University Library Research Articles

The mediating effect of ethical values in smart sustainable library development

This study examines the relationship between smart and sustainable libraries in Malaysian public universities, focusing on ethical values. Data was collected from 342 librarians as a case study, and the results show that 8 out of 10 hypothesized constructs were significantly related to a smart sustainable library. However, ethical values played a mediating effect, positively influencing the development of smart library elements. The study's results are significant for stakeholders such as higher learning institutions, government policymakers, practitioners, smart library vendors, and academics specializing in smart and sustainable library practices. However, the limitations include the scope of the variables, respondents and measures used. Future research should consider expanding the study to include additional elements of smart libraries and involve a broader range of staff beyond librarians. This research aims to prepare future libraries to remain relevant and align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Designing an Optimized Framework for Effective Usage and Efficient Access of E Resources in the Consortium of Ugandan University Libraries

The 21st Century has experienced an extraordinary explosion of electronic resources (E-resources) which have extremely changed the information-seeking approach of scholars globally. Electronic resources have been identified as the major sources of dissemination in universities, especially for researchers, the traditional sources are available in the four walls of the library, but the E-resources role is not only in the library but also at any time anywhere. These electronic resources have enhanced information retrieval and improved accessibility of quality academic materials. As a result, academic institutions such as universities have invested vast amounts of money to make the best use of these e-resources and currently research shows that, students have made little effort to utilize these resources. The general objective of this research was to design a framework that can enhance the usage and access of e-resources in the consortium of Uganda University Libraries. This was done through the design of a framework for effective usage and efficient access of e-resources in the consortium of Ugandan university libraries, and to validate the acceptability and usability of the developed framework. Mixed method was used entailing of qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants comprised of postgraduate students, Lecturers and library staff. Unified modeling language was used to design the access and usage framework. With the help of Unified Theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model designed questionnaire format and hypotheses were used in evaluating the acceptability and usability of the framework. This study will contribute to the theoretical understanding and awareness of electronic learning, access and usage of e-resources by providing a framework for effective access and efficiently usage of electronic resources.

The effect of students’ attitudes toward an AR-based library learning system on learning performance, cognitive load, and library anxiety

ABSTRACT Libraries are essential educational resource hubs, addressing students’ independent learning needs through extensive literature and services. However, space constraints often hinder students’ navigation, leading to library anxiety and cognitive overload. Recent studies indicate that emerging technologies, particularly augmented reality (AR) learning systems, can alleviate library anxiety. These systems enhance routine learning experiences while fostering an engaging educational environment. However, the successful implementation of a new technology in a specific environment largely depends on its intended users’ acceptance. Therefore, this study proposes an AR-based library guidance and learning system designed for resource-rich university libraries. An experimental trial was conducted to assess the progress of first-year students in familiarizing themselves with a campus library. Compared to the control group, which utilized the library’s existing service systems, students in the experimental group exhibited superior learning performance, higher scores on the attitude toward the use scale, lower cognitive load, and reduced library anxiety. The correlation analysis further indicated that higher acceptance of the proposed system was associated with lower cognitive load and decreased library anxiety. These findings suggest that technology acceptance can positively influence students’ learning experiences in libraries.

Applying the kim and kim model to institutional repository management in academic libraries, southwest Nigeria

Evaluating institutional repositories (IR) management is challenging. Various indicators used by authors often result in incomplete assessments and persistent operational issues. This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining a descriptive survey design, structured questionnaires, and in-depth interviews to apply the Kim and Kim IR Evaluation Model in managing IRs in academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria. The study involved 352 library personnel from 14 university libraries and their librarians. All personnel and librarians formed the sample size due to the low population. Data collection included a structured 30-item questionnaire based on the Kim and Kim Model dimensions—content, policy (slightly modified), system and network, and use, user, and submitter—and an interview guide. Ten librarians participated in interviews, while four were unreachable. Of 352 distributed questionnaires, 298 were returned, and 246 valid responses (70% return rate) were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Interview data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that content, system and network, policy, and use/user/submitter dimensions significantly influenced IR management. However, challenges such as low submission rates, lack of deterrents for non-submission, and language barriers for non-English speakers were noted. The study recommends fostering a culture of active participation through mandatory submission policies and continuous policy development.

