Provision Of Library Services Research Articles

Library Services Provision During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study Between Developing Countries

The research explores a comparative study between Bangladesh and Malaysia library services during a Covid-19 pandemic.   The study also intends to determine how the library responds, how they provide the services, the working hours, and their role in this pandemic time. A qualitative research approach has been used for data collection by interviewed three respondents to get their opinion to answer the research questions. The interviews were recorded, transcribe, and analyzed thematically. Many libraries are physically closed during a pandemic, but the patrons can still use the services through the online system. Library revamped its website many pages like Facebook, reassigned resources, and planned remote systems; all activities are robust online planning. Most libraries use social media as a tool to communicate and less use physical communication. Library staffs are working from their home, and it is quite challenging. They have to adapt to the situation because this is a new trend in working routines. The libraries see their role is crucial and the services collectively to the community at this uncertain times. This study shows society how they serve the public and cope with the pandemic.

Accessibility of communication and information for people with sensory disabilities in the libraries of Azogues

In contemporary societies, accessibility constitutes a fundamental element to achieve the inclusion of people with disabilities; which should not only be addressed in a focused manner on a particular dimension, but on the contrary should be managed comprehensively, both in physical and virtual spaces. However, there are still institutions in which the basic conditions to guarantee accessibility for people with sensory disabilities have not been met, as is the case of the libraries of the city of Azogues. Therefore, this article was carried out with the objective of evaluating the accessibility of communication and information for people with sensory disabilities in the libraries of Azogues. A methodology was applied based on an ethnographic design, with a mixed approach and descriptive scope; The population was considered to be those in charge of the libraries located in Azogues, and non-probabilistic convenience sampling was also applied to select 30 people with sensory disabilities. As identified, the personnel of these entities do not have training in sign language, which limits communication with people with hearing disabilities, nor do they have materials available in Braille or audiobooks so that people with visual disabilities can access the information. information. It concludes on the gaps that have prevailed in terms of accessibility and inclusion, which makes it difficult to provide library services for people with disabilities, aspects that must be corrected.

Enhancing Library Engagement: Designing a Mobile Application for Dr. GRD Memorial Library Using Jotform and Chatbase

Mobile applications are software applications developed for small and wireless computing devices such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktops or laptops. With advancements in networking technologies, mobile applications are increasingly utilized in the field of education, particularly in libraries, to engage more users. They are predominantly preferred for providing library services such as accessing e-resources like e-books, e-journals, e-newspapers, e-patents, etc. Additionally, these applications provide users with access at any time, from anywhere, and help save time. This paper briefly explains the design of a mobile application for Dr. GRD Memorial Library, the main library of PSG College of Technology, using Jotform, a free, no-code app builder that allows sharing multiple forms, links, and other elements in a single app that works on any device. To enhance interactivity, a chatbot is also incorporated using an AI chatbot builder, Chatbase, primarily utilized for adding chat widgets in mobile applications.

Delivering and utilising library services during the pandemic disease outbreak: challenges and coping strategies

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe shutdowns, quarantines, closures, cancellations, and other restrictive measures in different countries. Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools were not immune to the devastating effects caused by the pandemic. Purpose The present study intended to explore challenges and coping strategies in maintaining access to and use of resources and services in academic libraries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research design To gain familiarity and acquire new insight into how Tanzania academic libraries managed their services during the COVID-19 pandemic exploratory research design was employed. A qualitative approach was mainly used to explore library staff and users’ opinions and experiences on library service provision during the pandemic outbreak. Data collection methods and analysis Focus group discussions (FGDs) and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data collected through FGD and semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative data analysis. In particular, thematic analysis was employed in analysing data based on assigned themes. Results Generally, the study reveals multiple challenges in delivering library services and resources and their coping strategies. However, most of the coping strategies put forward mainly focused into preventing the pandemic, rather than enhancing access to and use of library services and resources among the users. Conclusion and recommendations The study exposes challenges that affected the delivery and use of library services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies were known. Proposal to digitize the library collections, invest in the application of digital library solutions and innovations, build capacity in digital competencies among the library staff and users, and increase access and use of open and freely available resources and services appear to be sustainable coping strategies when a pandemic occurs.

