Academic Library Experience Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education Students’ Utilization of Library Resources

In the field of higher education, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has become a revolutionary influence, shaping how students access and use library resources. This study explores the intricate balance of both positive and negative effects that GenAI might have on the academic library experience for higher education (HE) students. The key aspects of enhanced discovery and retrieval, personalization and engagement, streamlined research processes, and digital literacy and information evaluation potentially offered through using generative AI will be considered. These prospective advantages to HE students offered by using GenAI will be examined through will be examined through the theoretical framework of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) introduced by Davis et al. in 1986, which suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key factors in determining user acceptance and utilization of technology. The adoption of GenAI by higher education students will be analyzed from this viewpoint before assessing its impact on their use of library resources.

Gaps in Information Literacy Preparedness Between Students at Community Colleges and Four-Year Institutions

ABSTRACT Using cross-institutional survey data from 407 first-year college students, differences in information literacy preparation and academic library experiences between community college students and students at four-year institutions are examined. Results show that first-year community college students are more likely to be novice library users, having had fewer interactions with their high school library or librarian before coming to college. By the end of their first year of college, students at four-year institutions are more likely to be familiar with the concepts of ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (2016), suggesting that greater emphasis needs to be given to these concepts at community colleges so that their students are on equal footing with their peers at four-year institutions. Implications for community college faculty are presented, as well as recommendations for greater integration of discipline-specific, scaffolded information literacy instruction throughout community college programs of study.

The Dynamic Capabilities of Social Media : Contribute to Librarian Efficiency

Social media play a vital role in libraries today. This study aims to explore the capabilities have in social media and its effect on librarians’ efficiency. This article briefly explains the dynamic capabilities of social media that contribute to librarian efficiency. Four capabilities have been identified from the literature review: (i) information processing capability, (ii) relationship capability, (iii) service innovation capability, and (iv) tools capability. Each of the capabilities has its criteria and characteristics. All the capabilities support the libraries to fulfill their user's needs. The dynamic capabilities of social media contributed to librarians’ efficiency in many aspects such as literacy skills, reference, and user services. This article also shared the experience of academic libraries in Western Uttar Pradesh, New Zealand, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia in using social media for librarians’ efficiency. This study will contribute to the effectiveness and efficiencies of the librarians in organizing the libraries.

Library Service in Ensuring the Information Ecology of an Organization: A Case Study of a Research University Library

Objective. Information products and services provided by academic libraries to support the educational process and research are a component of the information ecology of educational institutions, but their list within each academic library depends on the institutional ecology. Therefore, it is useful to study the practical experience of various academic libraries in ensuring the information ecology of research universities. As an example, we consider the successful experience of G. Denysenko Scientific and Technical Library of the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" (KPI Library). Methods. A qualitative method of longitudinal research was used to obtain data and analyze the KPI Library information services. A number of primary data sources were used, such as diaries of first-hand reflection, observations, engaged in documenting and developing a narrative about the effectiveness of interaction of students, lecturers, scientists with the information environment. Analytical and review, logical, systematic methods are applied to substantiate the place of library service in information ecology. Results. The experience of KPI Library in ensuring the information ecology of the university was studied. Ways of organizing prompt, effective and safe (ecological) interaction with users and support of internal information products and services are analyzed. It is shown which services (tools and information resources) and areas of activity of the library form the information ecology of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The role of the library in the formation of information culture and the culture of academic integrity of scientists, teachers and students of the university is shown. Conclusions. The considered example of KPI Library activity confirms that an academic library is directly involved in formation of the information ecology of a research university. A deeper analysis of the value of products and the effectiveness of library services for various members of the academic community as a component of the information ecology of the university may be the subject of further research.

“Are they still anxious?”

