Practices In Academic Libraries Research Articles

Leadership styles and collection development practices of librarians in academic libraries: a case of Ekiti state, Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of leadership styles on collection development practices in academic libraries within Ekiti State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The research used a survey research design, using a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The study encompassed 86 library personnel selected from six academic libraries in Ekiti State. Findings The study’s findings revealed a notably high level of engagement in collection development practices within the academic libraries under investigation. In addition, the library managers exhibited a blend of leadership styles, with the democratic style being the most frequently used, followed by autocratic and laissez-faire styles. Furthermore, the research identified a significant influence of leadership styles on collection development practices, with evidence suggesting a collective impact when considering various leadership styles together. Social implications The study implies that effective leadership plays a crucial role in realizing the overarching objectives of academic libraries, and a well-informed leadership approach positively impacts the library’s ability to meet its collection development goals and serve its academic community effectively. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between leadership styles and collection development practices in academic libraries. The identification of a predominant democratic leadership style and its implications on library practices provides a nuanced understanding of leadership dynamics in this context.

Finding the Holy Grail of Library Value: Characteristics of Academic Libraries at Universities with High Retention Rates

Objective – What are the characteristics of academic libraries at schools with high retention rates? To help libraries tell the story of their impact, we sought to determine which academic library practices were linked to high retention rates. Methods – The investigators created a survey for the United States Great Lakes region library deans and directors in the Spring of 2022 with 19 questions about their library services and staffing. The survey was sent to 226 schools and had a response rate of 31%. We compared the resulting information to publicly available data on student retention from ACRL Metrics and IPEDS to look for correlations and associations. Results – Statistical analysis used the Chi-squared test and the Pearson correlation to calculate association and correlation. This found six attributes of student connections with library staff and with unique local collections that were associated with statistically significant differences in retention rates and institutions. These attributes were institutions who: used students as archives student workers, used students to staff reference desks, conducted multiple library instruction sessions with the same class, had a staffed archive or special collection space, had an institutional repository that included student work, or had an Instagram account. Conclusion – The survey results gave a clear profile of academic libraries with above average retention, particularly in terms of student focused initiatives and the curation of unique collections. Additionally, the survey gave a foundation, with recommendations, for future researchers to build upon.

From Knowledge Management (KM) Theories to Practices: The Strategies to Implement Best Practices in Academic Libraries

The critical role of knowledge management (KM) is facilitating the smooth operation of academic libraries and fostering professional growth. While substantial research focuses on defining knowledge management, exploring its theoretical frameworks, and underscoring its relevance within academic library environments, there remains a paucity of empirical studies addressing the practical implementation and subsequent effects of KM practices. This article seeks to bridge the gap by delineating effective strategies for the adoption of KM best practices, alongside a reflective examination of the lessons learned during the process within a university library’s IT department.

Collection Development Practices in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Library, Unwana Afikpo, Ebonyi State

Collection Development Practices in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Library, Unwana Afikpo, Ebonyi State

The puzzle of innovation and innovation strategies in Kenyan academic libraries

PurposeThe advancement of technology has brought much uncertainty in the access and utilization of information resources in academic libraries. This research sought to determine the extent to which academic libraries in Kenya engage in innovation and use innovative strategies. In addition, this study aims to identify the specific innovation practices and strategies used by these libraries to ensure they effectively address users’ information needs and remain relevant within the Kenyan context.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative research design. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews that targeted key personnel in the academic library system, including the university librarian, the circulation librarian and the digital/systems librarian. In total, 21 respondents were interviewed in this study. Additional data was gathered by examining primary documents such as academic library policies, university websites and library brochures, among other sources. The study used purposive sampling techniques to select the population sample and the theoretical saturation to determine the sample size.FindingsThe study revealed a pressing need for change in the academic library landscape in Kenya. It established that the concept of innovation and innovation strategies is still new in academic libraries in Kenya, and libraries are still confined to traditional and routine duties. There is a lack of appropriate strategies for enhancing innovation practices/strategies in academic libraries. The paper, therefore, strongly recommends the reorganization of academic libraries in Kenya.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to analyze innovation strategies and practices in academic libraries in Kenya. This study sheds light on the puzzles facing most academic libraries in Kenya regarding innovation and innovation strategies. It introduces the importance of academic libraries to embrace innovation as a strategy to avoid disruptive innovation.

