Information Science Professionals Research Articles

Visualising knowledge: a survey of infographic perceptions and challenges in academic library settings

PurposeThis study investigates the perceptions and challenges faced by academic library professionals in utilising infographics as a communication tool. It aims to understand how infographics are perceived in libraries, their effectiveness in conveying information and the obstacles encountered during implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a descriptive survey design, collecting data through a closed-ended questionnaire distributed electronically to 144 library and information science professionals. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation from various types of libraries. Pilot testing was conducted to validate the questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using statistical software.FindingsLibrary professionals perceive infographics as valuable tools for conveying complex concepts quickly, promoting library events and appealingly presenting resources. They also believe that infographics simplify complex information and enhance the user experience. However, challenges include lacking design skills and resources, difficulty finding relevant data, integrating infographics into traditional library services and time constraints.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the role of infographics in library communication, highlighting both their positive perceptions and critical challenges. It offers recommendations for enhancing the use of infographics, including training for library professionals, improved data management and integration into traditional library services. The study also suggests promoting best practices and exploring emerging technologies like 3D interactive infographics.

Night-duty dilemmas: Health and work-life challenges for LIS professionals in Indian libraries

This study investigates the impact of 24/7 library operations on the health and work-life balance of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. Using a mixed-method approach with 52 respondents, reveals significant physical and mental health issues, sleep disruptions, and dietary challenges. Qualitative insights highlight personal and professional hurdles, gender disparities, and concerns about workload and safety. The findings underscore the need for tailored support and infrastructure improvements in continuous library settings. The study contributes to understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by LIS professionals and provides recommendations to enhance overall well-being in 24/7 operational environments.

“So, We Decided to Make a Film”

Researchers in information science and related fields have traditionally focused on published research and syntheses of research findings. While these mechanisms are crucial for knowledge dissemination, we advocate for more innovative knowledge translation and mobilization efforts. To illustrate this, we present a unique case study on the employment-seeking practices of immigrant women in STEM in Canada. This study stands out for its groundbreaking arts-based knowledge deliverables, including an animated film, a novel approach that was instrumental in our knowledge dissemination and translation efforts. We delve into the study, the rationale behind these deliverables, and the significance of this approach for information science professionals.

A Survey of Job Satisfaction and Skills among the Library and Information Science Professionals in the South and West Zone of the Indian Council of Social Science Research Centre

This study aims to determine the job satisfaction of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals who work at the South and West Zone Indian Council of Social Science Research Centre in India. To measure job satisfaction, a structured questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from twenty LIS professionals. The study found that most professionals do not feel stressed while performing their duties and responsibilities. Furthermore, the study revealed that LIS professionals are highly satisfied with their job, but with varying degrees of satisfaction. The professionals reported the highest level of satisfaction in their relationships with clientele. However, they expressed dissatisfaction with certain promotions and policies of the ICSSR Institute. The results of the study can be used for planning, decision-making, professional manpower development, and improving library and information services.

Incorporating digital scholarship content in South African library and information science schools

PurposeThe library and information science (LIS) profession experienced drastic changes in its job requirements due to emerging digital scholarship trends, especially the growth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As a result, there is a discrepancy between the job market and the LIS curriculum. This study addresses this gap by looking into incorporating digital scholarship into the LIS school curricula in South Africa. This may have implications for other contexts as well, because digital scholarship is becoming pervasive.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a constructivist paradigm using a qualitative approach and a multiple case study design. Primary data using semi-structured interviews were collected from 10 academics at LIS schools and 10 librarians from both academic and special research council libraries in South Africa.FindingsThe study revealed that LIS schools did not have content on digital scholarship such as research data management (RDM), digitisation, metadata standards, open access, institutional repositories and other related content. Stakeholders who needed to be consulted included librarians, information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT) specialists, computer scientists, humanists, the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and LIS professional bodies. There were gaps and redundancies in the curriculum as far as digital scholarship was concerned. Digital scholarship presented opportunities for librarians and academics to acquire emerging jobs and to collaborate more in the digital space.Originality/valueThe article advances knowledge on the importance of incorporating digital scholarship in the LIS curriculum in South Africa. Furthermore, it provides guidance regarding stakeholders to be consulted when incorporating content into the LIS curriculum with the intention of closing the gaps and curbing or removing discrepancies between job requirements and graduates’ skills and competencies.