Mellon’s 1986 theory of library anxiety named a phenomenon many librarians were familiar with, and influenced inquiry related to multiple areas of Library and Information Science (LIS). However, Mellon’s study, and the work it inspired, were done in an academic library environment that is drastically different from the academic library of today. Considering the rapid evolution of physical academic libraries alongside shifting societal attitudes towards mental health since the completion of Mellon’s study, it is essential to reevaluate the concept of library anxiety. My dissertation research critically reevaluates the concept of library anxiety in the library of today and asks, “are they still anxious?” or, “anxious in the same way?”. To explore these questions, I have designed a two-part qualitative study. Part one is an analysis of the scholarly literature exploring how the concept of library anxiety has been understood and applied in the field of LIS. Part two of the study explores how that older understanding of library anxiety aligns with students’ experiences of academic libraries today. Using a combination of surveys, interviews, and interactive mapping activities with student library users on a university campus in the Southeast, I identify possible connections between physical academic libraries and students’ emotional experiences as they relate to library anxiety in today’s landscape. This study has the potential to inform library design in ways that support students’ information needs and shed light on some of the affective experiences of student users that are sometimes overlooked as key parts of user experience.

COVID-19 and Philippine Academic Libraries

Background. Libraries have rapidly adapted their services and policies during the lockdown and have likewise adopted new initiatives. This study investigated on the impact of COVID-19 to academic libraries in the Philippines.
 Objectives. The study aimed to: (1) determine the readiness of academic libraries to provide online services and resources in the pre-COVID-19 period or at the onset of the community quarantine in the Philippines in March 2020; (2) look into the different initiatives and innovations introduced by academic libraries during the quarantine period so as to continuously provide services and access to resources, in the absence of face-to-face interaction; (3) explore the different issues and challenges encountered by academic libraries in the delivery of library services during the pandemic; and finally, (4) find out how academic librarians envision the post-COVID-19 era of academic libraries in the country.
 Methods. The study made use of descriptive quantitative method. Data were gathered through survey using an instrument developed by the authors. Sampling was purposive with head librarians in academic libraries from all over the country as the respondents. Spreadsheet was used to process data which were presented in simple tables, graphs and charts. Responses to the open ended question were analyzed and manually coded using inductive coding.
 Results. Majority of academic libraries in the country were caught unprepared when the pandemic hit. Despite this, they managed to provide services that were delivered online, while simultaneously embarking on a number of different initiatives. COVID-19 showed to have made considerable impact in terms of staffing, utilization, collection development, and funding. Finally, the respondents envision academic libraries in the post-pandemic era to still be hybrid, with digital resources gaining prominence over printed resources.
 Contributions. The shared experiences of academic libraries in the Philippines amidst the pandemic and how they were able to rise above the challenges they were confronted with as they shift their services to online mode may serve as a guide and help inspire other libraries in developing countries faced with similar situations.
 Keywords. COVID-19 pandemic, Philippine academic libraries, pre-during-post pandemic scenario, innovation, online services, resilience.

Taking a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Lens to Engineering Librarian Job Postings: Recommendations from an Analysis of Postings from 2018 and 2019

Objective: While diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles and practices have been incorporated into much of academic librarianship, there has been less focus on the job postings. Methods: In order to quantify ways in which DEIA is being integrated into job postings, we analyzed 48 job positions for engineering librarians posted in 2018 and 2019 via deductive thematic analysis, looking for trends in salary and qualifications related to education and academic or professional experience. Results: Of postings that listed a quantitative salary value, salary ranged from $45,000 to $81,606; the median was $60,750. However, only 33% (n = 16) of positions listed a quantitative salary value. For educational qualifications, we found that 98% of job postings (n = 47) listed a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) as a required qualification; however, 34% of these postings (n = 16) would accept an equivalent degree in lieu of the MLIS. Additionally, 73% (n = 35) of positions sought candidates with an MLIS and another degree; 91% of these positions (n = 32) wanted the additional degree to be in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics discipline. For academic or professional experience, 56% of positions (n = 27) sought candidates with previous academic library experience. Conclusions: Using this data, we provide actionable recommendations on how to incorporate DEIA principles into any academic librarian job posting. Our study provides quantitative data and evidence-based recommendations that can be used to make DEIA an integral part of the job postings in academic librarianship.

