Librarians In Academic Libraries Research Articles

Evidence of the conditions affecting knowledge hiding among librarians in academic libraries

Purpose This study aims to identify and theorize the conditions affecting the formation of librarians’ knowledge-hiding behaviour in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative research based on the grounded theory approach. The data collection method involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using the MAXQDA software in three stages: open, axial and selective coding. The study included 22 faculty members and experienced librarians from academic libraries. The participants were selected using a combination of targeted and snowball sampling techniques. Findings The study yielded 96 open codes, 24 axial codes and 18 selective general codes related to the axial category of knowledge hiding (KH). The librarians’ KH axial coding paradigm pattern was developed in an academic library setting. The study also highlighted some general consequences of KH in academic libraries, such as lobbying and creating knowledge rents, deterioration of organizational relationships and interactions, reducing the competitive advantage of academic libraries and hindering individual and organizational learning. Originality/value This study has made a valuable contribution to the identification and explanation of the factors that affect KH. In addition, it has filled a research gap within the library and information science (LIS) field. The findings of the study may offer managers new strategies for addressing the occurrence of KH in academic libraries, and they also add to the existing literature on knowledge management in LIS.

Staff training and development of librarians in academic libraries in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study explored staff training and development among librarians in academic libraries in Ondo State. The population of this study consisted of sixty one (61) librarians. The entire population was used as sample for the study because it was manageable.. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The professional staff are used for the study. Frequency and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that all the librarians have participated in formal education as well as continuing education programmes followed by ICT training in the library since commencement of work in the libraries; that all of them have positive attitude to training and development programmes while financial constraint, denial of promotion after completion of staff development programme among others are the prevalent factors affecting training and development programmes among the staff. The study concluded that that the librarians have participated in various training and programmes since they began working in the libraries and recommended that the management of the institutions and libraries should make funds available to staff for training and development and well as promote those that have acquired additional qualifications through professional development programmes.

Knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in southwest Nigeria

Abstract This paper investigated knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. The population comprised all professional and non-professional librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. One hundred and thirty-two (132) librarians from Southwest, Nigeria were selected using simple random sampling technique. Two research questions were answered. A structured questionnaire titled “QKPLCTLSN” was used for data collections. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument yielded r = 0.76 and r =0.82. The findings of this research revealed that, librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria have knowledge about cloud-based technology and they have been using one or more applications in academic libraries but their perception towards the use of cloud-based technology was negative. In view of this, the following recommendations were made; librarians should embark on staff development programmes that would enable them keep pace with the latest technology, library management should encourage librarians to attend seminars, conferences and workshops that would enhance their technological skills, there should be adequate funding from the government and provision of stable power.

Guest editors’ notes

We are excited to note that IASSIST’s Africa chapter has continued to grow bigger and stronger. After a successful first IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop in Uganda during January 2021, a second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop took place in Ibadan, Nigeria in West Africa October 4th through October 7th, 2022. We are delighted to share with you the papers in this issue, most of which were presented at the second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The first paper unpacks the application of emerging technologies for research support in academic libraries in the modern era. The authors are Dr. Sophia V. Adeyeye and Taofeek Abiodun Oladokun who explain how emerging technologies offer innovative ways of supporting research activities. These emerging technologies provide tools and resources that streamline the research process and ensure proper visibility for the research outputs of academic libraries’ clients. The article explores various areas where academic libraries can apply emerging technologies such as data mining, data management, artificial intelligence, library automation and scholarly communication, among others. The article further highlights the setbacks academic libraries in Nigeria are facing in the application of emerging technologies such as lack of infrastructure, librarians’ skills, and negative attitude towards change. The second article, authored by Ms. Akinyoola Oladoyin Grace, is titled” Knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria”. In this paper the author reveals that librarians in academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria are familiar with and use cloud-based technologies. However, the librarians seem to have a negative attitude towards the use of these technologies. Therefore, there is a need for a staff development program that would enable the librarians to keep pace with the latest technologies. Such a program could be funded by government and executed through seminars, conferences, and workshops so as to enhance the librarians’ skills with cloud-based technologies. The third paper presents the preservation of election data and security in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Election malfeasance and violence have been experienced in Nigerian political systems since 1959. In this paper Sunday Tunmibi and Wole Olatokun explore how the world’s gradual move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) could be harnessed to ensure the preparation of free and fair elections. The paper suggests specific 4IR technological solutions to electoral data security and preservation challenges. It also suggests policies to serve as catalysts for the Independent National Electoral Commission. Suggested policies for 4IR technologies relate to artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, robotics, block chain, cloud computing and 3-D printing. These are the 4IR technologies that dictate the pace of activities in all walks of life including security and managing a free and fair national election. In the fourth paper Ologbosere Oluwatosin Abiodun discusses the significance of data literacy in the era of big data. It emphasizes the role of big data as a fundamental building block of truth focusing on the emergence of data literacy. Data literacy is a crucial subset of information literacy necessary for navigating the virtual landscape. Essential data literacy skills that are needed for navigating the dynamic twenty-first-century environment are highlighted. Integrating data literacy into higher educational programs, particularly in libraries, is stressed for relevance in meaningful information resource utilization. This paper shows how the integration of data literacy in higher education emphasizes the critical role of data literacy in the context of economic growth, development and informed decision-making and fosters sustainable development. In the fifth paper titled ”Data protection and right to privacy legislation in Kenya”, author Andrew Matoke Mankome articulates how the Parliament of Kenya enacted the Data Protection legislation in November 2019. This new law guaranteed the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Data Protection and citizens’ right to privacy is now a topical concern in Kenya and around the world. This paper expounds how the new law comes at a time when data security and privacy concerns are prevalent and lack of them result in loss of reputation and identity; safety concerns; legal penalties; and compensation for damages or loss of business. This is mainly because of the increasing globalization, cross-border transactions, internet penetration, and the use of social media and digital platforms among citizens, private institutions, and governments. This paper reviews the crucial provisions of the Data Protection law which covers regulated actions seeking compliance by data controllers and processors under the stewardship of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner ('ODPC'). A comparative analysis of the practice in other jurisdictions is also provided.

