Public University Libraries Research Articles

Proposal of a Model for Smart Library Services to Achieve SDG: A Public University Library Perspective

The main purpose of the study is to explore user’s basic concept about smart library at Dhaka University Library (DUL). The more specific aims of the study are to: investigate e-services those are provided by DUL to its users, observe the effectiveness of smart library, propose a smart library model for DUL, identify the problems of smart library at DUL and determine parameters for converting DUL to the smart library. The authors designed a well-structured questionnaire as well as used both online and offline survey method to collect data and retrieved responses were 353. SPSS and MS Excel have been used to analysis data. The study reveals that smart library can meet the user needs and provide necessary information to users according to their demands. The paper also presents a review of DUL services where traditional services are converted into smart library services by using advanced technologies, but the concept of smart library is still unknown to maximum library users. The study also suggests that DUL has to improve service quality, ensure user cultivation and LIS professionals training in order to transfer DUL into smart library.

Awareness of Digital Preservation Among Pakistani Librarians

Abstract For implementation of effective and efficient digital preservation programs, librarians and other professionals in the memory institutions need to have sufficient levels of awareness of digital preservation key concepts, strategies, tools, and standards/best practices. This survey aimed to investigate the awareness of librarians in Pakistani universities about these components. The population of the study included the librarians working in the central libraries of public sector universities and degree awarding institutions (DAIs) of Pakistan established before 2010. A questionnaire was developed after reviewing the relevant literature and was thereafter pilot tested in selected libraries. After successful completion of this phase, data was collected from the target population. A total of 178 responses were received from 63 out of 70 universities and DAIs. Overall, respondents showed a good level of awareness of different components of digital preservation.

The dilemma of leadership succession in academic libraries in Ghana

In a significant number of academic libraries in Ghana, incumbent Head Librarians stay on longer for a postretirement contract, because there appears to be a lack of qualified candidates to take over leadership roles. The apparent gap in leadership succession may be a consequence of a lack of management’s desire to grow their leaders as well as a dearth of self-motivation on the part of the staff. As part of the solutions to filling seeming gaps in leadership continuity, organizations grow their leaders internally through mentoring, coaching and training, experience and management support for staff professional/career development. Succession planning identifies prospective staff with the desire to take up future leadership roles. There are arguments for and against succession planning in academic libraries as a means of selecting and appointing university Librarians. The current study explores succession planning strategies as means of choosing prospective leaders in academic libraries in Ghana. The study adopted a case study research approach. University Librarians of ten (10) public university libraries were purposely selected for the study. A structured interview was employed to collect the data that form the basis of the analysis. The study revealed that succession planning is lacking in academic libraries in Ghana. Appointment to the University Librarian role is based on general university selection criteria for all academic staff of the university, including academic library staff. Though some respondents agree that succession planning is a good strategy to grow staff internally to take over future leadership roles, others assert that staff progression in academic libraries must be based on scholarly publication and long service, as prescribed by the University appointment and promotion policy. The study concludes that leadership continuity in academic libraries in Ghana is not necessarily dependent on any wellthought-out succession plan implementation. As a result of the staff’s inability to meet university promotion and appointment requirements for academic staff, many university libraries lack that critical mass of potential candidates for the role of university librarian.

Ethical challenges in the use of information in selected public and private university libraries in Ghana

Library professionals all over the world constantly encounter an ethical issue that affects the dissemination of information. Academic libraries are faced with different ethical challenges including information dissemination, lack of financial resources, human capacity etc. The study explored the ethical challenges in the use of information in the selected public and private libraries in Ghana using the PAPA’s model as a guide. The study adopted the survey method and quantitative approach. The study setting was in four universities namely: KNUST (public), UG (public), Central University (private) and Garden City (private). Ninety-three (93) library staff were the total population surveyed. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, whiles questionnaires were the instrument in use in collecting data. All data collected in person and online were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26. After analysis, the results were presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that scholarly materials are the nature of information materials in the library, while academic books are the type of information materials in the library. The study discovered that educational books are purchased from publishers while information materials are published through the university’s repository and online system. The study also demonstrated that patented materials are the only materials that can be subjected to copyright laws. Recommendations identified include: adhering to professional codes of ethics, developing and implementing policies and procedures, encouraging originality and creativity, providing education and training on accessibility, and reviewing and updating collections and resources.

