Library Information Resources Research Articles

University Library Information Resources as a Basis for Enhancing Educational and Professional Programmes in Information, Library and Archival Studies

University Library Information Resources as a Basis for Enhancing Educational and Professional Programmes in Information, Library and Archival Studies

Access to electronic information resources in law libraries during covid-19 period: The case of office of the director of public prosecutions library, Kenya

The study examined the level of access of electronic resources among library users during the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Document review were further used to strengthen the findings of the study. On the use of electronic resources, the findings revealed there was increased use of electronic resources during Covid-19 pandemic, confirming that electronic resources were essential in sustaining library services during the pandemic. The results indicated that effective use of electronic resources requires library users possess skills to use the access equipment such as computers and Internet facilities. The findings further indicated that there is need for the library staff to create awareness of the available resources among library users. At the same time the study revealed that some of the challenges to the use of electronic resources were lack of computers, poor Internet connectivity and inadequate search skills which was linked to lack of elaborate training.

Librarians' Understanding and Support for Legal Entity Universities: Case Study of the Transition of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta to Become a Legal Entity State University

University rankings and changes in status of international standards and quality universities toward the Legal Entity State Universities have become a phenomenon in various universities in Indonesia. The university changed its status to Legal Entity State Universities in order to meet and improve its current global vision, mission, and goals. This article examines the librarians image in supporting their universities toward becoming Legal Entity State Universities. This research aims to analyze the understanding and support of librarians toward higher education in the context of Legal Entity State Universities. This research uses a qualitative approach. The research results found that librarian’s support for changes in university status could increase campus productivity. Involving librarians in planning and implementing status changes will influence library service innovation and information resource management. This research has important implications in revealing librarians’ understanding and support for the plan to change the status of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta from Public Service Agency State University to Legal Entity State University. The results of this research can be beneficial for UIN Syarif Hidayatullah policymakers to provide better and more equitable direction to the entire academic community, including librarians.
 Keywords: Legal Entity State University, librarian support, higher education

The library information resources of the Scientific Library of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

The author examines the experience of Yanka Kupala State University Library (Grodno, Belarus) in providing digital document resources to its users. The proprietary information resources are reviewed; the selection principles for library Internet-resources are specified; user awareness services are described. The library organizes information educational workshops intended for the faculty, though it experiences some problems in disseminating information on library services and resources, in particular, students’ low interest in information literacy and lacking teaching hours for library courses. The author suggests several possible solutions and prospective vectors for the academic library, i. e. development of proprietary resources, corporate collaboration, improvement, development and introduction of new methods of user services. The author emphasizes the importance of improving librarians’ professional competences in providing reliable and enhanced information.

Strategic management of libraries

The article considers strategic management as an important area of management activity that enables the library to function in a volatile environment and achieve its goals. The proposed model demonstrates strategic library management as a guided continuous cyclical business process that is implemented in the context of the library's strategic idea, relies on human potential as the basis, focuses library activities on the needs of users, flexibly responds to environmental challenges, and makes timely changes that allow the library to achieve its goals and be successful. Attention is focused on the expediency of using marketing tools to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of library information resources management, as well as to analyse the main indicators of library activity and develop a certain strategy for their development. In particular, the proposed BCG matrix is a useful tool for strategic management in library activities, as it helps to identify competitive advantages and develop a development strategy for the institution. The conclusions suggest steps to improve the key performance indicators of libraries by developing or improving the existing development strategy. Strategic management will help to improve the activities of library institutions, enhance their image, allowing them to respond effectively to changing conditions and achieve their strategic goals.

Components of Preservation and Availability of Information Resources in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-Political Region, Nigeria

The paper studied preservation and availability of information resources in academic libraries in south-south geo-political region, Nigeria. The study was hinged on correlational research design. The population of the study was culled from three academic libraries in the South-South Geopolitical region of Nigeria, namely Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan and Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 87 respondents. 84 (97%) respondents provided complete response. Data were collected, arranged and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings show that preservation techniques of preventive preservation, passive preservation, active preservation and restorative preservation have significant relationship with the availability of library resources with active preservation having the highest significant relationship in academic libraries in south-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that libraries should engage in active preservation its collection and to ensure availability of library resources.

