Academic Libraries In Nigeria Research Articles

The Use of Reference Sources and Services by Undergraduate Students of Nigeria's Academic Libraries

The Use of Reference Sources and Services by Undergraduate Students of Nigeria's Academic Libraries

Strategies and best practices of knowledge management in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Strategies and best practices of knowledge management in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Usability Evaluation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Usability Evaluation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Digital Preservation and Curation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Contents for Sustainable Library Operations in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

The study investigated digital preservation and curation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated content for sustainable library operations in university libraries, 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were used for the study. The population comprised of 193 Librarians from thirteen (13) university libraries in South-South and South-East, Nigeria. The random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 116 Librarians in the 13 universities representing 60% of the population. A 15-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain 0.74 reliability. Mean/standard deviation was used for research questions and z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that, some of the challenges faced by University libraries in the preservation and curation of AL generated content are ethical and bias considerations that deals with fairness, accountability and transparency, legal and intellectual property issues, data privacy and security and more. One of the strategies to preserve and curate AI generated content is the storage of multiple copies of AI-generated content in geographically distributed locations to curb situation that would lead to loss of data due to hardware failures and many others. It was recommended that, government in collaboration with university management should provide necessary infrastructure and facilities, upgrade and update existing ones to enable the preservation and curation of AI generated content for the sustenance of digital library operation in academic libraries.

Advancement of Smart Academic Libraries in Northern Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward

The 21st century is known as the beginning of the knowledge age; a millennium characterized by leveraging on information to stay ahead using technology. The library occupies a critical place in the quality of information accessed and leveraged on by researchers and students. Academic libraries in Nigeria are not disconnected from this technology-based-information revolution. This study looked at advancement of smart academic libraries in Northern Nigeria: issues and way forward. Its objectives was to determine smart services available, investigate the extent of deployment, examine the underlying issues that hinder effective smart service delivery and proffer strategies for way forward in Northern university public academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a review of documents and literature on smart academic libraries in Nigeria. Five public universities were purposively observed and sampled on their smart library perspective and capacity. Google-Forms-structured questionnaire was used through different online platforms. Simple percentage and frequencies were used in analyzing data collected. Findings showed that there are existing smart library services in the academic libraries of Northern Nigerian public universities but the extent of deployment of smart library services in their academic libraries is low. The research also revealed the numerous issues faced in providing smart services. The study recommended that the institution and library managements of academic libraries in Northern Nigerian public universities step up on ICT policy framework, practical deployment of smart library technologies and training of library staff for improved smart services.

Predictors of adoption of blockchain technology by academic libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThis study aimed to predict and understand the academic libraries' probability of successful adoption of blockchain within the lens of integrated technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology organization and environment theory (TOE) framework.Design/methodology/approachA mixed approach was employed to gather data from librarians (292) and system analysts (46) totaling 338 respondents. The total enumeration sampling technique was considered. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation model (SEM).FindingsPerceived usefulness and policy are the important factors that influence academic libraries' blockchain adoption intentions. Unlimited access to both print and electronic resources, security of users' information and easy collaboration between users and library staff were found to be the benefits of blockchain application to academic libraries' operations. Major challenges to the adoption of blockchain in academic libraries include the cost of infrastructure related to blockchain applications, privacy issues and a lack of understanding of blockchain technology among librarians.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies would need to include more relevant items to the observed variables of the independent variables that were found insignificant in this study.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study will create a roadmap for government and polytechnic management on the factors that could strengthen the adoption of blockchain in the libraries.Social implicationsThe outcome of this study came at a crucial moment when the majority of academic libraries in developing nations like Nigeria were skeptical about the deployment of blockchain technology in their libraries.Originality/valueThe study identified new factors that influence blockchain adoption intention.