Model for integration of information and communication technologies in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in southeast Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to develop a model for integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Seven objectives guided the study; ICT-based resource sharing practices in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria; ICT infrastructure for resource sharing; ICT needs of librarians for resource sharing practices; stages of ICT integration in resource sharing; perception of librarians towards ICT-based resource sharing; challenges to integration of ICT in resource sharing practices; design a model for the integration of ICT into resource sharing; all in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted for this study is the mixed research design containing the “descriptive survey” research design and the “research and development, R&D.” The population of the study is 164, comprising all of the librarians in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. All of the librarians of the five federal universities will be involved in the study. Hence, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that 88.8% of the librarians use ICT to boost the volume of resources; while 74% of the librarians were positive in all responses pertaining to ICT-based resource sharing practices in the libraries. The study also revealed that ICT infrastructures in the library for resource sharing are highly available and applicable; while computers and internet networks are the most needed gadgets for the operations. Libraries in Southeast Nigeria are in the applying and transforming stages of ICT adoption at a 69.7% response rate; while the librarians have a strong belief and understanding that a lot can be achieved in resource sharing through ICT; and would recommend such. Poor electrification, inadequate funding and unavailability of some ICT technologies were equally identified as challenges. The study conclusively developed a resource sharing model, the Southeast Federal University Library Connect; accessible at https://southeastfeduniconnect.njh.com.ngOriginality/valueThe research study is one of the few types of research that has developed a functional model for resource sharing in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.

Knowledge sharing strategies for improved service provision in the academic library at Delta State University Abraka Nigeria

The changes experienced in the digital era require academic library staff to constantly update, expand, and develop their skills in order to carry out their roles efficiently and remain relevant in the provision of services to clients. Consequently, academic libraries have been among the first organizations to adopt knowledge sharing as a means to enhance the provision of services to clients. Several studies on knowledge sharing in academic libraries have been conducted in recent years. However, the focus of these discussions has been on understanding the knowledge sharing practices in academic libraries, and on technology as a factor making knowledge sharing possible so as to improve service provision in this context. Delta State University (DELSU) has yet to develop, adopt and formalize adequate strategies for sharing knowledge so as to improve service provision. This article explores the barriers to knowledge sharing among staff at the DELSU library and suggests strategies to enhance knowledge sharing among staff for improved service provision. A mixed method research approach and case study research design were adopted. A census was conducted on the target population, consisting of the entire staff at the DELSU library, using questionnaires that comprised both open and closed ended questions, while seven heads of department from the various library sections were purposively sampled for the collection of data through interviews. Social exchange theory provided the underpinning for the study. The findings revealed a lack of effective knowledge sharing for service provision in the library. The absence of a knowledge sharing culture; the absence of information and communication technology tools and infrastructure; a lack of motivation; and inferiority and superiority complexes among staff hindered knowledge sharing, with concomitant repercussions for service provision in the library. Strategies for knowledge sharing among the staff for improved service provision were suggested.

Attitude of library personnel towards preservation practices in academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria

The study investigated the attitude of library personnel towards preservation practices of academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 387 librarians and paraprofessionals in seventeen academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. Total enumeration method was used. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.77 to 0.84. A return rate of 81.4% was achieved. Descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics were used for data analysis. The finding indicated attitude of library personnel had a significant influence on preservation of information resources in the libraries (Adj.R2 = 0.076, F (1, 314) = 26.825, p < 0.05). Attitude of library personnel indicators: positive attitude (β = 0.222, t(312) =3.535, p < 0.05) and negative attitude (β = 0.094, t (312) = 1.516, p < 0.05) positively and significantly influenced preservation practices of information resources. The study concluded that attitude of library personnel have affect preservation practices in academic libraries. The study recommended that the management of academic libraries in Niger State should create awareness through training for librarians to foster positive attitudes towards the preservation of information resources. Library management should have disaster preparedness management plans and preservation policies to secure the library resources against deterioration.

First-generation College Students, Academic Libraries, and Social Reproduction

First-generation college students (FGCS) are an increasingly significant population at institutions of higher education in the United States. While only one aspect of college student identity, first-generation students collectively enter higher education without parent(s) who have obtained, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. As such, FGCS tap into wider networks for advice and support in making the transition to college. In this way, tapping into one’s social capital can contribute to college access, persistence, and success in the field of higher education. These terms – capital and field – are core concepts, along with habitus, that comprise Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical apparatus.
 This dissertation applies Bourdieu’s concepts of capital, habitus, and field to first-generation college students’ attitudes, perceptions, and use of academic libraries within the general library system of a large, public, historically White university. The critical qualitative study adapts Phil Carspecken’s (1996) 5-stage framework for conducting critical qualitative research and Bourdieu’s (Bourdieu & Wacquant, 1992) recommendations for conducting a study of field. The resulting analytical framework includes inductive and deductive coding, meaning field and reconstructive horizon analysis, and an analysis of system relations. Findings can inform academic library practice and are also applicable to higher education more generally, e.g., via early intervention for FGCS. Three primary themes emerged during the data analysis process: (1) perceptions of academic libraries as anxiety-inducing spaces, (2) perceptions of libraries as sites of assurance and comfort; and (3) the relationship between students’ capital composition and their perceptions and use of academic libraries.