Comprehensive assessment of drivers and barriers to electronic information resources usage in academic libraries in uganda using SWOT analysis

The high costs of printed Textbooks have negatively affected the education and library services in many developing countries, forcing institutions and universities to utilise electronic information resources (EIRs) to offer library information services and resources to library users. Many universities in northern Uganda adopted EIRs without evaluating them. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the drivers and barriers to EIR usage in academic libraries in Uganda by analysing their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The study employed a descriptive design to collect quantitative data and a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size. A structured questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and administered online to the Muni and Lira universities’ teaching staff and final-year students, where 103 were filled by teaching staff and 248 by final-year students. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS Version 28 and RStudio software. Statistical techniques like descriptive analysis were used in the data analysis. The results for the mean ≥ 3.41 were considered statistically significant. The study findings show that most respondents agreed that librarians expose them to all the library EIRs and that it was essential to access EIRs to benefit from its services. The study also identified knowledge and skills, the relevance of EIRs, availability of technological infrastructure and resources, awareness and adaptation, perceived ease of use and access, previous experience, institutional policies, and perceived quality content as the critical drivers for the usage of EIRs in academic libraries. The results of the SWOT analysis identified internal factors (i.e., strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (i.e., opportunities and threats) affecting EIR usage in Ugandan academic libraries. The survey recommends that for the successful adoption and implementation of EIRs in Ugandan libraries, there should be a reliable power supply and internet connectivity for easy access to the EIRs, purchase of more computing devices for accessing the EIRs, training and supporting the users of EIRs in universities; proper accountability and use of donor funds meant for payments of EIRs; and so on. These findings generated ideas that the universities, libraries, and library consortia can use in decision-making regarding choices of EIRs selection and the procurement of EIRs to realise value for money.

Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

Big data analysis and application of library information resources

Abstract This study explores the application of extensive data analysis to library information resources, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of resource utilization and user satisfaction through personalized recommendation services. We employ cluster analysis algorithms, and least squares support vector machines to model library users’ borrowing behaviors. Additionally, we use the Apriori algorithm and collaborative filtering to recommend books effectively. This study’s experimental outcomes show a notable 11.36% increase in the index of network resource demand satisfaction, indicating a significant enhancement in the library’s ability to meet resource update demands. The adoption of big data analytics has been instrumental in advancing library information management and expanding extensive data services. The findings underscore the pivotal role of big data in enhancing the efficiency of information resource utilization and elevating user satisfaction, mainly through personalized recommendations.

Digital preservation practices for information resources in university libraries of Pakistan

PurposeThe digital contents (d-contents) are vulnerable to various threats either natural or manmade. Digital preservation is the plethora of a wide array of strategies necessary for the long-term preservation of digital objects. This study was carried out to assess the digital preservation practices for information resources in university libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey based on a structured questionnaire was carried out to conduct the study. The questionnaire containing two sets of strategies (general and technical) was distributed amongst the whole population and received 90% response rate.FindingsOverall, progressive implementation of general digital preservation practices was noted in these libraries like checking the digital collections for viruses, keeping the digital media in fire/water/theft proof locations, restricting unauthorized access, maintaining ideal humidity and temperature, and checking the digital media for functionality. Amongst the technical practices, only replication was in practice at a progressive rate, followed by metadata recording and media refreshing that was sometimes practiced in these libraries. The other technical practices were rarely or never practiced in these libraries. Significant variances in general and technical digital preservation practices were noted based on their physical locations (regional distribution).Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes a comprehensive set of digital preservation practices divided into general and technical types to conduct similar studies in other parts of the world.Practical implicationsThe findings stress the need for national and institutional policies, funding streams and skill enhancement of library staff.Originality/valueThe study fills the literature gap and contributes a comprehensive set of digital preservation practices divided into general and technical types to conduct similar studies in other parts of the world.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-02-2023-0074

