Academic Library Services Research Articles

Open Science Recommendation Systems for Academic Libraries

An interdisciplinary academic team offers a comprehensive case study describing the development of a predictive model as the cornerstone for an open science recommendation system tailored to the Carnegie Mellon University community. This initiative will empower users in choosing open science services that align with their academic requirements, introduce academics to resources they find valuable, and bridge gaps within academic library service offerings.As an institution with a longstanding commitment to a science-informed approach and a focus on computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence, Carnegie Mellon University has enthusiastically embraced open science practices. The Carnegie Mellon University’s Libraries has been instrumental in bringing these practices into our academic landscape.The authors strive to develop a predictive model which will evolve into a recommendation system. The pursuit of this endeavor has led the authors through several ethical considerations, such as data privacy, the involvement of student contributors, and the design of a persuasive recommendation system. We are committed to exploring ethical approaches for delivering user-centered recommendations and to preserving individual autonomy.The authors have actively engaged with diverse academic departments, students, and faculty, embarking on data exploration, and applying open science principles throughout the process. The resulting system will raise awareness of library services and deliver tailored recommendations for the adoption of proven research tools and practices.This case study serves as an exemplar of how universities can enact open science principles and develop systems that prioritize the user's interests, navigate institutional complexities to forge interdisciplinary collaboration, and muster resources to support innovative, multi-disciplinary efforts. 

Delivering and utilising library services during the pandemic disease outbreak: challenges and coping strategies

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe shutdowns, quarantines, closures, cancellations, and other restrictive measures in different countries. Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools were not immune to the devastating effects caused by the pandemic. Purpose The present study intended to explore challenges and coping strategies in maintaining access to and use of resources and services in academic libraries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research design To gain familiarity and acquire new insight into how Tanzania academic libraries managed their services during the COVID-19 pandemic exploratory research design was employed. A qualitative approach was mainly used to explore library staff and users’ opinions and experiences on library service provision during the pandemic outbreak. Data collection methods and analysis Focus group discussions (FGDs) and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data collected through FGD and semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative data analysis. In particular, thematic analysis was employed in analysing data based on assigned themes. Results Generally, the study reveals multiple challenges in delivering library services and resources and their coping strategies. However, most of the coping strategies put forward mainly focused into preventing the pandemic, rather than enhancing access to and use of library services and resources among the users. Conclusion and recommendations The study exposes challenges that affected the delivery and use of library services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies were known. Proposal to digitize the library collections, invest in the application of digital library solutions and innovations, build capacity in digital competencies among the library staff and users, and increase access and use of open and freely available resources and services appear to be sustainable coping strategies when a pandemic occurs.

Artificial Intelligence Services at Academic Libraries in Tanzania: Awareness, Adoption and Prospects

Libraries use various information management systems for organizing, packaging, and repackaging services to mention a few. The reliability of these services is highly affected by several factors including; an increase in the number of users, limited resources, decentralized learning, and the emergence of digital resources. Bearing the benefits that AI technologies offer to libraries including cost-effective operations, improved services, and timely analyses, research to investigate the awareness and prospects have been conducted in various countries. Several studies investigated the level of adopting AI technologies for effective services in academic libraries for a particular study area. The general observation from such studies indicates that the level of AI adoption and awareness varies depending on a particular country under investigation. Therefore, due to the diversification of awareness and adoption levels from various areas, it is vital to investigate it in the Tanzanian context. This study aims to investigate the level of awareness and prospects of AI adoption in Tanzanian academic libraries using a qualitative approach in which 36 librarians from 7 giant and widespread higher learning institutions (HLI) are interviewed. The findings reported in this study indicate that the level of awareness is high (68.3%) while that of adoption is low (23%). Furthermore, the findings imply that the demand and readiness for the adoption of AI among librarians is very high. Therefore, this work provides new information to librarians, HLIs’ management, and policymakers regarding the trend of artificial intelligence adoption in academic libraries. The findings reported in this paper can be used by librarians and management to align their plans toward AI adoption for effective and better service delivery.