Library services marketing: An overview of strategies and outcomes

In an increasingly digital age, libraries have been compelled to adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant and effectively serve their communities. Library marketing has emerged as a critical discipline to promote library services, engage users, and communicate the library's value in a rapidly changing landscape. This article provides an overview of library marketing strategies, explores various methodologies employed in this field, examines the results achieved through these efforts, and concludes with key takeaways for effective library marketing. To gather insights on library marketing, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Key references, including "Digital Marketing Practices in Academic Libraries" by Chauhan and Gupta, "Marketing and Advocacy for Academic Libraries" by Fabry and Hernon, and "Libraries as Information Ecosystems" by Johnson, were analyzed. The methodologies employed in these studies encompassed systematic literature reviews, case studies, and surveys, providing a well-rounded perspective on library marketing practices. The examination of library marketing strategies revealed a diverse range of approaches utilized by libraries worldwide. These include leveraging digital platforms and social media, developing targeted outreach campaigns, fostering community partnerships, implementing user-centric services, and employing data analytics for informed decision-making. These efforts have yielded significant outcomes, such as increased user engagement, expanded patron base, heightened visibility, and improved perceptions of libraries as vibrant community spaces. Library marketing has become an indispensable discipline for libraries to thrive in the digital age. The reviewed literature highlights the importance of adopting a strategic and user-focused approach to marketing, tailoring services to meet the evolving needs of patrons, and effectively communicating the library's value proposition. By embracing innovative marketing strategies, libraries can enhance their impact, attract new users, and foster meaningful connections with their communities. This article concludes with a call to further explore and refine library marketing practices to ensure libraries remain vital and valued institutions in the digital era.

Shifting to a high impact practice-centered student worker staffed research desk: a Hispanic serving institution perspective

PurposeThe authors seek to demonstrate, from a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) perspective, the importance of utilizing High Impact Practices (HIPs) for not only more meaningful student employment initiatives, but to benefit the campus community and prepare Hispanic students for success post-graduation.Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of current practices in academic libraries aided the design of the new staffing model, location and name. A survey of research desk student assistants was designed and implemented approximately one academic year after changes were executed. Survey data combined with follow-up interviews summarized the qualitative-focused assessment of the research desk's evolution and verified the validity of maintaining HIPs in libraries for Hispanic student success.FindingsThe transition of the reference desk to a student-staffed research desk was successful in that librarians were able to dedicate more time to other endeavors, such as campus outreach and collection development. The High Impact Practice (HIP)-focused desk model, along with new, customized onboarding and training materials, fulfilled their goals of giving student assistants meaningful employment on campus while also bridging the gap between the library and the mostly Hispanic, first-generation student population. An assessment from the student assistants' point of view helped them further analyze the new research desk model. They found that student assistants noticed the ease with which their peers approached the desk and how their skills learned on the research desk transferred to their classes and future careers.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of library personnel the authors were unable to implement library patron surveys to evaluate the new desk model.Originality/valueMany academic libraries and partners have made the transition to student-staffed help desks or offer peer-to-peer tutoring or mentoring services. HIPs positively impact marginalized student populations scholastically, but no current studies discuss the effect on the Hispanic student population from an HSI perspective. This study illuminates the wholistic influence HIPs have on Hispanic student assistants, not only their work and peers, but the affect on their academic and personal lives.

What leadership qualities are necessary for productive librarianship? Explore coaxial traits of academic librarians in the twin cities of Pakistan

Academic libraries are experiencing significant changes, and leadership plays an essential role in successfully implementing those changes. The study analyzed the leadership practices in academic libraries in Pakistan's twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Another important purpose of the study was to shed light on the adopted practices in decision-making and motivating staff. The qualitative research approach was used to achieve the objectives. A structured interview method was employed to collect data from twenty chief librarians or directors of university libraries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (twin cities). A purposive sampling technique was used. Open-ended questions were used to collect the data by considering the research objectives. The consent was taken from the selected LIS professionals as prior permission for the interview. NVivo was used to analyze the data, which was then presented using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that most university library leaders were practising and following the participatory leadership style, also known as democratic leadership.The study will create awareness among academic professionals about the adopted leadership styles and practices and the benefits that can be obtained by implementing them. It will also attract the attention of associated bodies towards this dilemma and result in a positive initiative to build leadership skills in LIS professionals. To our knowledge, no prior study has been conducted to analyze the leadership practices in academic libraries in the Twin Cities, Pakistan. This study will fill that niche.

