Library Awareness Research Articles

What is a “good” library? The measures are changing

PurposeStandardization of library performance measures started in 1994, when several handbooks describing performance indicators had already appeared. The 1st edition of the International Standard ISO 11620 was published in 1998, followed by an amendment 5 years later, both dealing with the traditional library. As indicators for the digital library services were still developing, a pre-standard technical report for such indicators was published separately in 2003. The second edition was published in 2008 and combined 45 indicators for traditional and digital services, if possible, as “hybrid” indicators. The 3rd edition appeared in 2013 with 52 indicators, presenting new topics such as preservation and digitization. For this edition, seven indicators had been eliminated as outdated. The 4th edition was edited in 2023, presenting 61 indicators, of which 14 new indicators and many revisions. The paper follows the subject areas and corresponding indicators over time and tries to define the present and possible future trends.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the development of library performance measurement as standardized in ISO 11620. It follows the changes, additions and deletions of indicators since the first edition in 1998 and compares them to the changes in libraries’ tasks and activities.FindingsThe analysis shows that indicators for changing tasks and technologies or for new fields of interest follow a few years after the changes, as the methods have to be developed and tested. New topics are often introduced from outside, following political trends and themes, such as cost-efficiency or support for special user groups. An important input came from other standards with quality indicators, especially ISO 21246 for museums and ISO 21248 for national libraries. An interesting issue is the changing role of indicators for the digital library in ISO 11620. Until the forthcoming edition, a simple increase in digital collections and services was often regarded as quality. The new concept is to regard the existence of digital services and collections in libraries as normal and to look for additional aspects, e.g. the use of a digitized collection.Research limitations/implicationsFor the first time, the forthcoming edition will contain a clause about impact assessment. Measuring the quality of library services should not stop with effectiveness and efficiency but should also include assessing the impact on individuals and society. Methods for assessing library impact are described in a separate standard, ISO 16439. However, there is evidently a borderland between evaluating the quality of library services and identifying their effect on users. The new edition of ISO 11620 tries to clarify this and includes some “border” indicators, such as measures for the awareness of libraries their services.Originality/valueThe overview of developments in the standardized performance measures will help to understand the relation of the indicators to the current goals and tasks of libraries and may further the use of the standard. As libraries’ tasks and activities will continue to develop and change, new topics will come up in the next few years, some of which can already be identified today.

Digital Library Awareness among Library Skilled in Bidar District: A Study

Digital Library Awareness among Library Skilled in Bidar District: A Study

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH FOR EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AMONG LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

This paper examines the effectiveness of advocacy and outreach in promoting collaboration and knowledge management among libraries in Nigeria. To this effect, an extensive literature search was carried out to evaluate existing strategies, methods, and resources used for knowledge management in libraries. Results of the review show that advocacy and outreach initiatives are necessary for effective collaboration and knowledge management among libraries in Nigeria. In this regard, strategies such as library awareness campaigns, advocacy programs, and training courses for librarians are needed to promote collaboration and knowledge management among library staff. Furthermore, library associations could be adequately equipped and empowered to effectively promote collaboration and knowledge management among library staff. In conclusion, advocacy and outreach initiatives are essential for effective collaboration and knowledge management among libraries in Nigeria. This paper concludes that advocacy and outreach are essential strategies in proactively connecting the Law School Library to its users, and this can potentially foster and enhance effective collaboration and knowledge management in Nigerian Law School Libraries. It is recommended that library associations are empowered to effectively promote collaboration and knowledge management among library staff. Library awareness campaigns, advocacy programmes, and training courses should also be implemented to improve collaboration and knowledge management among library staff. Related literature was extensively reviewed through an exploratory approach which led to a thorough explanation of the concepts associated with the theme.

Research on Utilization Rate According to Access and Awareness of Children's Libraries in the Metropolitan Area

Research on Utilization Rate According to Access and Awareness of Children's Libraries in the Metropolitan Area

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

BackgroundLibraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England.DesignA mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff.MethodsWe collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes.ResultsWe included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a ‘safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries’ services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing.ConclusionLibraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries’ untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.