Cybersecurity risks in libraries: Why universities libraries in African need to promote cyberethical practices

Cybersecurity in university libraries, particularly in Africa, is an increasingly critical issue. The technological expansion and adoption in university libraries have heightened the risk of cybercrimes, necessitating a focus on cyberethical practices. The paper has indicated that academic libraries may face threats such as line tapping, improper system processing, and the use of malicious software. These threats bear significant consequences, such as the potential loss of sensitive data, damage to reputation, and financial losses. It is imperative for academic libraries in Nigeria to adopt proactive measures in implementing cyberethics strategies. Such strategies are essential for safeguarding against intellectual property theft, cybercrime, and other ethical concerns associated with the use of technology. The paper therefore examines cybersecurity risks in African university libraries and the need to promote cyberethical practices. The paper employed a qualitative research method based on the explanatory research method. In so doing, the use of a systematic literature review was adopted to examine cybersecurity risks in African university libraries and the imperative to promote cyberethical practices. Using a purposive sampling technique, the authors collected articles published between 2015 and 2023 on databases of Emerald and ResearchGate for the review. The findings of the research illuminate the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity risks, encompassing issues such as malware attacks, phishing, ransomware, and identity theft. These risks, if unaddressed, can lead to severe consequences, including intellectual property theft, reputational damage, and financial losses. Importantly, the study concludes that the increased use of the internet and digital resources has heightened the urgency for African university libraries to actively promote cyberethical practices. The study recommends that African university libraries should prioritize cybersecurity education for both staff and users, libraries must develop and regularly update comprehensive cyberethics policies that address the unique challenges faced in the African context and libraries should explore avenues for improving their technological infrastructure. Investments in advanced security systems, regular software updates, and the adoption of emerging technologies will strengthen their resilience against cyber threats.

Impact of Predatory Journal Publishing on Scholarly Practices among Academic Librarians in Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Literature

The rise of predatory publishing poses a concerning trend among academics, including librarians, in Nigeria. This study explores the essential aspects and consequences of predatory publishing within the realm of Nigerian academic librarians. It delineates the characteristics of predatory publishers and journals, shedding light on their subtle methods of enticing unwitting authors. The discussion navigates the intricate dimensions of predatory publishing and its detrimental impacts on research and scholarship within the librarian community. Emphasizing the devastating effects on the future of research and scholarship, the paper concludes by presenting intervention strategies and urging relevant authorities in Nigeria to take proactive measures in curtailing predatory publishing, particularly among academic librarians. The paper recommends that academic libraries and librarians should lead the awareness campaign, and individual institutions should organize periodic seminars and workshops on the consequences of predatory publishing.

Implementation of information technology in academic libraries in Nigeria: Benefits, challenges and solutions

Information technology has undergone tremendous advancement in recent decades. The power brought forward by the developments in information technology (IT) has seen its adoption across all sectors of the economy, with its implementation resulting in unprecedented efficiency. In Nigeria, implementing IT, especially in the education sector, remains one of the library’s objectives to enhance human capacity through access to digitized information. Academic libraries’, being at the forefront of providing information, implementing IT are inevitable and enhances service delivery. However, the implementation of information technology in Nigerian academic libraries has been characterized by numerous challenges affecting their capacity to efficiently deliver services to their users. The established processes for implementing information technology in these institutions include inadequate funds to purchase and maintain IT equipment, power interruptions, low computer literacy among librarians, and poor internet connectivity. Fortunately, adequate staff training and exploring alternative energy sources include some appropriate solutions to the identified challenges.

Provision of library and information services for political development and stability by academic libraries in Nigeria

Libraries are saddled with the responsibilities of providing relevant, up-to-date and timely information to its target clients for an efficient and effective decision making and eliminating any forms of uncertainties. There are different types of libraries established to provide services to a defined user’s community. Library and information services provided in these libraries has always connected people with information and ideas that make individuals potent resources which can be harnessed and skillfully used for national development. This paper discussed provision of library and information services for political development and stability by Academic Libraries in Nigeria. It highlights political development and stability, overview of academic libraries, functions of academic libraries, information services provided in academic libraries for political development and stability in Nigeria, and the challenges of academic libraries for political development and stability in Nigeria. The paper concluded that, there is need for academic libraries and librarian as information services agent to provide regular community information services as a strategy for political development and stability in Nigeria, and recommended that there is need for adequate funding of academic libraries; adequate support of the academic libraries from the parent institutions and training and re-training of librarians on community information services delivery among others.

