Education Library Research Articles

Integrating a digital pedagogy approach into online teaching: are academic librarians at Universities of Technology in South Africa prepared?

Purpose This paper aims to explore whether academic librarians at the Universities of Technology (UoTs) in South Africa have the pedagogy and digital skills to implement a digital pedagogy approach for online teaching. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach in the form of a sequential explanatory design was selected to explore the topic in which the quantitative was followed by the qualitative phase. Instruments used included an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to explore the pedagogy and digital skills of academic librarians at UoTs in South Africa. Findings The quantitative results and findings revealed that academic librarians lacked the pedagogy and digital skills for online teaching. Similarly, results and findings in the qualitative phase also showed academic librarians lacking these skills for online teaching. Consequently, the results and findings derived from both phases were triangulated and the cohesive nature of the data was absolute. Research limitations/implications (i) Library schools include an elective module covering pedagogy and teaching with technology for librarians; (ii) library professional bodies create opportunities for academic librarians to develop pedagogy and digital skills; and (iii) higher education libraries need to create knowledge-sharing opportunities to improve the pedagogy and digital skills of academic librarians with teaching portfolios. Practical implications Higher education libraries and library schools must promote the teaching identity of academic librarians by helping them improve their pedagogical and digital skills for online teaching. Social implications This topic requires further exploration as academic librarians are fast becoming integrated into the teaching and learning agenda of institutions globally. Originality/value The current study is novel in that it explores the pedagogical and digital skills of academic librarians at UoTs in South Africa for online teaching.

Library Instructions and Undergraduate Students’ Effective Use of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Library in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Library Instructions and Undergraduate Students’ Effective Use of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Library in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Implementation of an electronic prospective surveillance model for cancer rehabilitation: a mixed methods study protocol

IntroductionAn electronic prospective surveillance model (ePSM) uses patient-reported outcomes to monitor impairments along the cancer pathway for timely management. Randomised controlled trials show that ePSMs can effectively manage cancer-related impairments....

Creating Space for Equitable Academic and School Librarian Relationships

Though school and academic librarians both are information science professionals tasked with teaching and supporting information literacy on their campuses, biases inherent in educational institutions create a hierarchy between the two groups. This divide creates inequity in partnerships. Using Tamarack Institute’s Collaboration Spectrum Tool (2017) we seek more precise language to describe these partnerships in order to create conversations as equal colleagues rather than through the divide of secondary and higher education. As the outreach and education librarian tasked with building relationships with students and educators in our local K12 schools, we hope to reimagine our relationship with school librarians in order to strengthen libraries at all levels and support students in becoming proficient in information competency skills.

Libraries and National Education Policy (NEP 2020) of India in higher education

Purpose This study aims to provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, identify areas where libraries can play crucial role in effective implementation of NEP 2020 and explains the role of libraries in higher education for implementation of NEP 2020 in India. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of the present research, the researcher has evaluated The “National Education Policy 2020” document consisting of 65 pages. The contents of NEP 2020 are evaluated to find out major areas of working for libraries and in the context of major areas, the crucial role which a library can play in implementation of NEP 2020 is described. Hence, the research methodology followed is “descriptive research method”. Findings NEP is bringing out tremendous positive changes in higher education in India. The changes can be effectively implemented with the help of libraries and library professionals to adapt to course, curriculum, research and infrastructure-related changes. The challenges of the 21st century in the field of higher education are related to personality development, strengthening of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), internationalisation of higher education, specific skills and values for students, motivation for researchers and teachers as well as for equity and inclusiveness of higher education can be effectively imparted by libraries and it can contribute as a catalyst for overall national development. Research limitations/implications The study covers NEP of India 2020 and the role of libraries in HEIs of India are described. Practical implications NEP 2020 and its implementation are mandatory in HEIs in India. All universities and colleges in India had started implementing India’s NEP 2020, and hence, accessing the role of libraries in higher education for the successful implementation of NEP 2020 is essential. Elaborating on the “Role of Libraries under National Education Policy 2020” of India, libraries play a very important role in implementing the NEP 2020 of India. The sub-chapters from 9 to 19 under Chapter III on higher education are thoroughly studied by the researcher and on the basis of the contents related to NEP in the higher education system of India, the library parameters that can identify the role of libraries in NEP 2020 are explained. Social implications Libraries contribute to “personal development” as well as “to inculcate certain prescribed skills and values”. “Interdisciplinary research” is intended to develop an active community of research in various disciplines as well as to increase the efficiency of both physical resources and human resources. Promoting interdisciplinary research is done through libraries. Many libraries have developed “inclusive education centres” to provide library facilities to visually impaired and disabled students. Originality/value Overall personality development, strengthening of educational institutions, optimistic move towards multidisciplinary education through identification of business skills and specific skills and values, internationalisation of education, a motivation factor for students, teachers and researchers as well as equity and inclusiveness in higher education are all the areas occupied by libraries. It is described elaborately and it is of social and educational value for all.

LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES LIBRARIES IN INDIA AND ABROAD

Library automation has become integral to managing and enhancing library services in universities and colleges worldwide. This study examines the application and impact of library automation in higher education libraries in India and abroad, focusing on technological advancements, implementation challenges, and the comparative benefits of automation across different institutional contexts. Library automation aids in streamlining processes, reducing human error, and improving user access to vast information resources. This case study analyzes various library automation systems, evaluates their effectiveness, and assesses how these technologies impact library users and staff in academic settings.

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library (NOVEL)

ABSTRACT The Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library (NOVEL) is the largest online, open-access, repository of neuro-ophthalmology educational material. It contains nearly 20,000 learning objects, including textbooks, PDFs, PowerPoints, videos, and images in a variety of individual and group collections. The purpose of this letter is to increase awareness of this invaluable resource for neuro-ophthalmology education.

Emerging technologies and higher education libraries: a bibliometric analysis of the global literature

PurposeThis paper explores emerging technologies in higher education libraries indexed in the Web of Science core collection and Scopus for the periods between 1994 and 2024 (January 18, 2024).Design/methodology/approachData from Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were collected and combined using RStudio software. Once this was completed using RStudio, the combined Scopus and Web of Science Excel file was uploaded into Biblioshiny, an interactive web interface. The data was then categorized to illustrate contributions from authors, journals, countries and academic institutions across the globe.FindingsResults and findings related to publication growth trends, annual growth, core journals, impact and productivity of authors, most cited documents, collaborations, network mapping and country contributions on emerging technologies and higher education libraries are presented.Research limitations/implicationsThis topic requires further exploration as academic librarians are fast becoming integrated into the teaching and learning agenda of institutions globally.Practical implicationsHigher education libraries and library schools to promote the teaching identity of academic librarians by helping them improve their pedagogical and digital skills for online teaching.Social implicationsLibrary and information science schools need to fast track the integration of emerging technologies into the curriculum. Higher education libraries should consider the training of staff in order to keep abreast of emerging technologies. Library management must frame their policies and strategies in order to promote the use of emerging technologies in higher education libraries.Originality/valueThe current study is novel in that it explores emerging technologies and higher education libraries using combined data from Scopus and Web of Science. The topic of emerging technologies and higher education libraries is still developing and therefore is in its infancy. The research is useful for researchers, library management and library schools in the higher education sector globally.

Performance Management of Academic Librarians in Improving College Library Services

Despite the implementation of technology to provide services, college library services in Indonesia remain severely constrained. It cannot be separated from the unchanging role of librarians. Based on that context, this research focused on the performance management of academic librarians in improving college library services. The research broadens its scope to examine the performance of librarians in higher education in different countries by comparing librarian practices, methodologies, and challenges in various global contexts. This research was a qualitative study in the form of library research. Data was collected by finding sources and reconstructing them from various sources such as books, journals, and previous studies. The results of this study indicated a lack of librarian performance evaluation and a lack of librarians’ role as information leaders. Furthermore, the use of technology to assist services is still quite restricted, as is communication with users, and the role in supporting academic goals.

