Academic Libraries In Ghana Research Articles

User and service provider assessment of technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana

PurposeThis study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.Design/methodology/approachA sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.FindingsThe study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.Practical implicationsThe academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.Originality/valueThis study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.

Torn Between Two Worlds: Perceptions of the Role, Status, and Career Progression of Librarians Working in University Libraries

Librarians working in university libraries are torn between the two dominant categories (academic and professional) of university staff. Belonging to either of the categories of staff has implications for the employees' roles and duties, status, and career progression in the academic setting. This study sought to understand the perception of librarians' roles, status, and career progression with the changing frontiers of knowledge and education in contemporary times. Using the qualitative approach, fourteen (14) librarians working in seven university libraries in Ghana were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. These librarians were purposively selected because they possessed the qualifications of practice and were experienced in the academic library setting. The data collected from the interview was transcribed. Using Nvivo software version 14, the researchers used the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method to garner codes and themes from the data to understand the phenomenon under study. The findings from the study showed that librarians perceived their roles and responsibilities of academic librarians to be classified into three dominant categories: research support, teaching, and managerial/administrative roles. Again, academic librarians were assigned to either the academic or professional cadre in their universities based on the university's understanding of the library as a professional or academic unit irrespective of the Librarian's qualification, roles and responsibilities and the changing academic librarianship landscape. The study revealed the challenges librarians working in academic libraries face with their promotion and career progression, including long years of waiting (6 years) to qualify for the promotion, role inconsistencies, stagnation/lack of promotion, the presence of an unclear career path, and the inability to meet promotion requirements due to the lack of time for research, all of which have implications on their job satisfaction leading to demotivation and stress among academic librarians. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field, Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and researchers to understand the perception of the roles, status, and career progression of the librarians working in academic libraries in Ghana and to inform policy decisions.

Unlocking the potential: A systematic analysis of big data applications in Ghanaian academic libraries

Big data can be described as a collection of varying information sets that are expanding at exponential rates and which may be gathered by companies and analysed to extract valuable insights. The purpose of this systematic review was to explain the possible benefits and difficulties that big data may present for Ghanaian academic libraries. A federated search was conducted in several academic databases subscribed to by the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH) on the terms big data and academic libraries. Relevant articles searched and retrieved were based on abstract and title and spanned the years 2001 to 2023. Of the total documents retrieved, 65 met the inclusion criteria set by the researchers. Key findings were that big data is useful for enhancing collections of academic libraries, developing personalized services, analysing user behaviour, and assisting in decision-making. To maximise gains, addressing issues including protecting user privacy, managing data, and shortage of skilled personnel is necessary. Academic libraries in Ghana are advised to collaborate with several important stakeholders on using big data while ensuring the proper setting is available and accessible. The study contributes to the literature on big data in academic libraries by integrating researchers’ scientific insights and recommendations. It also outlines the main implementation issues based on a thorough examination of recent relevant literature in the field. It is recommended that an effective data management plan and other strategies be implemented by academic libraries that seek to incorporate big data in their operations.

ACADEMIC LIBRARY MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND PRACTICES IN GHANA: INSIGHTS FROM THE SD DOMBO UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

This study examines the academic library management issues and practices at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in Ghana. The aim is to provide insights into the current state of library resources, technology infrastructure, and user satisfaction, and identify challenges. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, to gather data from library staff, students, and faculty members. The findings reveal that UBIDS has a substantial collection of physical and digital resources, indicating a commitment to providing diverse materials for academic pursuits. The implementation of technology infrastructure, such as computer workstations and internet connectivity, highlights the university's recognition of the importance of digital resources in the academic landscape. However, limited funding emerges as a significant challenge, hindering the acquisition of new materials and investment in advanced technologies. The policy implications include the need for increased funding and support for academic libraries in Ghana. Policymakers should acknowledge the crucial role of libraries in supporting teaching, learning, and research activities and allocate adequate resources. Staff training and development should also be emphasized to enhance library services, including information literacy programs and user support. Collaboration among academic libraries and other stakeholders is recommended to leverage collective resources and improve access to information. This study contributes to the understanding of academic library management in Ghana and offers practical implications for policymakers and library administrators to enhance library services and resources. Addressing the identified challenges and implementing the suggested policy recommendations can promote the development and effectiveness of academic libraries, benefiting the entire academic community in Ghana.