BRIDGING THE GAP: STORIES OF LIBRARIANS IN BRINGING LIBRARIES INTO USERS DOORSTEPS AMIDST COVID 19 PANDEMIC

The enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic brought immense changes to the library and information services. Hence, this phenomenological qualitative study aimed to discover the stories of academic librarians in bringing the libraries into users doorsteps amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers employed Key Informant Interview (KII) to ten (10) academic librarians from Davao del Sur in order to capture the challenges they encountered and the strategies they employed in providing library services to the library users during the pandemic. Results revealed that academic librarians faced challenges such as difficulty in library promotion and marketing, and adjustments to the new work roles. However, they still managed to cope with these challenges through attending webinars and online trainings, implementing new services, bringing libraries into users doorsteps, and embracing change and being resilient. Based on the findings, it is highly recommended that school administrators should provide adequate support for their academic librarians training, mental and emotional well-being to help them in continually performing their functions as well as their new work roles during the pandemic. KEYWORDS: Library and Information Science, Academic Libraries, Librarians, Challenges and Strategies, COVID-19 Pandemic, Phenomenological, Philippines

Factors influencing the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in university libraries: a systematic literature review (SLR)

PurposeFor the provision of smart library services to end users, tools of the Internet of Things (IoT) play a significant role. The study aims to discover the factors influencing the adoption of IoT in university libraries, investigate the impact of IoT on university library services and identify challenges to adopt IoT applications in university libraries.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was carried out to address the objectives of the study. The 40 most relevant research papers published in the world’s leading digital databases were selected to conduct the study.FindingsThe findings illustrated that rapid growth in technology, perceived benefits, the networked world and the changing landscape of librarianship positively influenced the adoption of IoT in university libraries. The study also displayed that IoT supported library professionals to initiate smart library services, assisted in service efficiency, offered context-based library services, provided tracking facilities and delivered effective management of library systems. Results also revealed that a lack of technical infrastructure, security and privacy concerns, a lack of technological skills and unavailability of policy and strategic planning caused barriers to the successful adoption of IoT applications in university libraries.Originality/valueThe study has provided theoretical implications through a valuable addition to the current literature. It has also offered managerial implications for policymakers to construct productive policies for the implementation of IoT applications in university libraries for the attainment of fruitful outcomes. Finally, the study provides a baseline for understanding the adoption of IoT in academic libraries.

Academic librarians’ perceptions of mobile technology’s usefulness in library service delivery at universities of technology in South Africa

PurposeGlobally, mobile technology is a significant factor influencing how libraries are changing the ways of delivering services to today’s users. This paper aims to explore academic librarians’ perceptions of the usefulness of mobile technology in delivering library services and the efforts required for its successful adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. The research objectives were underpinned by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyses using NVIVO for thematic analysis.FindingsResults show that, in general, academic librarians support the use of mobile technology to provide services such as access to eBooks and Journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, Bookmyne application, information literacy consultations and training. Library managers, fellow librarians and users were identified as encouraging the adoption of mobile technology to enhance library services. The paper further confirms that the successful adoption of mobile technology requires some effort. However, due to some of the challenges presented in the study, a majority of respondents felt that their libraries are not yet ready to fully embrace mobile technology the way it is envisioned in today’s world.Practical implicationsThe study endeavours to address the divergence between students and academic librarians’ viewpoints regarding the application of mobile technology in the provision of library services.Originality/valueThis paper highlights numerous ways that academic librarians could adopt and embrace mobile technology, which can benefit both academic libraries and other institutions of higher learning. The knowledge presented in this paper could assist academic librarians in assessing their institutions’ vulnerabilities, challenges and strengths in using mobile technologies to provide library services.

Disability Inclusion: Accessibility of Library and Information Services to People with Visual Impairment in Public Libraries in Harare: Zimbabwe. The Missing Link:

The major thrust of the research study was mainly driven by the need to determine the accessibility and effectiveness of library and information services to students with visual impairment in Harare. Provision of library and information services to students and other people with visual impairment is a right enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disabilities (UNCRPD,2006). The study was informed by the interpretivism research philosophy which in part entails listening, observations and recording. The qualitative research approach was used by way of interviews, observations, documentary analysis and focus groups. In line with the approach, the study relied on the phenomenological research design. The population included former and current university students with visual impairment in Harare. The sample therefore covered thirty former and current Higher education students in Harare. The study established that the physical accessibility of public libraries to students with visual impairment leaves a lot to be desired and therefore needs concerted effort to address. Secondly the study also found out that the expertise of library staff in assisting students with visual impairment also needs to be revisited with a view to improving service provision to the constituency of students with visual impairment. It was also revealed that in the libraries themselves, there was limited access to library reading and study materials. In some cases, these materials were non-existent. The use of third parties to assist students with visual impairment was also found to be shortchanging students since this depended on several competing interests on the part of the person being assisted and the one assisting. The study also established that while sighted users could use electronic ways to access library services, this did not apply to users with visual impairment. The study recommended that the institution needed a library policy for users with visual impairment. There was need for advocacy to improve accessibility. There was also a need for an accessibility audit or needs analysis. Library resources also needed to be increased in both quality and quantity.

The Role of Schools in Literacy in Elementary Schools

Literacy is closely related to an individual's ability to read, write, speak and understand information and solve daily life problems. The current literacy level of students is at a low level because there is still a lack of students being asked to read. Interest in reading is the desire and encouragement of students to like and enjoy reading activities. Based on the aim of this research, namely to determine the role of schools in literacy, this research uses descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. The object of this research is SDN 194 Pekanbaru. In this research, three indicators were tested, namely the provision of infrastructure, the provision of school library programs and services. From these three indicators, the results showed that the role of school literacy has a fairly good average in improving students' literacy skills. From the results of observations made by researchers, it was found that the role of schools in literacy is to provide facilities and infrastructure for literacy at SDN 194 Pekanbaru, such as providing book reading corners in class, wall magazines, reading corners, posters with motivational words in class and also providing literacy programs such as: reading 30 before learning begins, a reading journal program which at the end of the semester, the best students will be given rewards and SDN 194 Pekanbaru also provides a library.

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.

Use of Mobile Technology-Based Library Services and Information Needs Satisfaction of Undergraduates in Universities in South-West Nigeria

Aim: Users’ satisfaction has been a subject of research since the establishment of the first university library in 1984, which signalled the commencement of the provision of information services to academic library users in Nigeria. However, empirical studies on the use of mobile technology-based library services in relation to students’ information needs satisfaction are rare. Thus, there is a knowledge gap, and this study, therefore, sets out to fill this gap by investigating the use of mobile technology-based library services and information needs satisfaction among undergraduates in universities in South-West Nigeria. Methods: The research design for the study was a survey, involving a multistage sampling technique. Two questionnaires (on the level of use of mobile technology-based library services and information needs satisfaction of undergraduates) were used to sample 1,086 undergraduates across three faculties at six universities in South-West Nigeria. 1,045 responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found that some mobile technology-based library services were frequently used by undergraduates, while others were not. Most of the students expressed satisfaction with the services provided by their university libraries. The results of this study also showed that there is a highly positive relationship (Pearson r = 0.53) between the use of mobile technology-based library services and the information needs satisfaction of undergraduates in South-West Nigeria. Conclusion: This study concluded that with a good deployment of infrastructure, the provision of mobile technology-based library services will encourage their effective use by undergraduates and, consequently, a higher level of information needs satisfaction. The study recommended, among other things, that university library management should subscribe regularly to mobile technology-based library services to overcome some of the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The Value and Impact of the Fudan University Appalachian State University Librarian Exchange: Perceptions of Participating Librarians

This case study describes the value and impact of the ten-year Fudan-Appalachian Library Exchange Program ((FALEP)). Beginning in 2008, seven librarians from Fudan University and five librarians from Appalachian State University had the opportunity to explore library operations and service provision; learn from colleagues; investigate solutions to common problems; engage in scholarship together; and experience another culture. Librarians found that the exchange experience had a huge impact on their professional and personal lives as they learned to live in a different culture and work in another library system. The exchange program equipped participating librarians with global perspectives, intercultural skills, opportunities for cross-cultural scholarship, and new ideas that were then incorporated into their service provision and work with domestic and international students in their home libraries.

