Academic Library Information Services Research Articles

Facilitating digital accessibility for students with disabilities into information services at Jordanian academic libraries

PurposeThis study examines the digital accessibility of information services for students with disabilities at the University of Jordan. Despite advancements in disability rights and technology, academic libraries often lag in providing fully accessible digital services.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed-methods research involved quantitative surveys from 173 students with disabilities and a qualitative interview with the head of the information application department, in addition to a focus group interview with 10 students with disabilities. Quantitative analysis included means, standard deviations and four-way ANOVA to identify significant differences in perceptions. Qualitative insights highlighted specific issues and recurring themes, revealing significant gaps in digital accessibility.FindingsThe results revealed a weak level of digital accessibility of students with disabilities to information services in academic libraries in Jordan is very low. The findings indicate a need for improvements in library infrastructure, staff training and policy development. The study also offers insights into challenges in a developing country context and provides recommendations for enhancing library inclusivity and support structures, emphasizing the importance of aligning services with international accessibility standards.Practical implicationsThe findings will primarily be beneficial for library managers to understand their library’s deficiencies and responsibility towards the local community and the enhancement of digital inclusion. This understanding will aid in planning training programs and workshops for employees on supporting students with disabilities. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for collaboration between libraries and educators to organize educational sessions for academic librarians in Jordan and other developing nations.Originality/valueIt serves as a valuable resource for collaboration between libraries and educators to organize educational sessions for academic librarians in Jordan and other developing nations. This research adds value to existing literature by highlighting the context in one developing country.

Framework for intellectual property information services in academic libraries: Example from the United States and China

The provision of intellectual property information services (IPIS) plays a vital role in bolstering the public service infrastructure for intellectual property. Utilizing IPIS' social advantages in universities is integral to boosting technological innovation and fostering economic growth. This study conducts a literature review and network research to examine how academic libraries in the U.S. and China carry out IPIS in the knowledge economy era to adapt to the new network environment. Specifically, we select 43 academic libraries recognized as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers in the U.S. and 33 National Intellectual Property Information Service Centers in China. Our main contribution is developing a framework with 5 interrelated dimensions encompassing a total of 15 elements that can serve as a reference or guide for creating IPIS in academic libraries, where online services are the primary format. Through a comprehensive analysis of the survey sample websites, we thoroughly examine the key attributes of the IPIS models employed by academic libraries in both the U.S. and China across various levels. Our research also encompasses a comprehensive examination of the roles and responsibilities of academic libraries and librarians in the context of the knowledge and innovation era. Finally, this study draws upon the valuable practical experiences of IPIS at academic libraries in the U.S. and China, serving as a point of reference. It offers robust targeting and applicable guidelines and recommendations for academic libraries in comparable nations, particularly China, to build IPIS.

Trends and issues relating to social media utilisation in academic libraries: Experiences from the University of Limpopo subject librarians

Background: As social media tools spread across every aspect of human life, academic librarians were apt to be their early adopters to boost the service provision in academic libraries.Objective: Guided by Technology Acceptance Model, this article examined a variety of social media tools used by academic librarians; usage and usefulness of social media; organisational support provided to academic librarians to use social media; and the factors that impede usage of social media in academic libraries.Methodology: This article employed a qualitative research methodology through semi- structured interviews with 10 purposively selected academic librarians attached to the University of Limpopo library.Results: The results showed that respondents were mostly familiar with WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which they used in their personal capacity. However, in their work environment, they utilised the library blog and Facebook to market and promote library services and to liaise with their users in schools or faculties. Restrictions of access to social media platforms during working hours, lack of skills, own social media policy and management support in the form of training were found to be factors that impede social media usage by academic librarians.Conclusion: Social media have a great deal of potential to contribute immensely towards the delivery of information services in academic libraries, though they are neglected.Contribution: Incorporation of social media in library work environment requires social media policies and subject librarians to be well equipped with different kinds of social media platforms for the advantage of academic libraries and their users.

Use of Social Media in Marketing of Library and Information Services in Academic libraries in West Bengal

The main aim of this research paper is to find out use, advantages and problems faced by the library and information professionals in West Bengal in marketing through social media. For this study thirteen (13) college libraries in West Bengal were selected as a research sample. The findings of this research proved that most of the college libraries use WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for publicity of library services. Most of the libraries use social media for marketing library resources and services, for circulating library news and events for research purpose. A face-to-face interview method are used for data collection in this study. Library professionals gives their important views and suggestions about ways of promoting library services through social media.

Marketing Strategies and Use of Library Information Services in Academic Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria

Despite the avalanche of works done on library service utilization, there is a research gap on the role of marketing strategies in enhancing the utilization of information services in academic libraries in Lagos State. Therefore, this study examined the influence of marketing strategies on the use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The study population comprised 473 librarians. Total enumeration was used. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability coefficients values ranged from 0.681 - 0.937. A response rate of 92.9% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that marketing strategies significantly influenced the use of LIS in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2 = 0.211, β = .460, t (179) = 6.948, p<0.05). Library information services in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria was sometimes utilized (average weighted mean = 2.38, on a scale of 4). The extent of marketing strategies utilized in marketing LIS in Lagos State academic libraries, was high (Average Weighted Mean =3.09, on a scale of 4). The study has shown that the 'Seven Ps' marketing strategies are vital to enhancing use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that management of the academic libraries should pay attention to low usage of radio services, extension services, teleconferencing, TV shows, indexing and abstraction services, book talk, display and exhibition, CD-ROM services and exhibition display services.