Customer care in selected academic libraries in Ghana

This article reflects on a study done on the state of customer care in five selected academic libraries in Ghana. The study examined the prevailing customer care programmes – the policies, structures, practices, and the effects of customer care on the use of library products and services. Based on a pragmatic assumption, the researchers adopted a mixed-method research approach and a survey design with a sample of 3153 respondents which comprised three strata: students, faculty and library staff from the five selected academic libraries in Ghana. Data was largely collected with questionnaires and interviews were used to gather information from university librarians/heads of customer service. A document review instrument was used to confirm information provided by the respondents. The findings revealed that all five academic libraries had some form of customer care programmes. The article also established that customer care programmes contributed greatly to the improvement of skills, knowledge, experiences, and service performance of the academic library staff, which influenced the patronage of library products and services. However, the researchers identified inadequate financial resources, lack of written customer care policies, shortfalls in the customer care practices and training programmes as some of the challenges facing the implementation of customer care initiatives in academic libraries in Ghana. The article recommends developing written customer service policies and programmes specific to the provision of excellent customer services in academic libraries, adequate funding for regular customer service training of library staff and effective application of modern technology to enhance customer care in academic libraries.

The dilemma of leadership succession in academic libraries in Ghana

In a significant number of academic libraries in Ghana, incumbent Head Librarians stay on longer for a postretirement contract, because there appears to be a lack of qualified candidates to take over leadership roles. The apparent gap in leadership succession may be a consequence of a lack of management’s desire to grow their leaders as well as a dearth of self-motivation on the part of the staff. As part of the solutions to filling seeming gaps in leadership continuity, organizations grow their leaders internally through mentoring, coaching and training, experience and management support for staff professional/career development. Succession planning identifies prospective staff with the desire to take up future leadership roles. There are arguments for and against succession planning in academic libraries as a means of selecting and appointing university Librarians. The current study explores succession planning strategies as means of choosing prospective leaders in academic libraries in Ghana. The study adopted a case study research approach. University Librarians of ten (10) public university libraries were purposely selected for the study. A structured interview was employed to collect the data that form the basis of the analysis. The study revealed that succession planning is lacking in academic libraries in Ghana. Appointment to the University Librarian role is based on general university selection criteria for all academic staff of the university, including academic library staff. Though some respondents agree that succession planning is a good strategy to grow staff internally to take over future leadership roles, others assert that staff progression in academic libraries must be based on scholarly publication and long service, as prescribed by the University appointment and promotion policy. The study concludes that leadership continuity in academic libraries in Ghana is not necessarily dependent on any wellthought-out succession plan implementation. As a result of the staff’s inability to meet university promotion and appointment requirements for academic staff, many university libraries lack that critical mass of potential candidates for the role of university librarian.

Academic Libraries in Ghana and Their Strategies for Coping with the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, institutions of higher education shut down in compliance with the directives of the President of Ghana to curb the spread of COVID-19. In July 2020, when the lockdown restrictions were eased, universities resumed teaching, learning, and research in order to continue the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. Universities and their libraries immediately adapted to online teaching and the delivery of services and resources to their patrons even though most of them were largely unprepared for this ‘new normal’ experience. This paper adopts the qualitative research design which comprised documentary evidence of experiences of ten public and private universities libraries in Ghana with regard to their resources, services, facilities and staff as well as impact on library users during the pandemic. Findings reveal the strict compliance of the COVID -19 protocols and sanitation practices, the increased use of online databases, social media interventions and virtual training among others. The different strategies adopted by university libraries in Ghana are worth sharing and lessons learned provide a unique opportunity for academic librarians to rethink their key roles and core values in supporting the teaching and learning of their institutions during this very challenging time and the future.

Management of Information Systems in Academic Libraries in Ghana

ABSTRACT Academic libraries in Ghana have adopted information systems for library functions and services. This study sought to find out how academic libraries in Ghana manage the information systems they use. Interviews and a questionnaire were used to solicit responses from nine academic libraries in Ghana. Findings revealed that majority of the libraries studied did not have an Information Systems Policy and staff were mostly not consulted before the installation of the Information Systems.

Interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing: fiction or reality

Libraries cannot be exhaustive in their collections neither can they profess to be islands unto themselves. Cooperative enterprises that encourage resource sharing exist in nations where finance is not a barrier. The purpose of this study is to investigate interlibrary cooperation (ILC) and Resource Sharing (RS) activities among academic libraries in Ghana. The main objectives of the study are to investigate the need for ILC, the current cooperative activities and, the cost and benefits it offers. The case study research design is used to gather data from thirty-five (35) respondents from the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Kumasi Technical University, and Koforidua Technical University. The findings of the study indicate that institutions would share resources freely to a large extent without expecting anything in return. Additionally, the findings reveal that financial constraints, lack of RS policy, lack of resources, etc., are some of the challenges that hinder libraries in ILC and RS practice. It is recommended that more education, workshops, and refresher courses should be organized for librarians on ILC and RS. Furthermore, the study suggests that academic libraries must develop appropriate policies on the practice of RS as well as the means to evaluate their practices.

