Library Administration Research Articles

Administrative functions and library services in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined administrative functions and library services in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, five research questions and five research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature was reviewed based on the variables in the study. The survey design was adopted for this study. Here 208 respondents (professional and paraprofessional librarians) constituted the sample of the study. A 41-item questionnaire titled “Administrative Functions and Library Services. Questionnaire (AFLSQ)” was constructed by the researcher and used for data collection. Data collected were subjected to analysis using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that there was significant influence of planning, organizing, directing, staffing and funding on library services. The study recommends among others that administrators of tertiary institutions libraries should encourage human resources development programmes like seminars and in-service training of staff to promote the provision of library services in their libraries. Also administrators of tertiary institutions libraries should be provided with adequate funds by government to implement their policy decisions relating to planning, organizing, directing, staffing and funding for effective and proper administration of their libraries.

Technology adoption by personnel in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria

The use of technology has attracted the attention of library personnel because it enhances and promotes dynamic library service delivery. Studies have shown that library personnel are reluctant to adopt technology for day to day operations. Low level of technology adoption may be attributed to characteristics associated with the individual, organization or the specific innovation. Therefore, the study investigated technology adoption by personnel in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria This study adopted the survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 234 library officers and librarians. Total enumeration was used. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.60 to 0.94. A response rate of 88.9% was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed a joint influence of individual, organizational and innovation characteristics on technology adoption (Adj.R2 = 0.14, F(1, 208)= 12.239, p < 0.05). The study concluded that organizational and innovation characteristics contributed to technology adoption by personnel therefore, it was recommended that library administrators should promote the adoption of technology for library services, dedicate more funds for acquiring technology infrastructure such as internet and computing devices, automate all library functions and develop local capacity to manage technology.

Knihovna na zámku Jindřichův Hradec

The library of the Counts Czernin of Chudenitz at the castle in Jindřichův Hradec was created as an addition to the local archives. An important part of the library collection comes from the estate of Eugen Karl Count Czernin (1796–1868) and a different part of this collection originates from another library of the family, namely from the castle of St Petersburg. A number of the books originally came from other later dispersed collections, both domestic and foreign, e. g. from the library of Prosper, Prince of Sinzendorf (1751–1822), Georg Andreas Will (1727–1798) and Ferdinand Hoffmann of Grünbüchel (1631–1664). The library of approximately 1,200 volumes remained part of the Jindřichův Hradec archives even after the confiscation in 1945. As already mentioned, the library administrators tried to gather as large a collection of Bohemian literature as possible and to a large extent succeeded. In addition to the richly represented earlier Bohemian historical or topographical literature, the collection contains at least eight 16th–18th-century printed books that can be described as quite unique.

The William A. Wilson Digital Folklore Archives

The William A. Wilson Digital Folklore Archives

Impact of Great Recession on Library Use: Does a Negative Economy Impact Library Use?

ABSTRACT The librarian’s axiom which states that when the economy is failing, use of the public library increases, has existed since the late 19th century. Educator and library administrator Steven James is credited with naming this phenomenon as he attempted to extrapolate the relationship between library usage and economic conditions. James’ 1985 research found no correlation between library use and economic using data from the sixties to the mid-seventies. However, the American Library Association’s Library Research Center several years later found that material circulation had increased significantly in the late nineties, a time of noted economic strife, leaving the question of the impact of economic trends on library use unresolved. Numerous articles dealing with library usage, economic downturns, library funding, and patron needs seek to understand past trends while anticipating, and even predicting, trends of the modern public library. This axiom bears out anecdotally; yet it is technically unproven statistically. The defined period of the Great Recession provides an opportunity to address this belief by using existing public library usage statistics. For this article, statistics used will be two years before, during, and two years after the Great Recession (2006–2011). Taking the annual data from public libraries which is reported to the state library agencies and then compiled nationally by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Service (PLS), Library Journal created the LJ Index of Public Library Service and Star library rating system. The LJ Index scores consist of the following four per capita service output statistics: library visits, circulation, program attendance, and public internet use. Specifically, library visits and circulation statistics are utilized to determine if, during this time of documented economic strife, library usage increased as per the librarian’s axiom.