Birgittahandskrifter och medeltida skriftmiljöer

This article is an attempt to identify the scribes of four anonymous and undated manuscripts containing the Old Swedish version of the Revelations of St Birgitta of Sweden: C 61 (Uppsala University Library), A 33 and A 44 (The National Library of Sweden), and Mh 20 (Lund University Library) and by means of textual comparison formulate a hypothesis of their place of origin. It is shown that the youngest of these, C 61, was compiled from exemplars representing different versions of the Old Swedish text and that the editio princeps of the Latin text (Ghotan 1492) was used for comparison. One of the main hands in C 61 and the only hand in A 33 are attested in the Registrum ecclesie lincopensis. The scribe of A 44 and Mh 20 is identified as Lars Finvidsson, canon and notarius publicus in Linköping at the beginning of the fifteenth century. This suggests that these books were produced at a learned and highly literate scribal centre by professional scribes, possibly commissioned for this purpose by the abbey in Vadstena.

Functional and medicinal properties of Searsia undulata (Kuni-bush): A narrative review

Plant species continue to provide humans with new remedies and also play an important role as sources of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements that are important for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Searsia undulata is an evergreen tree well-known for its edible fruits, and also widely used in traditional medicine. The current study was aimed at documenting the functional and medicinal uses of S. undulata, including its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Research articles on functional and ethnopharmacological properties of S. undulata were searched from online databases such as PubMed®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect®, SpringerLink® and Scopus® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. This study showed that the fruits of S. undulata are used as a snack, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage, and a sweet preserve throughout the distributional range of the species in Namibia and South Africa. The bark, leaves and roots of S. undulata are used in post partem recovery, and also in traditional medicine to treat and/or manage 18 human diseases and ailments, including chest ailments, colds, gastro-intestinal problems, influenza and stomach problems. Ethnopharmacological research conducted so far, showed that S. undulata extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species demonstrated antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities. The importance of S. undulata for the survival of local communities in Namibia and South Africa and their livelihoods are demonstrated in recognition of this taxon as a multipurpose species, not only important as food plant and source of herbal medicines, but associated with provision of several ecosystem services and goods. This review highlights the need for detailed nutritional and ethnopharmacological studies of S. undulata focusing on its nutritional, phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, in vivo and clinical studies. Such ethnopharmacological research focusing on functional and medicinal properties of S. undulata is likely to see an increased recognition given to these uses and values of the species, and their essential role in promoting sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Key words: Anacardiaceae, functional, materia medica, Searsia undulata, southern Africa, traditional medicine

Investigating the impact of spaces design on user satisfaction in university libraries: a case study

Investigating the impact of spaces design on user satisfaction in university libraries: a case study

How Can We Promote Digital Transformation in College Libraries? A Study on Readers’ Intention to Adopt Digital Services

In the Industry 4.0 era, digital transformation is crucial for college libraries aiming to improve reader service quality. The current research proposes various digital transformation initiatives for college libraries but ignores readers’ willingness to use digital services, which is key to a successful digital transformation. To better help college libraries in their digital transformation, this study explores readers’ willingness to use digital services from a perceived benefit–risk perspective. Using structural equation modeling, it examines factors that influence this willingness, like readers’ attitudes, trust, perceived benefit, and perceived risk. The results show that perceived benefits positively affect the willingness to adopt, while perceived risks have a negative effect. Readers’ attitudes and trust indirectly influence this willingness by affecting their benefit–risk perceptions. This study is practically significant for guiding strategies to boost readers’ willingness to use digital services, offering valuable insights for universities in digital transformation complexity.