Competencies of Higher Education Librarians to Research Support Services: A Narrative Review

Competencies of Higher Education Librarians to Research Support Services: A Narrative Review

University Library Work Is the Catalyst for Students' All-Round Development

In the presented component, we are going to learn about the important role that educational libraries play in the education process at different levels, from primary school libraries to university libraries as well as research libraries. In this research paper an attempt has been made to shed light on libraries in educational institutions. Among academic libraries, the library is referred to as the heart of the Institution. Students get actual introduction to new branches of knowledge only by admiring institution. Just as the human heart supplies pure blood to the body, ideally, through reading books, the darkness of unawareness of a person is distant and he gets new convenient knowledge and information. With that, a student’s life can get inspiration and direction. Libraries inculcates moral and ethical values in students and also promotes to become good citizen and socially responsible person.

Visualizing the construction of subject librarianship in chinese higher education libraries: A knowledge graph-based analysis

This study investigates the evolution and current status of subject librarianship in Chinese higher education spanning the past 25 years. Utilizing scientometric analysis, we construct knowledge graphs, encompassing publication trends, co-citation and co-occurrence networks, and the burstiness of keywords. The data are drawn from 504 articles in the Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) database. The analysis sheds light on knowledge domains, evolutionary routes, and research hotspots within this field. The graphs delineate intricate connections among subject librarianship in Chinese higher education, involving universities, faculties, students, cooperative enterprises, and government. Significantly, these services play pivotal roles in information resource construction, scientific research, intellectual property support, and propaganda. The progression of subject librarianship in Chinese higher education is driven by innovations in information technology, user demands and policy advocacy. The knowledge graph-based exploration of subject librarianship holds substantial implications for libraries further constructions, particularly in enriching content and enhancing quality, aligning with the criteria of the new education public policy outlined by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

Empirical: A scientific software library for research, education, and public engagement

Empirical: A scientific software library for research, education, and public engagement

From tradition to transformation: Academic librarians as key players in online education

The role and function of academic libraries have undergone dramatic changes in the midst of a shifting digital world and a chaotic higher education landscape. Library personnel have made significant progress in staying abreast of these developments and creating new and different ways of engaging with online students and faculty. This paper summarises current research related to the historical roots of academic libraries in higher education, the influences of digital technology (particularly generative artificial intelligence [GenAI]), connections between faculty and academic libraries, relationships between students and academic libraries, and possible courses of action as library personnel continue to make academic libraries a pivotal resource for online faculty and students.

Peran Pustakawan di Perguruan Tinggi Sebagai Partner Riset dalam Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Informasi Pengguna

The role of librarians in higher education as research collaboration partners is a crucial aspect in fulfilling the function of libraries as information centers. This study aims to analyze and identify the role of librarians in higher education as research partners in meeting user information needs. Adopting a qualitative approach through literature study methods, this research investigates how librarians function not only as providers of information resources but also as active collaborators in the research process. In this context, librarians assist in information literacy training, mapping research themes, and providing and managing digital resources that meet current academic and research needs. The findings indicate that collaboration between librarians and researchers strengthens the knowledge infrastructure and enriches research resources, but also faces challenges such as limitations in librarians' research skills, the need for professional development, and funding issues. This study emphasizes the importance of developing librarians' skills in research and information technology to support effective academic and research activities, and highlights the strategic role of libraries in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of research in higher education.