Research Data Management: A review of UAE academic library experience

Abstract Purpose: This paper is a review of the status of Research Data Management (RDM) efforts in UAE public university libraries. Approach: The investigation is through examining available literature about the topic using region-specific articles when available, librarian comments, and the information provided by UAE university library websites. Existing lessons and policy documents are sought, and plans suggested for local solutions, suggesting avenues for progress. Findings: Though not a new concept, findings indicate that local RDM activities are emerging, but knowledge of their importance of exists. Research limitations: This review is limited to public university libraries though the results and experiences could be generally relevant to more research establishments. Practical implications: Taking advantage of the existing awareness to organize tangible RDM efforts can facilitate retrieval and availability of data relevant to the region. Value: An intricate range of activities involved in the organization of RDM services is revealed.

Academic Libraries in Unusual Situations

Thesis / purpose of the article ‒ the aim of the article is to present the situation of academic libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on the University of Warsaw Library. Method ‒ analysis of the literature, analysis of the situation of the University of Warsaw Library in March-May 2020 on the basis of unpublished reports of heads of BUW organizational units and the author’s own observations and experiences. Results / conclusions ‒ the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic and the size of the risks associated with it cannot be compared with any previous experience of academic libraries, therefore the libraries did not have ready-made procedures and procedures. The example of the University Library in Warsaw shows that in the period of lockdown and remote work, institutions were able to learn and gather valuable experience for future use.

Management of Academic Libraries in Poland During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Purpose/Thesis: The article considers the management strategies employed at Polish academic libraries during a crisis situation, using the lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. (The lockdown is defined here as the period between March 12th and June 2020). The study identifies the most significant obstacles to operating efficiently in the unstable VUCA environment. Approach/Methods: The author uses research methods of sociology, collecting data from the directors of Polish academic libraries by the means of an online survey, with the response rate approximating 30%. The survey included questions about the organization of information and library services during the lockdown, and about the management obstacles the libraries faced.Results and conclusions: The results suggest that both directors and staff of academic libraries did their best in the crisis situation. They adjusted the information and library service procedures, seeking to efficiently organize remote work, and manage the dispersed work environment. The most often mentioned management obstacles included the necessity for rapid adjustment, the impossibility of long-term planning, and the changing duties. However, the libraries implemented a number of solutions, which may serve them in the future if need be, such as rotational shifts, higher flexibility of organization, and task-oriented approach to professional duties. Practical implications: The study presents procedures to be applied in the case of another lockdown, identifies good practices, and relays the experiences of other academic libraries in order to improve information services at the reader's place of employment; it may inspire them to optimize information and library processes. Originality/Value: It is the first such study of the activity of Polish academic libraries during the lockdown. The results may contribute to discussions about the organizational flexibility of academic libraries and their capacity for adjustment, and well as about the future development or phaseout of certain areas of their activity.

Biblioteki akademickie w nocy – cz. 1 – doświadczenia zagraniczne

Teza/cel artykułu – Zapis 24/7 oznacza dostępność wszelakich usług świadczonych całą dobę przez siedem dni w tygodniu. w kontekście działalności bibliotecznej oznacza to jednak nie tylko możliwość całodobowego korzystania z usług bibliotecznych w rozumieniu dostępu wirtualnego, ale również permanentny dostęp do czytelni biblioteki i jej zbiorów w sensie fizycznym. Faktycznie jednak takich bibliotek, które przez większość roku otwarte są przez całą dobę, jest na świecie stosunkowo niewiele. Natomiast obserwuje się tendencję wydłużania godzin pracy bibliotek, a przodują w tym biblioteki akademickie, odpowiadając w ten sposób na oczekiwania studentów. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie doświadczeń zagranicznych bibliotek akademickich w zakresie nocnej obsługi użytkowników. Metody badań – analizie zostały poddane publikacje z zakresu organizacji i zarządzania bibliotekami, zwłaszcza prezentujące wyniki badań i analiz wykorzystania bibliotek w porze nocnej. uzupełnieniem były informacje na stronach www bibliotek akademickich dotyczące godzin otwarcia w zwykłych okresach roku akademickiego i w czasie egzaminów końcowych. Wyniki i wnioski – Badania potrzeb użytkowników i pomiary liczby odwiedzin bibliotek akademickich w godzinach nocnych zdecydowanie przekonują, że wydłużanie godzin pracy jest uzasadnione. Spadek liczby użytkowników w kolejnych godzinach nocnych jest spodziewany i oczywisty. Jednak liczba osób chcących korzystać z bibliotek uczelnianych około północy (a nawet dłużej) jest przeciętnie na tyle wysoka, że potwierdza zasadność decyzji o wydłużeniu czasu pracy w pewnych okresach roku akademickiego.