Evaluating the availability and accessibility of digital resources and services in public university libraries in Nigeria

The present study assesses the availability and accessibility of digital resources and services at the public university libraries in Nigeria. With the world being swept into the vortex of this digital revolution, the expected transformation in libraries includes embedding digital technologies to meet users’ needs. While huge investments are being made in such digital initiatives, there is, however, skepticism regarding accessibility, especially in a developing environment like Nigeria. The paper synthesizes the existing literature in order to establish the state of affairs relating to digital resources at these libraries, discusses the challenges faced including infrastructure, funding deficits, and user awareness, and assesses the effect these have on accessibility. The results portray a mixed picture, whereby some libraries are keen to improve their services in relation to digitization, while various obstacles limit full usage in most of them. The findings point out that strategic intervention on improving the availability and accessibility of digital resources, policy reform, increased funding, and training programs for users are necessary.

Analysing the impact of digital literacy practices on the quality of library services and user satisfaction in public university libraries in Nigeria

Background This study examined the influence of digital literacy practices on the quality of library services and usersatisfaction in public university libraries in Nigeria. Libraries have been expected to increasingly strategizedtheir services to meet users’ changing needs in this era of rapid technological advancement. Purpose Thestudy stresses digital literacy as an important set of skills both for library personnel and users to maximizethe full potentials of digital resources. Researche Design In so doing, the research has looked at theidentification of themes, trends, and gaps in existing studies on the subject of digital literacy and libraryservices through a review of related literature. Results Results have shown that when investment in digitalliteracy pays off, it leads not only to better service delivery but also to more satisfying user experiences. Conclusion This study examines the integration of digital literacy practices in the delivery of libraryservices in public university libraries in Nigeria, strategies employed by public university libraries in Nigeriato enhance digital literacy among library staff and users, impact of digital literacy practices on the quality oflibrary services provided to users in public university libraries in Nigeria, the influence of digital literacypractices on user satisfaction with library services in public university libraries in Nigeria among others. Recommendation The study culminates in recommendations for library management to prioritize digitalliteracy initiatives, thereby enhancing the overall quality of library services and user satisfaction.

The Scientific Library named after N.I. Lobachevsky in the System of Academic Adaptation of Foreign Students of the Kazan (Volga) Federal University

In most cases, the process of adaptation of foreign students in a host country is difficult and includes many spheres which they have to adapt to: social, everyday, cultural, educational, linguistic, communication, legal, etc. The central part in this list is undoubtedly taken by the academic adaptation, However, one cannot ignore the need to become involved in a rich ethnocultural environment. The article reveals the role, influence and place of a university library in introducing foreign students of the Kazan (Volga) Federal University to the educational process exemplified by the Scientific Library named after N.I. Lobachevsky of the Kazan (Volga) Federal University. A university library is the intellectual core of the community, a modern information center, whose activities are concentrated on the operational and high-quality library and information support of the scientific and educational process, including students who have come from abroad.

Training On The Use Of The Institutional Repository For Librarians At The Mandalika Educational University Library UPT

The Mandalika University of Education Library UPT currently has an institutional repository. The current condition is that the use of institutional repositories by librarians is not yet optimal, seen from the governance of the repository websites they own, especially the organization of content, apart from that the management is not in accordance with the national standards required by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbud) in terms of this is indexation to the Rama Repository. Considering the responsibility of the Mandalika University of Education Library UPT to help develop the institutional repository system and also improve current conditions, it is necessary to carry out activities in the form of training assistance, or assistance in using the institutional repository system. The methods used in this community service activity consist of lectures, discussions, mentoring and training on the use of the Mandalika University of Education Institutional Repository website. The results of this community service activity can be concluded that the training activity on the use of institutional repositories for librarians at the Mandalika Education University Library UPT had a positive impact and influence on the participants, in this case all librarians at the Mandalika Education University Library UPT (UNDIKMA).