Analisis Komparasi ISO 11620:2014 dan ISO 11620:2023 sebagai Standar Indikator Kinerja Perpustakaan

ISO 11620 is an international standard used as a guideline for measuring library performance. In 2023, this standard underwent a significant revision with the addition of library performance indicators. This study aims to understand the differences occurrs in both editions of the ISO 11620 standard and the implications of these changes in library performance measurement. This study used a comparative descriptive approach to analyze the differences and similarities between ISO 11620:2014 and ISO 11620:2023. The Online Draftable was used to analyze the text comparison. The results of the text comparison analysis identified 4,541 content changes and 317 text style changes in ISO 11620:2023. There is a change in the number of terms and definitions covered in ISO 11620:2014 from 57 terms to 85 terms and definitions in ISO 11620:2023. The number of performance indicators in ISO 11620:2014 was 52, and in ISO 11620:2023 it is 85. There are 15 new performance indicators focus on library use and utilization including collections, access via mobile devices, library awareness, and library impact assessment.

Synchronizing innovation: unveiling the synergy of need-based and curiosity-based experimentation in AI technology adoption for libraries

PurposeIn the context of libraries adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology, this paper aims to demonstrate the synergy between two different yet complimentary frameworks, need-based experimentation (NBE) and curiosity-based experimentation (CBE). It looks at how these frameworks interact and operate together to promote technological innovation and innovation in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ extensive professional experience in the AI adoption and innovation of libraries is drew upon in this paper. The methodology encompasses empirical observations of various libraries engaging in digital innovations through experimentations with AI technology adoption practices. Using the frameworks of NBE and CB), these observations are examined to find patterns, relationships and mutual reinforcement between the two methods. The analysis of this study is built on the authors’ observations and real-world case studies.FindingsThe research reveals that NBE and CBE work together to provide libraries with all-encompassing adoption methods for AI technology. This study indicates a dynamic interaction between NBE and CBE that boosts libraries’ methods for adopting AI technology. NBE acts as a catalyst for CBE by raising awareness of specific library needs, prompting librarians to explore AI technologies aligned with those needs. This synergy empowers librarians to creatively experiment with technology solutions that directly address pressing library challenges. Conversely, CBE fuels NBE by promoting group learning among diverse team members and fostering individual motivation to tackle library needs collaboratively. As they explore AI technology out of personal curiosity, librarians make important contributions that enhance NBE.Originality/valueThe novel aspect of this study is the recognition of the complementarity between NBE and CBE frameworks, which suggests that libraries should view them as intertwined rather than two separate approaches. Focusing on both methodologies increases the culture of experimentation and improves the problem-solving abilities of librarians. Innovation is fueled by controlled experimentation and innate curiosity in an atmosphere that is fostered by the mutual influence of NBE and CBE. This synthesis offers libraries a comprehensive strategy for adopting AI technology, empowering them to manage the shifting environment and realize the revolutionary promise of AI technologies.

Students Learning Style and the Usage of Digital Libraries in the Implementation of Secondary Schools Curriculum in Nigeria

The study examined students’ learning style and the usage of digital library in the implementation of curriculum of secondary school s in Nigeria. The usage of digital libraries has become increasing important in the implementation of secondary schools curriculum in Nigeria. However, students learning styles have been identified as a critical factor that affects their utilization of digital libraries and thereby constitute a limitation to their learning. This was mainly due to certain challenges which include non sensitization and awareness of teachers and libraries attendants to cater for the learners’ peculiar ways of learning, low strength of internet provision in Nigeria, high subscription rate, inadequacy of e-learning resources to support the users the users, inadequate training on digital literacy, low support from educators on incorporating multimedia resources and poor digital literacy. Therefore, if the essential resources are well catered for learners can make use and access the digital libraries very easy to achieve greater learning outcomes which is implementation of secondary schools’ curriculum in Nigeria.

State of Library Awareness Service in the IT Era and Users Response: A Study of JNN College of Engineering Library-Shimoga

Information service is the emerging motto of all information centers. To tweet the expected level of the current users, the center should do needful to include certain nascent tools and techniques in their operation. JNN College of Engineering Library and Information Center has advanced and up-to-date information of the resources in the library. And to effectively distribute the preserved papers to its users, the library organizer must properly organize the library in the direction of being well-equipped. The head of the library must understand the nature of the library, the nature of the users of the library, and also change the pattern as per the users' likes and dislikes. Since today the mindset of the users' community is completely changed, because of the time constraints and accuracy in the information, users of the library lean towards IT-based services. Not only services, but relevant service awareness is also critical. In that direction, every information organizer and administrator should put an effort into conducting well-planned and required methods of library awareness programs. Keeping in mind massive coverage of all kinds of user communities, an organization must think over common methods and techniques in conducting awareness programs. Especially in the trend of today, massive numbers of the users' community are on social media like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Web page, etc. Keeping these aspects in the mind, information centers of today must be alert and think over the reachable media and implement them in making effective awareness about the library and its activities to the current users' community. This article attempted to make an understanding of how the users’ community is making use of the library resources effectively and in making effective use, what are the efforts put by the library organizer to make awareness of the library to its users are the main goals of the study.

