Public University Libraries Research Articles

USE OF INSTAGRAM FANPAGES IN POLISH ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN 2015-2023

Thesis/Objective – This article presents the results of a quantitative comparative analysis of the activity of 65 Polish public university libraries on a social media platform known as Instagram between 2015 and 2023. The aim of the study was to assess the use of Instagram by academic libraries and to evaluate the popularity of the content shared by these institutions (including the number of posts shared and user reactions to them). Research methods – The commercial online tool Fanpage Karma, a social media monitoring service, was used to collect data from individual fanpages. This service also facilitated the processing of the collected data for statistical purposes. Data were gathered separately for different types of libraries. The critical analysis of the relevant literature and bibliographic sources was also conducted. Results/Conclusions – The results showed that only 33 out of 65 public academic libraries use Instagram in their everyday work. This activity is generally independent of the library type. The social media platform in question is present in various types of libraries. In some cases, Instagram complements communication via Facebook, particularly in the libraries which are most active on social media. It is worth noting that two libraries use Instagram as their sole social media platform. The highest number of posts was published by university libraries – and those posts received most user reactions.

Influence of motivational factors on social media use by library personnel: a comparative study of public and private university libraries in southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of motivational factors on library personnel's social media use for service delivery: a comparative study in public and private university libraries in Southwestern, Nigeria. The participants included library Personnel and covered 42 universities (federal, state and private) in Southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of a correlational type was employed with the population of 556 library personnel in Southwestern, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was adopted. Questionnaire adapted from Davis (1989) and Venkatesh and Bala (2008) was the instrument used to elicit data from the respondents of which 469 copies were returned and were found usable. The findings of the study showed that the most frequently used social media in terms of mean ranking were WhatsApp (x ̅ = 4.40, δ = 0.955), Facebook (x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 4.03) and Google+ (x ̅ = 4.03, δ = 1.139) and majority of the respondents in all the universities used social media for communicating and interacting with users 244(52.0%) with mean score of (x ̅= 3.33,δ=0.817. Additionally, findings showed that all the indices of motivational factors such as (Perceived Usefulness x ̅ = 37.54, δ = 11.691, r=0.775; Perceived Ease of Use x ̅ =18.92, δ= 6.348 r= 0.280; Perceived Enjoyment x ̅=22.37, δ = 7.085 r=0.337 and Computer Playfulness x ̅ = 29.01, δ=8.485, r=0.260; p<0.05) had positive correlation with social media use. The need to implement and adopt social media tools relevant to individual universities for service delivery was suggested among others.

Impact of big data and data analytics on the provision of data services in academic libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and data analytics (DA) in academic libraries, as well as their influence on the provision of data services (DSs).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data for this study. The population of this study comprised LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries. A four-factor measurement model estimating the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in academic libraries was tested using the structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings revealed that awareness (AW) (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.011) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the provision of DSs. The perceived utility of BD (β = 0.058, CR = 0.582, p = 0.561), and perceived utility of DA (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.905) exhibits a positive but statistically non-significant impact on the provision of DSs (β = 0.010, CR = 0.120, p = 0.905). The goodness of fit indices suggest a favourable fit for the model, as evidenced by the following values: χ2 = 1.400, DF = 164; p = 0.001; IFI = 0.954; TLI = 0.946; CFI = 0.953; GFI = 0.906; and RMSEA = 0.043.Originality/valueA new perspective on the use of BD and DA in academic libraries is presented in this study. It presents a four-factor measurement model on the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in university libraries.

Designing the digital transformation model of public university libraries in Iran based on Delphi method

Designing the digital transformation model of public university libraries in Iran based on Delphi method

The Predictive Machine Learning Model towards Effect of Human Resources Management Practices and Job Performances Among Academic Librarians in Malaysia

Job performance is a vital component of organizational success, directly impacting productivity, efficiency, and overall workplace effectiveness. For academic librarians, job performance is especially crucial in delivering high-quality library services, supporting academic programs, and fostering a conducive learning environment. However, there is a lack of literature on job performance in the context of academic librarianship in Malaysia. By conducting a thorough literature review and utilizing empirical research, this study aims to provide insights into the factors influencing job performance and strategies to enhance the job performance of academic librarians. In addition, the target population was the entire librarian’s public university libraries in Malaysia with 20 public university libraries involved. Primary data for 287 respondents of academic library was analysing using multiple linear regression analysis (MLR). The software used for analysing is Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). In a conclusion, the findings of this study found many factors contribute to job performance of academic library. This study provides recommendations to ultimately improving job performance among academic librarians in Malaysia.