Computer Self-Efficacy, Attitude Towards Computer and Identification with Internet as Determinants of Internet Use Among Library in Public Universities in Western Nigeria

The study examined the extent to which computer self-efficacy, attitude towards computer and identification with Internet determined the Internet use among librarians in public universities in western Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the ex-post facto type. The target population for the study were librarians in public universities in western Nigeria. One hundred and seventeen librarians participated in the study. Computer self-efficacy inventory, Computer attitude inventory, identification with Internet inventory, and Internet use inventory were used to obtain data. Five hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression. Results indicated that a combination of computer self-efficacy, attitude towards computer and identification with Internet had significant positive relationship with Internet use (R= 0.509, p 0.05) and contributed 25.9% of the variance in Internet use. Identification with Internet (β = 0.464, t = 4.946, P 0.05) and computer self-efficacy (β = 0.200, t = 2.370, P 0.05) were found to be significant predictors of Internet use. Internet use among librarians had significant positive relationship with identification with Internet (r = 0.455, P 0.05) and Computer self- efficacy (r = .309, P 0.05) but had no significant relationship with attitude towards computer (r = 0.098, P 0.05). Computer self-efficacy, attitude towards the computer and identification with the Internet significantly determined the use of Internet among librarians in public universities in western Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the administrators of university libraries take these factors into account when making organizational policies.

Cataloguing and Classification As Predictors of Library Use Among the Users of Public Universities in Kwara State

This study investigates cataloguing and classification as a predictor of library use among users of libraries of public universities in Kwara State. Descriptive survey method is used for the population of users of libraries of Kwara State University, Malete and University of Ilorin. Convenience sampling is used to select 427 users who filled the online questionnaire titled Questionnaire for Cataloguing and Classification as a Predictor of Library Use among Users of Libraries of Public Universities in Kwara State. Findings revealed that 69.1% of users consult the library catalogues before using information resources, while subject, class number, series and author(s) of information resources are the major access points used in searching and locating information resources to be used in the library. This study concludes that consulting library catalogues before using information resources minimizes the stress users will go through when searching for information resources in the library and increases users’ library usage. It recommends amongst other things that cataloguers and classifiers of libraries of public universities in Kwara State should ensure that catalogue cards are properly filed and subjects of information resources of their libraries are adequately covered in order to enhance easy location and use of information resources.

Perception of and Attitude to Marketing of Library and Information Products and Services by Librarians in Public University Libraries in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria

The study investigated perception of and attitude to marketing of library and information products and services by librarians in public university libraries in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised eighty-one (81) librarians. However, sixty-nine librarians participated in the study. Survey Monkey was used for data collection. Eighty-one soft copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the librarians via their email addresses. Sixty-nine questionnaires were properly completed by the librarians and returned, resulting in a response rate of 85.19%. The data collected were transferred into Google sheets and analyzed by means of weighted mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the extent to which the librarians marketed library and information products and services was low; the librarians had widely-varied positive perceptions about marketing of library and information products and services, while the librarians’ displayed virtually same negative attitude towards marketing of library and information products and services. The study concluded that a large number of librarians in public university libraries in Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria attach importance to marketing of library and information products and services, yet many librarians have unfavorable approach to it. The study recommended that the librarians should utilize social media and promotional strategies to market library and information products and services in university libraries. It also suggested that the librarians should cultivate a favourable attitude towards the process.

Use of scientific journals in Spanish universities: analysis of the relationship between citations and downloads in two university library consortia

We analyse the relationship between downloads of electronic journals included in four big deal bundles subscribed to by public university libraries affiliated to two library consortia in Spain (Castile and León and Galicia) and citations of the same journals by researchers at these universities. Download data on the big deals analysed (Emerald, ScienceDirect, Springer and Wiley) were obtained from COUNTER Journal Reports 1, and citation data were obtained from the bibliographic references given in articles indexed in Scopus between 2010 and 2017. The results show that only a low percentage of the subscribed journals was used in the scientific output of the universities’ researchers, with values ranging from 15 to 50%, and that there was a strong correlation between the universities’ volume of scientific production and the percentage of cited journals. We also found a strong correlation between downloads and citations, which was higher in the case of universities with a higher scientific output.

