidities, cognitive deficits, and frailty. Due to these complex characteristics, a high proportion of nursing home residents require palliative care. However, many do not receive palliative care relative to this need resulting in unmet care needs. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no literature reviews to synthesise the evidence on how nursing home staff identify unmet palliative care needs and to determine what guidelines, policies, and frameworks on identifying unmet palliative care needs of nursing home residents are available. Aim: The aim of this scoping review is to map and summarise the evidence on identifying unmet palliative care needs of residents in nursing homes. Methods: This scoping review will be guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The search will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles. A search of grey literature will also be conducted in databases such as CareSearch, Trip, GuidelineCentral, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence website. The search strategy will be developed in conjunction with an academic librarian. Piloting of the screening process will be conducted to ensure agreement among the team on the eligibility criteria. Covidence software will be used to facilitate deduplication, screening, and blind reviewing. Four reviewers will conduct title and abstract screening. Six reviewers will conduct full text screening. Any conflicts will be resolved by a reviewer not involved in the conflict. One reviewer will conduct data extraction using pre-established data extraction tables. Results will be synthesised, and a narrative synthesis will be used to illustrate the findings of this review. Data will be presented visually using tables, figures, and word clouds, as appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of librarian expertise and responsiveness on virtual reference service (VRS) quality, focusing on the mediating role of communication channels. Data were gathered via Google Forms survey involving 161 university librarians in Indonesia and analyzed through structural equation modeling using Lisrel 8.8 to assess validity, reliability, and relationships between variables. Results indicate that librarian expertise and responsiveness significantly contribute to the overall quality of VRS. Furthermore, communication channels were found to play a crucial role in enhancing the influence of librarian expertise and responsiveness on service quality. These findings suggest the importance of effective communication strategies in shaping user experiences within VRS platforms. The study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of VRS and underlines the significance of communication channels as mediators between librarian actions and service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse the habits of researchers and librarians when promoting their work through repositories and academic social networks in the fields of Information, Documentation and Communication. Repositories are also used for preservation and early publication (preprints) of journal articles. Methodology: A bibliographic review, an online survey, interviews with experts, and an analysis of the evolution of some repositories have been carried out. Results: Thematic repositories, which were widely used 20 years ago, are now facing competition from institutional repositories (IR) and academic social networks such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu and others. A continued decrease in the number of deposits in the e-LIS (Eprints in Library and Information Science) and MPRA (Munich Personal RePEc Archive) repositories has been observed in recent years, which seems to be due to the fact that many universities have published mandates that force professors to archive their work in their IR. Another important cause of the decrease in deposits is the greater availability of open access journals in recent years, which has made it less necessary to archive articles in repositories. Academic social networks, on the other hand, are perceived as more dynamic, allowing interaction with other authors, and not requiring the introduction of so much metadata to upload documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has been felt across all academic areas, and individuals must develop AI literacy skills. The declaration on libraries and AI issued by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) urged that libraries play a role in AI usage. A study was conducted to develop a framework for creating and delivering an AI digital literacy course in an academic library. A literature review was done using Scopus and Web of Science, to provide an awareness of current digital literacy courses and to identify gaps and best practices in establishing AI-specific courses. Through document and web content analysis academic libraries that have established digital literacy courses were identified. It was noted that academic librarians should work with students, faculty, the research office, university management and the ICT personnel to develop an AI literacy course. A framework was proposed to address the constraints of delivering an AI digital literacy course. The study contributes to the broader field of AI education by providing practical advice for academic libraries interested in promoting digital literacy and safe AI usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for educating all stakeholders about AI was promptly recognized, and higher educational institutions followed the government's efforts to write out policies and directives. Librarians and information specialists, with their decades-long experience in delivering information, digital, and media literacy training, are the most suitable carriers and promoters of AI literacy. In this paper the academic librarians' efforts to shape AI literacy to ensure its promotion and delivery to patrons are collected, summarized, and outlined. Academic librarians experience and skills teaching, consulting, and practicing scholarly communications, specifically the areas of copyright, data privacy, and other legal and ethical issues makes them valuable participants in the efforts to adopt AI on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The future of music scores is hybrid. In the literature and in discussion on this topic we have been noting that we will not see the eradication of print materials, nor will electronic-based scores be a passing fancy. For many academic libraries with robust sheet music collections, the idea of funding online collections is challenging, particularly when looked at in the context of clearing shelves or replacing print. This paper offers another way of viewing a shift to more digital score content. This project effectively delivered digital scores to patrons without additional cost to them, and provided experiential learning that they likely would not have had in any other context of their time earning their music degree. In light of changing budget models, the outlined project offers a new way that music libraries can participate in making valuable and highly visible contributions to their partner institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]