Awareness and usage of Web and Mobile-Based Library and Information Services among the Faculty Members, Researchers, and PG Students of JSS Science & Technology University, Mysore: A Study

Awareness and usage of Web and Mobile-Based Library and Information Services among the Faculty Members, Researchers, and PG Students of JSS Science & Technology University, Mysore: A Study

Utilization of Main Library Information Resources amidst Pandemic

Libraries are depositories of print and non-print information resources, vital in any institution for preserving and conserving human knowledge. As a result of the pandemic, many libraries were forced to close, significantly impacting how people utilized libraries. The primary purpose of the study is to determine the level of utilization of BC Main Library Information Resources by fourth-year undergraduate students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study attempted to identify the information resources available at BC Main Library, identify the problems impeding optimal utilization of library information resources during the pandemic, and offer solutions to the challenges discovered. This employed a descriptive quantitative survey method, with respondents receiving questionnaires online. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents acknowledged the availability of information resources in the Bicol College Main Library, and they utilized these resources even amidst the pandemic. Due to the limits imposed by the pandemic, students had challenges using these resources. The suggested measures are critical in addressing students' difficulties when using these resources. More studies on improving awareness should be performed, and the provision of orientations, training, and capitalizing on new technology was highlighted as measures to promote library awareness and utilization.

Perspectives of Librarians on Awareness and Readiness of Academic Libraries to Integrate Artificial Intelligence for Library Operations and Services in Nigeria

This study examined the perspectives of librarians on the awareness and readiness of academic libraries to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for library operations and services in Nigeria. Six libraries were drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. An open-ended questionnaire posted to the respondents through the mail was used for data collection. Collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that the Nigerian academic libraries are aware of the integration of AI systems in libraries and how it is now being adopted and used in many academic libraries around the globe. However, this is not so in the Nigerian context. The findings also reveal that the librarians have mixed feelings about the readiness of academic libraries to integrate AI systems into library operations and services. Based on the librarian perception, the result implies that integration of AI in library operation and services will take the library to the next level by reducing human errors due to repetitiveness in library tasks, and if care is not taken, AI system might take their job role. The challenges reported that academic libraries in Nigeria may likely face the problem of funding, inadequate experts, limited power supply, limited budget to procure the technology and training personnel that will be in charge of the system maintenance. The study recommends the need for adequate funding for libraries to be able to procure, AI and other information and communication technology infrastructure; and recruitment of librarians with relevant requisite skills to work with the technology.

A Pandemic Snapshot: Libraries’ Digital Shifts and Disparities to Overcome

ABSTRACT In the fall and winter of 2020, New America embarked on a snapshot study to gather data on how – or if – people were discovering, accessing, and using their public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on materials that libraries made available online. A full report on our findings, titled Public Libraries and the Pandemic: Digital Shifts and Disparities to Overcome, was published in March 2021. This article draws heavily from that report and also includes a policy update related to passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the Fall of 2021. Analyzing data from a national survey in Fall 2020 of 2,620 people, we found mixed awareness of the public library’s online resources, a shift toward online resources, mostly positive attitudes toward the public library and its online resources, and disparities in access to and use of the public library’s online resources. This article also describes one library’s creation of a digital navigator program to support digital literacy as an example of how to overcome some of these disparities. We conclude with specific recommendations for improving inclusivity, helping community members gain affordable internet access at home so they can use their library’s online materials, and building awareness of library offerings via local organizations and schools. The aim is to leverage the lessons of the pandemic to help libraries launch more equitable ecosystems of learning across communities, providing access to knowledge, resources, and training, online and off.

Students’ awareness on the use of digital library in tertiary institutions in Ekiti state for sustainable development

The study examined the awareness of students and use of e-library in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Descriptive design of the survey was employed. The population comprised all 100 level and 200 level students in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State while the sample consisted of 150 students drawn from three tertiary institutions in Ekiti State using proportionate sampling techniques. A self-constructed questionnaire titled “Students’ awareness and use of e-library” was used to collect relevant data for the study. The instrument was validated by experienced library expert. A reliability co-efficient of 0.75 was obtained through test re-test method. Data collected were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that students in tertiary institutions were aware of e-library but with low patronage on the use of electronic database. The major source of awareness of electronic library among the students are through friends and sensitization. The finding revealed that students use youtube page more than online database and e-journal, e-book and google. Based on the findings, the students should be encouraged to use e-library. Emphasis must be made in the class during the lecture on the use of e-library.