The overview of knowledge management for the benefits of service-based value in the university libraries:

There is an exclusive chance for university libraries to contribute to the future reimagining of library services. In this regard, the job of KM might be extremely successful. As a result, university libraries may provide excellent user services by utilizing KM. This research is to explore the existing models of Knowledge Management (KM) and how the existing models of KM are implemented at university libraries, to recognize how KM is being implemented at university libraries as reported in earlier research, and the benefits of KM practices for creating service value for libraries. This research was performed following the “Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA)” guidelines. The study found that a skilled workforce and expertise are required for effective KM implementation in university libraries. Outdated skills may serve as a starting point for KM in university libraries, but they are insufficient for providing service-based value. There is a need for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to develop additional competencies for KM practice in university libraries. Based on the findings and discussion, it can be concluded that all the authors have recognized the importance of KM in libraries. This finding would aid the university libraries and offer current KM knowledge to other libraries. Therefore, this research would be an excellent addition to the application of KM in university libraries.

Assessing scholarly communication competence in Zambian library professionals

Purpose This study aims to assess the scholarly communication competence of Zambian library and information science (LIS) professionals by evaluating their awareness, knowledge and practices regarding scholarly publication. Design/methodology/approach Applying a quantitative research approach, the study used a specially designed questionnaire. Responses from 57 professionals across universities and colleges in Zambia were gathered using convenience sampling. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation calculations and t-values and p-values to understand respondents’ perceptions and knowledge of scholarly communication and publication. Findings The findings revealed significant gaps in respondents’ knowledge and awareness, particularly regarding predatory journals, journal selection factors, open-access models, publication challenges, reference management software (RMS) usage and research obstacles. The study underscored the necessity for increased training and capacity-building initiatives among Zambian LIS professionals to enhance their scholarly communication competence. Originality/value This research contributed to the field by highlighting deficiencies in scholarly communication awareness among Zambian LIS professionals. It emphasised the need for targeted interventions, awareness programs and educational support to improve academic literacy and scholarly publication practices. Additionally, the study suggested future research avenues, such as longitudinal studies and strategies for enhancing RMS adoption, to advance scholarly practices among Zambian professionals further.

Emerging Technology Services Provided by Nigerian Library and Information Science Professionals

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing practically every area of human endeavor. This invention has resulted in a significant shift in the way libraries operate all around the world. Recent library technologies, which varied from library 1.0 to library 5.0, provide evidence of this. It is anticipated that this breakthrough will draw the tech-savvy generation to the library; sadly, in Nigeria, the opposite is evident. Based on this, the study looked at services based on emerging technologies that librarians and information scientists in Nigerian libraries provided. The study's population consisted of 45 attendees from the 2019 IT Section of the Nigerian Library Association Workshop, and it used a survey research design. Out of the 45 copies of the administered questionnaire that were recovered, only 38 were deemed relevant for the investigation. There were two sections to the questionnaire. Section B aimed to gather information on emerging library services offered and obstacles to their implementation, whereas Section A sought to clarify demographic data. The study's conclusions were computed using descriptive statistics. The survey found that practitioners provide a wide range of library services based on developing technology. According to the survey, there is a dearth of services based on emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, gaming, and the Internet of Things. The survey also found that among other difficulties, practitioners deal with erratic electricity and poor internet service provision. It was concluded that practitioners would maximize the use of emerging technologies if sufficient attention was given to the issues impeding their use in the delivery of library services. Recruitment of more personnel and provision of alternative power supplies were among the recommendations made in the study.

