Information Resources In University Libraries Research Articles

Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

Digital preservation practices for information resources in university libraries of Pakistan

PurposeThe digital contents (d-contents) are vulnerable to various threats either natural or manmade. Digital preservation is the plethora of a wide array of strategies necessary for the long-term preservation of digital objects. This study was carried out to assess the digital preservation practices for information resources in university libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey based on a structured questionnaire was carried out to conduct the study. The questionnaire containing two sets of strategies (general and technical) was distributed amongst the whole population and received 90% response rate.FindingsOverall, progressive implementation of general digital preservation practices was noted in these libraries like checking the digital collections for viruses, keeping the digital media in fire/water/theft proof locations, restricting unauthorized access, maintaining ideal humidity and temperature, and checking the digital media for functionality. Amongst the technical practices, only replication was in practice at a progressive rate, followed by metadata recording and media refreshing that was sometimes practiced in these libraries. The other technical practices were rarely or never practiced in these libraries. Significant variances in general and technical digital preservation practices were noted based on their physical locations (regional distribution).Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes a comprehensive set of digital preservation practices divided into general and technical types to conduct similar studies in other parts of the world.Practical implicationsThe findings stress the need for national and institutional policies, funding streams and skill enhancement of library staff.Originality/valueThe study fills the literature gap and contributes a comprehensive set of digital preservation practices divided into general and technical types to conduct similar studies in other parts of the world.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-02-2023-0074

Barriers to Preservation for Digital Information Resources in University Libraries of Pakistan

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate barriers faced by Pakistani university libraries to implement digital preservation programs. A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested before being sent to 70 libraries of the public sector universities and degree awarding institutions to measure the phenomena. Out of the targeted 70 libraries, 63 responded to the survey (90 % response rate). The results highlighted that a lack of institutional/national policies, financial and technological resources, and administrative support are key barriers that hinder the implementation of digital preservation practices in Pakistani university libraries. The findings of this novel study emphasize devising a national policy for digital preservation in Pakistan. Results point out key barriers to digital preservation and help designing knowledge-based systems in order to meet information and knowledge needs of library users around the clock.

Accessibility and utilization of information resources in the post COVID-19 era

University libraries play a pivotal role in fostering teaching, research, and innovation by offering essential information resources. However, patrons often encounter challenges in using these resources. The research aimed to examine the factors influencing the utilization of information resources in university libraries at Kenyatta University Meru University of Science and Technology and post-COVID-19. The objectives were to: determine the skills needed by librarians in supporting utilization of information, analyse the innovative methodologies used to facilitate access to library resources/services, examine the challenges faced by librarians and patrons and determine the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in improving information resources usability and consumption. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with quantitative research methods. The study was conducted at Kenyatta University and Meru University of Science and Technology libraries. Simple random and purposeful sampling techniques were used to distribute questionnaires to patrons and librarians, respectively. Data was collected from 20 librarians and 309 patrons, out of whom, 26 librarians and 357 patrons were sampled. The questionnaires underwent expert review to ensure their validity and reliability. The study found that 81% of librarians prefer online search resources, while 41% prefer physical textbooks. 16.5% of patrons preferred e-books and e-journals, with inadequate computers (32%) and unreliable networks (25.7%) as challenges affecting access and utilization of resources. The librarians identified lack of cooperation, inadequate digital library skills, understaffing, and poor network as major obstacles to facilitating access and utilization of library resources. The study recommends that university management should enhance librarian capacity building, training, and reengineer ICT infrastructure to enhance access and utilization of resources in the post-COVID-19 era. The study's findings will aid librarians in redesigning library functions to enhance the efficacy of library services in meeting user information needs.

Evaluation of Users’ Satisfaction of Information Resources in University Libraries in Nigeria: A Case Study

This study examined postgraduate students’ satisfaction of information resources at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Library, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Three research questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised 414 registered postgraduate students. A simple random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size, which is 120 students, representing 30% of the total population. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. 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. The findings revealed that the majority of the postgraduate students used the library information resources occasionally and that the students mostly used e-books, theses/dissertations projects, government publications, and print and e-journals. Lastly, the study established that the majority of the postgraduate students are not satisfied with the available library information resources provided by the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the library management should provide current and relevant information resources in the library to encourage users to effectively use the library resources and services. The library should also implement strategic policies that will enhance effective service delivery.

