Library Electronic Resources Research Articles

Beyond the Bookshelves: Exploring the Impact and Challenges of Electronic Resources in Academic Libraries

Beyond the Bookshelves: Exploring the Impact and Challenges of Electronic Resources in Academic Libraries

Empowering lifelong learning

Postgraduate students have lot of workload, which makes them to search for information in electronic resource databases. However, they require digital literacy skills to ensure they can access educational resources online effectively, supporting lifelong learning and research. Existing literature indicates that many users in Kenyan university libraries do not fully utilize electronic resources due to an inadequacy of digital literacy skills. Although electronic resources in libraries are globally acknowledged for aiding research, challenges persist due to technological advancements, necessitating digital literacy skills for effective searching, retrieval and utilization. The objective of the study was to investigate the level and application of digital literacy skills of postgraduate students in facilitating adequate usage of electronic resources. A mixed-method approach was adopted taking on survey design and utilizing concurrent parallel design when interpreting and deriving conclusions. Quantitative data was collected from postgraduate students and qualitative data from library staff. The sample consisted of 118 postgraduate students randomly sampled from 150 postgraduate students and 5 librarians out of 7 were purposively sampled. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis while quantitative data was analysed using frequency distribution and cross tabulation methods. Tables, charts, graphs and thematic discussions were used to present the data. The key findings of the study revealed that postgraduate students possess different levels of digital literacy skills, majority of postgraduates and librarian’s digital literacy skills were inadequate; majority of the respondents stated that ICT facilities were inadequate. The study concludes that the digital literacy skills of postgraduate students and librarians are inadequate and this limits the utilization of electronic resources. The study recommends librarians to offer regular digital literacy and electronic resources training to improve the level of digital literacy skills of postgraduate students, increase and improve on ICT facilities at Moi University Library.

Pandemic Outbreak Impact on Library Electronic Resources Development: A Case of One University in Zimbabwe

Pandemic Outbreak Impact on Library Electronic Resources Development: A Case of One University in Zimbabwe

Usability Evaluation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Usability Evaluation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Nutrition Intervention in reducing gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To review literature about Nutrition Intervention in reducing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). We conducted a literature search for published articles on “Nutrition Therapy in reducing Gestational Diabetes” “Nutrition therapy” Gestational diabetes” “diabetes” and “Gestation” as keywords search in the Sothern Medical University Library Electronic resources (E-resources), PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and other databases including Google Scholar. A search strategy was developed for each database with no restriction on language and publication status, 75% of the papers used in this study were published in the last 5 years. Several studies have established that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an alarming health problem worldwide and is one of the most common complications of nutrition intervention in addressing GDM in pregnant women and one of the causes of the T2DM in the world. During pregnancy, it is most likely to be a critical moment for appropriate therapy and activities aimed at reducing the incidence of T2DM.

Challenges of e-library in developing countries higher educational institutions

Higher educational institutions in developing countries around the globe have come under rigorous criticism in the current era due to the poor quality of their products. Presently, there is an urgent need for higher education institutions in developing countries to catch up with innovations in teaching, learning, and research practices in developed economies. This paper explores the objectives, Information resources, basic requirements for accessing electronic library resources, advantages and disadvantages of E-library as well as the role of the use of Electronic Library in Higher Educational Institutions in Developing Countries. It also so examines the challenges associated with the use of electronic Libraries in higher educational Institutions in Developing Countries. These include the unstable power supply, Inability of vendors to supply the needed hardware, Change of contents, Lack of Digitization, Unified agreement, Economy, Network infrastructure, and Operational hours among others. It highlights the fact that electronic libraries are vital for efficient teaching, research, and learning in higher educational institutions of developing countries in the 21st century and as a result are a main concern. On the other hand, the paper stresses that to address the Challenges Associated with the Use of Electronic Library in Higher Educational Institutions in Developing Countries, the government at all levels should collaborate in funding libraries and make them more open to researchers’ needs in the country, the e-library should be equipped by employing professionals in the field of librarianship with ICT technical know-how that can give quality contributions to national development in spheres of life, among others.