Adoption and use of open-source software in academic libraries in Ghana

The study sought to assess the adoption and use of open-sourced software (OSS) in academic libraries in Ghana, specifically, find out the types, user-friendliness, the extent of use, advantages, and limitations of OSS within the academic library domain. This study adopted the descriptive survey and mixed research approach to collect data from 12 academic libraries that have adopted open-source software for managing their resources. The purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select 10 respondents (comprising the head of libraries, head and staff of the IT units of the libraries, and heads of the other units such as electronic resources, cataloging, classification, and referencing, among others) from each of the 12 libraries. Questionnaires (consisting of both closed-ended and open-ended questions) were used to collect primary data directly from the respondents. The study revealed that Koha, DSpace, Destiny, NewGenLib, Evergreen ILS, Fedora, WordPress, and Drupal were the open-sourced software deployed and used in the libraries and provided lots of advantages to the libraries. The open-sourced software was largely found to be easy to acquire, install, update, modify, use, operate; user-friendly; and more reliable and accessible. However, the use of open-sourced software in the libraries is mitigated by some limitations which include lack of continuous training on the use of the open-sourced software and inability of the open-sourced software; lack of expertise to train and manage the software among others. These limitations need to be addressed to alleviate their negative impact on the library. The research focused on the adoption and use of OSS in academic libraries in Ghana. Although the findings of the study are similar to perceptions and practices from researchers around the world, they can not be used as a basis for generalization across other scientific disciplines and settings. The study concludes that the deployment and use of OSS in academic libraries to manage its processes and functions are speedily changing the frontiers of the libraries. It is relevant in achieving optimal efficiency at a minimal cost in the library. The management of the libraries should put measures and policies to realize these benefits and arrest the challenges faced by the use of OSS.

Libraries for Tomorrow: The Use of ICT and Space Transformation in Some Academic Libraries in Ghana

Purpose-the aim of the study was to examine transformations in academic library spaces in Ghana Design/Methodology/approach-the quantitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected using Google Forms. A total of 98 librarians from five academic libraries in Ghana representing less than 10% of all librarians in academic libraries in Ghana. Data collected was analysed using the R 4. 0 programming Software and presented using charts and tables. Findings- Eighty-one percent (81%) of the participants agreed that their libraries were moving from ‘book-centered’ to ‘technology supported and learning centered’ libraries engineered by emerging technologies and the changing demand of academic library users. Again, it was revealed that librarians had moderate to low skills in providing advanced technological support to users in creating, capturing, editing, and sharing multimedia (video, audio, text, images) for their research, teaching, and learning purposes. Finally, results from the multinomial regression analysis with p values showed that availability of IT utilities, usability and skills of librarians were significant revealing that they have effects on the levels of library space transformation. Practical implications- The capabilities of librarians should be improved form undertaking basic computing task to providing advanced support to their users. Stakeholder and academic library management should encourage their young librarian to further their education and engage in continuous professional development programmes. Libraries should develop strategies to secure the necessary funding to implement IT facilities. Originality-The study used quantitative methods to study transformations in academic library spaces, a grey researched area in Ghana.

Exploring Strategies for Marketing Library Products and Services in University Libraries in Ghana

This paper sought to understand the strategies for marketing library offerings in selected academic libraries in Ghana. Through a qualitative research approach, this study used a purposive sampling technique to conduct face-to-face interviews among 15 librarians (Departmental Heads) from four academic libraries in Ghana. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically with the help of QSR NVivo qualitative analysis software. It came to light that none of the libraries concerned had designated departments solely responsible for marketing library services, nor did they have dedicated budgets to drive their marketing plans. Consistently, all the libraries had adopted some form of informal marketing strategies. The study recommends establishing and subsequent resourcing of marketing units in libraries to help manage relationships and further create and deliver values for patrons. The findings of this paper would be relevant, especially for librarians, as they strive to manage their relationships with their users to deliver value to them.

Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal

PurposeThis study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research approach and descriptive case study design. This study focuses on academic libraries from four universities in Ghana. From each university, the researchers purposely selected four respondents, comprising the heads of the libraries, deputies, and two assistant librarians or library assistants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and document reviews. The results were analyzed and presented in descriptive and interpretive forms.FindingsThe study established that the majority of the library staff were aware of the sustainable development goal, SDG 4. The libraries provided relevant materials to support students’ learning, organize training on information literacy and engage library patrons in periodic information literacy programs to create awareness of the SDG 4. Since the libraries do not have their own internally developed policies on the SDG 4, they depend on the general United Nations (UN) document on the SDG and SDG 4 as a guide in information delivery; and the general policies on information delivery, teaching and quality assurance of the universities in general and the libraries in particular. The study concluded with a framework to guide the successful accomplishment of the SDG 4 in libraries.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on academic libraries in Ghana and adopted the purposive sampling technique which makes it assume a weak power of generalization.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for academic libraries and librarians in Ghana in achieving the SDG 4. It will guide librarians and academic libraries in formulating policies to guide them in their activities. The framework developed as a result of the findings will equally guide the librarians in their quest to provide information to achieve the SDG 4.Originality/valueThis study's originality lies in its articulation of academic libraries' initiatives in the actualization of the SDG 4 in Ghana with a developed framework to guide librarians and academic libraries. Academic libraries and librarians who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of the SDG 4 will find this study useful.

The relationship between quality performance and employee innovation for total quality management practices in academic libraries

The study examined the relationship between quality performance and employee innovation for total quality management in academic libraries. The study focused on academic libraries in Ghana. Relevant literature was reviewed on TQM practices, employee innovation, and quality performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and a quantitative approach. The research protocol was a questionnaire. The study sampled 213 and retrieved 208 responses representing 97.6% of the valid sample size for the study. The study established that employee innovation and quality performance are critical components for TQM practices in academic libraries. The correlation analysis established that employee innovation had a significant relationship with total quality management while quality performance also demonstrated a significant positive relationship with total quality management. The study revealed that employee innovation and quality performance are significant components for TQM practices in academic libraries. The study serves as a new source of documented information for academic libraries regarding TQM practices. Also, the study is a pillar for enriching the existing literature on employee innovation and quality performance as critical success factors for TQM implementation in academic libraries.

Exploring models for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries of Ghana

The need to manage indigenous knowledge (IK) as a key knowledge base of society has become vital in the era of information society. The lack of representation of IK is partly blamed on its exclusion from academia because IK is not primarily the core focus of academic library's collection. The study sought to explore existing models and develop a framework for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries in Ghana. The qualitative methodology using content analysis was adopted for the purpose of the study. Data was analysed using themes developed from the documents and literature. It was evident that the library services and programmes did not reflect on the African content of knowledge management. For an integrated indigenous knowledge management system, stakeholder's partnership, policy guidelines and integration of IK into library's collection is instrumental. Transformation of knowledge systems was identified as the starting point of integration. Social inclusion of marginalised knowledge, equality, sustainable development was identified and recommended in the effort to integrate indigenous knowledge management systems into the library's collection. A proposed framework has been developed for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries as a blueprint for any integration effort.

Developing ICT Competencies: New Skill Sets for Excellent Customer Service in Academic Libraries

This study seeks to examine the perception of academic librarians on the acquisition of ICT skills and customer service competencies in order to meet the diverse and increasingly complex information needs of library users in the digital environment. The study adopts the qualitative approach to research by using content analysis of job advertisements and semi-structured interviews with purposively selected academic librarians. Fifty (50) job advertisements published in newspapers and online portals from 2010-2019 were collected and studied. Ten (10) academic librarians were selected from five (5) academic libraries in Ghana to identify existing skill sets and customer service competencies within academic libraries. The findings of the study showed that ICT skills and competencies are an integral requirement for job placement within academic libraries. However, there is more to be done on the use of ICT skills to deliver excellent customer service online. The findings of the study would be useful for librarians, managers of tertiary institutions and policy makers who seek to address the issue of staff competency, skill sets and training for improved service delivery within academic libraries.