Preservation of Knowledge in the Electronic Age: An Overview of University Libraries in North East India

This paper discusses the importance and need of preservation of information resources in libraries, factors that affect degradation and deterioration of library materials and methods of tackling them

Availability and accessibility of academic library resources and services for prison inmates in the distance education programme

The modern objectives of libraries could facilitate the provision and use of prison library services and resources. The purpose of the research was to investigate how academic library resources and services are available and accessible to prison inmates in distance education programme. The descriptive survey design was employed in the collection and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data. The study was conducted at the Nsawam Maximum Prison involving fifty-seven (57) student inmates in the distance education programme of the University of Cape Coast and two (2) Prison Library staff. The study found that facilities and information resources in prison libraries do not meet the learning and research needs of inmates in the higher distance learning programme. The study suggests that academic libraries should come to the aid of prison students with collaborative efforts to extend their resources and services to them.

Phát triển dịch vụ thư viện số tại Học viện Ngân hàng

Developing digital library services is an inevitable requirement of university libraries in Vietnam. Efficiency of the library’s operations and learning resources by users depend on the quality of the digital library services. Employing qualitative methodology based on experience in building and developing digital library services, the article synthesizes models of management, organization and operation of library services, information resources, facilities, infrastructure, equipment and technology from some universities. The paper comprehensively analyzes the current status of digital library services, thereby proposing solutions to develop digital library services to implement the Banking Academy of Vietnam’s development strategy until 2030, vision 2045

Access to Information Resources by Students with Disabilities: Case Study Dar al-Hikmah IIUM Library

The aim of the researcher conducting this study is to identify library information resources for students with disability in Dar al-Hikmah Library International Islamic University Malaysia. This study has two research objective, the first, identifying the type of library information resources available for disabled students in Dar Al- and the second, identifying the factors influencing disabled students in using library information resources. This study adopts the descriptive survey design. Thus, this study used a questionnaire for data collection. The instrument was chosen since it was considered to be the most appropriate and reliable tool for this study. Afterwards, the data collection for questionnaire was done with the help of the staffs Disability Unit Services (DSU) and some disabled students colleagues in International Islamic University Malaysia. Firstly, the staff of DSU IIUM sent the questionnaire to the group undergraduate and postgraduate disabled students to be fulfilled. The second, some colleagues of disabled students also assisted to spread out the questionnaire with their fellows. From the 54 disabled students in IIUM Gombak, the targeted sample of this study merely around 20 % of that total students.

SWOT-Analysis of Distant Library and Information Services of Libraries of Higher Education Institutions in Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to conduct a SWOT-analysis of distant services and electronic information resources of libraries of higher education institutions in Ukraine. The research methodology is based on the methods of analysis, synthesis, comprehensiveness of knowledge, generalisation, abstraction, SWOT-analysis. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time the SWOT-analysis method was applied to domestic libraries that provide library and information services under quarantine restrictions and martial law. Conclusions. A SWOT-analysis of distant services and information resources of libraries of higher education institutions in Ukraine was conducted. The strengths of the scientific libraries of higher education institutions in Ukraine were found to be the provision of remote services: electronic delivery of documents, virtual reference service, determination of UDC indices and electronic information resources: electronic catalogue, electronic archive of scientific works of university staff (institutional repository), full-text databases and resources available on open platforms. Weaknesses include the lack of the following remote services: online chat; creation and maintenance of a researcher's profile in the ORCID, Google Academy, Scopus Author ID, Researcher ID, ResearchGate services; informing users about new arrivals; editing bibliographies and electronic information services on library websites: book trailers, longreads, podcasts, virtual tours and excursions, audiobooks, virtual exhibitions, digests, new arrivals, virtual reviews, thematic lists. Opportunities include the creation of promising forms of remote services and electronic information resources: creation of digital libraries, introduction of sector-specific recommendation systems, development of a mobile version of the library website and mobile applications of electronic library services, development of specialised applications of electronic library services, development of a system of personal accounts, deployment of blogger and streaming activities, use of new platforms for instant messaging: Telegram, Viber, and social network TikTok. Threats to libraries today include the lack of electricity, overloading of library servers, socio-political instability, and cyber threats. Key words: SWOT-analysis, distant services, electronic information resources, libraries of higher education institutions in Ukraine, messengers, Telegram, Viber, TikTok.