Assessment of the Provision and Funding of Electronic Information Resources in State University Libraries in North West Zone of Nigeria

Assessment of the Provision and Funding of Electronic Information Resources in State University Libraries in North West Zone of Nigeria

Librarians Technology Skills and Management of Electronic Information Resources in University Libraries in South-South Nigeria

This study investigated librarians technology skills and management of electronic information resources in university libraries in south-south Nigeria. Three research questions were developed, and one null hypothesis was formulated in relation to what the study sought to find out. A structured Questionnaire entitled Librarians’ Technology Skills and Management of Electronic Information Resources Questionnaire” (LTSMEIRQ) was developed and used for data collection while three experts were engaged to validate the instrument. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.97 using Person Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The questionnaire was used for collecting data from 242 respondents made of librarians in University libraries in South-South Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential to answer the raised research questions and the formulated hypothesis. The study affirmed that librarians in University libraries in South-South Nigeria possessed high level technology skills, also the study found that relationship exists between librarians technology skills and management of electronic information resources in university libraries in south-south Nigeria. The study recommended constant upskilling and reskilling of librarians in the University to remain relevant in the scheme of global development.

Access to electronic information resources in law libraries during covid-19 period: The case of office of the director of public prosecutions library, Kenya

The study examined the level of access of electronic resources among library users during the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Document review were further used to strengthen the findings of the study. On the use of electronic resources, the findings revealed there was increased use of electronic resources during Covid-19 pandemic, confirming that electronic resources were essential in sustaining library services during the pandemic. The results indicated that effective use of electronic resources requires library users possess skills to use the access equipment such as computers and Internet facilities. The findings further indicated that there is need for the library staff to create awareness of the available resources among library users. At the same time the study revealed that some of the challenges to the use of electronic resources were lack of computers, poor Internet connectivity and inadequate search skills which was linked to lack of elaborate training.

Assessment of Bangsamoro Library and Archives’ Online Library Services: Implications to Users’ Information Needs Satisfaction

As technological advancements continue to reshape the landscape of information access, libraries have transitioned to digital platforms to provide a wide array of resources and services. This study aimed to assess the quality of the online library services of Bangsamoro Library and Archives in relation to the satisfaction of the users’ information needs. A modified questionnaire, which was content-validated, and pilot-tested to establish its internal consistency and reliability was distributed to one hundred (100) actual users of the library. Descriptive statistics was used to organize the data on the participants’ assessment of the quality of the online services and users’ information needs satisfaction and regression analysis to determine the significant influence of service quality on the online services on their information needs satisfaction. Findings reveal that participants assessed the quality of online library services considering Affect of Service and Information Control as very good, while participants’ information needs in terms of educational needs and information needs were rated as generally satisfied, indicating that the library has diverse information resources available and can provide online library services needed by the participants for their informational needs. Moreover, the quality of online library services assessment significantly influenced the participants' information needs satisfaction. It is concluded that the public library understudy can cater to the information needs of the community it is serving and services and information resources in the library are being accessed by the users. This study highlights the need for the library personnel to strengthen the area on the Information Control dimension, and the subscription of electronic databases, audiovisual materials, and updated library resources.

Digital communications of a modern library: key aspects

The article is devoted to the urgent problem of determining the key aspects of digital communications of a modern library when libraries create their own electronic information resources, products and services in order to quickly, meaningfully and qualitatively provide the information needs of modern users in the context of the digitalization of the city and region. The study of key aspects of digital communications of a modern library is relevant, since the main task of libraries in traditional and digital spaces is, first of all, information support for information, scientific, and research activities through the acquisition of a high-quality library collection, the formation and development of a system of electronic information resources, products and services, providing access to him, as well as fully ensuring the information needs of all categories of users. The fulfillment of these tasks occurs with the gradual digitalization of the region, the introduction of the latest computer technologies and telecommunications, which become the most important strategic resource and ensure the use of library and information potential in the scientific, cultural and educational spheres. Based on the study of professional publications, the definitions of the terms "digitalization" and "digital (digital) communications" are analyzed. The types of digital communications of a library institution are determined. Digital communications on the websites of libraries in the city of Dnepr were studied, depending on their types and purpose. The role of library digital communications in the creation of library electronic resources, services and providing the information needs of remote users is indicated. The key aspects of digital communications of a modern library are identified. Measures are proposed for the organization and further development of digital communications of library institutions, depending on their types and main mission.

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.

Creating a Curriculum for the ERL Core Competencies

The Core Competencies for Electronic Resources Librarians (ERL) were approved by the NASIG Board in July 2013 and widely shared amongst the information community.1 Intended to form the basis for developing a curriculum in this specialty, the presenter is not aware of any attempts to compile a set of resources to aid librarians and library staff in mastering the competencies. This session discussed crowdsourcing as one way to involve the library community in identifying and curating resources that might be useful to develop and increase competence in each of the seven competencies. The presenter shared suggestions for resources applicable to each of the competencies.

