Library Resources Research Articles

Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

Exploring Plagiarism Behavior in Higher Education

This study aims to explore plagiarism behavior in higher education. This study employed a qualitative method with a case study design using the reflective notes technique to collect data from the participants. The data were collected through online submission. The authors, at this moment, employed a qualitative method by assigning the participants to write reflective notes to obtain the true responses to various questions. The approach used in this study is a case study approach to understand the object studied. Ten students of Universitas Negeri Makassar were invited to participate in this study, but only six met the valid reflective notes. The study found that students have different views on plagiarism behavior. Some problems highlighted in this study related to plagiarism behavior, such as lack of training in proper writing techniques, academic dishonesty, lack of access to library resources, lack of admiration for fellow writers, and little or no consequence for plagiarism cases.
 Keywords: plagiarism behavior, higher education, case study, reflective notes technique

Delinquent Acts in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Three Academic Libraries in Northern Ghana

This paper reports on a study on delinquent acts in three academic libraries in northern Ghana. A survey method was used for the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population consisted of staff in the Reader Service Sections of the three libraries. The study found that failure to observe library regulations, keeping overdue materials, eating in the library, littering, reserving seats unjustifiably, and hiding of books for the purpose of monopoly are examples of delinquent acts practiced by library users. According to the participants, the main reasons for delinquent acts are inadequate orientation to users, insufficient copies of books, and indiscipline among library users. The respondents further reported that these actions led to a reduction in library resources and low patronage. To curb deviant behaviors in libraries, the study recommends the adoption of pragmatic approaches including massive orientation for users, imbibing positive library culture that fosters respect, bolstering commitment and cooperation among library users and the staff, increasing library budgets as well as finding more creative ways of acquiring more copies of books, such as using Open Educational Resources (OERs), belonging to consortia and building and/or enhancing existing Institutional Repositories (IR).

Challenges and limits of teaching English as a foreign language for economic returns and employability in Algeria

This study is driven by the fact that English is welcomed everywhere for economic purposes. Algeria, like many countries, has taken several measures towards improving the English language as part of broad economic development programs. However, Algeria’s investment in English has little impact on the country's economy and individuals’ potential for employment. Research to explore the reasons behind such problems and thus provide myriad suggestions is scarce. Therefore, our primary goal in this work is to provide insights into the challenges and the existing gaps associated with the provision of English language skills as a drive for Algeria’s economic advantages. This study uses a content analysis method that relies on local academic library resources and reports from foreign consultancies and organizations, which have been conducted to identify some common features pertaining English teaching and learning situation in Algeria. The findings constructed from our analysis revealed several gaps that thwart the teaching of English as a driving force for Algeria's economic advantages due to various reasons, detailed in the research. Keywords: Economy; English; English as a foreign language; employability.

Practical Application of Professional Group Curriculum Resource Library in Art Design Teaching

Abstract This paper studies the relevant functions and contents of the professional group course resource library and constructs the architecture of the professional group course resource library. In the specific construction, the Lian Li VSM model and LDA topic model establish the domain ontology of the resource library, retrieve the content of educational resources from the resource document based on the retrieval request for resource filtering, extraction, and integration, and through the information mining algorithm to browse the degree of interest in the learning resources to calculate, to achieve the personalized recommendation of educational resources. Finally, the satisfaction of teachers and students with the professional group course resource library was analyzed respectively, and the effect of the application of the professional group course resource library in art and design teaching practice was studied using t-test and regression analysis. The results show that the regression coefficient values of the professional group course resource library on teachers’ concept of teaching, teaching content, and teaching effect are 0.148, 0.145, and 0.059, respectively. The t-values are 2.342, 2.644, and 1.212, respectively, with p<0.05, and the professional group course resource library has a significant positive effect on the teaching of art design. This study provides a new direction for the development of art design teaching, and it offers important reference content for universities to build a professional group course resource library.