Impact and implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Educational Resources in academic libraries: SPARC Europe Case Study

This paper analyses the role of libraries in the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) and, more specifically, the impact and level of implementation of UNESCO’s (2019) OER Recommendation in Higher Education libraries. This study, the result of a joint undertaking between a national R&D project and SPARC Europe, is based on an online survey, disseminated amongst the European Network of Open Education Librarians (ENOEL) and uses a descriptive research methodology. The results highlight the implementation actions being taken by university libraries (n = 136) in each of the five areas of action of UNESCO’s Recommendation. We find that the main contributions are being made in the areas of capacity building and Open Education policies, but that considerable work has yet to be done in terms of promoting inclusiveness and the sustainability of OER. Thus, the full implementation of UNESCO’s recommendation requires a greater commitment on the part of librarians to joint actions undertaken via international networks and projects, as well as greater institutional commitment and the building of interdepartmental alliances.

The 55-th anniversary of the Scientific Library of Euphrosyne Polotskaya State University of Polotsk

The author examines the history of the Scientific Library of Polotsk State University from its establishment till nowadays. For 55 years, the Library has been dynamically developing along with its parent organization: The library of Belorussian Polytechnic Institution Branch (1968), the library of Novopolotsk Polytechnic Institute (1974), the library of the classical university (1993); and since 2005 it has been operating as a scientific library. The contribution of the library leaders and directors is characterized in brief. Today, the Library is housed across three sites, each of them belongs to a particular epoch. The library was first founded in Novopolotsk, and today the administration, information resources development department, lending, reading and exhibition rooms, conference hall, and Polotsk land education and science museum, are located here. The library branch in Polotsk is located in the restored historical building of Jesuist collegium (1580), once the largest educational library. The library branch in Mezhdurechye settlement is a new, comfortable and modern environment and a new type of library. As a whole, the library today is a n educational, research and cultural center; it provides access to information resources, supports and facilitates the university’s educational research and professional work.

University students' satisfaction with library services and resources using the Kano model

Student satisfaction is essential for developing an engaging and active library environment that promotes usage and shapes a favorable view of the institution. This study uses the Kano Model to investigate university students' satisfaction with library services and resources, focusing on basic, performance, and excitement dimensions. The goal is to enhance understanding of user satisfaction in academic libraries. The study surveyed 300 university students randomly selected from four State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines using a researcher-created survey tool. The results showed that students were generally satisfied with the basic aspects of library services and resources. However, they expressed neutral satisfaction with performance aspects and dissatisfaction with library resources. Similarly, satisfaction with the excitement aspects of library services was neutral, but there was dissatisfaction with the excitement aspects of library resources. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dimensions of university students' satisfaction with library services and resources, helping institutions improve the quality of their educational library services.

Soviet Library Policy on the Organization of Interaction between Science and Society in the 1920s–1930s

The purpose of the article is a critical analysis of the historical experience of forming the educational Soviet state library policy in the 1920s and 1930s and determination of the possibilities of its modern use. It is shown that the basis of this policy were the views of the domestic revolutionary democrats on science and its popularization, as well as V. I. Lenin’s ideas about the political education of the working class and the development of its political consciousness. It is noted that the library educational policy began to be formed within the framework of the educational concept of librarianship as a form of extracurricular education and political propaganda in the late XIX – early XX century, however, the political and organizational conditions for its implementation developed only in Soviet times. The main motive for the formation of the Soviet educational policy was the need to prepare workers and peasants for participation in public administration throughout the power vertical, the fight against the church, as well as improving workers and peasants’ technical and agricultural literacy. Propaganda became the main form of interaction as the most concentrated expression of political, scientific and technical education. These political and pedagogical principles are disclosed and conclusions are drawn about the prospects of using the experience of those years when forming modern library policy on the organization of interaction between science and society. The main achievements and shortcomings are analyzed. The experience of the 1920s and 1930s shows that such policy will become successful if keeping to the following conditions: 1) the library policy in this direction being an integral part of the national educational and scientific policy; 2) the organized management of educational and scientific reading; 3) library impact should have an active character; 4) principles of modern educational library policy are modernized taking into account the achievements of pedagogical science in the field of enlightenment, sociology of reading, information culture and popularization of science.

Digital Renaissance: Exploring Technological Trends and Transformations in Educational Library Environments

Digital Renaissance: Exploring Technological Trends and Transformations in Educational Library Environments