AI Literacy and Zambian Librarians: A Study of Perceptions and Applications

Abstract This study delves into artificial intelligence (AI) literacy within Zambian academic libraries, focusing on librarians’ perceptions and applications of AI. The research aims to gauge the AI literacy level among Library and Information Science Professionals in Zambia, identify their awareness and knowledge of AI applications in libraries, and explore their perceptions regarding the advantages and challenges of implementing AI technologies in library services. Data from 82 diverse participants were gathered using purposive and convenience sampling methods. The findings indicate a solid understanding of AI fundamentals among Zambian librarians and positive attitudes towards AI’s potential benefits in library services. However, challenges such as the need for enhanced AI expertise, resistance to change, and budgetary constraints are acknowledged.

Career in data librarianship for library and information science (LIS) professionals in Nigeria

With the high rate of unemployment presently experienced in Nigeria, library and information professionals can expand their employment chances by creating jobs for themselves. One career option which is largely unexplored in Nigeria is data librarianship. This paper highlights data librarianship as a career opportunity for library and information science professionals in Nigeria. The paper adopted a narrative literature research design. From the literature, the concepts of data librarianship and data librarian were defined. The paper examines some factors that make a career in data librarianship for LIS professionals in Nigeria worthwhile. It also highlights some responsibilities of data librarians and some of the training needs of data librarians. The paper concludes by noting that the high level of unemployment in Nigeria makes it imperative that information professionals explore opportunities for self-employment, observing that advancements in technology have opened up opportunities that have hitherto not been explored. Finally, the paper proffers some useful recommendations including the introduction of data librarianship into the Nigeria LIS curricula and the development of skillsets by librarians to enable them to position themselves for a successful career in data librarianship.

Políticas De Información Para Democratizar El Conocimiento: três casos en Argentina

This contribution is based on the premise that inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean is a multidimensional problem that further deepened existing gaps. Faced with this situation, the democratization of knowledge is a fundamental strategy to addressinequality, and its democratic and equitable access must be guaranteed by coherent and comprehensive State policies. It analyzes three programs and public policies that emerged in Argentina in the first decades of the 21st century, which guarantee access to and use of information and the democratization of knowledge: the Conectar Igualdad Program; the Open Access Digital Repositories law, and the Access to Public Information law. Finally, it reflects on the contributions that Library and Information Science professionals can make to strengthen these guidelines and effectively contribute to the construction of more inclusive, balanced and democratic societies.

Continuous professional development of LIS professionals in academic libraries: channels, challenges and motivation

Purpose Continuous professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in the library workplace by equipping library and information science (LIS) professionals with the skills and technical knowledge to bridge the theory-praxis gap, assuring that library practitioners and their organisations continue to innovate and stay successful and tailored to the requirement of their users. The aim of the study was to investigate the channels of CPD for LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Also, it explored the motivations and barriers related to the LIS professionals’ CPD. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative research design followed by the survey research method. The study population included LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Northern India. Data was gathered from 177 respondents via the census sampling method. Findings LIS professionals engaged in CPD activities through multiple channels. Intrinsic factors primarily governed the motivation for CPD. Similarly, time and finance were significant challenges for LIS CPD. Lastly, most libraries were headed by in-charge librarians (non-professionals). De-professionalisation, or the deliberate de-skilling of professional roles, threatens the basis upon which librarians establish their credibility as professionals. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind from the perspective of a developing country, adding to the CPD literature in academic libraries.

Misrepresentation of Citations: A Case Study of Google Scholar

The current study aims to identify the misrepresented and actual citations in Google Scholar and rank the professionals according to their correct accreditations. The selected Google Scholar profiles were analysed to reveal the misrepresentation of the citation counts based on the wrong indexing of author names. A total of 30 top prolific author profiles from Library and Information Science professionals were selected for this study. The publication and biographical data were gathered from Google Scholar and compared with Web of Science and Scopus to avoid ambiguity. The findings reveal that misrepresenting citations to the author profiles due to the wrong indexing of author names leads to an increased citation count and affects the resultant author ranking.

