Library Services Research Articles

Librarians’ awareness towards the use of artificial intelligence technologies for Sustainable library services

This paper investigated Librarians’ Awareness towards the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Sustainable Library Services. Four research objectives and one null hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The targeted population of the study are Librarians in Nigeria. Questionnaires were sent online via Google form to the association WhatsApp platforms in order to get responses from the members. The process brought in a total of 203 responses which was used to analyse the data. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The finding shows that there is high extent of the level of librarians’ awareness in the use of AI technologies in library services. The study also highlighted the various challenges of using AI in library operations, ranging from the fact that AI do not have human feelings/physical contact and frequent use of AI can make them irrelevant in the library thereby losing their job. Finally, the hypothesis stated that there is a significant difference between the mean score of the awareness of librarians towards the use of artificial intelligence technologies on library services. Since the p-value is less than the significance level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Based on the findings, the researchers recommends among others that there is need for librarians to attend trainings, workshops and conferences related to the adoption of artificial intelligence in order to prepare them for future tasks.

Analisis Kualitas Pelayanan Perpustakaan Daerah di Kota Depok

The reading interest index in Indonesia according to the UNESCO survey is still relatively low, so support from various parties is needed, one of which is quality library facilities and infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the quality of library services. This study aims to assess the quality of regional library services in Depok City using a qualitative descriptive approach. The focus of this study refers to the five dimensions of Prasuraman's theory, namely Responsiveness, Assurance, Tangible, Empathy, and Reliability.Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study showed that the library succeeded in providing accurate, timely, and consistent services in accordance with strict SOPs and routine evaluations, reflecting a high level of reliability. In terms of responsiveness, the library is responsive to visitor needs through mobile library services, digital services, and efficient complaint management. Service quality is guaranteed through regular training for staff and friendly attitudes of officers, creating a comfortable and trusted environment. Empathy is shown through an approach that is tailored to visitor needs, providing personal attention that makes visitors feel appreciated. Despite limitations in facilities, the library strives to provide adequate services, including facilities for people with disabilities, especially the blind and deaf.

Analisis Potensi Peningkatan Minat Kunjung Pemustaka di Dinas Perpustakaan dan Kearsipan Kabupaten Bantul

This research was conducted at the Bantul Regency Library and Archives Service. The aim of this research is to analyze the increasing interest in visiting the Bantul Regency Library and Archives Service from year to year. This research uses qualitative descriptive methods with data collection techniques, namely Observation, Interviews, Documentation. Systematically observe and record the situation at the Library and Archives Service Bantul Regency and conducted interviews with librarians and several library visitors. This research proves what factors cause increased interest in visiting the Bantul Regency Library and Archives Service. The results of this research indicate that there are 2 factors increasing interest in visiting the Bantul Regency Library and Archives Service, namely Internal Factors and External Factors.

“Hurry Up and Wait”: Establishing Libraries Programming for Student Veterans

The specific needs of veterans on college campuses necessitates a tailored approach to introducing libraries services and resources. This article describes the development and challenges of “Libraries Mission Brief for UMN Veterans,” a library orientation workshop for student veterans at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. This workshop was influenced by a review of existing orientation models for student veterans and the multimodal needs of the veteran population at the University of Minnesota. Despite positive feedback initially, the first attempts to offer the workshop faced low enrollment, inspiring an evaluation of outreach strategies. Workshop instructors pivoted to change promotion practices and continue building relationships with veterans on campus, including collaborating with the Student Veterans Association of Minnesota. The “Libraries Mission Brief for UMN Veterans” workshop will continue to provide a welcoming space for veterans to network with each other, learn about library services, and collaborate with other veteran-friendly departments to continue growing efforts to support the student veteran population at the University of Minnesota.

Collaborative Design on a Dime

Yale Library launched a collaborative program to publish a suite of video tutorials on YouTube to market centralized library services and collections. This article describes how a library committee came together to design, produce, distribute, and maintain a suite of video tutorials in a large library system in a short time frame with a limited budget. The program’s success enabled the development of an internal immersion program to train library staff to create videos to use in asynchronous and course-integrated instruction.

