Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of cyberchondria in the context of the digital information era, highlighting how excessive online health information seeking can exacerbate health anxiety and contribute to maladaptive behaviours. It aims to explore the role of misinformation, low health literacy and limited access to reliable health resources in amplifying these effects, while emphasizing the importance of promoting e-health literacy, critical thinking and professional guidance to support informed health decisions and mitigate the negative consequences of cyberchondria. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative literature review design, synthesizing findings from existing research on cyberchondria, online health information seeking, misinformation and e-health literacy. Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews and empirical studies published over the past two decades were identified through academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The methodology involved a thematic analysis of the literature to identify key patterns, including the relationship between excessive online health searches and health anxiety, the prevalence of misinformation on digital platforms and strategies for mitigating cyberchondria. By integrating insights from multiple studies, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon and its implications for public health, information literacy and digital behaviour. Findings The findings indicate that excessive online health information seeking is widespread, particularly during public health crises and is strongly associated with cyberchondria and heightened health anxiety. A significant portion of online health content is misleading, exposing users, especially those with low health literacy or limited access to health care, to misinformation that can exacerbate anxiety and maladaptive behaviours. Evidence also highlights that promoting e-health literacy, critical thinking, reliable digital health resources and access to professional guidance can help mitigate these risks and support informed health decisions. Social implications Cyberchondria and excessive online health searching can heighten anxiety, strain family and social relationships, reduce workplace productivity and undermine trust in healthcare professionals. The widespread circulation of health misinformation on digital platforms can also influence public attitudes toward medical guidance, vaccines and preventive measures, highlighting the need for improved e-health literacy and access to reliable information. Originality/value This paper offers an original contribution by synthesizing research on cyberchondria, online health information seeking and misinformation in the context of public health crises. It uniquely integrates insights on the psychological, behavioural and social impacts of excessive online health searches while highlighting the roles of e-health literacy, critical thinking and professional guidance as strategies to mitigate these effects. By connecting these elements, the paper provides a comprehensive perspective on both individual and societal challenges in the digital health information era.

Purpose The purpose of this submission is to document and critically analyse the outcomes of the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025) as a significant academic and policy-oriented intervention in reimagining school libraries in India. The paper aims to highlight evidence-based discussions, research contributions and strategic recommendations emerging from the conference in alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. By presenting consolidated insights on digital transformation, inclusivity, Indian Knowledge Systems and professional capacity building, the paper seeks to contribute to scholarly discourse and inform policymakers, educators and library professionals globally. