21st Century Library Research Articles

Forward Together: Working with the New Standards for Accreditation

The American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (COA) will host an interactive session on working with the newly approved Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Science (2023). The 2023 Standards were adopted by approval of the Council of the American Library Association (the Council) on November 30, 2023. These revised Standards eliminate redundancies, improve clarity, and infuse concepts of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout the standards. The collaborative process that supported this work will ensure that these revised standards support a responsive, 21st century library and information education rooted in the fundamental principles of the profession as espoused by the American Library Association. The 2023 Standards take effect for all programs with comprehensive review visits scheduled for Spring 2026 or afterward, and programs with comprehensive review visits in 2025 may choose to respond to the new standards if they wish. COA members will discuss the structure and intent of the 2023 Standards and how those can be applied across diverse programs. Panelists will discuss how programs with reviews after 2025 might transition from the 2015 to 2023 standards. Additionally, the panel will share their thoughts on types of evidence sufficient to meet the needs of the new standards and reporting expectations for those standards in program statistical reports, biennial narrative reviews, and comprehensive reviews. Finally, attendees and panelists will discuss opportunities and challenges in responding to the new standards. Attendees and panelists will discuss strategies for reporting on the standards to demonstrate that the program embraces the values of the LIS professions while also taking into account those programs’ local and regional contexts.

Transforming health science libraries around the globe: The impact of technology.

This article presents an analysis of seven articles published within the International Perspectives and Initiatives regular feature series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. The articles provide a road map of how technology is facilitating new and enhanced services for library users in seven countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, England, Germany, Sweden and the United States. Although there are differences in how countries are implementing technological solutions, only one describes problems in leveraging technology to improve library services. Authors from the remaining six countries describe how they ensure that the 21st century library consults with its user groups and find way of using the latest applications.

The Practice Lens: Intersectionality and Contemporary Public Library Services to Adults

ABSTRACT Intersectionality can be applied as a practice-based lens through which to perceive 21st-century public library services to adults. Intersectionality as a framework can facilitate the implementation of equity and social justice in the design and development of contemporary library services. Professional practice relates to the public library workplace and everyday work practices enacted on a day-to-day basis. This article outlines how intersectionality is embedded in public library services to four service populations: immigrants, incarcerated, LGBTQ+ people, and homeless/houseless citizens. Insights provide a guide for theoretical and social positioning of public librarians to enact their professional service within an intersectional lens.

Understanding US library diplomacy practices in the 21st century

This exploratory case study delves into the views and perspectives of 17 US library experts involved in 21st-century library diplomacy practices. Using the template analysis, four main themes of library diplomacy are identified: (1) the actors showed implicit and explicit roles in diplomatic involvement; (2) the main objective of library diplomacy was to facilitate knowledge dialogue; (3) the strategies aimed to foster cultural humility; and (4) the actors viewed digitalization as a significant instrument in international library work. This research offers significant insights into the less explored topic of library diplomacy, particularly when 21st-century libraries are challenged concerning global issues relating to freedom of information; the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; and sustainability efforts. Library diplomacy is more critical than ever to be at the forefront of establishing dialogue around the world. The study encourages further investigation of library diplomacy practices in a variety of geographical and international contexts.

Application of blockchain technology to 21st century library services: Benefits and best practices

The fourth industrial revolution has paved the way for emerging technologies, and among them, blockchain stands out for its unprecedented ability to create and trade value in library organizations. This research paper explores the potential application of blockchain technologies in 21st-century library services. By conducting a systematic analysis of the literature, this study examines how libraries can harness blockchain to support innovative services and meet global demands. The study suggests that the recent advancements in blockchain have led to a fourth generation of the technology, which possesses disruptive capabilities across diverse fields, including library and information science. The paper proposes that blockchain can enhance library services such as collection development, circulation services, research, data management, and storage. It is important to note that this paper represents the original ideas of the authors and does not rely on copyrighted materials. Furthermore, it highlights that blockchain remains a vast and underexplored area of research, presenting both challenges and opportunities for library professionals seeking to provide diverse library services.

Implications of social media technologies (SMTs) to library services

Purpose Academic libraries may become obsolete in the twenty-first century unless they begin to harness new technology and improve information and service delivery. This paper aims to examine the emergence of social media technologies (SMTs) with their implications to academic library services in developing countries in the world. It is believed that a growing number of libraries of all types are starting to use SMTs to enhance their service delivery, similar to other institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research, which was conducted on a desk, examined how the implementation of SMTs may affect library services and operations. The study emphasizes that many academic libraries in developing countries have not yet adopted and implemented SMTs despite the potential that they hold for libraries. Findings Given that there has been relatively little study linking SMTs to librarianship, this may be because there is a low degree of awareness of SMTs’ importance in libraries. This study discovered that there are other types of SMTs relevant to academic libraries including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blog among others. This paper reported the implications of SMTs to library services in developing countries. Originality/value This study is the original idea from the authors and does not reflect on any copyrighted materials. The study recommended among others that sufficient training and more expertise need to be gained by academic libraries to further facilitate implementation of social networks in the libraries, and adoption of contemporary media technologies such as social media in meeting the needs of the 21st-century library patrons should be prioritized.