The findings of the marketing analysis academic library’s services

The author accomplished the marketing analysis of academic library services as the case study of Cherepovets State University Library, a flagship university of Vologda Region. She characterizes the status of library services, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, challenges and expectations of modern library users. The novelty of the article lies in the use of marketing analysis tools and the results obtained. The practical value of library services for users is revealed. With four criteria, namely demographic, geographic, psychographic and behavioral, the target user of university library services is characterized in detail. The author applies the research methods of analysis, comparison, observation, Google survey, in-depth interview, and empathy mapping. Four levels of university library services aree analyzed based on the “service pyramid”. The quantitative findings of marketing research are provided. The author demonstrates that despite most students prefer electronic communications, they do not ignore the hybrid, online and offline, mode of interaction with the library. She also shows that modern academic library users are emotionally neutral towards the library services. Recommendations are offered for the further development of academic library services.

EVALUATION OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS IN GHANA: INSIGHT FROM THE SD DOMBO UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

This study evaluated the academic library services and programs at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in Ghana using an exploratory case study design and qualitative research methods. The findings indicated overall satisfaction among participants with the library services and programs at UBIDS, with students valuing the diverse range of resources and faculty members recognizing the library's role in supporting their teaching and research activities. The study emphasized the importance of information literacy skills, technology integration, collaborative partnerships, and user support services. Recommendations were made to strengthen information literacy initiatives, invest in technological infrastructure, foster collaborations, expand outreach efforts, enhance collection development strategies, improve user support services, and conduct regular evaluations. The study provides valuable insights to enhance academic library services and support academic excellence at UBIDS and similar institutions.
 Keywords: Evaluation, Academic Library, Services, Programs, Ghana, Insight.

Initiating Immersive Teaching and Learning Service in Academic Libraries

This paper aims to help academic libraries in starting and planning immersive technologies for teaching and learning services. The methodology applies contextual analysis, including a literature review. In Part 1 “The approach to VR services and the role of the Library” the analysis suggests a scalable approach, in collaboration with teachers. Libraries are key locations for making VR technology more accessible to the public and exploring its role in supporting community engagement. The approach to VR services includes collection development, management of equipment loan, starting with 360° imaging projects and gradually expanding services. Due to the complex nature of immersive technologies, there is an opportunity to drive professional development to gain expertise in both technology and pedagogy.

Exploring the Cost Effectiveness of Services in Academic Libraries: A Case Study with the Use of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

Exploring the Cost Effectiveness of Services in Academic Libraries: A Case Study with the Use of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

Electronic information resources management in academic libraries

The paper examined electronic information resource management in academic libraries. The paper is an opinion paper based on existing and related literature. The paper provided an introduction to academic libraries and electronic information resources (EIRs) as part of its resources. Other issues discussed in the paper include the concept of electronic information resources (EIRs), types of electronic information resources, benefits of electronic information resources and services in academic libraries, electronic information resource management in academic libraries, and challenges of managing electronic information resources in academic libraries. The paper concludes that proper management of electronic information resources (EIRs) in academic libraries is imperative to guarantee that users have access to sufficient and up-to-date information. Recommendations include continuous training programs for library staff and users, user-centric support services, collaborative partnerships with faculty and researchers to understand their needs, accessibility initiatives, usage data analysis, and the continuous effort of librarians in charge of academic libraries.

Challenges to the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in university libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The study discovers the present conditions of using ICT by the university libraries in Bangladesh. This study also finds the challenges for applying ICT in Bangladesh's public and private university libraries. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on one structured questionnaire from ten selected university librarians. Findings: The study demonstrates how to improve these libraries’ entire condition and services by adopting modern technology. This investigation reveals the state of these libraries, including the problems they encountered in applying information technology, and puts forward necessary recommendations. Originality/value: This study focuses on the challenges of implementing ICT in university libraries in Bangladesh. It will prompt further research on ICT-based library services in academic libraries globally.