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative, descriptive and analytical research design based on a case study approach. It draws upon primary data generated through conference proceedings, keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions and stakeholder interactions during the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025), supplemented by secondary sources such as policy documents, scholarly literature and institutional reports. The study uses thematic analysis to identify emerging trends, challenges and best practices in school librarianship, with particular reference to digital transformation, inclusivity and alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. The approach integrates policy analysis with practice-oriented insights to ensure academic rigour and professional relevance. Findings The study finds that school libraries in India are undergoing a significant transition from conventional print-centric spaces to integrated learning resource centres aligned with the vision of NEP 2020. The conference deliberations reveal growing adoption of digital tools, open educational resources and AI-enabled services, though disparities persist in infrastructure and professional capacity across regions. The findings highlight the critical role of trained librarians as pedagogical partners, the increasing relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in collection development and the need for standardised policy frameworks for school libraries. Strengthened capacity-building initiatives, institutional collaboration and sustained policy support emerge as essential for ensuring equitable, inclusive and future-ready school library services. Research limitations/implications The study is primarily based on a single national-level conference, which may limit the generalisability of the findings across diverse school library contexts in India. As the analysis relies largely on qualitative inputs from presentations, discussions and stakeholder interactions, empirical validation through large-scale surveys or longitudinal studies remains outside the scope of this study. Nevertheless, the implications are significant, as the findings provide a policy-informed and practice-oriented framework that can guide future empirical research, regional studies and impact assessments. The study also offers actionable insights for policymakers, educational administrators and library professionals to strengthen school library systems in alignment with NEP 2020 and emerging digital paradigms. Practical implications The findings of the study provide clear guidance for practical implementation at institutional and policy levels. Schools and educational authorities can use the identified best practices to transform existing libraries into inclusive Learning Resource Centres integrating print, digital and experiential learning resources. The study supports the adoption of digital library platforms, open educational resources and basic AI-enabled services to enhance access and user engagement. It also underscores the need for structured capacity-building programmes for school librarians, standard operating policies and collaborative networks among schools, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and national institutions. These implementations can directly support curriculum delivery, reading culture, digital literacy and lifelong learning objectives envisaged under NEP 2020. Social implications The study highlights the transformative social role of school libraries in promoting equity, inclusion and social cohesion within the education system. Strengthened and modernised school libraries can bridge information and digital divides by ensuring access to quality learning resources for students from diverse socio-economic, linguistic and regional backgrounds. The integration of Indian Knowledge Systems and multilingual collections fosters cultural awareness, identity and respect for indigenous knowledge traditions. Furthermore, by positioning librarians as facilitators of critical thinking, information literacy and ethical digital engagement, school libraries contribute to informed citizenship, democratic participation and social empowerment, particularly for marginalised and first-generation learners. Originality/value The study offers original value by presenting one of the first structured scholarly documentations of a national-level school library conference in the Indian context, synthesising policy, practice and professional discourse. Unlike conventional studies focused solely on institutional case studies or surveys, this work captures collective expert insights aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. It bridges the gap between policy vision and ground-level implementation by highlighting emerging trends such as digital transformation, Indian Knowledge Systems and capacity building. The study serves as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking evidence-informed strategies for reimagining school libraries in developing education systems.