Changes in the Library Landscape Regarding Visible Minority Librarians in Canada

Objective – As a follow-up to the first 2013 survey, the Visible Minority Librarians of Canada (ViMLoC) network conducted its second comprehensive survey in 2021. The 2021 survey gathered detailed information about the demography, education, and employment of visible minority librarians (VMLs) working in Canadian institutions. Data from the 2021 survey and the analysis presented in this paper help us better understand the current library landscape, presented alongside findings from the 2013 survey. The research results will be helpful for professional associations and library administrators to develop initiatives to support VMLs. Methods – Researchers created online survey questionnaires using Qualtrics XM in English and translated them into French. We distributed the survey invitation through relevant library association electronic mail lists and posted on ViMLoC’s website, social networking platforms, and through their electronic mail list. The survey asked if the participant was a visible minority librarian. If the response was “No,” the survey closed. Respondents indicating "Yes" were asked 36 personal and professional questions of three types: multiple-choice, yes/no, and open-ended questions. Results – One hundred and sixty-two VMLs completed the 2021 survey. Chinese remained the largest ethnic identity, but their proportion in the survey decreased from 36% in 2013 to 24% in 2021. 65% were aged between 26 and 45 years old. More than half received their library degree during the 2010s. 89% completed their library degree in Canada, a 5% increase from 2013. The majority of librarians had graduated from University of Toronto (25%), followed closely by University of British Columbia (23%), and Western University (22%). Only 3% received their library degree from a library school outside North America. 34% of librarians earned a second master’s degree and 5% had a PhD. 60% of librarians had less than 11 years of experience. Nearly half worked in academic libraries. Most were located in Ontario and British Columbia. 69% of librarians were in non-management positions with 5% being senior administrators. 25% reported a salary above $100,000. In terms of job categories, the largest group worked in Reference/Information Services (45%), followed by Instruction Services (32%), and as Liaison Librarians (31%). Those working in Acquisitions/Collection Development saw the biggest jump from 1% in 2013 to 28% in 2021. 58% of librarians sought mentoring support, of whom 54% participated in formal mentorship programs, and 48% had a visible minority mentor. Conclusion – 35% more VMLs responded to the 2021 survey compared to the 2013 survey. Changes occurred in ethnic identity, generation, where VMLs earned a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent degree, library type, geographic location, and job responsibilities. The 2021 survey also explored other aspects of the VMLs not covered in the 2013 survey, such as librarian experience, salary, management positions, and mentorship experience. The findings suggested that the professional associations and library administrators would need collaborative efforts to support VMLs.

Library Staff Morale Correlates with Having a Sense of Respect and Value for Their Work, Relationship to Direct Supervisors and Colleagues, and Autonomy and Flexibility in Their Work Environments