Copyright administration in academic libraries in Ghana

The adverse outcomes of copyright violations to most businesses and Higher Education Institutions which depend on copyright in their operations have led these businesses and institutions to put in place stiffer measures with the view to avoiding lawsuits. Data collected from 38 library staff and head librarians from two public and two private universities using questionnaires and one-on-one interviews were used in a sequential mixed methods approach to investigate the mechanisms for copyright administration that ensure a balance of stakeholder rights in academic libraries in Ghana. Although participants had knowledge of the permitted use clauses in the copyright laws of Ghana they did not know of their right, and the right of library users to permitted use for: “Private copying,” “Illustrations for instructions,” and “For the benefit of libraries and archives.” Copyright was thus being administered to the disadvantage of library users. Library staff also lacked confidence, and rather shifted responsibility to other departments in the interpretation of the copyright laws. Thus, awareness of the law per se is only one part of the equation, the other part being its proper interpretation and administration.

The legal and institutional framework for, and challenges to the payment of reprographic fees in academic libraries in Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the legal and institutional frameworks for, and the challenges to the payment of the reprographic fees in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach was employed to address the objectives of the study. This involved focus group discussion sessions with twelve purposively sampled postgraduate students (six each from the private and public institutions) and the five Technical Committee members of CopyGhana; and qualitative interview sessions with the head librarians of four academic universities (two private and two public).FindingsThis study shows that CopyGhana derives its existence from Copyright Act 2005, (Act 690) section 49, and Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962) 2010, sub-regulation 18. Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962), 2010, sub-regulation 18 mandates CopyGhana to identify all the outfits that engage in photocopying for immediate licensing, and to protect the economic rights of foreign rightsholders within the jurisdiction of Ghana. Though students and library staff generally agree to the payment of the reprographic fees (the students however want to see it legally insulated against possible future arbitrary increases), the position of university authorities possesses a big challenge to its implementation.Originality/valueThe paper evaluated the legal and institutional frameworks for the payment of the reprographic fees, and the challenges in its implementation, and proposes that CopyGhana may have to activate its legal right to sue in order to overcome the challenges posed by university authorities, as is being done in other jurisdictions.

Knowledge of students of the exceptions and limitations clause in copyright administration in academic libraries in Ghana

Copyright exceptions and limitations, which allow information consumers the right to use copyrighted materials without necessarily obtaining permission from or payment to the rightsholder, promote advances in the arts and sciences. Poor knowledge of copyright laws results in improper use of copyrighted materials. However, the extent to which academic library users in Ghana know about the exceptions and limitations, as well as their understanding of permissible use of information in the Copyright Act 690, 2005 of Ghana are not known. The sequential mixed methods approach was employed to collect data from 530 postgraduate students from two public and two private universities in Ghana to assess their knowledge of copyright exceptions and limitations, as well as their understanding of permissible use of information in Copyright Act 690, 2005 whilst using the services of their libraries. The study shows that students were poorly knowledgeable about the various applications of the exceptions and limitations clause in the copyright laws of Ghana: students were either indifferent (i.e. ‘neutral’), or ‘disagree’, and ‘strongly disagree’ on whether the Copyright Act 690, 2005 had clauses on exceptions and limitations on various uses of information such as for ‘Private copying’, for ‘Quotations’ or ‘For the benefit of persons with disability’. Over 50% of respondents were not sure that the copyright laws of Ghana had provisions for permissible use of information. Age and gender of respondent significantly influenced these responses: older students 46 years and above, and females, were more knowledgeable compared to younger students and males respectively about exceptions and limitations for ‘Private copying’, and ‘For the benefit of people with disability’ in the copyright laws of Ghana. Policymakers in Ghana should therefore adopt youth- and gender-focus strategies in copyright education for efficient administration of copyright laws in academic libraries.

Building and enhancing library services: Patrons’ awareness of, and engagement with social media in academic libraries in Ghana

This study sought to examine academic libraries’ patrons’ level of awareness of, and engagement with social media in the use of academic libraries services in Ghana. The study employed the cross-sectional survey whereby quantitative data were collected from a total of 417 respondents, who consisted of students and library staff from public, private and technical universities in Ghana. Findings indicated that the academic libraries have adopted and used a number of social media applications, with Facebook and instant messaging as the most popular and frequently used platforms, for the provision and access to library services and resources as well as for contacting the academic libraries. However, the level of awareness, extent of use, as well as the level of engagement with the platforms was low as social media tools adopted by the libraries were not prevalent among the library patrons. Recommendations and conclusions based on the research findings are offered in the paper. This study uses a cross-sectional survey, with the data being collected at a specific point in time. However, due to rapid technological change and trends, future research studies could consider longitudinal studies to investigate the adoption and use of social media in academic libraries across time and environment. The analysis of social media use for academic library services from both the library staff and library patrons’ perspectives will inform decisions on how to improve the use of such platforms for effective and efficient library services delivery and access.