A Review Development of Digital Library Resources at University Level

This study considered the development, awareness, adoption, and usage of digital library (DL) resources at the university level. To develop and implement a successful electronic library resource system, it is vital to review the success factors and identify the most important technological aspects of DL resources. Electronic library information technology was described and grouped into several categories that influence user satisfaction in a DL context. These are open access to information, the facility of access, uncomplicated interface design, high quality of the communication process, Internet performance, performance assurance service, ease of communication via social network, and patron-driven acquisition. With these important features of DL services, the simplicity of accessing online information and the performance of DL utilities have become of paramount importance. Several research works were therefore reviewed and evaluated to determine the usability of DL services; thereafter, the design of the DL discovery system was developed through Blacklight open-source software.

Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge through Community Involvement in Public Libraries in South Africa

Abstract Public libraries exist to serve the information needs of communities, meaning their services need to be reflective of those served communities. However, the literature points to under-usage of libraries among indigenous communities in South Africa, and suggests that the perceived irrelevance of libraries could be a contributing factor. The argument made in this article is for the involvement of communities in planning and implementing services, to enhance awareness, relevance and use of libraries. Such involvement would also provide a space for communities to contribute content based on their indigenous knowledge. In this qualitative multiple case study of purposively selected provincial library services in South Africa, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with library heads. The data were coded and categorised according to themes derived from the stated research questions. The findings show a disjuncture between the interpretation and application of the concept of community involvement – a misalignment that has a negative impact on the ability of libraries to provide inclusive services. A framework for community involvement is suggested as a way of enhancing the synergy between community information needs and public library service provision. The proposed framework identifies indigenous communities, libraries and archival institutions as key stakeholders in harnessing indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that a similar study be conducted with community librarians where the nuances of communities can be unveiled, given that the current participants were heads of library services.

Unit of measurement libraries, their popularity and suitability

AbstractIn scientific applications, physical quantities, and units of measurement are used regularly. If the inherent incompatibility between these units is not handled properly it can lead to potentially catastrophic problems. Although the risk of a miscalculation is high and the cost equally so, almost none of the major programming languages has support for physical quantities. We employed a systematic approach to examine and analyse available units of measurement (UoM) libraries. The search results were condensed into 38 libraries. These were the most comprehensive and well‐developed, open‐source libraries, chosen from approximately 3700 search results across seven repository hosting sites. Most libraries are implemented in a similar manner, but with varying features and evaluation strategies. Three developers and a scientist were interviewed and 91 practitioners of varying experiences from on‐line forums were surveyed to explain their impressions of UoM libraries and their suitability. Our findings show several reasons for nonadoption, including insufficient awareness of UoM libraries, cumbersome in practice, specific performance concerns, and usage of development processes that exclude unit information We conclude with recommendations to UoM library creators derived from these observations. We also argue that so long as units are not part of the language, or not supported through an IDE extension, their use will be limited. Native language support allows for efficient unit conversion and static checking. While lightweight methods provide many benefits of UoM libraries with minimal overheads. Libraries are perhaps best suited to applications in which unit of measurement checking is desirable at run‐time.

Library usage pattern of school teachers in Sri Lanka: problems and issues

The aim of the study was to explore Sri Lankan school teachers‟ information seeking behavior, intention and occasions of accessing libraries, and to measure library skills and the challenges and barriers that they faced during library use. It further examined whether there were any association between the extent of library awareness skills of teachers and four variables such as gender, age, work experience and school locations. A simple random sampling technique was applied to draw the sample for the study and 400 school teachers who had followed postgraduate courses in education were selected as sample from total population (106,756). A questionnaire survey method was used to collect data. Data analysis was done by means of simple and inferential statistics by using SPSS Statistical Package. The results emerged from the present study showed that the studied sample did not regularly access the libraries and they were uncertain about their abilities for effective library use. It was further found that the respondents were rather unsatisfied about the weak library collections of school libraries and improper library services and library arrangements. Unavailability up to date electronic materials and proper guidance also made barriers for school teachers‟ library use. The analysis further found that there was no association between library awareness skills of the teachers and the four given variables (gender, age, work experience and school location).