The effect of academic librarians’ trust and relationships on their knowledge-sharing practice using the theory of planned behaviour

This study investigates how trust and relationships influence knowledge-sharing practices among academic librarians in Malaysia. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the research examines how trust affects librarians’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, ultimately shaping their intentions and knowledge-sharing behaviours. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from librarians in selected public and private university libraries in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. The findings reveal a significant positive impact of trust and relationships on librarians’ willingness to share knowledge. The study also highlights that trust and positive relationships can indirectly influence knowledge-sharing practices by first shaping librarians’ attitudes, perceptions of social pressure, and confidence in their ability to share knowledge effectively. These results emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive library culture to promote knowledge sharing. Practical steps for libraries to cultivate such an environment are discussed, including (e.g. team-building activities and training programmes). Finally, the implications of these findings are explored, offering valuable insights for future research and library management practices.

Reconnoitering the Correlation between ICT Facilities’ Application and Capacity Building of Library Staff in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Technology integration in library operations is fundamental to meeting information, literature and research needs of students, researchers and administrative staff of tertiary institutions. This study explored the correlation between ICT facilities application such as social media handles, internet, as well as online public access catalogue (OPAC) and capacity building of library staff in public university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Correlational research design was used to examine the extent to which ICT facilities’ application correlate with capacity building of library staff. Three (3) each of research objectives, questions, and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population was 416 library staff from six public university libraries. The total enumeration sampling technique was used. Two sets of self-structured questionnaire instruments totaling 416 copies were used for data collection, out of which, 306 were retrieved and analyzed which represented 74% response rate. Face and content validity of the instruments were done. A reliability test was conducted which yielded the coefficients of 0.89 and 0.85 respectively. The research questions were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using linear regression statistics. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between internet, social media handles application and capacity building of library staff, while applications of OPAC showed a feeble correlation with capacity building. Hence, the level to which ICT facilities’ application correlate with capacity building of library staff in the university libraries was insignificant, which by implication had negative effects on library staff services delivery. It was therefore recommended, among other measures, the implementation of a comprehensive ICT training programme to address gaps in ICT facilities’ application by library staff for effective utilization of all relevant technologies.

Assessment of the effectiveness of online e-resources marketing tools in university libraries

Purpose This study aims to assess the effectiveness of online e-resource marketing tools used by university libraries to market e-resources. The specific objectives of this study were to uncover the e-resources that are showcased by university libraries, find out instructions posted by libraries to facilitate access and utilization of e-resources, examine marketing tools used, examine how current and relevant marketing messages and test the functionality of the marketing tools used. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research design was used to assess the effectiveness of e-resources marketing tools. The study population included all public university libraries in Tanzania. The sample was purposively selected to include all publicly funded libraries as they work under similar management environments. Data collection involved the evaluation of online marketing tools using a matrix checklist. Findings It was revealed that most university libraries use websites for showcasing e-resources. The commonly used social media for marketing e-resources is Facebook followed by Instagram while Twitter and Ask a Librarian are the least used. The results further show that only a few universities provide instructions on how to access and use e-resources. The findings indicate that universities had active communication platforms for marketing e-resources. Furthermore, less than 50% of marketing messages are active and current. It is recommended that marketing e-resources should be integrated into the library’s plans and strategies and this should be informed by library policies. Research limitations/implications Given that, this study involved Tanzanian public university libraries, it is possible that the findings do not represent the same situation in all academic university libraries in the nation. Originality/value This study assesses the effectiveness of online tools used to market e-resources in university libraries in Tanzania. It reveals the e-resources that are showcased online, the instructions provided on how to access the e-resources and the functionality of the marketing tools. Unlike the previous research, which primarily focused on evaluating the Web-based tools in university and college libraries, this study focused on public libraries in the country. The results will not only contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of the functionality of the marketing tools but also provide actionable insights to decision-makers in libraries in marketing their e-resources.