Understanding of climate change, mitigation and adaptation and the engagement of academic libraries in Nigeria

The perception of librarians on climate action, library involvement in disseminating climate change information, their collaboration with climate interest groups and the possible factors hampering libraries in the implementation of climate action was assessed. Using quantitative approach, the survey design was adopted; a three-point Likert scaled questionnaire was distributed to 184 randomly drawn librarians. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to the 184 librarians. However, 156 copies were retrieved and analysed for the study. Among librarians, there was moderate awareness, low knowledge probably due to complexity of the subject matter, moderate impact of climate change on libraries, and positive perception on adoptable climate conscious strategies. However, poor funding, lack of diversity in library adventure and organisation culture were identified challenges to implementation of the climate friendly moves. One of the strategies for encouraging observance of climate action is through widespread sensitization of locals and strengthening compliance to environmentally friendly practices. Academic libraries stand the chance of bridging the gap between the people, their knowledge on climate change and adherence to sustainability actions. Subsequently, libraries stand a chance to support the climate change education across the globe; however, their understanding and participation in climate action is pivotal for effective engagement of their host academic or social communities.

Blended Librarianship as a Fulcrum for Librarians’ Relevance in a Developing Country

The paper examined the emergence and important role of blended librarianship as a fulcrum of relevance for librarians in Nigerian universities. It x-rayed the global trends in blended librarianship vis-à-vis the Nigerian situation. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructure geared towards transitioning from traditional to hybrid services provision for the successful implementation of blended librarianship. The paper recommended the design and implementation of an appropriate framework for the development of ICTs in Nigerian universities, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to review the current curricula of Nigerian library schools to reflect current realities in the work place.

Guest editors’ notes

We are excited to note that IASSIST’s Africa chapter has continued to grow bigger and stronger. After a successful first IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop in Uganda during January 2021, a second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop took place in Ibadan, Nigeria in West Africa October 4th through October 7th, 2022. We are delighted to share with you the papers in this issue, most of which were presented at the second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The first paper unpacks the application of emerging technologies for research support in academic libraries in the modern era. The authors are Dr. Sophia V. Adeyeye and Taofeek Abiodun Oladokun who explain how emerging technologies offer innovative ways of supporting research activities. These emerging technologies provide tools and resources that streamline the research process and ensure proper visibility for the research outputs of academic libraries’ clients. The article explores various areas where academic libraries can apply emerging technologies such as data mining, data management, artificial intelligence, library automation and scholarly communication, among others. The article further highlights the setbacks academic libraries in Nigeria are facing in the application of emerging technologies such as lack of infrastructure, librarians’ skills, and negative attitude towards change. The second article, authored by Ms. Akinyoola Oladoyin Grace, is titled” Knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria”. In this paper the author reveals that librarians in academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria are familiar with and use cloud-based technologies. However, the librarians seem to have a negative attitude towards the use of these technologies. Therefore, there is a need for a staff development program that would enable the librarians to keep pace with the latest technologies. Such a program could be funded by government and executed through seminars, conferences, and workshops so as to enhance the librarians’ skills with cloud-based technologies. The third paper presents the preservation of election data and security in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Election malfeasance and violence have been experienced in Nigerian political systems since 1959. In this paper Sunday Tunmibi and Wole Olatokun explore how the world’s gradual move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) could be harnessed to ensure the preparation of free and fair elections. The paper suggests specific 4IR technological solutions to electoral data security and preservation challenges. It also suggests policies to serve as catalysts for the Independent National Electoral Commission. Suggested policies for 4IR technologies relate to artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, robotics, block chain, cloud computing and 3-D printing. These are the 4IR technologies that dictate the pace of activities in all walks of life including security and managing a free and fair national election. In the fourth paper Ologbosere Oluwatosin Abiodun discusses the significance of data literacy in the era of big data. It emphasizes the role of big data as a fundamental building block of truth focusing on the emergence of data literacy. Data literacy is a crucial subset of information literacy necessary for navigating the virtual landscape. Essential data literacy skills that are needed for navigating the dynamic twenty-first-century environment are highlighted. Integrating data literacy into higher educational programs, particularly in libraries, is stressed for relevance in meaningful information resource utilization. This paper shows how the integration of data literacy in higher education emphasizes the critical role of data literacy in the context of economic growth, development and informed decision-making and fosters sustainable development. In the fifth paper titled ”Data protection and right to privacy legislation in Kenya”, author Andrew Matoke Mankome articulates how the Parliament of Kenya enacted the Data Protection legislation in November 2019. This new law guaranteed the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Data Protection and citizens’ right to privacy is now a topical concern in Kenya and around the world. This paper expounds how the new law comes at a time when data security and privacy concerns are prevalent and lack of them result in loss of reputation and identity; safety concerns; legal penalties; and compensation for damages or loss of business. This is mainly because of the increasing globalization, cross-border transactions, internet penetration, and the use of social media and digital platforms among citizens, private institutions, and governments. This paper reviews the crucial provisions of the Data Protection law which covers regulated actions seeking compliance by data controllers and processors under the stewardship of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner ('ODPC'). A comparative analysis of the practice in other jurisdictions is also provided.

