Library Practice Research Articles

Librarians’ role in the preservation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge

In the era of digital innovation, the preservation of indigenous knowledge stands at a compelling intersection of heritage and technology. Librarians play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of technology while respecting cultural protocols. Through a comprehensive exploration of librarian practices, this study sought to unpack how indigenous knowledge can be ethically preserved in the digital landscape. A qualitative study was conducted with 20 librarians in Zimbabwe, who were purposively selected. Interviews and observation were used to collect data, which was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that libraries preserved indigenous knowledge in the form of poetry, folklore, drama and artefacts; demonstrated traditional dances; and sometimes recorded live sessions and special collections. The major challenges being faced were the ethical issues in documenting indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that librarians actively work with indigenous communities in indigenous knowledge projects to avoid resistance from knowledge holders.

Teaching Knowledge Synthesis Methods through Online Research Consultations

Requests to meet with academic librarians for support on knowledge synthesis (KS) projects have escalated due to an increasing number of learners embarking on KS projects as part of their course work, along with the recommendation in KS methods guidance to consult with a research librarian to ensure a comprehensive search. While there are program descriptions and evaluations of library-led and other KS methods training for groups or self-directed learning opportunities, little evidence examines the teaching practices of academic librarians in individual KS research consultations. The objective of this research is to explore teaching encounters during online KS research consultations and describe the often invisible aspects of that labour through the findings from an online-mediated, focussed ethnographic study. The study draws on data from focus groups, observations and interviews, as well as autoethnographic sources. We use a sociomaterial lens to analyze the stories in the data and illuminate the complexities of the virtual, synchronous teaching encounter between academic health librarians and learners. We present a composite narrative elaborating on the social, technical, and material elements assembled before, during, and after an online KS methods consultation to emphasize the invisible and affective labour of librarian teaching practices about comprehensive searching and KS methods.

Libraries of Higher Education Institutions in the Prevalence of Open Science Practices

The aim of the article is to determine the state and directions for improving the implementation effectiveness of the open science concept in libraries of higher education institutions of Ukraine.
 Research methods. To achieve the set goal and solve the tasks, content analysis, systematic approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and systematization are used.
 Scientific novelty. On the basis of the formed sample of 12 libraries of Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs), the thematic range of electronic resources and services of institutional repositories is identified, as well as the methodical and regulatory support for their functioning is characterized. The article highlights peculiarities of implementing the basic principles of open science by libraries of Ukrainian HEIs, additionally, reveals the reserves for developing an open information space for scientists and education seekers.
 Main conclusions. Based on the analysis of Ukrainian and foreign researchers’ scientific works, the contribution of scholars to the formation of conceptual foundations of open science as a communication phenomenon, which is of key importance for the development of the digital society and knowledge society in total, is established. A number of priority tasks that need to be solved are formulated: improving the means of technological support for institutional repositories; providing libraries of HEIs with open access to subscribed resources and abstract bibliographic databases, as well as collections of digitized publications included in the State Register of National Cultural Heritage of Ukraine; providing educational materials in open access (disciplines programs, lectures notes, meetings protocols, didactic materials, etc.); elaborating and implementing a number of information, library and educational methodologies of scientific interaction with different categories of users. The significance of the resource potential of modern practices in HEIs libraries in prevalencing the achievements of open science is substantiated and summarized; the current state of implementing the open science concept in Ukrainian HEIs is determined. Prospects for further research include testing different aspects of the open access implementation; development of open science tools and services by HEIs libraries.