Addressing Language and Ableism in Information Technology: A Call to Action for Academic Librarians

This column explores the pervasive influence of information technologies in academic libraries and underscores the critical role of librarians and professional staff in navigating and thriving within this technology-rich environment. As libraries increasingly integrate advanced technologies such as AI, digital asset management systems, and online communication platforms, addressing ableism and ensuring accessibility becomes paramount. The paper highlights key areas where ableism can manifest, including Zoom meetings, information technology, digital asset management systems, community of practice documents, instructional design, collection development, library programming and events, reference and research services, scholarly communications, information literacy, and artificial intelligence. For each area, practical strategies are provided to decrease ableism and promote inclusivity. By fostering an environment that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, librarians can better connect users to information resources and ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully engage with and benefit from library services. This column aims to equip librarians with actionable insights and tools to create more equitable and just academic libraries.

Knowledge management and provision of academic library services in the University of Sierra Leone: A mixed-methods approach

This study examined knowledge management practices in the academic libraries of Fourah Bay College (FBC), the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) at the University of Sierra Leone. Data from 33 participants via questionnaires, interviews and observations revealed significant gaps, including the absence of knowledge categorisation into explicit, implicit and tacit forms. Additionally, knowledge management policies are not well-publicised, resulting in staff's lack of understanding of their importance. The research underscores the potential benefits of categorising library knowledge, which could enhance the organisation and accessibility of information. Such improvements would be valuable for governments, university authorities, librarians, policymakers, researchers, students and the public, facilitating better knowledge management and access within these academic institutions.

Librarians’ Perceptions of Tribalism/Ethnicity and Favouritism Practices and the Perceptions’ Effect on Job Satisfaction and Service Delivery in Federal University Libraries in Southern Nigeria

Objective – This study examined librarians’ perceptions of tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices and the perceived effect on job satisfaction and service delivery in federal university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The study was aimed at observing whether or not librarians perceive that their senior library managers engage in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices; discerning the extent to which they are perceived to be engaging in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices; ascertaining how the perceived tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices can affect job satisfaction of librarians and service delivery by librarians in federal university libraries in Southern Nigeria. Methods – This study used a descriptive survey research design. The total population for this study comprised 296 librarians who were below the rank of senior library manager from 18 federal university libraries in the southern region of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected for this study were analyzed using simple percentage/frequency counts and weighted mean. Results – This study found that librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria believe that senior library managers engage in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices and that the extent of these practices is very high. These librarians clearly have strong concerns that the practise of tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism in libraries can have negative effects on librarians’ job satisfaction and can lead to poor service delivery. Conclusion – It is glaring from this study that tribalism and favouritism practices by senior library managers are perceived to be prevalent in university libraries in Southern Nigeria, significantly impacting librarians' job satisfaction. This negative workplace dynamic can hinder effective service delivery, ultimately affecting user experience and the library's role in education. Addressing these biases is crucial, as promoting fairness and inclusivity can enhance job satisfaction, improve staff morale, and lead to higher quality library services for all patrons.

The Digital Transformation in Circulation Service Librarian Performance at the Regional Library and Archives Service of Jambi Province

Background: Public libraries must be able to provide services that can support quality in order to increase interest in visiting libraries. Purpose: This study describes how the performance and quality of librarians on circulation services at the Regional Library and Archives Service of Jambi Province. What are the librarian's obstacles in improving the performance of the circulation service, What are the librarian's efforts to improve the performance of the circulation service. This study also describes a general picture of how things are at the Jambi Provincial Library and Archives Service, especially in circulation services. Design and methods: The method used in this research is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Determination of subjects in this study by means of purposive sampling, data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis methods are data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results obtained from this study were concluded after triangulating the data. Results: The results obtained from this study were concluded after triangulating the data. The results in this study indicate that the performance of librarians in Circulation Services at the Regional Library and Archives Service of Jambi Province is quite good, although not yet fully optimal. This can be seen from the Employee Work Targets and performance indicators which include work quality, quantity, timeliness, effectiveness, and independence. Obstacles of librarians in improving the performance of circulation services, namely: Lack of human resources, inadequate facilities and infrastructure. The librarian's efforts in improving the performance of circulation services, namely: Adding management human resources, adding and improving facilities and infrastructure. The performance of librarians in Circulation Services at the Regional Library and Archives Service of Jambi Province is quite good, although it is not fully maximized and can be improved again to achieve excellent service quality

Research on the Innovation of Management and Service Models of University Libraries in the Information Age

With the advent of the information age, university libraries, as core institutions for knowledge management and information services, face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The rapid development of information technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, provides a broad space for the innovation of university library management and service models. This paper aims to explore the innovative paths of university library management and service models under the background of informatization, analyzing the profound impact of information technologies on library management, service efficiency, resource integration, and user experience. First, the article reviews the impact of the information age on university libraries, pointing out the limitations of traditional management and service models. It then analyzes the necessity of innovating management and service models through informatization, proposes directions for intelligent, personalized, and digitalized services, and discusses the practical applications of information technologies in resource management and services. Finally, the paper summarizes the potential challenges faced by university libraries in the informatization transformation process and proposes corresponding innovative paths and implementation strategies. The study shows that informatization can not only improve the management efficiency of libraries but also provide more personalized and efficient services to students and faculty, driving university libraries towards a more intelligent and modern direction.