Cloud computing for information management and use in the 21st century library

Librarians are applying different platforms for user services and attaining exceeding satisfaction for information management and use in this Web based era. Cloud computing presents an advantage for libraries. It is providing several opportunities for libraries to link their services, use and manage information on the cloud. Cloud computing is the new type of service provided on the Internet, which has exclusively changed the way computers are used irrespective of geographical barriers to manage and use information. The paper examines cloud computing as a tool for information management and use in the 21st century library. The discourse is about the concept of cloud computing, models of cloud computing and the service, which include IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. The paper also discusses cloud. The paper also discusses cloud deployment storage models in private, community, public, hybrid and personal cloud. Information management concept are highlighted, alongside applications of cloud computing for information management and usage in the 21st century libraries. Benefits of using cloud computing for information management in the 21st century libraries including the risks associated with cloud computing for information management and use in the 21st century libraries. Concluding, the discourse opines that today libraries are shifting to cloud computing technology to process data correctly and quickly. Cloud based services are helping libraries by creating digital libraries, social networking and enhance information sharing. Though, problems regarding data security, privacy, reliability and legal rights have not been fully taken care of. All information personnel must be aware of these issues before choosing cloud based services. Despite these issues, cloud based technology is an incredible development that can improve data management and usage in libraries and offer dependable, rapid services to its users. The study recommends that base on the importance and relevance of cloud computing technology, that it should be applied in library services to manage and use information must especially university libraries in Nigeria.

The use of data mining and data protection technology in the 21st Century library

Technological development has brought dramatic changes in the management, retrieving and dissemination of information. Information technology has influenced positively on library and information systems, services and protection of library resources for users. Mining of hidden and advance knowledge that is potentially useful including safeguarding these information resources that has been mined from compromise or loss cannot be overemphasize. This study enumerates various data mining and data protection technologies use in the 21st Century library including the benefit of using these technologies in the library. However, the study illustrated the challenges encounter in the use of these technologies to include computer network support, using a variety of data mining, deeply mining, coordination of information management personnel and finally centering on readers and timely processing feedback information. The study conclude that data mining and data protection technologies are cross-discipline, and are one of the most cutting-edge researches in the international database and information system, so its use in the 21st Century library is still in its infancy and that the learning and use of these technologies should be strengthen since it is a new trend in librarianship.

An evaluation of availability and use of electronic resources by auchi polytechnic students

The availability and use of electronic resources by students at Auchi Polytechnic were investigated in this study. The study used a descriptive survey method, with a questionnaire as the data gathering tool. During the study, a total of six thousand, five hundred and sixty-two (6562) students were found to register with the library. However, during the study time, a total of 354 pupils (354) were discovered at the library and were subsequently taken as the respondents of the study. For the study, a purposeful sampling strategy was used, and only students who were found in the library throughout the study period were used. The survey found that female students used the library more than their male counterparts and that both sexes had low library visitation. The survey also found that the polytechnic library has a limited number of electronic materials. Poor network/bandwidth, erratic power supply, an ineffective e-library section at the school, lack of library management software, lack of trained ICT librarians, and difficulties retrieving specific e-resources were also discovered as major challenges students faced when using electronic resources in the study. The study concluded that the fifth law of librarianship asserts that a library is a developing organism, and as such, the Auchi polytechnic library must evolve through embracing information and communication technologies in order to provide students with 21st century library services. In order to deliver 21st century compliance library services to 21st century polytechnic students, the study recommended that the polytechnic and library management should embark on total library automation/digitization.

Inadequate Library Services: A Challenge to 21st Century Education in a Developing Economy

This paper examined inadequate library services as a challenge to 21st century education in a developing economy. The paper portrayed the library as a collection of books and other information materials in various formats, properly arranged for the promotion of human knowledge, stressing that the 21st century library, with the integration of ICT and as a custodian of both books and non-book materials in diverse formats, is expected to have quantum of information available to users at all times, in order to promote constructive education. The paper takes the position that for Nigeria’s educational system to impact the knowledge and skills desired for development that endures, adequate library services must be provided at all levels of education. The paper reviewed that most libraries in Nigeria are plagued with outdated materials and lack the required facilities and resources to satisfy users’ needs, which result in inadequate library services, poor academic performance in entrance examinations, and poor reading culture which negatively affects educational development. This paper presents the absence of technological literacy, inadequate workforce, scarcity of sufficient resources, poor funding and power outage as causes of inadequate library services. The paper therefore recommends that the library staff should be trained and retrained to initiate and manage technological tools. The library should be stocked with required materials. Inter-library services should be upheld and an alternative means of power should be provided to avoid power interruption and its associated consequences on library services for the proper functioning of 21st century education.