Application of emerging technologies for research support in Nigerian academic libraries: Trends, problems and prospects

Academic libraries in the modern era are often asked to justify their existence in tertiary institutions by showing how the institution and society at large have benefited from the library services. One main area that librarians often point to is the research productivity of members of academic institutions. However, studies have shown that research productivity among Nigerian scholars is low, which means that academic libraries have to be more innovative in supporting researchers in their domains. Emerging technologies offer innovative ways of supporting research activities by providing tools and resources that streamline the research process and ensure proper visibility for research outputs of academic library clients. This article, which is based on a review of previous studies, explores various areas where academic libraries in Nigeria can apply emerging technologies, the likely challenges, and strategies that can be adopted to ensure sustainable use of emerging technologies in academic libraries. It has been found that emerging technologies can enhance existing library services and create new ones, such as data mining, data management, and scholarly communication, among others. However, although steps are being taken by academic librarians in Nigerian tertiary institutions to leverage technology in providing the needed support for researchers, the pace of technology adoption is still slow and the range of technologies being adopted is limited compared to available options. This state of affairs has been attributed to challenges such as lack of infrastructure, librarians’ skills, and a negative attitude towards change. The study recommends a multidimensional approach to the application of emerging technologies in Nigerian academic libraries

Leadership styles, organisational rewards and employees’ commitment in academic libraries

This study investigated leadership styles, organisational rewards and employees’ commitment in academic libraries in Nigeria. The descriptive study adopted a total enumeration sampling technique. All of the 218 staff of academic libraries in Ondo State were covered by the study; 153 (70.2%) responded to the study. The Organisational Commitment Questionnaire developed by Allen and Meyer was used for data collection. The study found that the extent of the leadership styles adopted by the heads of libraries was moderate. Heads of libraries and subordinate staff had conflicting opinions about the extent of employees’ commitment and organisational rewards given to employees. The study found a significant relationship between leadership styles and employee commitment, and between organisational rewards and employee commitment in academic libraries in Nigeria. It is recommended that academic libraries should be democratic in their leadership approach and reward employees fairly for their efforts so as to ensure maximum employee commitment.