Promoting the Library to Distance Education Students and Faculty Can Increase Use and Awareness, but Libraries Should Assess their Efforts

A Review of:
 Bonella, L., Pitts, J., & Coleman, J. (2017). How do we market to distance populations, and does it work?: Results from a longitudinal study and a survey of the profession. Journal of Library Administration, 57(1), 69–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2016.1202720 
 Abstract
 Objective – To determine if library promotion efforts targeted at distance education students and instructors were successful and in line with similar activities at other institutions
 Design – Mixed: longitudinal and survey questionnaire
 Setting – Large publicly-funded, doctoral-granting university in the midwestern United States
 Subjects – 494 distance education students and instructors in 2014 compared to 544 in 2011 and “more than 300” (Bonella, Pitts, & Coleman, 2017, p. 77) professionals at American academic libraries.
 Methods – In the longitudinal study, the researchers invited all distance education students and instructors who were active in the 2010-2011 academic year (n = 8,793) and the spring 2014 semester (n = 4,922) to complete an online questionnaire about their awareness and use of library’s services. Questions were formatted as multiple choice or Likert scale with optional qualitative comments. The researchers used descriptive statistics to compare the responses.
 Then, the researchers invited library professionals via relevant distance-education and academic library listservs to complete an online questionnaire about how distance education is supported, promoted, and assessed. Free text questions comprised the majority of the questionnaire. The researchers categorized these and summarized them textually. The researchers used descriptive statistics to collate the responses to the multiple-choice questions.
 Main results – The researchers observed an increase in awareness of all the library services about which they asked undergraduates. Off campus access to databases (92%, n = 55), an online course in the learning management system (78%, n = 47), and online help pages (71%, n = 43) had the highest awareness in 2014 as compared to 2011 when off campus access to databases (73%, n = 74), research guides (43%, n = 44), and online help pages (42%, n = 43) were the top three most visible items. Fewer undergraduates said they do not use the library at all between 2011 (54%, n = 56) and 2014 (30%, n = 18).
 More graduate students reported that they were very satisfied with the library in 2014 (45%, n = 12) than in 2011 (27%, n = 10).
 Faculty members were more aware of library services, especially research guides, which had 79% awareness in 2014 (n = 56) up from 60% (n = 55) in 2011. Almost half (46%) of faculty member respondents had recommended them to students in 2014 as compared to 27% in 2011.
 The library professionals who responded indicated that their institutions did not evaluate the success of distance educators and students’ awareness of the library’s services and resources (54%, n = 97) nor the success of any promotional campaigns they may have undertaken (84%, n = 151). Both the respondents (37%, n = 54) and the authors recommended partnering with faculty members as a best practice to promote the library.
 Conclusion – More libraries should be marketing specifically and regularly to distance education students by leveraging existing communication and organizational structures. Assessing these efforts is important to understanding their effectiveness.

An investigation on the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria

Background: Rural dwellers need timely, accurate, pertinent and reliable information for sustainable rural development. However, in Nigeria it is estimated that over 70% of people are living in rural areas who are mainly non-literate people who cannot read and write in any language. It is against this background that this article sought to investigate the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria to find out whether they are relevant and appropriate to the nature of this group of people. Objectives: The study aimed at investigating the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria for sustainable rural development. Method: Wilson’s 1981 model suggests that information-seeking behaviour arises as a result of a need perceived by an information user, who, in order to satisfy that need, makes demands upon formal or informal information sources and services. Hence, the model was adopted to underpin the current study. A structured questionnaire was designed and personally administered to the study participants. The quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS software and descriptive statistics. Results: Despite the fact that most of the rural dwellers in the North-West zone of Nigeria are non-literate people, it is evident from the results that there is utilisation of various forms of information sources and services from public libraries. The predominant forms of information sources utilised among rural dwellers from the libraries were printed materials, posters, flyers and audiovisuals. However, the forms of information services provided to rural dwellers by the libraries were traditional library services and awareness campaigns about government policies. Conclusion: The study revealed that utilisation of public libraries’ information sources and services among rural dwellers in the area under study revolved around printed materials and traditional library services. It is evident that most of the library users among rural dwellers were those who were literate, as the non-literate people who were the majority did not patronise the libraries. Thus, this study will assist authorities of the public libraries in the area under study to provide relevant and effective information sources and services to rural dwellers for sustainable rural development.