Reference Chatbots in Canadian Academic Libraries

Chatbots are “computer agents that can interact with the user” in a way that feels like human-to-human conversation. While the use of chatbots for reference service in academic libraries is a topic of interest for both library professionals and researchers, little is known about how they are used in library reference service, especially in academic libraries in Canada. This article aims to fill this gap by conducting a web-based survey of 106 academic library websites in Canada and analyzing the prevalence and characteristics of chatbot and live chat services offered by these libraries. The authors found that only two libraries were using chatbots for reference service. For live chat services, the authors found that 78 libraries provided this service. The article discusses possible reasons for the low adoption of chatbots in academic libraries, such as accessibility, privacy, cost, and professional identity issues. The article also provides a case study of the authors’ institution, the University of Calgary, which integrated a chatbot service in 2021. The article concludes with suggestions for future research on chatbot use in libraries.

Hong Kong Students Consider Virtual Reference a Vital Service and It Can Aid in Many Stages of Learning

A Review of: Tsang, A. L. Y., & Chiu, D. K. W. (2022). Effectiveness of virtual reference services in academic libraries: A qualitative study based on the 5E learning model. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), Article 102533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102533 Objective – Understand how virtual reference services (VRS) impact students’ learning using the 5E model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate) as a theoretical framework. Design – Exploratory qualitative study. Setting – Major university in Hong Kong. Subjects – There were 10 participants between the ages of 18 and 35, including undergraduate and postgraduate students and one alumnus of the university. Methods – Online synchronous semi-structured interviews of 30 minutes via Zoom. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed thematically according to the 5E learning model. Main Results – WhatsApp was the preferred form of VRS, over Zoom, email, or phone. VRS can facilitate better awareness of library resources and supports resource exploration. WhatsApp VRS is particularly valuable for students who may find other modes intimidating, overly formal, or inaccessible due to time constraints. VRS has grown in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion – VRS provided via instant messaging is a valued service for students, but libraries, library websites, and librarians can all work to improve awareness of the option and possible uses. Future work is needed to understand how demographics may influence patrons’ attitudes and experiences of VRS.

Framework for intellectual property information services in academic libraries: Example from the United States and China

The provision of intellectual property information services (IPIS) plays a vital role in bolstering the public service infrastructure for intellectual property. Utilizing IPIS' social advantages in universities is integral to boosting technological innovation and fostering economic growth. This study conducts a literature review and network research to examine how academic libraries in the U.S. and China carry out IPIS in the knowledge economy era to adapt to the new network environment. Specifically, we select 43 academic libraries recognized as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers in the U.S. and 33 National Intellectual Property Information Service Centers in China. Our main contribution is developing a framework with 5 interrelated dimensions encompassing a total of 15 elements that can serve as a reference or guide for creating IPIS in academic libraries, where online services are the primary format. Through a comprehensive analysis of the survey sample websites, we thoroughly examine the key attributes of the IPIS models employed by academic libraries in both the U.S. and China across various levels. Our research also encompasses a comprehensive examination of the roles and responsibilities of academic libraries and librarians in the context of the knowledge and innovation era. Finally, this study draws upon the valuable practical experiences of IPIS at academic libraries in the U.S. and China, serving as a point of reference. It offers robust targeting and applicable guidelines and recommendations for academic libraries in comparable nations, particularly China, to build IPIS.

Availability and accessibility of academic library resources and services for prison inmates in the distance education programme

The modern objectives of libraries could facilitate the provision and use of prison library services and resources. The purpose of the research was to investigate how academic library resources and services are available and accessible to prison inmates in distance education programme. The descriptive survey design was employed in the collection and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data. The study was conducted at the Nsawam Maximum Prison involving fifty-seven (57) student inmates in the distance education programme of the University of Cape Coast and two (2) Prison Library staff. The study found that facilities and information resources in prison libraries do not meet the learning and research needs of inmates in the higher distance learning programme. The study suggests that academic libraries should come to the aid of prison students with collaborative efforts to extend their resources and services to them.