Soft Skills as a Mainstream Vector in the Library Industry

The aim of the article is to highlight the potential, relevance and practical value of soft skills as a component of the success of libraries, as well as to outline the algorithm of actions to improve the practical application of extra-professional skills in the multifunctional activities of the library industry; to recognize capabilities and products of soft competencies as urgent in the period of resistance to the Russian invasion and competitive in the digital society environment.
 Research methods are based on the effectiveness of the application of general scientific and special methods, in particular: methods of analysis, synthesis, logical method, terminological analysis, structural and genetic method, system and complex method, aspect analysis, etc.
 Scientific novelty of the study consists in an extended analysis of soft skills elements application in the formation of innovative models of library–user relations, taking into account civilizational challenges, the military state in the country, as well as the emphasis on key aspects of today’s relevance: challenges, categories, needs, approaches and models.
 Main conclusions. The study examines the resourcefulness of soft skills components as integral options of success. Developments and the potential of using skills to increase the pace of trendiness and reveal opportunities in the library industry are considered. It has been proven that the practice and creativity of applying soft skills components in libraries on a permanent and long-term basis are especially relevant during the period of martial law; effectively demanded according to the theory of generations; form a new focus; have substantive leadership in the library and information industry; prevent both professional and industry destructiveness. The above is the significance of the libraries transformation, taking into account library practices and modifications of library activity. Further key priorities are grounded, as well as emphases for overcoming obstacles on the way to the library specialist’s success in the effective application of soft skills are substantiated.

Library Science and Library Sphere in Conditions of Martial Law in Ukraine

The aim of the article is to research main tendencies in the development of scientific studies and priority directions of library practice in conditions of martial law in Ukraine, using the example of publications in the journal “Bibliotechnyi visnyk” (“Library Bulletin”).
 Research methods. The article embraces a complex of approaches of scientific knowledge (objectivity, connection between theory and practice); the principle of unity and interconnection with current conditions; cognitive, structural-functional, descriptive and source studies methods, as well as analysis and synthesis.
 Scientific novelty. For the first time, the content of the scientific-theoretical and practical journal “Bibliotechnyi visnyk” (2022–2023) is presented as an integral component of the progress of Ukrainian library science, and as a basis of functioning the state’s library sphere. It is argued that in conditions of martial law in Ukraine, library science and library sphere have been developing according to all-Ukrainian tendencies.
 Main conclusions. The use of modern information and communication technologies in the publishing activity of V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, as the founder and publisher of the scientific-theoretical and practical journal “Bibliotechnyi visnyk”, in conditions of martial law in Ukraine, has contributed to the apropos initiation of the library community and the world (the mentioned above journal is distributed to 25 countries by international book exchange), with the main development trends of scientific studies and modern areas of library practice in Ukraine and abroad. In 2022–2023, the themes of publications in “Bibliotechnyi visnyk” journal are determined by diversity and topicality, as they reveal the main directions, represent the leading main tendencies in the development of library science and library sphere in Ukraine and abroad, as well as demonstrate the growing role of libraries in the digital era. In conditions of martial law in Ukraine, publications on the mentioned topics, including the experience of foreign libraries, have become relevant.

A Living Classic of Library Science: Bio-bibliography of Yu.N. Stolyarov (2008—2023)

. In commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian librarian Yu.N. Stolyarov, a bibliographic list of his works for 2008—2023 is published. It includes 500 titles (monographs, textbooks, composing works; articles, reports, reviews; foreign publications and translations; publications published under the scientific editorship of Yu.N. Stolyarov). The bibliographic list of publications about the scientist with the same chronological coverage includes 75 titles. In addition, a brief description of the special role of Yu.N. Stolyarov in the development of the theory and practice of librarianship, bibliography and book studies is given. This publication continues the bio-bibliographic index published by Nauka Publishing House in 2008 for the 70th anniversary of the scientist.

Libraries between censorship and information rights (impact on library practice in the segment of library material acquisition and creation of funds)

Libraries as supposed to be the most democratic places in the world have a clearly defined role and purpose in society. They are obliged to provide equal access to information for all, but also to get an impact on reader preferences and at the same time to perform an educational role. In that gap between the imperative to obey the law and follow democratic principles – providing the right to information on the one hand, and the dictates of the market on the other, libraries found themselves in an unenviable position when it comes to the segment of acquiring library materials and creating funds. Although, in principle, this business segment is regulated through various professional recommendations and by legal and internal acts of libraries, there still remains an unresolved dilemma related to the treatment of publications and/or authors that can be classified on a certain basis as problematic from ethical or aesthetic aspects. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the theoretical understanding of specific manifestations of censorship that can occur in certain segments of library practice such as creating funds, purchasing library materials, or meeting user requirements. This is being achieved by comparing what are real dilemmas in practice and what the legislation prescribes or what is recommended by professional organizations. By focusing on questioning the boundaries in solving the aforementioned problems, through an attempt to open specific issues, it seeks to point out the shortcomings of existing solutions and a certain discrepancy between the offered legal-theoretical framework and its implementation in everyday practice.