Towards achieving a sustainable academic library: Users' awareness and perceptions in a developing country

This study aims to ascertain how academic library users perceive the conversion of their library into a sustainable one and how aware they are of library sustainability. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data from users of a central public university library in Bangladesh using a quantitative approach. Results revealed that though the majority of users were aware of the sustainable library concept, they did not believe their library was sustainable. However, they expressed a desire to learn more and actively participate in eco-friendly activities at the library. The majority of users believed that the library would have an eco-friendly and healthy indoor and outdoor environment if such a renovation were to occur. Technological obstacles were the major barriers to such transformation identified by the users. Finally, the study provides recommendations for addressing the issues raised and promoting a long-term, user-friendly atmosphere for academic libraries in Bangladesh.

One small state university library’s transformation through rightsizing

PurposeAcademic libraries are having to reconsider personnel, collections, space, and budget. This paper provides examples of how rightsizing opportunities in those areas can be approached in a positive way.Design/methodology/approachLibrarians at a small, rural, public university library approached rightsizing as an opportunity to shape the library in positive ways. This paper provides a reflection on those efforts in personnel, collections, space, and budget that have taken place over the past decade at this university, and highlights how the library’s role as the driver of these changes helped foster a positive culture.FindingsThis paper explains the ways the library is viewed both internally and externally as a more student-focused service and location. Examples in this paper may provide ideas for other libraries to utilize in their rightsizing efforts.Originality/valueHistorically, this library encountered forced cuts due to lower than anticipated enrollments and reduced funding from the state. This contributed to low morale and understandably defensive attitudes; however, these did not serve the library well. Post 2013, the library transitioned to a self-initiated approach to making changes. Some of these changes came about due to stagnation in budgets while others can be attributed to changes in staff due to retirements and new hires. Through this shift to proactive rightsizing, our library team has recognized we are adaptable and nimble. This has benefitted morale and helped the library grow a positive reputation on campus.

Investigating digitization and digital preservation strategies for theses and dissertations: a case study of Quaid-I-Azam university, Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to outline the process, procedures and techniques used for digitization and digital preservation of theses and dissertations (TDs) collection at the Central Library of Quaid-I-Azam University, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Since the phenomenon under investigation is exploratory in nature, a case study qualitative paradigm was used to conduct this study. Findings The findings of the study offer a brief overview of the cost-effective solution that leveraged in-house expertise for the digital preservation of TDs. This led to the establishment of a knowledge repository hosting a substantial collection of approximately 25,857 electronic theses and dissertations, accessible online since August 2023. This project digitally preserved approximately 9,387 TDs on CDs/DVDs, and scanned about 15,000 print TDs, comprising around 1,399,244 pages. The cost incurred per page, including labor and rent of a photocopy machine, was just Rs 0.548 making it a cost-effective technique. The total cost incurred for this process was just 0.768m Pakistani rupees (equivalent to $2,509.55). The findings revealed key challenges, including administrative, financial, technical and copyright issues, that impede the effective execution of the project. Research limitations/implications This case study is limited to one Pakistani public sector university library. This case study holds significance in terms of practical insights and implications for academic institutions and library administrators in other developing countries like Pakistan, which have similar economic, social and technical circumstances. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first-ever study conducted to elucidate the cost-effective strategy adopted for digitally preserved TDs without additional financial and human resources while creating a knowledge repository.

FACTORS FACILITATING APPLICATION OF MOBILE PHONES FOR INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the factors facilitating applications of mobile phones for information service provision in university libraries in Kano State, Nigeria. Quantitative methodology was adopted using descriptive survey research for the study. The population comprised all the one hundred and seven (107) librarians in public universities in Kano state, Nigeria and out of these numbers, one hundred and three (103) were retrieved and used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was the resear chers developed questionnaire and these were analysed using descriptive statistics using frequency and percentages. Findings from the study revealed these librarians to understand the factors that would likely facilitate the application of mobile phones in their respective libraries and these ranged from external factors related to current trends in the use of mobile, competition from other service providers, and demand from patrons for mobile services. Others include internal factors such as management support and involvement of librarians in decision-making as well as positive attitudes of librarians towards mobile phone library services, among others. Based on the findings, it was recommended that: every necessary action should be taken by the library leadership to at least minimize the potentially negative effects of these challenges before the implementation. Collaboration should be done with ICT experts and telecommunications service providers in order to determine the appropriateness of the information services. Need to adopt all the perceptions from individuals’ librarians for making mobile phone more effective in information service delivery.