Purpose The 2nd International Conference on Research Trends of ICT using Digital Libraries with Human Values & Ethics (ICIDLHV 2026) intended to establish the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries, examining how technologies, social media and the digital environment are transforming library services. Over three days, delegates heard from internationally recognised leaders in academic and public library services with a view to consider the challenges and opportunities presented to libraries in a changing society. Design/methodology/approach Tracks focused on key themes such as digital libraries, information ethics, data science and human–Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration, and what you can read at this link: Track of the conference by highly specialised topics. Key issues were discussed, based on the topics listed, such as ICT implementation (cloud computing, digital repositories, e-Learning and open access, AI) with an additional critical look at the socio-cultural implications of changes that have occurred. Findings The conference underscored the importance of the role of libraries in adapting to the digital change and how librarians should adopt contemporary technologies. Presentations focused on research data management, ethical challenges in digital preservation and opportunities for innovation through collaboration. Originality/value Conference stands out for its combination of ICT in library services with an emphasis on human values and ethics. It brings the original value of academic, corporate and governmental stakeholders’ space to discuss aspects that drive the future of library services in a more and more digital world.

Purpose This study aims to critically examine the Turnitin dilemma in Nigerian higher education, exploring how plagiarism detection software, particularly Turnitin, has been institutionally deployed as a compliance gatekeeper rather than a pedagogical tool. It interrogates the implications of this deployment for university libraries, faculty practice, student learning and the newly mandated Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) programme. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a conceptual and policy-analytical approach, synthesising institutional documents, national policy directives, implementation reports and recent scholarly literature. A technical case analysis of Landmark University’s Turnitin migration is presented to illustrate administrative architecture, deployment gaps and pedagogical implications. Comparative insights from selected Nigerian universities and international implementation frameworks further inform the analysis. Findings Findings reveal a consistent pattern across Nigerian universities: Turnitin is successfully procured and technically installed but insufficiently integrated into teaching and learning processes. Implementation focuses on compliance, similarity scores and institutional credentialisation, while neglecting faculty training, disciplinary customisation, student orientation and library leadership. The NERD mandate intensifies these gaps by requiring universal anti-plagiarism verification without parallel investment in infrastructure, policy development and pedagogical support. This study identifies university libraries as strategically positioned, but underused, actors in bridging this divide. Research limitations/implications As a conceptual and document-based analysis, this study does not include primary empirical data such as interviews or survey findings. However, it provides a comprehensive synthesis that establishes a framework for future empirical investigations into faculty perceptions, student experiences and library-led integrity interventions within Nigerian and broader sub-Saharan African contexts. Practical implications This study proposes actionable strategies for Nigerian university libraries, including the development of report interpretation guides, integration of Turnitin into information literacy curricula, disciplinary customisation services, librarian certification in academic integrity technologies and formal recognition of library jurisdiction in NERD implementation. It further recommends the establishment of national implementation standards through the National Universities Commission. Social implications By reframing plagiarism detection from punitive enforcement to pedagogical engagement, this study contributes to broader debates on epistemic justice, equity in digital compliance regimes and the future of academic integrity in digitally transforming African universities. Equitable and context-sensitive implementation is essential to avoid reinforcing disciplinary bias and digital inequality. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study offers one of the first comprehensive policy and professional analyses of Turnitin implementation in the context of Nigeria’s national anti-plagiarism mandate. It shifts the discourse from technological adoption to professional jurisdiction, arguing that the path from gatekeeper to teacher is institutional and pedagogical rather than technical. This paper contributes to scholarship on academic integrity, higher education policy and the evolving role of university libraries in the Global South.

Purpose This study aims to critically examine the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) in academic libraries, focusing on use cases, the skills required, the ethical issues academic libraries should consider and future directions. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a conceptual approach, drawing on prior literature and proposing the future adoption of agentic AI in academic libraries and its implications. Findings The study findings indicate that agentic AI could be adopted in academic libraries for event scheduling automation, weeding, serving as a reference and research agent and reducing human error. The researchers proposed that academic librarians need to reskill and upskill (agentic AI literacy, legal and policy literacy, AI-informed pedagogical skills, technical and data skills) to remain relevant in the current agentic AI era, while accounting for ethical considerations, including accountability, privacy, user agency and equity. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the earliest contributions to agentic AI in academic libraries. This study contributes to the agentic AI and academic libraries by considering adoption and proposed use cases, skills, ethical issues and future directions for academic libraries. This study offers a conceptual explanation for educators, librarians and policymakers seeking to adopt agentic AI in academic libraries.

Purpose The purpose of this conference report is to document the key activities, academic contributions and outcomes of the First International Conference on Smart Systems and Social Management (ICSSSM 2025), held at The Assam Royal Global University. It provides an overview of the conference themes, sessions, keynote insights, research presentations and publication plans. Design/methodology/approach This conference report follows a descriptive and analytical approach based on a systematic review of the official ICSSSM 2025 Programme, session proceedings, keynote addresses and organizer provided documentation. Content analysis was conducted on plenary sessions, technical tracks and statistical data related to submissions, acceptances and participation. Findings The conference revealed strong interdisciplinary engagement across seven major tracks, demonstrating growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), digital governance and smart library services. Analysis of 122 presentations showed significant contributions in areas such as AI-driven information systems, smart city frameworks, digital inclusion and sustainable development applications. Originality/value This offers a unique documentation of the inaugural ICSSSM 2025, capturing its interdisciplinary focus on integrating smart systems with social management a niche rarely addressed in a single academic forum. It highlights the conference’s distinctive emphasis on “Library 2030,” ethical AI, inclusive digital governance and culturally grounded smart technologies.