A Review of:Glusker, A., Emmelhainz, C., Estrada, N., & Dyess, B. (2022). “Viewed as equals”: The impacts of library organizational cultures and management on library staff morale. Journal of Library Administration, 62(2), 153–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2022.2026119 Objective – To explore what library organizational factors influence library staff morale. Design – Semi-structured interview, grounded theory. Setting – Academic libraries across the United States during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects – 34 academic library staff, defined by the authors as employees whose positions do not require an MLIS degree and do not include the title “librarian”, from 23 private and public colleges and universities across 16 states, mostly representative of the West and Midwest regions. Methods – In 2020, the authors emailed a call for study participants to library listservs and state library associations across the US, selected a convenience sample of 34 library staff from academic institutions, and conducted structured interviews by phone or by Google Meet over the course of May through June 2020. The authors note that the sample over-represents public and larger institutions in the West and Midwest regions. A student worker transcribed the audio recordings and de-identified transcripts underwent iterative, thematic coding in MAXQDA, a qualitative data analysis tool. The authors used a grounded theory approach to conduct open coding, then identified relationships between themes, and elaborated upon each theme based on its relationship to a theoretical model of morale impact avenues in library organizational structures, which was developed by one of the authors. Main Results –The authors uncovered that most study participants (n = 21) reported having high levels of morale, a surprise to the research team who expected that participants with lower levels of morale would participate in the study. Most participants (n = 27) worked in public and larger institutions, and the majority were female (n = 24), though only 5 were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Participants mostly had MLIS degrees or other advanced degrees. The results of the study expanded beyond the original research questions to comprise a broader set of factors that impact morale levels including relationships with colleagues and direct managers, opportunities for advancement, respect, work autonomy, and funding. Respondents emphasized that staff morale was significantly impacted by their relationship with direct managers, noting that micromanagement, defensiveness, and lack of accommodations contributed to lower levels of morale and a sense of disconnection. Managers who were supportive, advocated for staff needs, and were good listeners improved morale. Relationships between staff and their librarian colleagues also impacted morale, with the librarian–staff divide and treatment of staff by librarians being major contributors to influencing morale. Additionally, staff felt that having or lacking respect from librarians and administration and having autonomy and flexibility in their work made a big impact on morale. Having opportunities to meaningfully engage, to advance in the workplace, to receive professional development funding, to participate in decision-making processes, and to feel valued by the institution contributed to higher levels of staff morale. Conclusion – Library staff morale is impacted mostly by staff members’ sense of connection, respect, and value within the institution and among their librarian colleagues, direct managers, and library administration. Having pathways for advancement and professional development, meaningful opportunities to contribute to institutional decision-making, and autonomy over their professional and personal lives contributed to a higher sense of staff morale. The authors highlight several practical recommendations for improving staff morale including fostering a respectful environment, advocating for more flexible and better work environments, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth.

Agile Project Management Facilitates Efficient and Collaborative Collection Development Work

A Review of:Stoddard, M. M., Gillis, B., & Cohn, P. (2019). Agile project management in libraries: Creating collaborative, resilient, responsive organizations. Journal of Library Administration, 59(5), 492–511. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2019.1616971 Objective – To examine the advantages and obstacles of using Agile (an approach to project management) principles to guide collection development work in ways that allow libraries to better address user needs while increasing transparency and collaboration in their processes. Design – Descriptive case study. Setting – Libraries at a private, R1 university (doctoral university – very high research activity). Subjects – Five cross-disciplinary teams of three to six people, with each team focusing on a separate strategic aspect of library collections work (Communications and Data Visualization, E-Resource Contract Negotiation, Serials Workflow Analysis, Demand Driven Acquisitions, and Serials Budget Projection & Assessment). Methods – The authors facilitated group reflection sessions for the teams to surface outcomes of employing Agile practices and also as a means through which they could learn from their experiences with Agile. The teams engaged in reflection throughout the year-long process where they were asked to share their work, respond to the work of the other teams, and contemplate their own learning and development as a member of a team. Main Results – Using Agile principles to structure and direct collection development work allowed the libraries to meet their stated goals of spending all available funds on relevant materials within the time frame allotted. This style of collaborative work benefitted from recognition of interrelated information needs, willingness to prioritize experimentation over seeking formal training, centering user needs in planning stages, and practicing reflection as a powerful learning tool. Additionally, the authors noted a strengthening of core skills held in high value throughout libraries, such as leadership and project management. Task-oriented skills that included capabilities like data visualization and operational analysis also progressed through learning by working on cross-functional teams. The authors offered guidance for applying these lessons to situations in other libraries that can be generalized to fit other projects. Conclusion – Based on their experiences with adopting Agile practices, the authors offered scalable approaches for implementing Agile that speak to employee buy-in and the overall impact of projects undertaken in this manner. Training that reflects a library’s authentic level of investment in Agile, whether minimal or extensive, is crucial to realizing positive outcomes. The authors also recognized that resistance to change and discomfort with working under transparent conditions will present challenges for many libraries in aligning workflows with Agile methodology. However, Agile did allow for positive shifts toward more investment in shared work on team and individual levels. While failure in Agile projects is more visible and therefore more intimidating, librarians can find themselves able to learn from and correct mistakes more efficiently.