LIBRARIANS’ TECHNOLOGICAL READINESS AS PREDICTOR OF THE CREATION OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY IN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

This study investigated librarians’ technological readiness as a predictor of the creation of institutional repository (IR) in universities in South-south, Nigeria. To achieve this, two research questions were raised and one research hypothesis was formulated and tested. The study employed the descriptive survey design of the correlational type and the population for the study consisted of 181 librarians drawn from public university libraries in South-south, Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was employed for this study. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The face and content validity was established by the two experts in the field of Library and Information Science. The spearman Brown Prophecy Formula correlation coefficient (r) employing the split half method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and this produced a reliability index of 0.81. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and mean to answer the research questions. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that: (i) librarians demonstrated high level of technological readiness towards the creation of IR in the universities in South-south, Nigeria; (ii) librarians are highly willing to create IR in their respective institutions; and (iii) librarians’ technological readiness significantly influenced the creation of IR in South-south, Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that Management should encourage librarians to improve on their current state of technological readiness in order for them to be fully equipped to fit into the 21st century technology and the creation of IR. Also, technology manufacturers should take note of the insecurity challenges faced by users in order to proffer lasting solutions to such issues.

Leveraging community engagement to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 11

The aim of this study was to determine the ways in which academic libraries in South Africa use community engagement as a strategy to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – specifically Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 11 – in the context of the study. It followed a multi-methods approach to interview and hold focus group discussions with heads of libraries and librarians, respectively, in South African public university libraries. It was found that the libraries advance these Sustainable Development Goals in various ways, such as by employing library student assistants and interns from different backgrounds, and by serving as employers themselves. Furthermore, the libraries serve as custodians of local culture and heritage by curating, digitising and preserving local collections for posterity. However, collaborative efforts between the libraries and other heritage institutions, such as museums, archives and galleries, are few and far between, which is deemed a missed opportunity for more meaningful cultural and heritage impacts for these institutions. More collaborations and partnerships between these institutions are recommended, especially with regard to the digitisation of cultural heritage collections. Therefore, a clarion call is made for libraries to think more expansively about their role and consider including sustainable thinking as part of their mission in line with the American Library Association. The results demonstrate that libraries are uniquely positioned to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

User perceptions of ICT-based library services in the universities of Bangladesh

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to explore the existing information and communication technologies (ICTs) scenario in public and private university libraries in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the use and extent of ICT implementation for collection development practices of the said institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a structured questionnaire for university library users. Students' opinions have been encapsulated, and the data findings were analyzed and presented in light of the responses.FindingsFor students who responded to the questionnaire, their ICT-based knowledge usage experience is not up to the mark. In general, it was found that students had limited knowledge about ICT-based resources and services. Besides this, the study also showed how to improve the entire condition and services of these libraries by adopting modern technology. This investigation reveals the situation they encountered in applying information technology and puts forward necessary recommendations that may help improve their services in the information storing and dissemination process.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the user perceptions of ICT-based library services in university libraries in Bangladesh. It will prompt further research on user perceptions of ICT-based library services in academic libraries globally.

Electronic resource staffing trends in academic libraries: competencies and collaboration

This study investigates staffing competencies and collaboration for electronic resource management (ERM) in public and private university libraries in Ghana. Interviews were conducted with twenty-four library staff from two public and two private universities and three consortium executives. The findings revealed similarities and differences in staffing competencies and collaboration at the public and private case libraries and the reciprocal impacts of these concepts in ERM. This is one of the few studies that considers public and private university library staff competencies for ERM. The study provides an avenue for research into the reciprocal effects of competencies and collaboration in libraries.