Analisis sikap pustakawan dalam melayani pemustaka berdasarkan kode etik pustakawan di perpustakaan umum kota padang panjang

The main problem in this thesis is how the attitude of librarians in serving users is based on the librarian's code of ethics at the Padang Panjang City Public Library. The purpose of this research is to describe the attitude of librarians about Asta Ethics of librarians in providing services to users at the Padang Panjang City Public Library, as well as to describe the perceptions of users of the services provided by librarians at the Padang Panjang City Public Library. Asta ethics are guidelines for librarians to behave and act in accordance with the regulated code of ethics. This type of research is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques start from data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. Guarantee the validity of the data in this study using source triangulation. The results of the study show that the attitude of librarians regarding basic ethics in the Padang Panjang Public Library as a whole, all librarians have understood the meaning of basic ethics in general. Asta ethics is important as a rule that must be obeyed and used as a guide in carrying out duties in a professional manner. Asta librarian ethics are eight codes of ethics for librarians in providing library services to the community. The librarian's code of ethics is a moral requirement that librarians should follow and comply with. The role of asta ethics for librarians in providing services to users is very important. As for the user's perception of the attitude of librarians in providing services, librarians have not fully been able to apply ethical standards, as there are still some librarians who show an unfriendly attitude in serving users, speak in a high tone so as to disturb the peace of the user and the lack of librarians in applying thanks to users , even though this is something that is very easy to say to someone. Then the efforts made by the library for the attitude of librarians who are not well received by users are by evaluating performance and improving the quality of its human resources. Suggestions from researchers for librarians at the Padang Panjang City Public Library are that librarians are expected to increase their understanding of librarian ethics and increase their role according to ethical standards in providing services to users.

Knowledge and Skills for Life: School Libraries in Disadvantaged Areas of Northern Ireland

This study involved data collection and analysis from four distinct phases of research to establish the features of current provision of post-primary school library services in Northern Ireland; and how these services are being implemented in disadvantaged areas. The research also considers the challenges for school library provision, explores examples of good practice, and sets out recommendations for the future for both provision within schools and at a Northern Ireland policy level.

Bridging the Support Gap

Over the past decade, U.S. teen mental health has declined rapidly. In the state of Florida, high rates of youth mental health challenges and lowered access to traditional mental health care has led to its ranking as the 19th worst in the nation. A “whole community” approach to mental health promotion has been advocated to address these concerns, and public libraries have been identified as potential partners in that endeavor. As part of its core competencies for library staff providing services to teens, YALSA has identified the importance of supporting teens’ emotional and social development through the provision of library programs and services that help teens cope with life’s challenges—an agenda that directly aligns with the CDC’s definition of mental health. But research exploring the perceptions and experiences of public youth services librarians in promoting this agenda is lacking.
 Using a mixed-methods approach consisting of surveys of and interviews with Florida public librarians responsible for providing teen library services and informed by Seligman’s Well-being Theory, the proposed research seeks to explore the perceptions and experiences of public librarians in promoting teens’ mental health in the library and identify any challenges or gaps in pre-service training/education in preparing them for this role. 

Exploring the use of mobile technologies for learning: an empirical study of library and information science (LIS) students

PurposeThe use of mobile technologies and learning devices has been increasing in every field of life, and library and information sciences are no exception. This study aims to explore the perceptions of library and information science (LIS) students regarding mobile learning (m-learning) along with their primary purposes, social media applications, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, impact and overall satisfaction with using these devices.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was used, and data was collected from the students of 12 library schools in Pakistan for a total sample of 250 students.FindingsTheir main purposes of usage, their needs, advantages, disadvantages, barriers, impacts and the level of overall satisfaction were also identified. The inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) also identified the difference of opinion on the basis of gender, programs, types and number of m-learning devices. Overall, the findings highlight the need for academic libraries to give mobile access (launching mobile applications) to better use library services. To ensure this, libraries must keep an eye on new advances in mobile technology, researchers’ needs and related electronic library services and observe how these services are being used.Practical implicationsTheoretical and practical implications have been highlighted to understand the perceptions of LIS students about m-learning devices.Originality/valueThe mobile library service providers and management need to improve their services by offering services that fit the diverse needs of their users and should know how to attract modern library users.

Academic Libraries and the Pandemic

In the spring of 2020, many academic libraries and librarians transitioned their service models due to the pandemic and societal changes. Since then, an evolving and changing practice for providing library services to the academic community has begun. After a return to physical spaces, academic libraries have started to provide new in-person services, such as makerspaces. Some of the library services that were added during the height of the pandemic, continue on presently. How has this affected academic libraries and staff? The article will focus on what academic libraries have learned from the organizational culture and EDI perspectives, with particular attention to what has occurred since 2020. A literature review will also discuss the similarities or differences among academic libraries worldwide. Have academic libraries reflected sufficiently to enhance their services?