Development of smart academic library services with Internet of Things technology: a qualitative study in Hong Kong

PurposeThis study examines academic librarians' perceptions and attitudes toward Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Hong Kong academic libraries and the problems and possible improvements in using IoT technologies to strengthen library services.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research used video conferencing software for semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Participants were given introductory material about the IoT and asked to complete an interview. The data were analyzed using inductive theme clustering for this study.FindingsThe analysis identified three themes: perception about applying IoT technology to the library, problems and improvements in using IoT. Participants were generally optimistic about the potential benefits of IoT for improving library operations and providing personalized services. However, they also expressed concerns about privacy and security, errors and extra efforts for information literacy training. They suggested improvements such as incorporating facial recognition technology, advanced RFID technology and collections identification technology to enhance user experience.Originality/valueMost studies examined users' views rather than librarians' on IoT applications, which few studies cover, especially in East Asia.

Does one size fit all ages? Results of an international survey on academic library services for non-degree seeking older adults

McGill Library strives to best support the University's established community of lifelong learners. To inform their professional practice, the authors conducted a diary study that offered insights into the information seeking behaviours of this population (Colosimo & Badia, 2021). Questions remained about how other academic libraries respond to the presence of non-degree seeking older adults at their institutions who are studying for the sheer joy of it. For example, are librarians aware of affiliated lifelong learning centres or units and, if so, are they offering targeted services? To answer these questions, the authors distributed a survey about the provision and tailoring of different library services to non-degree seeking older adults at higher education institutions and about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these services. The results provide a snapshot of library support for later life learning at colleges and universities, which is currently not covered in the literature.

Users’ Awareness, Usage and Attitude towards Academic Library Resources and Services

Users’ Awareness, Usage and Attitude towards Academic Library Resources and Services

Application of Artificial Intelligence for Reference Services in Academic Libraries: A Global Overview through a Systematic Review of Literature

Application of Artificial Intelligence for Reference Services in Academic Libraries: A Global Overview through a Systematic Review of Literature

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.

Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Academic Library Services

Universities and scientific educational institutions today need targeted information services to ensure that their user communities have the information they need. This study aims to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a mobile application for academic library services at Tarbiat Modares University (Tehran, Iran). A four-stage process was utilized to accomplish this aim. In the first phase, relevant literature was reviewed to obtain appropriate data requirements for the app. A questionnaire was designed and administered to survey expert librarians on the most suitable data requirements. The second phase involved the design of the user interface and user experience with the assistance of experts, followed by the evaluation of the experience. The third phase involved the development of the app in the Android Studio environment using the Java programming language, based on the requirements identified in the first and second phases. The app was then made available to the user community. Finally, the app was evaluated in the fourth phase using a questionnaire tool. The researchers found this approach to application development to be both economical and effective in the context of a developing country.

Impact of Conversational and Generative AI Systems on Libraries: A Use Case Large Language Model (LLM)

ABSTRACT The study aims to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially affect specific services provided by academic libraries in the near future. To achieve this, the study uses three different Generative AI systems: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and iAsk.Ai. By analyzing the potential impact of AI on academic library services, the study aims to provide insights into how libraries can adapt to these changes to better serve their patrons. The three AI systems selected for this study represent different AI approaches that can be used in academic libraries. ChatGPT, for example, is a conversational AI system that can provide quick answers to patrons’ queries, while Perplexity is a language model that can assist with tasks such as cataloging and content classification. iAsk.Ai is a natural language processing (NLP) system that can assist with research and reference inquiries. By assessing the potential impact of these AI systems on academic library services, the study can provide insights into the future of library services and how AI could be used to enhance them. Ultimately, this could help academic libraries prepare for and adapt to the changing technological landscape, ensuring that they continue to meet the needs of their patrons in the years to come.