Institutional commitment to community engagement in South African academic libraries

The paper sought to examine institutional commitment to community engagement (CE) in South African public university libraries. The research approach adopted was qualitative using three methods, interviews with Library Heads (LHs), focus groups discussions with Librarians and content analysis of the libraries' strategic plans. Data were collected, analysed and interpreted thematically using ATLAS.ti and according to the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that most libraries in South Africa reflect CE in their strategic objectives. However, having CE in the strategies objectives does not often translate to its funding and assessment by the universities. This points to a dissonance between policy and implementation. The study recommends that South African academic libraries should strive to utilise more quantitative and qualitative methods to assess their CE initiatives. Similar to other main functions of universities, such as teaching, learning and research; government should consider introducing a competitive funding model for the CE mandate to stimulate practical, academic and research interest in this niche.

Use of Facebook fan pages in Polish academic libraries (2009–2022)

The article presents the results of a quantitative comparative analysis of the activity of 59 Polish public university libraries on the social networking site Facebook (2009–2022). The study aimed to assess the use of Facebook by university libraries of different types and to evaluate the popularity of the content shared by these institutions based on the number of posts shared and the users' reactions to them. Fanpage Karma, a commercial online tool for monitoring social media monitoring was used to collect and statistically analyze the data from individual fan pages. The findings showed that overall, the degree of social media activity was not dependent on the type of library. Although the existence of Facebook is not new in the area of social networking, its use in Polish libraries has not yet become widespread. The phenomenon of the lack of library fan pages on social media is worrying given that several of these tertiary level libraries had no fan pages on any kind of social media. Nevertheless, for those that had a Facebook fan page, it was discovered that it was one of the primary tools for communicating with users, promoting library and information services, and other library activities.

Marketing of electronic resources by universities and colleges in Tanzania

Purpose This study aims to evaluate Web-based tools that are potentially used by universities and college libraries to market e-resources in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach This study evaluated Web-based tools that are potentially used to market e-resources in libraries in Tanzania. A sample of 52 universities and colleges was approved by Tanzania Commission for Universities and was purposively selected for this study. The evaluation was conducted with an established checklist to evaluate the websites with a view to identifying Web-based tools, which are potentially useful in marketing e-resources. Findings The finding of this study indicates that most libraries have websites linked to their institutional websites. The finding has revealed that social media are mostly used by public universities to market e-resources. However, only one university is using WhatsApp to communicate with patrons. The findings show that the majority of public university libraries display a list of e-resources on their websites. Moreover, the displayed e-resources of most websites are not up to date, and some of them are irrelevant. Also, most public universities provide guidelines on how to use the subscribed e-resources as opposed to their counterpart. Originality/value The study on the evaluation of Web-based e-resources marketing tools is new in Tanzania. The finding of this study will trigger efforts to adjust the way libraries market their e-resources online.

Digital data sets management in university libraries: challenges and opportunities

Purpose The study aims to identify the prospects and challenges associated with current practices regarding digital data sets management in university libraries in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey approach was used to collect the data from library and information science (LIS) professionals working in public sector university libraries in Pakistan. A four-part questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The collected data from 371 participants were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-24 version) and analysis of moment structure (AMOS-24). Findings LIS professionals are better placed to support digital data management practices, such as finding, collecting, assessing and analyzing digital data sets and making digital data publicly discoverable and accessible via open access. In spite of this, a lack of leadership support, interest and cooperation among university departments and the absence of a data management plan, policies and procedures were reported as significant challenges. Practical implications To meet the needs of data users, LIS professionals must become knowledgeable about managing and reusing digital data sets. Due to the demands of the information society, university librarians need to learn about data-centric practices that can enhance research outputs and provide new insights. Originality/value This research paper is extracted from a PhD dissertation to present a contemporary picture of library data management services and the challenges LIS professionals face to provide possible solutions.

Psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria

Research productivity is one of the most important yardsticks for career progression of librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Despite its importance as a major requirement, literature have established a low level of research productivity among librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Psychological capital is crucial to enhancing research productivity of academics. However, there is a dearth of literature in relation to research productivity of librarians. Hence, this study examined psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population of this study comprised 361 librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. A sample size of 190 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified sampling technique was used the select respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. A response rate of 79% was achieved. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that, psychological capital (R2 = 0.004, β = 0.061, t = 0.777, p > 0.05) had no significant influence on research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria, even though the level of psychological capital was high. The study concluded that, the level of research productivity and psychological capital of librarians were higher. Psychological capital did not predict their research productivity in this study. The study recommended that, Management of public university libraries in the North-East, Nigeria should encourage librarians to engage in writing and publishing journal articles, textbooks and other publications in order to further sustain and enhance their research productivity, Knowledge and relevance of psychological capital should be inculcated into research activities of librarians at all levels of training in order to enhance research productivity of librarians in Nigeria. Finally, university managements should provide adequate funds for librarians to attend conferences and workshops, especially in the area of research skills and research collaboration. This would enhance their research productivity and enable them to attract grants from funding agencies.