“Relationships of Care”: Care and Meaning in Canadian Academic Librarian Work during COVID-19

In March and April 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with academic librarians from across Canada about their experiences working through COVID-19 thus far. Topics included workload, collegiality, and overall satisfaction with their working conditions during a pandemic. Themes emerged around job scurity, meaningful work, workload shifts, working from home, relationships with colleagues and administrators, and hopes for the future. While individual experiences varied greatly, the biggest uniting factor was the care and deliberation that characterized both our participants’ framing of work that was meaningful to them as well as their ideal relationships with colleagues and administrators. This research connects to previous literature on vocational awe and emotional labour in libraries. For librarians, this study connects isolated individual situations with the overall picture of what our work looked and felt like during the COVID-19 pandemic. For library administrators, we have identified some general trends, which can provide insight in the areas of communication, flexibility, and institutional support as we work toward a post-pandemic new normal.

“Always at Work”: Canadian Academic Librarian Work During COVID-19

To learn about the experiences of librarians working through COVID-19, we conducted semi-structured interviews with academic librarians from across Canada on issues such as workload, collegiality, and overall satisfaction with their working conditions during the pandemic. Themes emerged around job security, workload changes (both in terms of hours worked and the type of work being done), working from home, relationships with colleagues and administrators (including the perceived speed of the institution’s pandemic response and the state of communication from or with administration), and hopes for the future. This article focuses on the semantic elements of librarian work during COVID-19 uncovered during thematic analysis, including an in-depth discussion of how academic librarians’ workload changed; a second planned article will focus on latent themes on the caring nature of library work. This study connects isolated individual situations with the overall picture of what librarians’ work looked and felt like during the COVID-19 pandemic. For library administrators, we identify the ways in which institutional support helped or hindered librarians in doing their work.

PENYULUHAN ADMINISTRASI PERPUSTAKAAN MI DARUL HUDA CODO KECAMATAN WAJAK KABUPATEN MALANG

The library is one of the government agencies that support the level of education and as an information institution that is used as a place to explore one's potential through reading and recreational facilities. Libraries will optimize services in four areas, namely learning activity facilities, information facilities, research facilities, and recreational facilities. To maximize library services to users, this library administration extension activity was selected as a program to develop and operate libraries in schools. The objectives of counseling are to optimize library operations, increase library utilization in MI, increase students' motivation and interest in reading, and improve library management. The activities have been carried out and have achieved 100% of the expected results. Counseling was given to librarians and also students. Counseling for students about rules, how to borrow, how to return and also an explanation of borrowing cards. While counseling to administrators is about all library administration, starting from when books are entered, book coding, book classification, borrowing and returning books.

Klasifikasi Buku dan Renovasi Ruang untuk Mengoptimalkan Pengoperasian Perpustakaan Serta Minat Baca Siswa di MI Darul Huda Codo Kecamatan Wajak Kabupaten Malang

The purpose of this service is to carry out Book Classification and Room Renovation to Optimize Library Operations and Students' Interest in Reading at MI Darul Huda Codo. Based on the results of field observations it is known that the management and layout of the MI Darul Huda Codo library in Wajak District is still not good. This can be seen from the existence of a library room that is not well maintained and the existing library has not been operated. In addition, the layout and coding of the existing books has not been properly regulated and there is no adequate reading room for students who will read the books in the library. Even though the students at the school have a high interest in reading. The library functions as a vehicle for education, research, preservation, information and recreation to increase the intelligence and empowerment of the nation. The implementation mechanism for book classification activities and library room renovation at MI Darul Huda Codo starts with planning to evaluating activities which are described as follows; (1) planning improvement and development; (2) planning a library management mechanism; (3) to collect book data; (4) classifying and coding books according to the DDC system; (5) library room renovation; and Evaluation. From the results of the implementation of the book classification program and the renovation of the library space at MI Darul Huda Codo, Wajak District, Malang Regency, it can be concluded that the distribution of knowledge about book classification to library administrators makes it easier for administrators to manage the library, even libraries that were initially inoperable became operational. Apart from that, with the renovation of the library room, MI Darul Huda students feel comfortable in the library so that their interest in reading is getting higher.