Research on the Utilization and Optimal Management of Electronic Information Resources in University Libraries

Through theoretical analysis, this paper expounds the value of strengthening the utilization of electronic information in university libraries and the reasons affecting the utilization rate of information resources in electronic libraries, so as to give better play to the role of university libraries and improve the utilization rate of electronic information in university libraries. In view of the existing problems, this paper puts forward measures to optimize the utilization rate of electronic information resources in university libraries and give full play to the role of electronic information resources, so as to promote information exchange and development.

Preservation and Conservation of Information Resources in University Libraries in Karnataka: A Study

Preservation and Conservation of Information Resources in University Libraries in Karnataka: A Study

AN EXAMINATION OF INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS ON THE USE OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY IN ADAMAWA STATE

This study investigates the information literacy skill on the use of library information resources among undergraduate students in Adamawa State. The objectives of the study are to find out the level of information literacy skill of undergraduate student in Adamawa state, to determine the level of use of the information resources and to determine the challenges faced in the use of these information resources. Quantitative method of data collection was used using survey research design. The study revealed that most of the student has high level of information literary skill and they use information resource for academic purposes to a high extent, it was revealed from the findings that inadequate current reading and research materials are the major problem facing the use of information resources in University libraries in Adamawa.

Library Services and Availability of Information Resources in University Libraries, South-South Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between library services and the availability of information resources in federal university libraries, in South-South, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 16620 students and a sample of 800 respondents was selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified and purposive random sampling technique. The results of the analyses revealed a significant relationship between user education and preservation of information resources and availability of information resources. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among others that: User education should be adequately given to students to enable them to make the most use of the information resources and Government should prioritize funding for the preservation of information resources for university libraries.

Library Services and Availability of Information Resources in University Libraries, South-South Nigeria

Library Services and Availability of Information Resources in University Libraries, South-South Nigeria

Collection Development Variables and Utilization of Information Resources in University Libraries, South-South, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between collection development variables, and utilization of information resources in university libraries, south-south, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 16620 students and a sample of 800 respondents was awareness for the study. The awareness was done through the stratified and purposive random sampling technique. The results of the analyses revealed a significant relationship between awareness, acquisition and utilization of information resources. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among others that: Government should prioritize funding for the acquisition of information resources for university libraries

Collection Development Variables and Utilization of Information Resources in University Libraries, South-South, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between collection development variables, and utilization of information resources in university libraries, south-south, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 16620 students and a sample of 800 respondents was awareness for the study. The awareness was done through the stratified and purposive random sampling technique. The results of the analyses revealed a significant relationship between awareness, acquisition and utilization of information resources. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among others that: Government should prioritize funding for the acquisition of information resources for university libraries

Access to electronic and print information resources by people with visual impairments in university libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the implication of copyright on access to electronic and print information resources by people with visual impairments in university libraries. The paper examines the extent to which electronic and print information resources in university libraries are accessible to people with visual impairments; the extent to which existing national/international copyright laws facilitate or hamper access to electronic and print information resources by people with visual impairments; examine challenges facing people with visual impairments in accessing electronic and print information resources; and how these challenges can be ameliorated.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on review of empirical and theoretical literature and is underpinned by Oliver’s (1990) social model of disability.FindingsThe findings reveal that many university libraries the world over lack the capacity to offer an effective information service to people with visual impairments. Furthermore, the stringent copyright laws and licensing regimes for purchasing or transcribing content from one format to another make provision of information services to people with visual impairments difficult. In-university libraries are faced with various challenges in accessing electronic and print information that include among others copyright and licensing restrictions, and system design issues. Assistive technologies (ATs), enabling policies, skilled staff and facilitative copyright regimes can help ameliorate some of these barriers.Practical implicationsATs, enabling policies, skilled staff and facilitative copyright regimes are key to unlocking the barriers that hinder people with visual impairments from effectively accessing print and electronic resources in university libraries. Protection of the basic rights of persons with disabilities including visual impairments, the elimination of social discrimination and bridging the accessibility gap are integral to social inclusion. This paper provides the basic information to university libraries for addressing challenges associated with access to electronic and print resources by people with visual impairments.Social implicationsAccess to information to all including people with visual impairments in society is a basic human and moral right that every human being must enjoy. The Sustainable Development Goals’ 2030 agenda for sustainable development envisages a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity […] equality and non-discrimination, an equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are met (United Nations, 2015), and inclusive rights such as education, access to services (including information) and employment for people with disabilities.Originality/valueThis paper builds on existing literature and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on access by people with disabilities predicating on World Summit on Information Society principle and agenda 2030 on sustainable development goals.

Influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with the information resources in government-owned university libraries in the South-South Zone of Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research method was employed for this study. The study population comprised of 83 library staff and 7426 lecturers in the 11 university libraries in the zone during the 2016/2017 academic session. A sample of 36 library staff and 4627 lecturers from 6 of the universities in the zone was used. The researchers’ made questionnaire titled “Currency and Users’ Satisfaction with Information Resources (CUSIRQ)” was used to collect data. Means and standard deviations were used in answering the research question while the hypothesis was tested using t-Test in IBM SPSS for Window version 23 at p = 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that there was significant influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria. There is a strong indication that from the study users were not satisfied with currency/recency of the information resources acquired in the governmentowned university libraries in the South-South zone, Nigeria. It is therefore suggested that librarians should take cognizance of currency of the information resources when acquiring information resources for the libraries.Keywords: Currency; Users’ Satisfaction; Information Resources; Government-owned University Libraries

Physical Format and Users’ Satisfaction with the Information Resources in University Libraries in the South-South Zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the influence of physical format on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in South-South zone of Nigeria. Survey research method was adopted for the study. The population of this study consists of 83 library staff and 7426 lecturers in the 11 university libraries in the zone during the 2011/2012 academic session. A sample of 36 library staff and 4627 lecturers from 6 of the universities in the zone was used. The researcher made questionnaire, Physical Format and Users’ Satisfaction with Information Resources (PFUSIRQ), was used to collect data. Means and standard deviations were used in answering the research question while the hypothesis was tested using t-Test in IBM SPSS for Window version 20 at p = 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was no significant influence of physical format on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria. There is a strong indication that users were satisfied with physical format of the information resources acquired in the university libraries studied. It is therefore recommended that librarians should continue to take cognizance of the variable, physical format when acquiring information resources for the libraries.Keywords: Physical Format; Users’ Satisfaction; Information Resources

Number of Copies and Users’ Satisfaction with the Information Resources in University Libraries in the South-South Zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the influence of number of copies on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in South-South zone of Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research method. The population of this study consists of 83 library staff and 7, 426 lecturers in the 11 university libraries in the zone during the 2012/2013 academic session. A sample of 36 library staff and 4, 627 lecturers from six of the universities in the zone was used. The researcher made questionnaire, and number of copies and users’ satisfaction with information resources questionnaire was used to collect data. Means and standard deviations were used in answering the research question, whereas the hypothesis was tested using t-test in International Business Machine Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Window version 20 at p = 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was significant influence of number of copies on users’ satisfaction with information resources. The inference is that, this variable number of copies has strong influence on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria.

Towards effective development of electronic information resources in Nigerian university libraries

PurposeThis study aims to provide the framework for effective development of electronic information resources (EIRs) in Nigeria; it seeks to explore the levels of developing electronic information resources in university libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the survey method in the collection of research data. Validated questionnaires were administered to participants at a national workshop on Electronic Information for Libraries Network (eIFL.net) held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‐Ife, Nigeria, from 17‐20 October, 2007.FindingsThe findings show that the internet has been the major source of developing EIRs in Nigerian university libraries as 17 (89.5 per cent) of the surveyed libraries have internet connectivity. This is followed by subscription to electronic databases, online databases 13 (68.4 per cent) and CD‐ROMs 11 (57.9 per cent); electronic journals ten (52.6 per cent) and library computerization ten (52.6 per cent) while digitization of library materials received the least responses of three (15.8 per cent). From the survey findings, there is a high level of developing EIRs in Nigerian university libraries through direct subscription for electronic information (online databases, CD‐ROMs etc.) than conversion of information into electronic form in the library through computerization and digitization.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to encourage local research in Nigeria by improving on the current level of conversion of local information for national and international access by users. Mass computerisation of library services and digitization of relevant library materials should be encouraged in university libraries in the country.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into the level of development and utilization of EIRs in Nigerian universities