The university library collections in the 21st century: Main trends and factors of efficient collection development

The necessity for studies and sharing the experience of Russian academic university libraries in collection development is substantiated. The main trends for the collection development in the 21-st century are revealed and examined as the case study of Novosibirsk State University Library.NovosibirskUniversityis among the nation’s leading research universities. The authors specify the trends of modernization, globalization, collection development with digital publications, and the increasing share of the latter in the Library’s acquisitions and, correspondingly, in the collection, on the whole. They also emphasize the relations and mutual dependence of these and other trends within the collection development process. The factors of successful collection development at the Library are recommended to be implemented by other libraries. High professional competences of collection development specialists and other librarians, the wide range of the collection development sources and their stability, and university administration’s special care of the library collections are specified among these factors. The authors conclude that Novosibirsk State University Library has accumulated great experience in collection development in the circumstances of information society, advance of information technologies, expanding globalization, university integration into the global education, science and research environment. This experience can be shared with many other university libraries.

Enhancing the Academic Library Experience with Chatbots: An Exploration of Research and Implications for Practice

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the potential of using chatbots to improve the academic research experience for university students with a literature-based discussion reflecting on a prototype being developed at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The paper proposes that information professionals need to adapt emerging technologies such as chatbots to innovate, improve and support library services. Designing a positive experience for the user is essential to ensure that such technological solutions are sustainable. In this exploratory paper, we argue that it is important that librarians engage with the conversational design of the library chatbot in collaboration with the technology developers in order to make it useful, friendly, trustworthy, and customisable for university students.

Blind User Experiences of US Academic Libraries can be Improved by More Proactive Reference Service Delivery

A Review of:
 Mulliken, A. (2017). There is nothing inherently mysterious about assistive technology: A qualitative study about blind user experiences in US academic libraries. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 57(2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.2.6528 
 Abstract
 Objective – To explore blind users’ experiences with academic libraries.
 Design – Qualitative questionnaire.
 Setting – Academic libraries within the United States of America.
 Subjects – 18 individuals who are legally blind, have experience relying on a screen reader to access the internet, and have used an academic library either online or in person within the previous two years.
 Methods – An open-ended questionnaire was administered via telephone interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach to identify themes using Hill et al.’s (2005) approach.
 Main Results – The author found seven themes in the interview data: experiences working with reference librarians in person, difficulty with library websites, screen reader use during reference transactions, preferences for independence, using chat, interactions with disability officers, and challenges of working with citation styles. 
 Conclusion – The study concluded that academic libraries and librarians should be more proactive when approaching reference services for blind users. The author offered suggestions for practice about how to improve blind user experiences of academic libraries.

The art and science of securing a job in an academic library: Landing your first, or next, position

While there are countless numbers of books, articles, webinars, forums, and courses that provide helpful tips, tricks and strategies to successfully navigate the academic job search and interview process, they may only slightly improve a candidate’s chance of successfully landing a job. This article, based on the author’s experiences, focuses on five factors that can make a significant difference in improving an LIS student or recent LIS graduate’s odds of success in landing a job in a research library. A study found that factors such as prior academic library experience (including practicums), professional service/committee work, and a record of publications can significantly increase or decrease the odds of getting a job after graduation. Brian Kenney suggests that LIS candidates can significantly increase their chances of landing a job by being willing to relocate and by effectively marketing themselves.