Digital literacy skills & electronic resources utilization by undergraduates in public university libraries in Lagos, Nigeria

The study examines the influence of digital literacy skills on electronic resource utilization by undergraduates in public university libraries in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design which utilized a self-structured questionnaire titled: “Digital literacy skills & electronic resources utilization by undergraduates” as instrument for data collection and measured on a four-point Likert-type scale. The population for the study was 49,165 undergraduates and sample size of 394 was selected from the 200-500 level. Data were obtained from undergraduates on the level of e-resources utilization and the level of digital literacy skills. A response rate of 351 representing 89.1% was achieved and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding revealed that undergraduates possessed a high level of e-resources utilization with a score of x=3.36 and a high level of digital skills with a grand of x=3.28. The finding further reveal that digital skill (β=0.434, t = 8.564, p<0.05) have a significant influence on electronic resource utilization. The study concludes that undergraduates in public universities in Lagos State have high digital literacy skills that significantly influence the use of electronic resources in libraries. The study recommends that management should improve in providing more digital literacy skills training programs that can help the undergraduates to sustain and acquire more skills in selected universities in Lagos State.

Technology competency and perceived ease of use of e-learning system among library and information science lecturers in Nigeria

The study examined the level of technology competency and perceived ease of use of E-learning systems among Library and information science lecturers in Nigeria. Survey research design was used. The population of study consists of the academic librarians in public universities in Nigeria. A self-constructed questionnaire was used for this research. Findings of the study revealed that academic librarians had an overall competent level of technology in using different tools of e-learning system for teaching on an average competence level (average weighted mean =3.0) The result of the study further revealed that the level of perceived-ease-of-use of e-learning among the academic librarians was to a high extent (average weighted mean = 3.1). The study thus recommended that the university management should provide training for the librarians and library and information science lecturers in order to increase their technology competency skills for onward advancement in the e-learning platforms usage.

Public university libraries on YouTube: channel metrics

Resumo: Analisa as bibliotecas universitárias federais e estaduais no que concerne ao desenvolvimento de novas formas de interação e comunicação com suas comunidades, a partir das métricas de visualização no YouTube. Caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, de abordagem mista com a aplicação das técnicas de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Para a identificação das universidades federais e estaduais brasileiras, recorreu-se a plataforma E-mec, no qual aplicaram-se os seguintes filtros na busca: sendo considerados todas as unidades federativas, selecionando apenas universidades de natureza pública federal e pública estadual, totalizando 110 universidades. Com base nas instituições listadas, foram acessados os sites das universidades e, posteriormente, localizadas as abas que se intitulavam de Biblioteca e ou Sistema de Biblioteca. Na aba das bibliotecas, localizou-se informação sobre redes sociais, tutoriais e canal no YouTube. Quando não localizadas essas informações, pesquisou-se diretamente no YouTube pela abreviatura da universidade, associando como biblioteca ou sistema de biblioteca. Assim foram localizados 57 canais de bibliotecas, sendo delimitados os canais a partir de 1.000 inscritos, restando 14 deles vinculados às 14 universidades. As bibliotecas universitárias da região sul e sudeste consolidam suas práticas e serviços nos canais, e o maior fluxo de publicações e visualizações nos canais corresponderam ao período de distanciamento social, inferindo que as bibliotecas universitárias utilizaram a plataforma como recurso de comunicação. As temáticas recorrentes nos 70 vídeos listados focam o Currículo Lattes, a normalização de trabalhos acadêmicos (citação, referência), o uso de fontes de informação e pesquisa em bases de dados, a utilização dos gerenciadores bibliográficos (Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero), a construção de trabalhos acadêmicos, projeto de pesquisa e artigos científicos (escrita), plágio acadêmico, uso do Canva, Excel, Open Journal Systems.

Evaluation of the extent of librarians’ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria

This study examined the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. The population comprised 391 academic librarians from public and private university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The sample size of 196 was determined using Krejcie Morgan (1970) sample size determination Table. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to determined participants. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach‟s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.79 to 0.84. A returned rate of 97.4% was achieved. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed data. The result revealed that the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries is high with weighted mean (x score of 3.91. Among the barriers to innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria are limited resources and investment, and lack of structured policies as indicated by the respondents (>70%). Therefore, the study recommended that University management in South-West, Nigeria should made available enough funds and technological infrastructure to enhance library management in the introduction and sustenance of innovation program/services. Similarly, library management should create structured policies on innovation for improved library services.