User awareness of knowledge management practices of public university libraries in Bangladesh

Background of the study: Users of university libraries frequently have high expectations for the support services offered by the library. The goals of KM are to enhance library services, generate more with fewer resources, prevent duplication of effort, and take advantage of already existing knowledge. Purpose: The main aim of this research is to recognize the user awareness of Knowledge Management (KM) Practices of public university libraries in Bangladesh. Method: The present research used quantitative methods. A total of 1,060 printed questionnaires were distributed among undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students of five public university libraries in Bangladesh using a simple random sampling technique. Out of 1,060 questionnaires, 811 usable questionnaires were returned, giving a response of 76.5%. Findings: The study found that users' familiarity with KM is moderately low. They learned about KM through courses provided by their respective departments and independent study through research literature. It was also found that lack of awareness, problems with organizational culture, improper technology deployment, and inadequate support from management are the challenges related to KM practice in public university libraries in Bangladesh. Conclusion: Finally, the research presented managerial and practical implications with further research directions.

Doctoral students’ satisfaction with research support services at public universities in Kenya

Research support services (RSS) play an essential role in the lives of academics and researchers. The study focused on availability of RSS and doctoral students’ satisfaction with RSS provided in public university libraries in Kenya. The success of doctoral students is often determined by the extent of RSS provided by the university libraries. Every library system's main goal is to satisfy its patrons. Specifically, the paper was guided by these objectives: to assess the extent of provision of RSS in university libraries and to determine the level of satisfaction of doctoral students on available RSS. A sample size of 372 doctoral students were selected using stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques, and 32 librarians were selected purposively from selected public universities in Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive research design and used an online survey research technique to collect data from doctoral students and librarians. Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that a wide range of RSS were provided in the selected universities and that while doctoral students are satisfied with the availability of materials, they are not happy with the currency of the materials in the library. The study concludes that there were significant differences in the provision of RSS for doctoral students across the selected public university libraries and that doctoral students have varying levels of satisfaction with the research support services provided to meet their information needs at selected public universities. The study findings will help university libraries to improve their services, provide targeted services to doctoral students and develop frameworks that will guide in resource allocation.

Advancement of Smart Academic Libraries in Northern Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward

The 21st century is known as the beginning of the knowledge age; a millennium characterized by leveraging on information to stay ahead using technology. The library occupies a critical place in the quality of information accessed and leveraged on by researchers and students. Academic libraries in Nigeria are not disconnected from this technology-based-information revolution. This study looked at advancement of smart academic libraries in Northern Nigeria: issues and way forward. Its objectives was to determine smart services available, investigate the extent of deployment, examine the underlying issues that hinder effective smart service delivery and proffer strategies for way forward in Northern university public academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a review of documents and literature on smart academic libraries in Nigeria. Five public universities were purposively observed and sampled on their smart library perspective and capacity. Google-Forms-structured questionnaire was used through different online platforms. Simple percentage and frequencies were used in analyzing data collected. Findings showed that there are existing smart library services in the academic libraries of Northern Nigerian public universities but the extent of deployment of smart library services in their academic libraries is low. The research also revealed the numerous issues faced in providing smart services. The study recommended that the institution and library managements of academic libraries in Northern Nigerian public universities step up on ICT policy framework, practical deployment of smart library technologies and training of library staff for improved smart services.

Nurturing doctoral excellence: effective strategies for research support services in public university libraries of Kenya

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral students and to assess the competencies of library staff in delivering research support services.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative design approach, purposively sampled 40 librarians (8 university librarians and 32 librarians) in charge of RSSs and use of structured interview.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed three major themes: offline and online strategies, the need for upskilling and professional development programs and proactive empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on research support services in chartered public universities in Kenya; private universities were not included.Practical implicationsThe need to enhance library staff's ongoing professional development programs, increasing funding to university libraries and proactivity by the libraries to improve the provision and promotion of RSSs to doctoral students in Kenya.Originality/valueThere are limited existing literature in the Kenyan context. This study will fill a knowledge gap and contribute to the literature on academic libraries support and doctoral students experience in Kenyan context.