Purpose This study critically aims to examine the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in education and libraries and argues that information literacy constitutes the missing epistemic core of AI literacy. It contends that without a strong grounding in information literacy, digital, media and AI literacy, initiatives risk prioritizing tool fluency over critical judgment, ethical reasoning and epistemic understanding. The study highlights the evolving role of librarians in addressing this gap. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a conceptual and critical approach, drawing on scholarship in information literacy, critical information literacy, constructivist learning theory, epistemic cognition and critical pedagogy. Through theoretical synthesis and critical analysis of contemporary AI literacy discourses, it proposes a hierarchical meta literacy model that positions information literacy as the foundational condition for robust digital, media and AI literacy. Findings The study argues that when information literacy is marginalized, AI literacy risks becoming procedural and instrumental rather than epistemic and ethical. Challenges associated with generative AI, including bias, hallucination and misinformation, are framed as failures of information integrity. Grounding AI literacy in information literacy enables librarians to design instruction that emphasizes source evaluation, system interrogation and responsible AI use. Originality/value This study contributes a theoretically grounded reframing of AI literacy by positioning information literacy, as its epistemic foundation rather than a parallel or auxiliary competence. By introducing a hierarchical meta literacy model and foregrounding the evolving role of librarians in AI education, this study offers conceptual clarity for educators, librarians and policymakers seeking to design AI literacy initiatives that prioritize epistemic rigor, critical judgment and ethical responsibility over short-term technological proficiency.

Purpose This paper aims to examine four critical concepts to help information professionals understand the forces driving artificial intelligence (AI) development and better prepare for the future while serving their users. The first two concepts explore the evolving role of prompt engineering and how it intersects with an overall lack of transparency in generative AI systems. The third and fourth observations examine the economic pressures shaping development and the ensuing downstream effects this has on the online Web, as well as on the broader technology ecosystem that libraries interact with. Design/methodology/approach This column revisits observations developed two years ago when generative AI was relatively new to the public sphere. By applying these to the current landscape, the column provides a more grounded understanding of how AI has evolved. This retrospective approach allows for a clearer assessment of AI’s ongoing development. The author used ChatGPT GPT-4o to help generate a prompt discussed within the text and Claude Sonnet 4.5 to assist with grammar and clarity during the copyediting process. Findings By understanding these dynamics, information professionals can more effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that generative AI presents for their institutions and communities. Originality/value This paper assists information professionals in understanding AI developments by examining how the author’s initial observations have held up over time.

Purpose This study aims to provide an updated examination of how Malaysian academic libraries are responding to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). It investigates the current state of AI integration, identifies emerging institutional initiatives and practices and highlights gaps in strategic, ethical and operational preparedness across university libraries in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach AI-related developments were examined through a Web-based analysis of official library websites from eight Malaysian universities, supplemented by on-site observation. Public announcements, service updates, training activities and technological deployments were documented and thematically analyzed to identify patterns of AI adoption, institutional responses and areas of emerging practice. Findings The findings show that Malaysian academic libraries are in the early but active stages of adopting AI, with most efforts focused on research support tools such as Scopus AI and CNKI AI, AI-assisted information management and staff digital upskilling initiatives. Several libraries have introduced AI-driven personalized services. However, independent system development remains limited, and explicit institutional policies or ethical guidelines on AI use are largely absent. The study also highlights increasing industry–university collaborations and growing attention to AI literacy, yet identifies a need for more coordinated strategic planning and governance frameworks. Originality/value This study provides one of the earliest institution-level examinations of AI integration in Malaysian academic libraries, offering updated insights into how AI is being operationalized within their services and environments. It contributes regional evidence to the global discussion on AI-driven library transformation and outlines strategic considerations that may inform not only Malaysian institutions but also academic libraries in other developing or emerging contexts navigating similar intelligent transitions.

Purpose This study explores the development of a library website using the Wix AI Site Generator. It emphasizes the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist library professionals in developing an accessible and user-friendly website without the need of technical knowledge. This study describes the step-by-step process of generating a prototype website with the prompts and refining it through the regeneration process. The purpose of this work is to illustrate how AI-driven tools can make website development easier for libraries and support them in building a strong digital presence suited to modern requirements. Design/methodology/approach Wix AI tool has been used to create a library website. Findings The study found that the Wix AI Site Generator enables library professionals to create a user-friendly website without any technical expertise. Originality/value It is novel idea to create a library website with the integration of AI.