Adoption of preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Nigeria

Adoption of preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Nigeria

NAAC Recognized Best Practices in Academic Libraries

NAAC Recognized Best Practices in Academic Libraries

NAAC Recognized Best Practices in Academic Libraries

NAAC Recognized Best Practices in Academic Libraries

Student participation in a DEI audit as High-Impact Practice

During Spring 2021, eight students at the University of the Pacific participated in an internship where they performed a DEI audit of the library's book and music score collection. An internship is one documented type of High-Impact Practices and research studies show that High-Impact Practices lead to higher retention and graduation rates. Deep learning occurred as student interns participated in developing the methodology, evaluating book and music score collections, reading assigned articles pertaining to DEI in librarianship and publishing, and providing recommendations on closing identified collection gaps. To evaluate their learning, the interns were asked to complete three surveys at the beginning, middle, and end of the project. These surveys were evaluated by a mixed methods research approach to incorporate qualitative and quantitative data in assessing the student interns' understanding of library collections, the publishing industry, and academic DEI issues. This study contributes to the literature on High-Impact Practices in academic libraries by describing a unique and valuable way to involve students in diversifying the library collection.

Use of Information Technology in Academic Library Practice

At the organizational level, libraries focus on the development of physical collections of books and other materials, on the development of library materials by persons who are profiled in the selection, enrichment, organization, classification, cataloging and circulation of these materials, for stakeholders, who are primarily university students. The information technology programs used by libraries go beyond the physical collection of books, documents, and scientific journals, so we have a transformation of the library into the virtual world of the Internet. The advancement of libraries in the technological aspect has influenced us to have a change in the communication process between the library and the student. So, the purpose of this paper is to present the changes that have been made to the library in its structure, the programs they offer, the impact they have on the communication process between stakeholders, with a specific focus on changes that have been implemented at the AAB College Library in Prishtina, Kosovo.

Innovative Best Practices in Academic Libraries

Innovative Best Practices in Academic Libraries

More Critical, Less Managerial: Addressing the Managerialist Ideology in Academic Libraries

Managerialism is an ideology that presents management as the center of organizations, shifting power and agency away from workers. This ideology allows more control and power to reside at the top of an organization, rather than allowing shared power in decision-making and everyday work. This structure can create inequitable and oppressive work environments that devalue the agency and intelligence of library staff and librarians. Managerialism, while considered an ideology on its own, has been building stronger roots in academic library practices due to influence from neoliberalism in the university environment. While managers can help with achieving organizational goals, it is important to critically examine library management practices to ensure that managers address instances of exclusion and inequity that may arise in these practices. This article introduces managerialism by providing a brief history of management and its expansion. It also identifies academic library practices that have been and continue to be susceptible to managerialist influences, such as consumer surveys, the demand for managers, strategic planning, leadership institutes, and merit pay. The article also provides some suggestions for addressing managerialism in the profession to ensure equity and inclusion are prioritized in library work. This includes practicing critical reflection, embedding critical perspectives in LIS education and training, and introducing critical perspectives on leadership.

The relationship between quality performance and employee innovation for total quality management practices in academic libraries

The study examined the relationship between quality performance and employee innovation for total quality management in academic libraries. The study focused on academic libraries in Ghana. Relevant literature was reviewed on TQM practices, employee innovation, and quality performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and a quantitative approach. The research protocol was a questionnaire. The study sampled 213 and retrieved 208 responses representing 97.6% of the valid sample size for the study. The study established that employee innovation and quality performance are critical components for TQM practices in academic libraries. The correlation analysis established that employee innovation had a significant relationship with total quality management while quality performance also demonstrated a significant positive relationship with total quality management. The study revealed that employee innovation and quality performance are significant components for TQM practices in academic libraries. The study serves as a new source of documented information for academic libraries regarding TQM practices. Also, the study is a pillar for enriching the existing literature on employee innovation and quality performance as critical success factors for TQM implementation in academic libraries.