The role of business intelligence and knowledge management systems in marketing information services in academic libraries under the Coved 19 pandemic: an analytical study

The role of business intelligence and knowledge management systems in marketing information services in academic libraries under the Coved 19 pandemic: an analytical study

A Survey of Data Governance Strategies to Provide Effective Information Services in Academic Libraries

A Survey of Data Governance Strategies to Provide Effective Information Services in Academic Libraries

Virtual Information Services in Academic Libraries in Kuwait

The purpose of this study is to examine the status and prospect of virtual information services in academic libraries in Kuwait. The study conducted open-ended interviews of managers or heads of information services in 12 academic libraries about management and conduct of virtual information service and the possibilities about the future of these ser-vices. Also observed the functioning of services in 9 libraries. It was found that email was the common method for virtual communication in academic libraries in Kuwait. These libraries lacked in services using live chat and mobile application. Social media was mostly used for an-nouncements and marketing of library services. In addition, private aca-demic libraries provided advanced virtual services as compared to public academic libraries. Eight interviews were conducted by phone due to unavoidable circumstances related to both participants and researcher. One private academic institution did not allow access to its library, denying opportunities for observation. This paper provides insights on the way virtual information services were managed and conducted in these libraries. No similar study was noted in this regional context. The findings may help academic library management a better understanding of the issues and challenges they faced and the opportunities they might benefit in future.

Use of QR Code Technology for Providing Library and Information Services in Academic Libraries: A Case Study

The purpose of this paper is to introduce application of QR code technology in providing library services. The paper describes about how Quick Response (QR) code technology is useful for providing academic library services for academic community. IISER Bhopal Library took an initiative to implement QR technology in disseminating quick library information services for library users. This paper also describes about QR code technology, its history, features, benefits, generating QR codes, limitations and successful implementation of this in IISER Bhopal Library.

The Future and Changing Roles of Academic Libraries in the Digital Age

Libraries are at a turning point. As technology rapidly transforms the way we access information, and resources are increasingly available online and in digital formats, the established role of the library as a physical space housing racks of books is looking increasingly out of step with the needs of students and researchers. Allied with technology, library users’ needs and preferences are helping to drive the change in libraries. Students, researchers and teachers now expect to be able to access information around the clock, from almost anywhere in the world and via a growing number of devices, from laptops to phones. As the information technologies are changing day-today and growing at a tremendous speed, the knowledge society is becoming more complex, competitive and dependent on technological changes and information explosion. The need for e-information services to the users are also growing and becoming very essential. The impact of web based e-learning and teaching environment has influenced every facet of library and information services in academic libraries and providing new opportunities and challenges to the library professional for involvement in the knowledge based society including electronic and multimedia publishing, Internet based-information services, global networking, web based digital resources etc.

Perception of Fresh Undergraduate Students to Library and Information Services in Academic Libraries: Case Study of University of Ibadan

This survey examined the perception of users to library and information services in academic libraries. A structured questionnaire was developed and validated to elicit information from 300 sample population selected to reflect the entirety of the case study. Four hypotheses were developed and tested using chi square statistical methods at 0.05 significance level. The findings showed that inadequate communication between the library and its users as well as inability of the academic libraries to acquire relevant infrastructures and update their libraries with current information were all factors responsible for the ways users perceive the services offered by the academic libraries. Based on the findings recommendations were made that academic libraries should have full internet connectivity to enhance effective communication between the library and its users as well as organize regular orientation sessions for all categories of library users in order to update their knowledge with new services available in the library as well as information technology applications and usage relating to library services.Key Words: Perception, Students, Information, Services, Academic, Libraries, University,

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries: Adding Value in the Digital World

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries: Adding Value in the Digital World

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries: Adding Value in the Digital World

The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries: Adding Value in the Digital World

Cross-Cultural Communication: Implications for Effective Information Services In Academic Libraries

International students and scholars on campuses in the United States constitute a complex, diverse, and rapidly growing population that must be served effectively by academic libraries. This article examines cultural differences with a focus on communication processes and styles, and recommends ways to accommodate cross-cultural differences in information services. The article includes a survey of relevant literature and draws on the results of a series of focus groups conducted at Harvard University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Portland State University, and one of the annual conferences of the American Library Association.

Starting and Managing Fee-Based Information Services in Academic Libraries. Suzanne M. WardEntrepreneurial Librarianship: The Key to Effective Management. Guy St. Clair

<i>Starting and Managing Fee-Based Information Services in Academic Libraries</i>. Suzanne M. Ward<i>Entrepreneurial Librarianship: The Key to Effective Management</i>. Guy St. Clair