Effects of AI-Based ChatGPT on Higher Education Libraries

Purpose: Artificial Intelligent (AI) Technology-based systems are expected to replace or complement many services in various industries. AI-based GPTs are able to provide expert information in all industry sectors. Hence it is decided to examine the possibility of using ChatGPT to replace the conventional Library in higher education. Methodology: We made an exploratory study on the effects of AI-Based ChatGPT on Higher Education Libraries. This includes a description of the effect of technology on information collection and an analysis of the AI-based GPTs in terms of their capability to provide the right information at any time by evaluating the model of AI-based GPTs in terms of information generation and dissemination. This also includes a systematic comparison of the services provided by traditional libraries and digital libraries with AI-based GPT for students/readers, a study of the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of ChatGPT in terms of providing Library services to readers by ABCD analysis framework and interpretation of the impact of AI-based GPTs on the information collection process of the Higher Education System. Findings: Based on analysis, comparison, and evaluation of ChatGPT with traditional and digital library systems, some suggestions are given on the use of AI-GTPs in Higher Education based on its advantages and benefits to the readers of tangible or intangible resources provided in libraries. It is found that AI-based GPTs are expected to be complementary to traditional libraries in terms of providing customized information support. Originality/Value: An exploratory study is carried out based on collecting information from various authentic sources to analyse, compare, evaluate, and interpret the topic under consideration on the effect of AI-based ChatGPT on higher education libraries. Type of Paper: Explorative Study.

Virtual Services in the Health Sciences Library: A Handbook

Health sciences libraries serving universities and medical facilities have long used technology to provide library services, but COVID-19 presented libraries with unique challenges. Libraries shut their doors and adapted to conducting reference, instruction, and outreach, remotely. For some libraries described in Virtual Services in the Health Sciences Library: a Handbook, those services had been done in the library; for others, the library had considered adding virtual services. For those libraries that have not made the jump, this text presents strategies to which all health sciences libraries would find a useful reference. Given its practical strategies and engaging text, this reviewer finds Virtual Services in the Health Sciences Library: a Handbook to be an inspiring and a highly recommended reference for health sciences libraries. 

Factors contributing to the successful development and use of mobile digital libraries: a systematic literature review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile digital library (DL). This aim will be achieved by reviewing selected journal articles on mobile DLs' successful development and use. This paper argues that the concept of DLs is evolving because of the dynamic nature of knowledge and technological developments in the infosphere. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature search of journal article factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile DL was accomplished by searching the following databases: Emerald insight, Science directory and Google Scholar. The systematic review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. This study applied Rogers's (1965) Diffusion of innovation theory to unpack the attributes of innovation to unpack contextual factors shaping African conceptions of mobile libraries (m-libraries). The studies reviewed were published from 2016 to 2021. This paper is based on a systematic literature review. This paper uses publicly available literature on the theme of DLs concerning m-libraries. Among the search terms used for the study were: “digital libraries”, “Africa and digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies”, “access to information” and “mobile digital libraries”. Findings Reviewed literature indicates that myriad factors can contribute positively or negatively to the successful development and use of the mobile DL. These factors include the degree of staff awareness and understanding of the potential of mobile technologies in enhancing the provision of library services, the availability of relevant digital content, library staff and users’ level of digital and information literacy competencies to navigate digital platforms, user friendliness of DL platforms, material and financial support to access m-libraries, power supply and access to internet connectivity. Practical implications The results from this study will generate knowledge and insight into the factors that affect the development and optimal use of mobile DLs to enhance and widen access to scholarly databases irrespective of time and space. This study will make recommendations that will enable South African policymakers to make informed decisions relating to the factors affecting the development and usage of mobile DLs for enhanced learning, teaching and education. Originality/value Given the growing number of scholarly publications on mobile DLs, this study seeks to discover how such technologies can help enhance learning, teaching and research in higher education. This study’s findings will provide a scientific basis for policymakers and researchers with evidence-based knowledge that raises the value of mobile DLs. It was discovered that if the identified factors are handled well, users can easily access tools, such as databases, electronic journals and online reference tools, and this could improve the quality of teaching and learning.