The public library as a political symbol: a post-political reading of the demise of the consensus-model in Swedish cultural policy

ABSTRACT Recent use of public libraries as political symbols by the radical right in their challenge of the established consensus in Swedish cultural policy is part of an ongoing (re)politicization of the field of cultural policy. This paper frames this development as part of a post-political condition of Swedish cultural and library policy. Through an analysis of previous research, policy, and policy debates, a conceptual understanding of the post-political condition is offered. The paper also provides an analysis with empirical examples of how this condition unfolds in librarians’ accounts of everyday public library practices. This composite analysis furthers our understanding of the enactment of Swedish cultural and library policy and contributes to a broader discussion of the current challenges facing these policy fields following the rise of the radical right in several countries. The findings point to a need for more nuanced and ideological discussions concerning the relationship between politics and culture and where public libraries are situated between autonomy and democracy.

Librarians Gateway: Digital Library System

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, libraries have transitioned from traditional repositories of physical books to multifaceted centers for digital information. This paper explores the development and deployment of a comprehensive Digital Library System (DLS), highlighting its pivotal role as a gateway empowering librarian to efficiently manage, organize, and distribute information within the digital landscape. This article delineates the objectives, methodology, results, and implications of integrating such a system into modern library practices, emphasizing enhanced accessibility, user experience, and streamlined resource management.

Cultivating Open Science: a quantitative exploration of leadership practices in Malaysian academic libraries

This paper explores the characteristics of open leadership to support academic library leaders in promoting open science. It also aims to identify the existing leadership practices related to the implementation of open science from the viewpoint of Malaysian academic library leaders. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing online surveys distributed among 50 leaders from Malaysian public and private academic libraries. The study is anchored in the Open Leadership Framework, encompassing three key practices: design (contextualization), build (structure and system creation), and empower (personal leadership skills). Open leadership, viewed as a response to technological advancements and the use of multimedia communication tools, is framed within the principles, practices, and skills that communities can leverage to achieve shared goals. The findings from the design principle indicate unanimous agreement among respondents on the importance of collaboration, both internally and externally, for the success of the open science agenda, aligning with the principles of community interactions. In the build principle, all respondents share the belief that libraries should implement training and competence development programs, aligning with mentoring principles. This adherence corresponds to the principles of commons-based production, emphasizing the encouragement of publication in open-access journals, and project management, highlighting the pivotal role of libraries in determining the university's open data repository. In the empowerment principle, a total response of 61.5 percent under the "makes connection" principle, emphasizes the need for collaboration between the library, the university's Information Technology Center, and the Research Management Center to provide researcher profiles. This study not only provides insights into the current landscape of open leadership practices among Malaysian academic library leaders but also offers valuable implications for fostering collaboration, training initiatives, and empowerment strategies in the realm of open science. By understanding and embracing these principles, academic institutions and libraries can navigate the evolving scholarly environment, effectively contributing to the advancement of open science practices.

Preventive conservation: environmentally friendly sustainable current practices in Asian libraries

Preventive conservation: environmentally friendly sustainable current practices in Asian libraries

Arabian Gulf Academic Libraries’ Knowledge Representation Practices, Perspectives and Barriers

Knowledge representation through metadata is crucial to successful knowledge management and ensuring access. Libraries, especially those associated with universities and colleges, have been long engaged in important activities of developing, adapting, implementing, and managing descriptive and administrative metadata, bibliographic authority control, etc. A substantial amount of research exists in knowledge representation practices of libraries that operate in North America and Western Europe. However, some other regions of the world, in particular the Arabian Gulf region which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are currently underrepresented in this research. The exploratory project presented in this paper aimed to address this gap with the goal of developing an understanding of the current state of knowledge representation (including descriptive metadata practices, identity management, use of knowledge organisation systems, and more) in academic libraries of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, as well as plans and preparedness of these institutions and their staff for future developments in this area to facilitate discovery of resources, specifically in the aggregated digital environment. The qualitative study used semi-structured interviews of metadata managers at a representative sample of regional university libraries. The findings provide insights into this previously under-researched area and contribute to understanding of related knowledge management barriers and perspectives on a global scale. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Project Management as a Tool For Effective Formation of Innovative Library Media Space