Careers and Revision eBooks from your library service

Careers and Revision eBooks from your library service

Penerapan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Kinerja (SiManja) pada Bidang Penyimpanan, Pengolahan, dan Pelestarian Bahan Perpustakaan di Dinas Perpustakaan dan Arsip Aceh

This study aims to examine the implementation of SiManja in the field of storage, processing, and preservation of library materials at the Aceh Library and Archives Service. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data obtained through interviews with 10 employees, field observations, and internal document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of SiManja helps improve employee discipline by filling in Employee Performance Targets (SKP) more systematically and organized. However, some technical obstacles such as difficulty understanding the application are still found. With continuous training and simpler guidance, the effectiveness of the system can be further improved.

Trends in health librarianship topics presented at four UK-based conferences between 2017 and 2022: A thematic analysis.

Although thematic analysis of health librarianship (HL) presentations at conferences in the USA exists, no similar research has been reported focused on HL at UK conferences. To determine trends in HL conference presentations from 2017 to 2022 at three UK-based HL conferences and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) conferences. Thematic analysis of conference programmes obtained from websites, the Internet Archive Wayback Machine and conference organisers. A total of 226 HL-related conference presentations were identified across all the examined conference programmes. Eight themes emerged: being a Healthcare Librarian; Digital Working; Finding the Evidence; Generating Research; Strategic Library Management; Literacies; Other; and Using the Evidence. 'Being a Healthcare Librarian' (n = 54) and 'Strategic Library Management' (n = 53) were the most prominent cross-conference themes. Presentations at HL-specific conferences provide a wider range of themes than CILIP conferences, with 'Being a Healthcare Librarian' absent from CILIP conferences but 'Literacies' appearing in similar numbers at both. Differences in conference formats and the COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced presentation numbers. HL conference themes are not directly reflected in CILIP conferences. NHS Knowledge and Library Services staff should be encouraged to undertake and disseminate original research, creating a UK evidence base for healthcare librarianship.

Beyond the Bookshelf

This column presents a case study exploring innovative approaches to digital librarianship within a distance learning Higher Education institution based in the UK. Key initiatives included asynchronous information literacy instruction, Python scripts for auditing course materials for broken links and copyright compliance, and management of physical extracts via a digital content store. It examines the challenges of building an online library service, balancing learner-centric practice with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study analyses the work done and presents future initiatives, offering insights and sharing practices for solo or small team librarians navigating the evolving landscape of both distance and face-to-face education.

Exploring library service preferences: A study of information source usage in engineering colleges

This study investigates the perception and preferences of library services and information sources among patrons at engineering colleges, specifically focusing on the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research employs a survey method, collecting data from a sample of 382 respondents, including undergraduate students, postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members. The survey assesses satisfaction levels across various resources, including print books, e-books, print journals, e-journals/databases, and multimedia resources, with a particular emphasis on AI-based library services. Results indicate that faculty members exhibit the highest satisfaction with library services, particularly those enhanced by artificial intelligence, while undergraduate students show the least satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of understanding user preferences to enhance library offerings, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall user experience. This research contributes valuable insights into the evolving needs of engineering college patrons in a digital age and offers recommendations for library management to better serve its diverse user base, particularly through the integration of AI-driven services.

A Study on the Awareness and Utilization of Web and Mobile-enabled Library and Information Services among the Faculty Members, Researchers, and Students of PES University, Bengaluru-

A Study on the Awareness and Utilization of Web and Mobile-enabled Library and Information Services among the Faculty Members, Researchers, and Students of PES University, Bengaluru-

Industry 5.0 – the human centric solution and personalization: challenges and opportunities for libraries