An Evaluation Study of Staff-User Interaction in Academic Libraries

The goal of this study is to determine the degree of interaction between librarians and those who utilize the resources provided by a university library from the perspective of the users themselves. Specifically, this investigation will focus on the patrons who use the library. More specifically, the study will concentrate on clients of libraries and how they see the interaction that occurs between librarians and themselves. By switching to a strategy that focuses on simultaneous explanations, it demonstrates the characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative research. It indicates that in order to put the proposal into practice, library administrators should pay close attention to the significance of offering staff training sessions on how to communicate with patrons who have impairments. These sessions should focus on how to communicate with customers who have hearing, vision, or other types of impairments. The purpose of these workshops need to be to teach participants how to interact effectively with clients who have hearing, visual, or other types of impairments. The study has also found crucial traits that are relevant to the difficulties in communication that emerge from external sources. These characteristics include: According to the definitions of gaps that are provided by the SERVQUAL model, the most likely reasons for a communications gap are caused when there is a discrepancy between the aims of service delivery and what is conveyed. This discrepancy can occur when there is a disconnect between what is intended to be communicated and what is actually communicated. This disparity may arise if there is a gap between the message that was meant to be sent and the one that was actually communicated.

Understanding Disability to Support Library Workers

Libraries have pursued advancements in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) for much of the last twenty years, but little has been done to address inaccessibility in the profession. Disability is regularly left out of EDI discussions and accessibility efforts are usually limited to ADA compliance. This leaves much of the profession with a limited and often stereotypical understanding of what disability “looks” like. In this column, an academic librarian with non-apparent disabilities provides insight into the experience of disabled library workers, the inaccessibility of the profession exacerbated by COVID-19, and offers tips for library administrators to create inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Role of ICT in Library Administration with its Impact

The term "information" refers to any form of know-how, facts, or data. Information should be repackaged to make it more easily digestible for users. Knowledge is transformed into information through the act of "externalization," or the act of communicating it to others. Communication technologies are only useful if they allow users to access information quickly, cheaply, and reliably. The library at the university offers a wide variety of ICT-enabled services, such as online catalogue (OPAC), electronic resources (e-resources), and more. Research has been conducted to determine the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on various sections of the CUSAT library by monitoring the operations of these areas, interviewing staff and patrons, and examining library databases. This paper serves as a presentation of the research findings.

Using Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Standards as a “Wake-Up Call” to Information Resource Assessment: An early view

The purpose of collection assessment is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of library collection. This article is to uncover the extent of academic library collection in supporting the needs of academic programmes. This study chose Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s Standards as an assessment guideline. The research approach is a mixed-method and exploratory approach. The main finding revealed that the information resources seemed to be imbalanced in its capacity and was less incorporating with the MQA guidelines for collection timeliness. The finding is valuable to the library administrators as a “wake-up call” to further improve their collection development process.

Library User Education as it Correlates Students’ Use of Library Resources in Private University Libraries in Edo State, Nigeria

The study examined library user education as it correlates with students’ use of information resources in private university libraries in Edo state, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used. Four research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The population of the study comprised 7400 undergraduate students at the three private universities in Edo state. A simple random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size, which is 891 students, representing 65% of the total population. The study’s sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane sample size formula. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The study’s data were reviewed to see whether there was any internal consistency of reliability, and a reliability coefficient of 0.98 was gotten through the Cronbach Alpha method. The questionnaire was deemed credible based on the coefficient obtained. Data were analyzed with frequency counts, simple percentages, and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23 was used to generate the mean and standard deviation while Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significant level. The findings revealed that the majority of the students used the library information resources daily with textbooks and digital resources being the most commonly used. The study also established that the students have a positive perception of the impacts of library user education on the use of information resources and that no challenges are hindering the effective use of information resources in the libraries. Lastly, the test of hypothesis shows that there is a significant relationship between library user education and student’s use of information resources in private university libraries in Edo state. The positive relationship implied that library user education enhanced students’ use of information resources in the libraries. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the university library administrators should regularly plan and enhance library user education training to better meet users’ information demands.