Catalyzing research, building capacity: Research grants and the academic library

In the days before the pandemic, when I attended and introduced myself as the grants and awards librarian from the University of Victoria (UVic) Libraries at professional events and conferences, my title often evoked quizzical looks. Even now as this unprecedented time continues, as far as I know, I am still the only librarian with this professional designation in Canada, perhaps in all of North America—maybe even the world. Since 2012, I’ve helped UVic Libraries to attract and retain funding, collaborators, allies, and donors, while raising our research profile and demonstrating the value of the 21st-century academic library to university administrators.

Notes from the Noodle Factory

Kurt Vonnegut compared a library to a noodle factory, noting that in a society where a majority of people do not really enjoy reading, “Noodles are okay. Libraries are okay. They are rather neutral good news.” Such indifference could be tolerated three decades ago when libraries still maintained primacy as central repositories of information. However, in this era of existential crisis, and as libraries scramble for “relevance,” the urgent question arises: “What new paradigms must be formulated to define the mission ofthe 21st-century library and delineate how that mission can better support both education and culture?

Evaluation of Integrated Library System (ILS) Use in University Libraries in Nigeria: An Empirical Study of Adoption, Performance, Achievements, and Shortcomings

Objective - The aim of this study was to evaluate Integrated Library System (ILS) use in university libraries in Nigeria in terms of their adoption, performance, achievements, and shortcomings and to propose a rigorous model for ongoing evaluation based on use of candidate variables (CVs) derived from the approach used by Hamilton and Chervany (1981) and from evaluation criteria suggested by Farajpahlou (1999, 2002). Methods - The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Nigeria is made up of six geo-political zones including: North-East (NE), North-West (NW), North-Central (NC), South-South (SS), South-East (SE), and South-West (SW). The population for this study comprised Systems/IT and E-librarians in the university libraries from all six of the geo-political zones of Nigeria. Because of the large number of universities in each of the zones in Nigeria, a convenience sampling method was used to select six universities representing federal, state, and private institutions from each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. A purposive sampling method was used to select the Systems/IT and E-librarians who were directly in charge of ILS in their various libraries. Therefore, the sample for this study was made up of 36 Systems/IT and E-librarians from the 36 selected universities in Nigeria. The instrument used to elicit responses from the respondents was an online questionnaire and was distributed through the respondents’ email boxes and WhatsApp. The questionnaire administration received a 100% response rate. Results - Findings revealed that university libraries in Nigeria have made remarkable progress in the adoption and use of ILS for library services. The findings also showed that much has been achieved in the use of ILS in library services. Evidence in the study indicated that the performance of the ILS adopted in the selected university libraries in the area of data entry and currency, accuracy, reliability, completeness, flexibility, ease of use, and timeliness was encouraging. Conclusions - Adoption and use of ILS in libraries is changing the way libraries deliver services to their patrons. Traditional methods of service delivery are different from the expectations of the 21st century library patrons. The transformation seen in the university libraries in Nigeria using ILS was tremendous and is changing the narratives of the past. However, several shortcomings still exist in the adoption and use of ILS in university libraries in Nigeria. Overcoming some of the limitations would require a conscious effort and decisiveness to ensure that librarians and library patrons enjoy the best services that ILS can offer. ILS developers should consider the dynamic needs of libraries and their patrons and incorporate specific candidate variables (CVs) in their ILS designs to enhance the quality of the services being offered to the library patrons.

Physical Collections and the 21st-century Theological Library

Collection management in libraries has changed over the past generation in libraries and will undoubtedly continue to do so. In a world of e-books, physical space pressure, consortial reciprocal borrowing, blossoming journal prices, shrinking monograph budgets, and declining print circulation, what is the role of the physical collection in a religious studies or theological library? In this panel discussion, three librarians from various types of religious libraries explore this question through their respective institutional contexts.

Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (IMLS)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 44, Issue 16 p. 2-3 Grant Alerts Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (IMLS) First published: 14 July 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.31184Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume44, Issue1616 July 2020Pages 2-3 RelatedInformation

Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections: An Introduction. By Vicki L. Gregory

<i>Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections: An Introduction</i>. By Vicki L. Gregory

Libraries and mobile technologies: an assessment of the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries of Nigeria

In this study, the researcher examined the views of library users and professional regarding the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries. The researcher tested five hypotheses to achieve the study objectives. The survey research design was used for the study. A total of 250 librarians and 250 library users in Nigeria constituted the sample for the study. The sample was purposively selected. The librarians were from Federal and state University owned libraries in Nigeria. The library users were undergraduates from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A self-developed questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. It was decided that a questionnaire was appropriate for the study because it aided the researcher to gather primary data in large volume. The response format for the questionnaire instrument was multiple option for the demographics and a four-point Likert scale for the psychographic response. Therefore, the questionnaire was divided into part A and part B. While the former sought demographic data, the later sought psychographic data. A total of three experts from the Federal University Otueke validated the questionnaire. The researcher requested the experts to examine the instrument with specific considerations on clarity, appropriateness and logicality of presentation. The test retest approach was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the results of the study. All the five assumptions were not supported (p&gt;0.05). Therefore, the researcher conclude that both library users and professionals are aware of mobile technologies, ready to apply them in library services, and are influenced by perceived ease of usage and perceived usefulness. These results offer strong support for the Technology Acceptance Model. The results also have implications on the delivery of library services in the 21st century library environment by implying that both library users and professionals will be willing to support any policy and programme aimed at promoting the application of mobile technologies in library practice and patronage. The basic contribution of this study is that it has offered empirical insights regarding the views of library users and professionals on library practice. This knowledge could guide policy advocacy monitoring and implementation. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that libraries in Nigeria should fully integrate mobile technologies in their services and practice. It is also recommended that libraries should carry out studies that offer them insights into the mobile technologies preference of their target patrons so as to serve them better. Also, further studies are recommended to examine the level of implantation of mobile technologies in academic libraries in Nigeria. Finally, studies should be expanded to provide insight into the challenges against the implementation of mobile technologies in libraries in Nigeria. The practical and theoretical implications of the results have been explored.

Book Review: Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections

Vicki L. Gregory is a well-known academic who has written seven other books describing librarianship and electronic and web resources. This review pertains to the second edition of her 2011 landmark textbook, Collection Development and Management for 21st Century Library Collections, which had been in good company with Peggy Johnson’s Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management and Maggie Fieldhouse and Audrey Marshall’s Collection Development in the Digital Age. Providing a thorough introduction on the management and future of library collections, this text offers practical tools and invaluable advice. The content is geared toward students of information science who are new to collection maintenance and collection development. However, this book would also be beneficial for all levels of practitioners. Gregory clearly describes the useful collection development and maintenance processes that all librarians, whether in the collection manager role or not, would find invaluable.

Librarian’s roles on students who are hurt: A comparative study of two countries

Librarians are re-discovering themselves in many functions that connects them to library users by playing critical roles in supporting the users. Investigating how librarians will help their users is now significant to school library services. This is a comparative study carried out in Nigeria and Indonesia to find out roles of librarians towards helping hurting library users.&#x0D; The study investigates if librarians are aware of issues that makes their users hurts emotionally and if there are specific activities that are created in the libraries to enhance users’ well-being. The librarians in these two countries were asked if they use readers’ advisory to recommend literature that could help users that are hurting. This study also examines wether librarians in these countries understands the concept of bibliotherapy.&#x0D; Every librarian has the potential to help hurting library users once they recognise the efficacy of using the appropriate book to help. The 21st century library professionals need to learn more about their potentials to help and comfort users in the library space.

Building the Ladder: Developing Leadership Skills Without the Title

The leap to library leadership can be difficult if you have no experience in supervision. While larger library systems may have a deep structure that allows employees to start on step one of the ladder and progress one rung at a time to that director position, most of us in Oregon work for smaller libraries where there are few or no successive steps between circulation clerk and director. In these types of organizations, how does someone gain the experience necessary to make one a viable candidate for the job? Because of the diversity of functions from library to library and position to position, experience with a specific set of tasks really does not assess someone’s success in a job. The viable candidate, especially in supervisory positions, does not necessarily have a specific operational skill set as much as a set of characteristics that will help one succeed as a leader. There is a distinction between management and leadership. While both are necessary, management tends to focus on hard skills while leadership is more about the soft skills. Leadership establishes a direction for the organization by creating a vision, by aligning people to the vision through superb communication and team-building skills, and by motivating and inspiring the team to follow the vision (Kotter, 2008). Managers plan and budget, establish rules and procedures, develop incentives, and take corrective action. John Kotter (2008) separated the two in this way: management produces order and consistency; leadership produces change and movement. While libraries tend to value order and consistency, those individuals who can produce change and movement will be of the most value to the 21st-century library.