Navigating Careers in Academic Librarianship: The Value of Library Cadetship and Internship Programs in Australian University Libraries

ABSTRACT The transition from formal education to professional employment in the library and information science (LIS) sector presents significant challenges, with ongoing concerns about the alignment between academic training and workforce expectations. In response, academic library cadetship programs have been developed in Australian universities to bridge this gap, providing structured, hands-on experience to early-career professionals. This study examines the long-term career trajectories of former library cadets and interns from four Australian universities: Deakin University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, and University of South Australia, using LinkedIn data to track employment trends, sectoral mobility, and professional progression. The research assesses the effectiveness of cadetship programs in retaining graduates within the LIS sector, their movement across academic and other library settings, and their advancement into specialised or leadership roles. Findings highlight the contribution of cadetships to workforce development, succession planning, and professional identity formation. While most former cadets remain within the LIS profession, the study also explores instances of career transition beyond libraries, underscoring the transferability of LIS skills to broader industries. The study offers key insights for LIS educators, library managers, and policymakers, informing strategies to enhance professional training, career development pathways, and sustainable workforce planning in academic libraries.

Factors influencing the trustworthiness of digital repositories in Nigerian university libraries

Factors influencing the trustworthiness of digital repositories in Nigerian university libraries

A Comprehensive Auditing and Mapping of University Press Publications in Kenya from 2020-2023

Research publications are a fundamental requirement for university academics worldwide, shaping their tenure and promotion prospects. They represent the essential scholarly output that academics must produce to advance or maintain their careers. University presses bear the responsibility of disseminating research generated in institutions of higher learning. Thus, they play a crucial role in the scholarly communication ecosystem. This paper mapped and audited scholarly publications produced by university presses in Kenya. It specifically examines the types and quantities of scholarly publications produced by university presses and deposited in university libraries and bookshops in Kenya. The study was informed by revised Boyer’s Model of Scholarship. Conducted using a mixed methods research approach and survey research design, the study employed a census and purposive sampling to select key informants of the study and university press staff respectively. The target population was fifty-one respondents comprising 36 staff from university presses, 7 university librarians, 7 university press managers and one bookshop manager from the selected universities. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interviews and documentary review. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using Nvivo data management software version 12, while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.1.1). Quantitative data was presented statistically using tables and graphical representations, while qualitative data was presented using descriptive narratives and verbatim quotations. Findings revealed that university presses in Kenya produce more of non-scholarly publications than the scholarly ones. Additionally, the study revealed that these publications are hardly deposited in university bookshops and libraries. This limits their visibility and uptake. The study concludes that university presses in Kenya are not fully meeting their mandate of disseminating scholarly knowledge. The study recommends improved productivity of scholarly publications by university presses as a means of increasing their scholarly value. The study also recommends a regular auditing of university press publications to continually assess their quality and visibility within and beyond their parent institutions. The findings of this study may be used by university management to develop policies which systemise, promote and sustain their presses for better productivity and visibility.

Exploring students’ views on information literacy skills training in higher education

ABSTRACT A pilot investigation examined the views of 105 first-year students on an Information Literacy (IL) training program at the University of Namibia (UNAM), with 69 participants providing feedback. This research employed a case study methodology to evaluate the viability of incorporating IL into the curriculum through a joint initiative between the university library and the Language Centre Department at UNAM’s Windhoek Campus. The study centered on English for General Communication courses, analyzing students’ experiences, obstacles, and suggestions. The results indicated that a session on past exam papers was deemed the most valuable by 50 respondents. Furthermore, 10 students found the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) session beneficial, whilst nine preferred the e-resources component. However, mature students displayed notable unease when using the OPAC, exhibiting hesitation and frustration during practical book searches. Although past exam papers emerged as the most helpful resource, students indicated needing additional clarification to navigate e-resources and OPAC. These findings inform a crucial institutional decision: the endorsement and integration of an IL course into the Academic Literacy module for all first-year students commencing in 2023. A subsequent assessment is scheduled for 2025 to evaluate students’ perspectives and academic progress, ensuring the ongoing enhancement of IL instruction.