Professional qualifications, accreditation, and certification in library and information science schools: A global perspective

Library and information science schools and their accreditations play a crucial role in preparing individuals to become effective and competent library and information professionals. A number of efforts have been undertaken to analyze the accreditation standards and procedures for library and information science professionals in a specific context (e.g. country). However, there is limited research from a global perspective. This article provides an overview of the qualifications of library and information science professionals and accreditation and certification in library and information science schools around the world. A non-probability sampling strategy was employed to collect all this information. A total of 586 programs (e.g. undergraduate) from 198 library and information science schools in 69 countries was represented. The results show that an accredited national degree was the most required credential to work as a professional librarian in the field. Master’s degree programs appeared to be the most commonly offered degree programs at these schools, and English was the most popular language of instruction in all degree programs.

In search of a coherent theoretical foundation for LIS ethical principles: an appraisal of Floridi's Information Ethics

PurposeThis study aims to examine the potential of Information Ethics (IE) to serve as a coherent ethical foundation for the library and information science profession (LIS profession).Design/methodology/approachThis study consists of two parts: the first part present IE’s central theses and the main critiques it has received; the second part offers the authors' own evaluation of the theory from the LIS perspective in two steps: (1) assessing its internal consistency by testing its major theses against each other; (2) assessing its utility for resolving frequently debated LIS ethical dilemmas by comparing its solutions with solutions from other ethical theories.FindingsThis study finds that IE, consisting of an informational ontology, a fundamental ethical assertion and a series of moral laws, forms a coherent ethical framework and holds promising potential to serve as a theoretical foundation for LIS ethical issues; its inclusion of nonhuman objects as moral patients and its levels of abstraction mechanism proved to be particularly relevant for the LIS profession. This study also shows that, to become more solid an ethical theory, IE needs to resolve some of its internal contradictions and ambiguities, particularly its conceptual conflations between internal correctness, rightness and goodness; between destruction, entropy and evil; and the discrepancy between its deontological ethical assertion and its utilitarian moral laws.Practical implicationsThis study alerts LIS professionals to the possibility of having a coherent ethical foundation and the potential of IE in this regard.Originality/valueThis study provides a systemic explication, evaluation and field test of IE from the LIS perspective.

Continuing Professional Development for Lis Professionals in University Libraries of Punjab

A study was conducted to assess the competencies, needs, and trends in continuing professional development for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan. The study covered both public and private sector universities and included sub-campuses. Data was gathered through convenience sampling using questionnaires distributed through various methods. The findings revealed that LIS professionals were well-versed in certain aspects of their field, such as library advocacy, ethics, and collection management. However, they exhibited a moderate level of familiarity with other areas, including the lifecycle of information, cataloging standards, and organizational principles. The study identified areas where LIS professionals required further training, including communication skills, knowledge of library history, problem-solving techniques, awareness of social and cultural policies, legal frameworks, and various aspects of information lifecycle management. Additionally, the study identified several barriers to continuing professional development, such as a lack of interest, limited resources, a shortage of experts, inadequate infrastructure, time constraints, unsupportive work environments, and a scarcity of training opportunities in the country. In summary, the study highlighted the need for targeted professional development opportunities for LIS professionals in Punjab, Pakistan, while recognizing the challenges they face in accessing such opportunities.

Skill analysis of library and information science professionals

This paper investigated professional skills for library and information science (LIS) professionals based on the American Library Association (ALA) job website. The study identified job categories and library types, examined required soft skills and professional skills, and analyzed the relationships between professional skills and job categories, and the relationships between professional skills and library types as well. Data mining, subject analysis, and information visualization methods were used in the study. The findings of this study show that the LIS field demands a wide range of comprehensive professional skills. In total, over 160 distinct professional skill requirements and 24 skill themes were uncovered. Across various LIS job categories, an average of 8.84 professional skill themes per job category was found to be necessary for success. Among these skill themes, certain ones stood out as particularly in-demand, including: Productivity Software, MARC Standards and Guidance, Integrated Library Automation, Programming, and Data Analysis. Furthermore, it was observed that the specific professional skill requirements varied across different types of libraries. Notably, Academic/Research (College/University) libraries and Public Libraries stood out as two types that demanded a broader range of professional skill themes compared to other types of libraries. The findings of this research study can inform library and information science researchers, educators, and professionals to better understand the LIS professional skill requirements, improve existing curricular systems, and develop new courses to meet the job market needs.