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.

Interpersonal skills as correlate of career development among librarians in academic libraries in South-South Nigeria

This study examined interpersonal skills as correlate of career development of librarians in academic libraries in South - South, Nigeria. Correlational survey design was adopted to conduct the study. The population of the study is 301 comprising of librarians in south-south, Nigeria. There was no sampling. Questionnaire was used as the method of data collection Data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics. For the research questions, analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment correlational coefficient (PPMC) and point biserial correlation coefficient (r) while multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed among others that; There is a high positive relationship between interpersonal skills of librarians and their career development in academic libraries, and there exist a significant relationship between interpersonal skills of librarians and their career development in academic libraries and it revealed low negative relationship between work experience of librarians and their career development in academic libraries and there is a significant relationship between work experience of librarians and their career development in academic libraries. High possessions of interpersonal skills increase librarian’s career development significantly in academic libraries in South-South Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others; that library management should engage librarians in a lot of interpersonal skills and communication in the course of their job, the university management should train librarians while on the job, and their skills need to be updated through training and development program, orientation, induction, inventory, conferences, workshop and seminars in order to enhance their interpersonal skills and research.

Recovery of Nazi Looted Books in the UCLA Library: From Prague to Los Angeles and Back

This article details the search for books from the Jewish Religious Community Library in Prague that were looted by the Nazis, and how the institution’s curators are working today to rebuild their original collection. It traces the history of the Prague Library, the Nazis’ policies of confiscating Jewish books for their proposed institutes on the ‘Jewish Question,’ and how some of these confiscated books ended up in the UCLA Library. Librarians at UCLA did not find any professional guidelines for the repatriating looted material from academic libraries, even though the museum and art worlds have dealt with these issues for decades. We share processes we developed and our quest to publicize this issue as broadly as possible. We also discuss methods that European librarians are currently using research provenance. Ours is a singular case, and institutions must understand that each question of repatriation must be considered within its own particular context. We offer some models for addressing repatriation questions and call for an organized English language forum where Judaica librarians in academic libraries and archives everywhere can discuss these issues in order to promote broader understanding, collaboration, and actions.

Libraries for Tomorrow: The Use of ICT and Space Transformation in Some Academic Libraries in Ghana

Purpose-the aim of the study was to examine transformations in academic library spaces in Ghana Design/Methodology/approach-the quantitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected using Google Forms. A total of 98 librarians from five academic libraries in Ghana representing less than 10% of all librarians in academic libraries in Ghana. Data collected was analysed using the R 4. 0 programming Software and presented using charts and tables. Findings- Eighty-one percent (81%) of the participants agreed that their libraries were moving from ‘book-centered’ to ‘technology supported and learning centered’ libraries engineered by emerging technologies and the changing demand of academic library users. Again, it was revealed that librarians had moderate to low skills in providing advanced technological support to users in creating, capturing, editing, and sharing multimedia (video, audio, text, images) for their research, teaching, and learning purposes. Finally, results from the multinomial regression analysis with p values showed that availability of IT utilities, usability and skills of librarians were significant revealing that they have effects on the levels of library space transformation. Practical implications- The capabilities of librarians should be improved form undertaking basic computing task to providing advanced support to their users. Stakeholder and academic library management should encourage their young librarian to further their education and engage in continuous professional development programmes. Libraries should develop strategies to secure the necessary funding to implement IT facilities. Originality-The study used quantitative methods to study transformations in academic library spaces, a grey researched area in Ghana.