The purpose of the work is to study the role of project management as a key tool in the process of forming an innovative media space in libraries. The research is aimed at revealing methods, techniques and best practices in the application of project management for the successful development of the media space of the library, in particular at studying the processes of planning, implementation and evaluation of projects in the context of innovative initiatives. The research methodology is based on a set of general scientific methods of generalisation, systematisation and forecasting. In order to identify approaches to the forms and content of project management components in modern libraries, an aspect-by-aspect analysis of specialised literature was applied. The method of information diagnostics was used to study the state of the media space of libraries and innovative projects that have already been implemented or are planned in the library field. Scientific novelty. Emphasis is placed on changes in library practice in the context of growing demands for digital library services, and the need to integrate project management as a key tool for solving the problems of innovative library development and improving the quality of user service is actualised. Conclusions. It was found that the application of the project management methodology in libraries is due to the innovativeness, integration and complexity of tasks related to the introduction of modern digital technologies, the dynamic external environment of the modern library, the need to coordinate various types of resources (financial, time, professional) and to meet deadlines project. The necessity of integrating project management into library practice for effective formation of innovative media space in libraries, implementation of new digital initiatives for further development of the user service sphere was considered and proved. The methods, techniques and best practices of applying project management for the successful development of the media space of the library have been determined. General scientific methods of generalisation, systematisation and forecasting are used for the analysis and generalisation of specialised literature. Keywords. Innovative media space of the library, project management, digital library projects, digital transformations of the library, competencies of library specialists.

Immersive products of documented historical and cultural heritage: new prospects of library practice

Immersive products of documented historical and cultural heritage: new prospects of library practice

Prospects for the implementation of the concept of digital citizenship in scientific libraries

The relevance of the research problem is determined by the active development of the digital society, which requires the formation of new forms of civic participation of the generation of the digital age, and Scientific libraries as leading information and communication institutions of society play a significant role in forming the value foundations of the worldview of modern youth as citizens of the digital age. The purpose of the article was to determine the prospects for the implementation of the concept of digital citizenship in scientific libraries. The research methodology was based on a combination of source analysis, comparative analysis, dialectical, systematic and logical methods of scientific research. As a result of the conducted research, it was stated that the representatives of the digital generation in the socio-communication aspect are an independent, critical, socially active community, formed thanks to the active use of the Internet and social media for obtaining information and communication. The characteristic features of the worldview of a “digital person” include fluency in digital and information-analytical technologies, speed of search and perception of new information, short attention span, giving preference to visualized information, brevity of presentation, “clip-like” perception. It is the character of the “digital person” that defines the reader not of the future, but of the present, because the generation of 20-30-year-olds is the first generation that was born in the digital world and can no longer imagine life without the mobile Internet and various gadgets, which necessitates the global transformation of traditional forms of work of libraries in the direction of active use of digital technologies. The work emphasized that university libraries should provide progressive education based on the expansion and deepening of digital competences of users, taking into account moral and ethical, socio-legal and psychological factors. The implementation of the concept of digital citizenship necessitates active digitization of library funds, expansion of the spectrum of virtual products and services, as well as active positioning of the library's activities in social networks. Prospects for further research consist in the expansion and deepening of practical recommendations for the formation of the concept of digital citizenship by means of library practices

Listening to diverse voices: inclusive pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching for library interactions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings from focus group interviews conducted with librarians and library staff, faculty and students. It highlights the significance of implementing inclusive teaching and culturally responsive strategies in instructional settings and interactions with library patrons and seeks to emphasize the importance of developing guidelines, best practices and effective strategies.Design/methodology/approachUsing focus groups, this study interviewed librarians and library staff, faculty and students. This research approach identified, reviewed and assessed existing programs and practices in instruction and library interactions.FindingsThe findings from this paper indicate that while faculty and librarians are making individual efforts to promote inclusivity in teaching and interacting with patrons, many participants expressed the necessity for institutional-level training, guidelines and good practices on how to achieve and implement culturally responsive and inclusive teaching strategies.Originality/valueThe methodology utilized in this study can be adapted by other libraries or institutions aiming to explore the practice of inclusive pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching within their own context. The insights from the study inform the development of strategies that librarians, faculty and staff can employ to integrate inclusive and culturally responsive teaching into their instruction and services for the wider academic community.