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Leaves: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Safety, and Clinical Applications.

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. leaves (CCML), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, is widely recognized for its protective effects against osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. CCML has been extensively used in the treatment of femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritic infections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on CCML, focusing on its medicinal phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, safety profile, and clinical applications. An extensive literature review was conducted using online databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed, as well as pre-electronic literature sources obtained from university libraries. A diverse collection of bioactive substances was identified in CCML, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, stilbenes, flavonostilbenes, steroids, and triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that extracts and isolated components from CCML exhibit various bioactivities with different mechanisms. Notably, CCML has been developed into an in-hospital preparation for treating femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritic infections over four decades. In conclusion, this review summarizes the chemical compositions, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications of CCML, providing a valuable reference for further research and supporting its potential for advanced development and broader utilization.

Poster Session: Visual discomfort in the everyday environment.

Visual discomfort describes an aversive subjective experience characterised by perceptual distortions, blurred vision, diplopia, pain in the eyes, headache and/or nausea. Previous laboratory studies have found that levels of visual discomfort can be predicted from some statistical properties of scenes, including the spectral slope (e.g. Penacchio & Wilkins, 2015) and colour contrast (Juricevic et al. 2010; Penacchio et al. 2021). Lighting flicker (e.g. Yoshimoto et al., 2017) and colour temperature (e.g. Kakitsuba 2015) have also been shown to trigger discomfort. We investigated everyday occurrences of visual discomfort using a visual survey method. Participants (N = 36) captured scenes which they found to be visually uncomfortable within a university library. Participants gave a narrative and discomfort rating for each image. We also surveyed the lighting in the photographed areas, measuring flicker and the spectral power distribution of the illumination. Analysis showed some support for the importance of the image statistical features identified in laboratory studies, although there was no interaction between these features and lighting flicker or colour temperature. Qualitative analysis of participant narratives revealed that experiences of discomfort were attributed to low-level features (e.g. pattern, contrast), but also structural features (e.g. depth, disorganisation). These results provide new insights into the causes of visual discomfort in the everyday environment.

A congestion prediction model for optimizing emergency evacuation design of university libraries in China

A congestion prediction model for optimizing emergency evacuation design of university libraries in China

Lorraine Model

In 2017, the University of Lorraine cancelled its subscription to Springer and in 2023, it cancelled its deal with Wiley. The money saved has been channeled into an Open Science Fund which supports open research infrastructures, training and support programmes for open research, and diamond open access publishing. With additional financing from regional research institutes and the national ministry, its annual budget currently amounts to approximately 500,000 Euros. A broad representative committee has been set up to decide on the use of the fund. The support for diamond open access journals – whose editors are affiliated with Université de Lorraine or whose scope is especially important for the Lorraine region – typically entails support in the range of 2000 Euros per year. With this money, editors of small and medium-sized scholar-led journals can hire copy-editing assistance, arrange editorial board meetings and workshop, et cetera. As Vice-President for Open Science at the University, Nicolas Fressengeas stresses the importance of involving the right stakeholders within and around the university to make the best possible use of the Open Science Fund. He is also concerned with research assessment reforms aiming to assure that the extra work required to follow open research practices is properly rewarded. As Head of Research Support at the University Library, Jean-François Lutz argues that the consequences for researchers and students as a result of the cancellation of the Springer and Wiley deals were less acutely felt than one might have expected. The responsibility of supporting open science may be a new challenge to most librarians, but it does make the library relevant and useful for a broad group of researchers, many of whom would not have been in contact with the library if it wasn’t for the Open Science Fund and the services and projects associated with it. The episode was recorded shortly after Norway cancelled its deal with Wiley and will likely serve as inspiration for many institutions that wish to channel money saved on big deals into support for Open Science.