Analyzing Graduate Student Use of Library Electronic Resources at Loyola Institute of Technology

Analyzing Graduate Student Use of Library Electronic Resources at Loyola Institute of Technology

Digital Right Management and Accessibility of Libraries Electronic Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Users

In this digital era, where digital information is available in various formats, Digital Right Management has emerged as a great technology used by content owners to safeguard their intellectual property digitally. Digital rights management restricts the use of copyrighted digital works from unauthorised access. Although Digital Right Management appears to protect writers’ copyrights, it limits the copyright freedom of blind and visually impaired users who depend on accessibility features. The study aims to discuss and highlight the impact of Digital Right Management on the accessibility of libraries’ electronic resources for BVI users. Furthermore, it discusses how complex Digital Rights Management violates the fair-use rights of BVI users by making it impossible for them to access electronic resources. This review article outlines the key research findings on Digital Right Management hindrances encountered by blind and visually impaired users in accessing electronic resources. The results root in the literature surveyed discloses that the majority of libraries throughout the world are falling behind in delivering efficient access to electronic resources for BVI users. Libraries have a variety of obstacles to the accessibility of electronic content, including Digital Right Management challenges, license constraints, website design limitations, accessibility issues, and compatibility issues with assistive software. To overcome some of these barriers, librarians should review the implications of Digital Right Management for accessibility. Moreover, librarians must be knowledgeable about the numerous forms of visual impairments, including these users in accessibility studies, and consider the assistive technology they use. The article will review the literature on the following topics: find out how accessible electronic resources in libraries are for blind or visually impaired users; identify existing accessibility challenges arising from Digital Right Management technologies that impede access to electronic resources by blind or visually impaired users, and identify the challenges that they are facing.

Education Quality Problems in Using Distance Learning Technologies

The article deals with the process in distance learning in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as one of the main parameters for introducing digital literacy development at the tertiary level. Buketov Karaganda University has been taken as the research site for data collection and analysis of quality distance learning. The authors have revealed the devices used by students in distance learning, the amount of available educational materials, the positive aspects of online teaching. At the same time, the paper aims at identifying the problems of distance learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), electronic library resources. The analysis proved the effectiveness of distance learning at the university. It suggests some assumptions on the improvement of distance learning and education technology based on the survey results among students and teaching staff. It is believed that the development of distance education and their technologies will enable HEIs to meet students’ demands and rights to quality education. It will allow anyone to receive bachelor degree and professional engagement simultaneously

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.

Faculty–librarian cooperation in collection development at the University of Namibia library, with special reference to electronic resources

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which teaching staff cooperated with librarians in collection development, specifically in relation to electronic resources, and to identify barriers they encountered while performing collection development activities.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach was adopted for the study. Quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection and analysis were used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire and interviews. A total of 149 faculty members completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 51.2%, while 16 library staff members were interviewed to obtain qualitative data.FindingsThe majority of the teaching staff who participated in the study affirmed that they had cooperated with subject librarians in collection development. A high percentage (62.4%) of the faculty members had collaborated with subject librarians in collection development activities. Only 37.6% of the faculty members had not participated in collection development activities with subject librarians to acquire library electronic resources. According to faculty members, some of the main challenges affecting collection development at the University of Namibia were a lack of catalogues for electronic resources and a lack of lists of titles from vendors. Moreover, librarians were not always available to assist faculty members. It is recommended that faculty members be part of the process of selecting materials and that a good relationship be fostered between librarians and faculty members to bring value to collection development activities.Originality/valueCollection development in respect of electronic resources is a complex process to be undertaken by a single entity and, therefore, requires the collaboration of all stakeholders involved. In the case of institutions of higher learning, these stakeholders include faculty, librarians and vendors. The emergence of a variety of e-resources demands a meticulous strategy on the part of libraries to ensure they can offer a wide range of up-to-date and accurate resources that meet the evolving needs of their users. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, studies that are similar to this one have not been conducted in Namibia before. This case study presents useful findings and lessons on faculty–librarian cooperation for effective collection development, not only at the University of Namibia library but also at other academic libraries in economies with similar characteristics.

Technical Issues: Creating a Troubleshooting System with Microsoft Outlook

As electronic resources routinely account for a sizable portion of library budgets, electronic resources librarians are under increasing pressure to ensure constant access to these resources. Therefore, developing troubleshooting skills and resources is critical for maintaining electronic access for patrons. This article emphasizes the significance of troubleshooting in electronic resources librarianship by highlighting articles on troubleshooting, the NASIG Core Competencies, and the subsequent need for troubleshooting systems that integrate with email. Therefore, this article details how to create an Outlook-Based Troubleshooting System to assist electronic resources librarians in efficiently resolving access issues.

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.