Information Literacy is a Social Practice

The field of information literacy (IL) suffers from a gap between theory and practice, meaning that librarians, as practitioners, do not adequately use and apply the theory of information science in their work (Hider et al., 2019; Julien et al., 2013; Nguyen & Hider, 2018). Specifically, IL is theorized as a social practice, yet practitioners appear to adopt a skills-based approach to IL. As an answer to this theory-to-practice gap, a grounded theory study found that seeing information literacy as a social practice is a threshold concept for academic instruction librarians. This dissertation study employed focus groups and semi structured solicited diary prompts to explore the fit of this threshold concept with the experiences of academic librarians.
 The central research question for this study was: To what extent, if any, does the proposed threshold concept describe librarians’ beliefs about information literacy as a social practice? Qualitative content analysis of the focus group transcripts and the diary entries found that the threshold concept required a slight revision in order to accurately describe librarians’ beliefs about information literacy as a social practice. Where the initial version of the threshold concept had one arrow indicating "tensions" that prevent librarians from teaching IL as a social practice, the revised version contains an opposing arrow indicating "supports" that help librarians to deliver IL from a social practice standpoint. The role of skills and practices in IL instruction were investigated. Findings from this study have implications for LIS educators, library administrators, and practicing academic instruction librarians.

So You Think You Won’t Be A Supervisor?

Collaboration between faculty, faculty practitioners, and practitioners enhances teaching and research opportunities, provides more hands-on learning opportunities, and improves the knowledge and experience of all of those involved. Students benefit from learning about real world scenarios to couple with theoretical knowledge. Such experience improves student outcomes and informs their professionalism. Practitioners bring value added to the department with real-time information on new practices, trends, and solutions. Administrations recognize this value added and are striving to foster more inclusivity. Collaboration builds more resiliency into LIS programs and encourages the development of new leaders in our classrooms.
 Most LIS programs include a management course and usually required. Anecdotally many students react to the course with a distain or non-preference for supervisory work and self-identify as not expecting to move into management or supervision. Many course designs include an assignment meant to have students interact with practicing library supervisors or managers in order to learn through that lens.
 This panel will encourage participants to think critically about the role of practitioners in LIS education, with a particular emphasis on preparing students for future roles in administration. Practitioners, whether as adjunct faculty, guest speakers, or full-time lecturers, bring greater emphasis to the lived experiences of the field to the classroom. This blend of current research with current experience offers a more holistic program to the student. Both administrators and accrediting agencies recognize the depth this blend brings to departments as evidenced by shifting attitudes and the development of greater support.
 This panel will discuss:
 
 Resilience and leadership in action
 The concept of capacity and the impact on leadership effectiveness
 Discussion of data collected from current practitioners through interviews conducted by current LIS students under the guidance of practitioner educators
 Exploration of resilience and leadership in library administrations during the challenges of COVID (2020-2022)

Finding Our Future School Librarian Leaders, Professors, and Researchers: Going Back to the Field to Get Them May Be Getting Harder

Educators of school librarians cognizant of changing preparation and licensure requirements foresee rule recommendations regarding preparation and licensure. Fallout from the COVID pandemic may force states to rely on alternative licensure and/or credentials. Programs for library administrators, instructors of school librarianship, and researchers provide highly qualified leadership and a diverse work force at the PreK-12 and university level. University programs which educate school librarians rely on a pool of qualified teachers for recruitment. Advanced programs for district supervision, EdD, and PhD programs also depend on a field of highly qualified professionals to draw from. How will accrediting bodies be affected by alternative licensing programs? Who will oversee the quality of micro credentials? How can university programs motivate current school librarians to continue their education? Where is this pool of professionals to draw from? These practical questions remain unanswered even as state educational departments move toward allowing more pathways to licensure.