Purpose Industry 5.0 is considering a paradigm shift from mass production to mass personalization and a human-centric model of services using modern technologies. This study aims to examine the Industry 5.0 and its applications in various sectors. It also pinpoints the possible challenges and opportunities for libraries promoting library services, resources, infrastructure and spaces to attract the modern library users. Design/methodology/approach Relevant literature on the topic was searched using keywords including Industry 5.0, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability and green shift and libraries. The researcher also used his experience and the initiatives of the Punjab University Library, which is the oldest and largest university in Pakistan, to promote personalization and user-centered approaches. Findings Findings revealed challenges and opportunities for libraries. Using Industry 5.0, Libraries have the potential to understand users’ preferences, browsing history and information behavior, and accordingly design their services, resources, infrastructure and spaces. Libraries can serve their modern users through personalization and human centric approach such as content recommendations, alert and notification services, customized research assistant, inclusive and accessibility services, personalized event services and personalization through human books. Practical implications Professional library associations, library schools, library directors and libraries need to proactive learn and apply Industry 5.0 while establishing library services, resources, infrastructure and spaces. Library schools need to design their curriculum considering the Industry 5.0 technologies, tools, and platforms. Originality/value This study provides a pen picture of the Industry 5.0 and its impact on libraries. Potential challenges and opportunities are highlighted. These all initiatives required a visionary library leadership to take initiatives toward human-centered personalized services and attract the modern library users.

Flying books: a new frontier of mobile libraries in the era of Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR)

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how drone technology can enhance the reach and efficiency of mobile library services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It aims to evaluate the potential of drones in overcoming traditional access barriers, improving resource distribution and fostering greater community engagement through advanced service delivery mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative approach to explore the integration of drone technology in mobile library services, framed within the context of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). Drawing literature from databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Scopus, it also presents a case study of drone-enabled library services implemented in rural communities of Nigeria. The study focuses on the practical aspects of drone deployment, the impact on underserved communities and the challenges faced, offering insights into the logistical and operational dynamics of this innovative service model. Findings The study reveals that drone technology significantly improves access to library resources, particularly in hard-to-reach and disaster-prone areas. Drones offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to conventional mobile libraries, cutting operational costs by 60% and reducing delivery times by 40%. Despite these advantages, the implementation process encountered challenges such as financial sustainability, community skepticism and the need for specialized staff training. Originality/value The study contributes to the evolving discourse on mobile library innovations, positioning drones as a practical and sustainable solution for expanding library services in the 5IR era. It provides new perspectives on the logistical, social and environmental benefits of drone-enabled libraries, emphasizing their potential to enhance digital literacy, aid in disaster recovery and build stronger community connections.

Factors influencing students’ information channel preferences in finding sources for their final academic reports

Introduction. Understanding students' information channel preferences for information sources in academic tasks is crucial for improving library services. This study identifies factors influencing these preferences. Data Collection Methods. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 26 final-year students working on their theses, focusing on their selection of information channels. Data Analysis. The interview results were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Recurring themes were identified and categorized based on participants' responses, revealing common preferences for information sources. Results and Discussion. This study found that factors influencing the choice of information sources include the convenience, quantity, and quality of information sources provided by different channels. Additionally, users’ intentions, such as the need to obtain specific types of academic sources or the desire to personally own the acquired sources, also play a significant role. Therefore, academic libraries should ensure that their services are created, maintained, and developed based on users' experiences with existing library services to better meet their academic information needs and support them in completing their academic tasks. Conclusion. In today's academic world, students have diverse preferences for where they find information. Some lean towards the library, while others prefer the internet, especially for their final projects. Interestingly, some see both as useful for their research.

Effects of slow internet on academic library staff productivity and job satisfaction

Introduction. This paper investigated the effects of slow internet on academic library staff productivity and job satisfaction of academic library staff using the University of Ibadan library as a case in focus. Data Collection Methods. The study employed a qualitative research method, guided by a phenomenological research paradigm, using Focus Group discussions for data collection. The responses were presented and discussed objectively. Data Analysis. NVivo software was used for qualitative data analysis to enhance the depth of qualitative research by providing data management technique and facilitate complex analyses, and support robust reporting. Results and Discussion. Findings of the study revealed that slow internet may have serious consequences on library staff, their operations, and productivity including; decreased output, staff dissatisfaction, and hampered user services etcetera. The study recommends that universities and library management invest in faster, more reliable internet, implement hybrid systems to provide alternative resources during technological limitations, ensure librarians are adaptable in managing slow internet challenges, and encourage librarians to maintain a positive mindset to avoid frustration and job dissatisfaction. Conclusion. This research addresses a gap in the literature by examining how internet speed impacts library staff productivity and satisfaction, providing insights for enhancing library services and staff well-being amidst technological challenges.