Entrepreneurial skills assessment of library and information science faculty and academic librarians in Nigeria: issues and prospects

Entrepreneurial skills are considered one of the most important competencies expected to be possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians as information professionals. These skills include technical skills, managerial skills, business skills, personal maturity skills, ICT skills and information literacy skills. The context observation and literature review indicated limited research on the entrepreneurial skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians in Nigerian universities. The need to fill this inadvertently created gap initiated this study. The study aimed to assess entrepreneurial skills level as well as identify entrepreneurship issues and prospects of LIS faculty and academic librarians in South-West Nigerian universities with library schools. This paper was anchored on survey research design. The study employed the total enumeration method to cover all LIS faculty and academic librarians in these universities. An adapted structured questionnaire was administered and responses were analyzed quantitatively using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed lackluster technical, business and ICT skills of these information professionals including unacceptable managerial skills. Furthermore, entrepreneurship issues showed government-centered, institutional and personal subjects such as government policies, economic problems, legal registration, funding, excessive workload and lack of entrepreneurial attitude. The study also uncovered dwindling entrepreneurship prospects. The study recommends premeditated efforts by LIS faculty and academic librarians and universities at entrepreneurial development and the advancement of citizen-friendly entrepreneurial policies and a blueprint by the government.

Linked Data Technology and Linked Open Data in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: Level of Integration, Challenges and Potential Solution

Linked Data Technology and Linked Open Data in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: Level of Integration, Challenges and Potential Solution

Sustaining the Relevance of Institutional Repository in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: A University of Jos Perspective

Institutional repositories (IRs) are one of the fastest growing mediums of accessing Electronic information resources in Academic Libraries (ALs) today. They have potentially increased the public value, ranking, prestige, and visibility of researchers, and relevant universities. Despite the important and rapid growth of IRs, few efforts have been made to systematically review and integrate the findings of various research studies to ensure the sustenance of IRs in Nigeria. Hence, this paper carried out a review on the IR of University of Jos to provide a better way of sustaining it in the Institution and Nigeria by extension. The study employed a longitudinal research method and systematic literature review (SLR). Findings showed that the viewers from the local host (Nigeria), is not encouraging as expected. The IR challenges include; limited qualified manpower and network issues. On the way forward, the study provided a roadmap for better efforts in sustaining institutional repositories by highlighting the basic guidelines for the successful viability of IRs in the Nigerian higher academic public institutions.

Artificial intelligence in the library: gauging the potential application and implications for contemporary library services in Nigeria

Purpose: libraries may become obsolete in the twenty-first century unless they begin to harness new technology and improve information and service delivery. This paper examines the potential application and implications of artificial intelligence for contemporary library services in Nigeria. Methods: this paper adopts the expository research approach to evaluate the application and implication of artificial intelligence in contemporary library services in Nigeria. Through systematic analysis of literature, the study addresses how academic libraries can utilize artificial intelligence to support innovative library services. Findings: the column emphasizes that, academic libraries in Nigeria have not yet adopted and applied AI, in spite of the potential that it holds for libraries. Given that there has been relatively little study linking artificial intelligence (AI) to librarianship, this may be because there is a low degree of awareness and adoption of AI's importance in libraries.Conclusions: this column is the original idea from the authors and does not reflect on any copyrighted materials. The column recommended that, academic libraries in Nigeria should fully embrace artificial intelligence like chatbots, barcodes, RFIDs, and robots for delivering quality services and libraries should also leverage on the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence to reconnect their remote users, and consequently re-establish their relevance among the user community

Strategies for Preservation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Modern academic libraries preserve collections that include not only printed materials such as, books, periodicals, newspapers, and magazines, but also electronic resources such as art reproductions, films, sound and video recordings, maps, photographs, microfiches, microfilms, CD-ROMs, computer software, online databases, and other media. In addition to preserving collections within library buildings, modern academic libraries often feature telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites. Digital preservation, in this context is the process of giving electronic information resources long life. Preservation of Electronic Information Resources is essentially a way of preserving the functionality of and access to digital information which might otherwise be lost due to technological obsolescence, therefore, migration and other methods of preserving electronic records can be adopted. Migration is a set of organized task designed to achieve periodic transfer of digital materials from one hardware/software configuration to another or from one generation of computer technology to a subsequent generation.