The impact of information security management guide utilization on technological and institutional information security measures in university libraries in Türkiye

The study examined whether the levels of technological and institutional information security measures implemented in university libraries in Türkiye differ based on the usage of a corporate information security management guide. The study was conducted through a literature review and survey method in a total of 199 university libraries in Turkey actively operating in 2023, comprising 124 state universities and 75 private universities. To ensure the contributions of all university libraries population was obtained in a homogeneous manner, a purposive sampling method was used, collecting data from one staff member from each university library.The findings reveal that there are significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of both technological and institutional information security measures, depending on the presence and utilization of a corporate information security management guide in university libraries. These findings demonstrated that an enterprise information security management tool is effective in influencing information security practices in university libraries. This result confirmed the hypothesis that there are significant differences in the implementation levels of technological and institutional information security measures based on the presence and usage of an enterprise information security management tool in university libraries in Turkey.Considering the lack of comprehensive studies on information security management in university libraries in Turkey, this research demonstrates its uniqueness by approaching the topic with a holistic approach.

Cyberchondria and Information Seeking Behavior: A Bibliometric Analysis

The pervasive online availability of health information has revolutionized how individuals seek medical advice. With a simple search, individuals can access vast amounts of information about their symptoms, medical conditions, and treatments. This has led to the emergence of a phenomenon known as “cyberchondria,” which refers to excessive searching for health information online. While seeking health information can improve health literacy, cyberchondria can have negative consequences, such as increased distress and healthcare utilization. This bibliometric study explores the literature of cyberchondria and online health information seeking behavior in order to inform professional practice in libraries.

Supporting Early Literacy in Public Libraries: A Meta‐ethnography of Qualitative Studies

ABSTRACTThis study reviewed qualitative studies that focused on library practices for supporting early literacy development. A meta‐ethnography approach was used to locate, evaluate, and synthesize the findings of these studies. Based on a search in the Web of Science and a nationwide database developed by the National Central Library, 16 articles were included in the synthesis. Drawing upon Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the findings identified five key themes (i.e., diverse collections, innovative activities, proactive intermediary role of librarians, print‐full environment, and community partnership) related to library practices that support early literacy. By interpreting the findings of the review, suggestions and implications were discussed for library services supporting early literacy.

Green Libraries and the User’s Perspective: A Case Study in Turkey

The purpose of this article is to identify green (environmentally friendly) practices in the university libraries of Kocaeli and Istanbul, and to determine the environmental awareness and attitudes of the users (students) of these libraries in their daily lives, as well as conceptually. In addition, students’ level of awareness about the environmental impacts of access to and use of information, and the greenness of libraries from the user’s perspective were also investigated. Within the scope of the study, data was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire method conducted with the library users of 11 universities. Questionnaires were distributed only to student library users, and a total of 436 students answered them. This study differs from the existing literature by evaluating the environmental measures applied by librarians and their users, in contrast to studies employing conceptual approaches to the subject of green libraries. This study is intended to assist library managers, librarians and researchers conducting research on these issues. It encompasses the users’ perceptions of green libraries, environmental approaches and practices that they support in libraries, their awareness of the environmental effects of information access and use, and how they evaluate their library from a green perspective. In a global context, it aims to contribute to the literature on libraries by presenting data from an unresearched region. The study first assesses the green practices of 11 university libraries using a questionnaire given to library managers, and then assesses them using a questionnaire distributed to users. Finally, it seeks to present a concrete link between information literacy and the environment, contrasting green libraries with their users’ awareness of environmental impact. The results of the study showed that 7 of the 11 university libraries are in the green library category. When the data obtained from the users was analyzed, the average score for environmental awareness and attitude (EAA) in daily life among those who had received environmental education was found to be significantly higher than those who had not. The level of greenness a library was evaluated as having (EGL) was significantly higher among users of green libraries than non-green users. This can be interpreted as users having noticed the environmentally friendly measures being practiced. No significant difference was found between the green libraries and their users’ environmental awareness and attitudes in daily life.