Knowledge Management Practices in the Public University Libraries: Librarian's Perspective

Some libraries play an essential role in teaching and learning but there are some constraints. It causes universities to be able to identify various factors and overcome the challenges of implementing KM in libraries. This study aims to explore current Knowledge Management (KM) practices in Public University Libraries (PUL). This type of research is qualitative. The methods used in collecting qualitative data are observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The instrument used is the interview sheet. The sample of this research is 11 people using purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings reveal no formal KM program in any of the selected universities. This study found that a prudent strategy for KM implementation, recruiting skilled personnel, ongoing training programs for staff and users, leadership, ICT infrastructure, higher authority decisions, budgets, and lack of qualified personnel are critical success factors for KM implementation in PUL. This research identified many challenges that PUL usually faces in their efforts to implement KM: lack of budget, lack of user awareness, lack of trained staff, and outdated technology.

University library responses to COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

Purpose: The goal of this study is to evaluate how university libraries responded to the COVID-19 outbreak and explore the significant initiatives taken by libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This research employed a content analysis approach using a descriptive quantitative study to obtain data from websites of 10 renowned public and private university libraries in Bangladesh based on purposive sampling. A checklist with 30 items in 5 categories was prepared to collect data and were organized in tabular form using Microsoft Excel for further analysis. Findings: Findings reveal that most of the university libraries offer additional online services, such as 75% of library websites provided information about library services during COVID-19, approximately 63% on an initiative for COVID-19, and 68% provided services considering the COVID-19 situation. The study found 84% of university libraries provided links, searches, and retrieval interfaces, and 90% of universities provided library resources during the pandemic. Most of the university libraries have significant digital library services. On the contrary, around 24% of library websites continue to lack certain services to implement basic accessibility standards. Research limitation: The limitation of the present study lies in relying on the contents available on the websites of a limited number of university libraries at a given point of time. Practical implications: This article aims to present a roadmap that libraries can use to make an informed decision while adding new services or enhancing existing ones. Keywords: Content analysis, COVID-19, coronavirus, library website, remote instruction, SARS-COV-2

Approaches to Negotiating Change Through Evolving Library Management Styles in Australian University Libraries

A Review of:Gunapala, M., Montague, A., Reynolds, S., & Vo-Tran, H. (2020). Managing change in university libraries in the 21st century: An Australian perspective. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 69(2), 191-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2020.1756598 Objective – Investigating current change management practices to create a conceptual management framework for the 21st century. Design – Interviews using a qualitative constructivist approach. Setting – Australian university libraries. Subjects – Chief university librarians of 18 public universities out of 37 in Australia. Methods – Chief university librarians in more than half of the public university libraries in Australia were interviewed. The interviews were completed face-to-face using a semi-structured questioning approach, based on themes and concepts derived from the literature review. Observation data were also gathered through physical visits to the libraries. The data analysis was conducted using two Microsoft Excel matrices, one grouped thematically and the other populated with relevant literature review commentary when it aligned with interviewee commentary. The conceptual framework used to guide the research is made up of six fundamentals of performance improvements to effectively manage change: resources, relevance, stakeholders, strategy, government policy, and university infrastructure. The research focused on current change management practices of chief librarians as they address these issues. Main Results – The research revealed that the influence of, or the relationship between, the factors affecting changing university library environments creates a complex administrative environment where decision making addressing one of the fundamentals can have negative unintended consequences in one or more of the other key areas. The authors note that the literature and views of the informants show a change in the objectives of the future academic library characterized by, but not limited to, initiatives that are designed to meet changing needs of a diverse group of stakeholders. These objectives must be “innovative” and “add value to the university business rather than continue to do what was traditionally done” (Gunapala et al., 2020, p. 203). Conclusion – The authors profess that the study provides theoretical insight to help library leaders address the many challenges currently in place and emerging across the Australian university library landscape. They assert that the research reveals the need to shift focus from a more traditional transactional oriented model to an engagement orientated model, due to the introduction of market forces coupled with declining public funding. They conclude by claiming to provide a theoretical framework that when practically implemented will allow library leaders to successfully navigate and negotiate emerging changes across the spectrum of higher education.