Use of Library and Information Resources among Fresh Students in University Libraries in College of Health

The study discusses the contribution of academic librarians in assisting students in the use of library information resource to achieve their academic goals. The academic library which serves as a hub to all academic activities, provokes intellectual excellence, as well as provide assistant to fresh university student in gaining knowledge. Just as the vein helps to pump blood to the heart for a healthy living, so does the library serves as the bedrock by which intellectual heights are attend. Survey case study was used and secondary literature method were used to for the study The study helps one see the beautiful function of the librarian whose role is like an anchor that stabilizes the boat from going astral. The librarian through their professional skill is able to guide and support fresh student get the needed information resource to achieve their educational goal. The relevance of information resources as key factor that helps academic library provide information services was also reviewed; this study explains information resources, staffing/human resource, services rendered as well as infrastructural resources. Finally, the aspect of the assistant of the academic librarian to the fresh university student in achieving their educational career pursuit.

Attitudes and Perceptions of Postgraduate Medical Trainees towards the Library User Education (LUE) Programme

Library user education aims to make library users proficient in research and lifelong learners. The impact of library user education extends beyond the classroom and orientation, allowing users to engage themselves and effectively identify, access, retrieve, and use library information resources to their advantage. It also raises awareness of the library's available information resources.The Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) library at the University of Colombo has identified the importance of acquiring user perceptions through user education programmes. This study aimed to assess postgraduate trainees' perceptions and investigate the impact of the user education programme conducted by the PGIM library. The library user education programmes considered in this study are the PGIM library resources and services, which include the library digital repository, literature review, E-Resources, avoid in gplagiarism and managing references. The survey research design was used for the study, while the questionnaire instrument was used for data collection.The study population comprises all users participated for the library user education programme in 2020 -2021. The study found out that the user education programme had positively affected the postgraduate trainees' use of the library and academic performance. Awareness, accessibility, and utilisation of library services and resources impact the library user education programme.The study also emphasised the significance of ongoing library user education programmes in developing research skills among medical students in order for them to develop medical information retrieval, supporting research work and other findings provided to medical trainees, which supports their professional life.

Are Libraries up to the Task? Bridging the Gap between Libraries and Distance-Learning Students in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to address gaps in the use of library information resources and services among distance learners. The study followed a pragmatic paradigm and employed a mixed-method research approach with a sequential explanatory design. A questionnaire was used to elicit information from 1,170 s-year distance learning students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast. The semi-structured interviews solicited the views of six librarians and twelve students. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program and thematic analysis. The study discovered that meeting distance learners’ information expectations are the way to address gaps in their use of library information resources and services. The study suggested that academic libraries conduct frequent service delivery reviews and student information needs assessments to identify gaps and improve services to meet students’ expectations.

Correction: Factors affecting health information resources in central libraries at Iranian universities of medical sciences

This corrects the article "Factors affecting health information resources in central libraries at Iranian universities of medical sciences" published in 2022: Volume 11, page 18 (doi: 10.34172/ rdme.2022.018). The first affiliation in the original version has not been written in the correct format. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the article.

Community library for education for sustainable development in Nigerian Digital age

This paper is on Community Library for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Nigerian Digital age. The paper is an analytical perspective of literature and recognizance survey conducted on community library as a fundamental hub that connect communities with preserved information and cultural heritage for the Nigerian ESD. In the paper are the relevance of library information resources for the speedy advancement of research and development for a digital Nigeria. The idea of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a school curriculum package with a worldwide standard of teaching and learning is treated to equip the indigenous learners with skills and knowledge to be able to work in a global market place with a universal knowledge base. Correspondingly is the correlation between community library and the ESD through digital access and use of resources for new novelties in the society. Various challenges of the Nigerian Education system and as they affect the ESD were identified and the ways forward suggested.