A scientometrics analysis of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) literature in library and information science profession

Purpose Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) are the core values of librarianship. This study aims to examine the EDIA literature in the library and information science (LIS) profession, focusing on publishing trends, authorship patterns, thematic evolution, co-occurrence network, international collaboration network and three-factor analysis. Design/methodology/approach A scientometrics analysis was performed, and data were retrieved from the Web of Science database following a four-phase data extraction and filtration process. Data analysis was performed using specialized scientometrics tools. Findings Most of the published work comes from the developed world. The thematic evolution identified that the initial period (1971–2010) was dedicated to the diversity of library resources, services and users. The second phase (2011–2015) concentrated on accessibility and information literacy. The recent period (2016–2021) is linked with social inclusion, diversity and accessibility. Furthermore, the co-cluster citation and content analysis identified five major interconnected streams in the EDIA literature in LIS: disability and accessibility; diversity, inclusion and recruitment; social justice and libraries; libraries and immigrants; and libraries and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer community. Research limitations/implications Theoretical, practical and implications for policy makers and curriculum developers were added to create awareness and better observe EDIA in LIS field. Originality/value The identification of research streams is one of the most important findings of this study, which shows that some areas of EDIA are maturing and others are emerging in the profession.

Research collaboration among library and information science professionals in Nigerian universities

PurposeThe necessity for continuous advancement in library education and practice requires research collaboration among library professionals. This study aims to investigate research collaboration among lecturers in the department of library and information science (LIS) and librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The quantitative study employed a close-ended questionnaire for data collection. The study covered all the librarians in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS (LIS professionals) in public universities in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The criterion mean of 2.50–2.99 was used for the research questions.FindingsIt was found that librarians in academic libraries and lecturers in Nigeria rarely engage in research collaboration. The reasons for the research collaboration are to increase the quality of research in the library profession, make research in the library profession more in-depth and cross-fertilize ideas for generating novel insights.Practical implicationsIt is the engagement of librarians in academic libraries and the lecturers in the LIS department in the exchange of knowledge at national and international levels through research collaboration that can enhance the quality of research that emanates from the library profession.Social implicationsPromotion of the library profession requires the integrated effort of library professionals in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS through research collaboration.Originality/valuePromotion of the library profession requires the integrated effort of library professionals in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS through research collaboration.

A Bibliometric Review of Leadership Literature in Library and Information Science Profession, 1959–2022

This bibliometric study investigates the publishing trends and patterns along with top authors, countries, organizations, nature of collaboration, and sub-areas of library leadership literature published from 1959 to 2022. The Scopus database was used for data extraction, and 500 relevant records were selected. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and CiteSpace software. The results highlighted that the United States of America was a global trendsetter in library leadership research, being the top contributing country (313, 62.6% publications). They also identified the top productive author (Martin, J.), top-cited author (Ole Pors, N), top organization (University of Punjab, Pakistan), most preferable sources (Journal of Library Administration) and top-cited article (“Supporting Digital Scholarship in Research Libraries: Scalability and Sustainability” by Vinopal J). The highest research productivity was recorded in 2019, with 42 publications (8.4%), followed by 37 (7.4%) publications in 2018 and 2021. Furthermore, 270 publications (54%) on library leadership were published during the last decade (2011–2020). This study informed that most of the published literature on library leadership was general, following a solo authorship trend (314), with less collaborative research ( n = 186) and a significant number ( n = 148) of non-cited documents. The critical areas of future research identified in this study, including transformational, ethical, participative, and humanistic leadership, need to be investigated. The study suggests that emerging digital and virtual leadership areas should also be examined along with the areas with limited literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive bibliometric study to present a holistic picture of the library leadership literature.