Exploring the experiences of academic libraries with research data management: A meta-ethnographic analysis of qualitative studies

Taking on responsibilities in research data management (RDM) has proven to be a significant challenge as libraries have adopted new roles within higher education institutions. A qualitative review using the meta-ethnographic approach was conducted that examined the experiences of academic libraries and provided clarity on contextual influences associated with achievements, as well as illuminating the reasons for deficiencies. Libraries experienced uncertainty around roles and relationships related to RDM yet were recognized positively as a neutral, centralized space within academic institutions. This perception, combined with the current approach of fostering partnerships and collaborations, may prove to be useful for libraries as they strategically consider how best to provide continued support and services in RDM. Understanding the perspectives of academic libraries on how they respond and support the demands related to RDM offers a fuller, more robust insight that is essential for planning and decision-making.

Mobile services in the libraries of the world’s top universities

PurposeAs many organizations and institutions in recent years are trying to update their hardware and software platforms toward using mobile technology, libraries and information centers as trustees and leaders of information management and information science need to be futurists in this area. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of using mobile-based services in the world’s top university libraries.Design/methodology/approachIn this direct observation and quantitative research survey, the authors reviewed the status of using mobile-based services in the libraries of the world’s top universities.FindingsThe results showed that 84 percent of the libraries of the top 50 universities in the world have made their websites mobile-friendly and provide mobile-based services; however, only 30 percent of them have designed mobile library application. The findings of this study revealed that mobile phone services such as “Search catalog,” “Hour of library,” “Contact,” “Ask the librarian” and “News” in more than 50 percent of the libraries with mobile-based services has been used. While some services like “Services for disabled,” “Library card,” “Library Strategic Plan” and “Financial services” are less important to deliver on the mobile platform.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the current research are only limited to this environment. Furthermore limited access to all features of some mobile library applications is another limitation of this work. Also, failure to download some of the university apps from the usual App store due to the nationality of the researchers is other limitations of the study. The authors try to find more details of these apps with connecting to the librarians of this statistic society.Practical implicationsThe research results indicated that the majority of libraries in the world’s top universities have moved toward designing and using mobile platform in their websites. This survey suggests that the academic libraries of developing countries in order to follow this trend are supposed to plug in most used services based on experience of academic libraries of top universities.Originality/valueThe research results indicated that the majority of libraries in the world’s top universities have moved toward designing and using mobile platform in their websites. This survey suggests that the Iranian academic libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education are also trying to follow this trend in order to meet the users’ information needs.

Augmented and virtual reality technologies: Bridging practice and research in the academic library

ABSTRACTThis paper offers practical insights and lessons learned from over five years of direct experience provisioning and supporting augmented and virtual reality equipment as lendable technology. A pragmatic exploration of one academic library's experience in the development, sustainability, and evolution of augmented and virtual reality technology and associated services. Analyzed and critiqued in comparison to traditional library materials and services, the novel library collection is bridging the gap between learning, research, and practice. Library support is proving to be critical path: from the initial development of the lending technology collections, through the collaborative development of mixed reality equipment, spaces, and software. Specific details associated with the library's current state of practice are shared, including specifics as to working systems for both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift equipment on dedicated mobile workstations available throughout the library. Collaborations with departments including Computer Science & Engineering, as well as the School of Journalism, have proven to be a natural outcome of the library's support: joint effort resulting in the development of numerous dedicated mobile augmented and virtual reality software development stations throughout the library, and resultant exhibit development.

Standards Collection Development and Management in an Academic Library: A Case Study at The University of Western Ontario Libraries.

How can academic libraries ensure their standards collections meet the teaching and research needs of science and engineering faculties? Nowadays, most academic libraries face financial constraints that greatly impact collection development. This article documents an academic library's experience with standards collections and the investigation and implementation of an on-demand purchasing model for a high-cost standards collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understand, Identify, and Respond: The New Focus of Access Services

Library public services staff have primarily focused on providing services through interactions with their users. Although service quality and customer satisfaction are important in the delivery of these services, the emphasis and nature of the work have often been influenced by a library-centric philosophy rather than a user-centric philosophy. The majority of tasks and responsibilities of access services staff have historically been based on the completion of transactions rather than on how these transactions impact user experience. This essay describes changes in organizational structure, employee training, and position responsibilities of Access Services staff at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. These changes were made intentionally to better understand, identify, and respond to user needs. The ideas, processes, and structures presented in the article can be applied to all academic libraries, and we argue that the new focus of access services should be to improve the academic library experience.