Academic Library Leadership in Nigeria and ICT Adoption

Leadership is vital to the accomplishment of librarianship in the modern era. This paper investigated academic library leadership in Nigeria and ICT adoption. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was used for data collection. The population of the study was 402 librarians in academic libraries in South-west, Nigeria. It was found that library leadership plays a significant role in ICT adoption in academic libraries in Nigeria. The study found that though both transformational and transactional leadership styles are good in an academic library setting, the respondents rated their leaders as more transformational than transactional. The extent of the adoption of ICT in performing library operations is high. The libraries benefited enormously from the adoption of ICT, even though the libraries face a lot of challenges in the adoption of ICT. It was recommended that Library leaders should imbibe transformational leadership practices in the management of their libraries as it offers effective leadership and is acceptable to the subordinates. The academic libraries should also make full-scale adoption of ICT in performing their operations due to the numerous improvements ICT brings to job performance and service delivery

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.

Libraries post Covid 19 pandemic: Considerations from Mexico

The objective of this paper is to show a general description of the first actions that librarians carried out in Mexico in the face of the Covid 19 pandemic, both to respond to the user in their demands for information, and to carry out their professional and leisure activities. The actions undertaken by librarians of academic libraries in the context of the pandemic are presented. Libraries in Mexico are one of the main sources of access to documentary information. In general, all types of libraries had to suspend their services during the pandemic and initiate protocols to restart functions. In this paper we have specifically addressed the contingency measures implemented in university libraries. Academic libraries had to adapt quickly to continue offering documentary and information services and with this, continue to carry out their functions in the development of professional training activities, technological developments, research, administration, and extension of culture. Both university libraries and users (students, professors, researchers, and administrative staff) had to adapt to the contingency since in most cases protocols were established both for prevention to avoid contagion and for user care.
 This document is the result of the research carried out based on the information answered by 40 libraries studied, to whom an instrument was applied. The literature on current topics was consulted in various databases and information from the websites of the libraries themselves. Information was also collected from approximately 20 academic events organized by library associations and other information professionals, such as the AMBAC (Civil Association of Librarians), the Library College of Mexico and the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions).

Assessment of Job Satisfaction and Work Performance among Librarians in Academic Libraries in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Assessment of Job Satisfaction and Work Performance among Librarians in Academic Libraries in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Librarians’ Knowledge and Use of Web Applications for Effective Services in Academic Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria


 
 
 This paper aims at assessing what librarians in academic libraries in Anambra state know about web applications and how they utilise them Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study which involved 120 librarians and library staff in four academic libraries. Four research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The two instruments used were validated by two senior lecturers in the Department of Library and Information Science and one expert in measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the WAKT (Web Application Knowledge Test) was calculated using the Kudder-Richarchson K-20 formula with reliability coefficient of 0.98; while Cronbach Alpha was used to calculated the reliability coefficient of WAUQ (Web Applications Use Questionnaire) with coefficient 0.75, 0.82, 0.84 for section A, B, C respectively. Percentages, frequencies and mean ratings were used to answer the research questions. T-test was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings of the study included among others, that librarians from state institutions understood more the meaning of web applications than their counterparts in federal institutions, while the librarians from federal institutions understood more of the use process of web applications. However, the aggregate average of all the librarians is above the pass mark of 50%, but the average use of web applications in rendering library services, online delivery of tutorials is low. No significant difference was found in the mean achievement scores of librarians in federal and state institutions on their level of knowledge of web applications. The study recommended that it should be made a point of duty to conduct orientations at least annually for librarians on how helpful web applications can support their duties and tasks, research and academic work.
 
 

Embedded librarians in academic libraries: impact, assessment, and sustainability

Academic librarians are continually looking for ways to impact student learning. Embedded librarianship can be a method to connect with students in ways that cannot be accomplished with one-shot instruction sessions. The following eight articles were selected for their excellence in researching and sharing embedded librarian experiences in a variety of academic library settings.

KOMPETENSI DATA LIBRARIAN DALAM RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT: SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This paper investigates the Data Librarian (DL) competencies in Research Data Management (RDM). Using the systematic literature review of paper published over the last ten years from 2010 to 2020 through databases subscribed by Brawijaya University Library. A total of 243 research articles yielded that meet the selection criteria and finally 15 studies were included in this study. The results obtained show that: (1) many articles discussing the competence of DL in the field of RDM are still written from and about librarians in academic libraries; (2) the most used methods of research are survey, case studies, and mixed-method; (3) the competence of DL presented varies each paper, however, the most common competencies are technical skills, followed by knowledge, non-technical skills, and abilities. This study provides an overview of libraries in Indonesia to be able to prepare and develop librarian competencies in their roles in the field of RDM.

Acquisition of Pedagogical Competencies by Librarians in Academic Libraries in Cameroon: Perceptions and Needs - Case Study.

The development of information and communication technologies is the cause of constant change in the librarian profession at the university in particular. Indeed, it is the best environment for research. Professionals adapt to the user-generated new needs as information mediators. It is in this sense that the continuing professional development of academic librarians at the University of Yaoundé I lies at the heart of this undertaking. Its implementation requires a regular needs assessment. The study highlights the pedagogical skills needs of the academic librarians. It identifies their strengths as to their qualifications to pass on knowledge about information research to target audiences, and develop skills within the library services. A grid of pedagogical skills needs was submitted to librarians who were able to express their needs. This resulted in interviews with library officials and academic libraries. The results of the study show great awareness of their pedagogical mission. Important initiatives have been taken in this area, but they need to be formalized, using appropriate tools for a greater efficiency. Suggestions are made in order to increase the visibility of academic libraries of the University of Yaoundé I among the faculties or institutions by bringing diverse actors together

Combating the Challenges of Intellectual Freedom: The Perspective of Librarians in Academic Libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Censorship of library materials denies people's right to access, use, retrieve, and store materials of their desire. Intellectual freedom is critical to eliminating the constraint of censorship. Issues such as illiteracy, societal standards, and selection policy hadbeen identified as challenges to intellectual freedom. The existing body of literature revealed that library materials are subjected to censorship and this denies readers’ rights to access desirable information at any point in time. Aim: This research examined the perception of librarians on combating the challenges of intellectual freedom. Methodology: The target population for this study included professional librarians working in eight (8) selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents from the 8 academic libraries involved in the study. A questionnaire of 6 research questions was developed for the collection of data. Findings: The results indicated: the majority of the respondents agree that there are equal opportunities for library users to access library materials, obscene and controversial materials are subjected to censorship, library selection policy restricts library users’ access to desired materials. Lifting restriction of access to library materials was identified as the way to combat the challenges of intellectual freedom. Recommendations: The authors recommends that government should ensure that the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) is passed to enable library patrons’ have access to all information materials and that library stakeholders should create awareness, publicity, or enlightenment on intellectual freedom to inform the users of their rights to hold, use, and access information materials of their choice.

The evaluation of the relationship between customers’ knowledge management and their loyalty to academic libraries

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between customers’ knowledge management and their loyalty to academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted by the descriptive-survey method. After determining the validity and the reliability of the questionnaire, 400 questionnaires were distributed among the undergraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) by stratified sampling method. Finally, 373 questionnaires were considered as the basis for data analysis. Structural equation method was used for data analysis. Findings In this study, nine hypotheses were examined and tested. The results of the path analysis indicated that factors such as perceived value, knowledge about customer, satisfaction, perceived quality, knowledge for customer and knowledge about customer had the most to least impact on customer loyalty to academic libraries. In addition, this study highlighted the role of perceived value. Data analysis showed the important role of perceived value as an interface between customers’ knowledge management and its direct and indirect relationship with them. Practical implications Based on the findings of this study, it seems that the managers and the librarians of academic libraries need to consider the relationship between customers’ knowledge management and perceived quality, as well as the satisfaction of their customers to use the customer knowledge management capacities for developing their loyalty. Originality/value In this case, an effective step can be taken toward developing the knowledge management of users and ultimately encouraging them to show their loyalty to academic libraries and satisfying their information needs and providing the justification for the survival of these types of libraries.

Determinants of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption among Librarians in Academic Libraries

Determinants of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption among Librarians in Academic Libraries

“A Library Within a Library”: Organizational Design as Perceived by Academic Government Information Librarians

Government information librarians in academic libraries often serve multiple roles, providing public and technical services for government information along with other duties as assigned. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 academic Federal Depository Library Program coordinators to better understand how they view the organizational design of their library. The study finds that coordinators are able to clearly identify their own priorities for government information. However, their ability to integrate these priorities with larger university and library goals depends on the presence of a strategic plan and a clear method by which to adapt priorities to a larger plan. The study also discusses themes of data services, physical collection legacies, and access and discovery of government information materials.