Construction of a digital library of vocal music resources based on second-order data decomposition algorithm

Abstract In this paper, in order to solve the modal aliasing problem of the EMD decomposition algorithm and EEMD decomposition algorithm and optimize the vocal audio data decomposition on the basis of the adaptive VMD algorithm, the EEMD-VMD second-order data decomposition algorithm is proposed to decompose the digitized time series of vocal music resources, and to update the construction of the digital library of vocal music resources. Combined with the decomposition steps of the second-order data decomposition algorithm in the vocal resources digitized library, the overall framework of the vocal resources digitized library is designed and constructed with the main line of vocal resource types and the secondary line of content categories. Design the experimental environment, preprocess the vocal audio signal features, explore the modal number K value size of the EEMD-VMD second-order data decomposition algorithm, analyze the vocal audio denoising performance of the algorithm, and compare the correlation coefficients of the IMF components of the decomposition algorithms with the original audio signals. Explore the second-order data decomposition algorithm’s emotional classification of vocal resources and the performance of vocal signal enhancement, add noise sources, and use subjective and objective evaluation methods to assess the quality of vocal PESQ and STOI after decomposition processing. The EEMD-VMD second-order data decomposition algorithm performs the most prominently in street noise environments. The enhancement results in the case of signal-to-noise ratios of -5, -10, and -15 are 3.59, respectively, 4.36, 4.29, and the mean value of the enhancement performance reaches 4.08. The second-order data decomposition algorithm’s precise processing of vocal resources provides better quality digital resources for the construction of a digital library of vocal resources.

Tracking information in the field: An assessment of the information needs and services of a field station library

This project examines field station libraries, an undescribed type of library associated with terrestrial and marine field stations. Field stations typically support ecology, geology, and related disciplines with housing, laboratories, and research facilities, which may include various levels of library support. In summer 2022, researchers, instructors, and staff at the University of Michigan Biological Station were interviewed about the library resources and services they use while working and teaching at the field station. Library resources were used throughout teaching and research activities, with one-shot instruction and in-person reference support as the primary contact points between the library and the field station community. The field station library was further defined by the community's need for GIS assistance, map librarianship, research data management, and prior on-site research stored in the institutional repository. Course-based research and place-based research significantly shaped the community's information needs when working at the field station. When characterizing the information and library service needs of the field station community, these services should be placed at the core. While this directly applies to terrestrial field stations, the findings may be applicable to ecology and geology librarianship more generally.

Users’ Access, Utilization, and Satisfaction with Library Resources, Services, and Facilities in a Selected Academic Library

The study sought to evaluate the status of access, utilization, and satisfaction with the library resources, services, and facilities. Likewise, it ascertained if utilization has a significant relationship with satisfaction. A sample size of 351, representing 20% of the population, was selected through random sampling. The respondents were the 31 faculty members and 320 students who have visited the library. An online survey using a Google Form questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean score, and Pearson's r. The study results showed that almost all faculty and student respondents have accessed the library's resources, services, and facilities. This effort resulted in a very high utilization and satisfaction level. Notedly, faculty members visit the library, avail varied services, and utilize resources in various formats as their primary tool, particularly in developing their course outline, preparing lectures, searching a topic for giving assignments/projects, preparing handouts for students, looking for supplementary reading material and knowing the variety of material available in the library to guide students. The library's high utilization and satisfaction rating create an excellent reputation attributed to its good service philosophy, relevant and appropriate physical set-up, and sufficient collection in quantity, depth, diversity, format, and currency to support the research and teaching mission of the institution.

Electronic information resources management in academic libraries

The paper examined electronic information resource management in academic libraries. The paper is an opinion paper based on existing and related literature. The paper provided an introduction to academic libraries and electronic information resources (EIRs) as part of its resources. Other issues discussed in the paper include the concept of electronic information resources (EIRs), types of electronic information resources, benefits of electronic information resources and services in academic libraries, electronic information resource management in academic libraries, and challenges of managing electronic information resources in academic libraries. The paper concludes that proper management of electronic information resources (EIRs) in academic libraries is imperative to guarantee that users have access to sufficient and up-to-date information. Recommendations include continuous training programs for library staff and users, user-centric support services, collaborative partnerships with faculty and researchers to understand their needs, accessibility initiatives, usage data analysis, and the continuous effort of librarians in charge of academic libraries.

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.

رابطة شریعت اسلامی با شرایع قبل از آن

In explaining the relationship between divine laws, assuming the divergence and equality of falsehood, and the existence of common and different rulings, it is assumed that the common rulings are due to a unified legislator, and the differences are not due to pluralism in divine laws or the abrogation of laws. Rather, the reality is that Shari'a is a unified truth, and the evolutionary process of legislation has led to some differences in it. The question is what are the commonalities of Islam with past laws, and why did prophethood end with the advent of the Prophet of Islam? It seems that in all divine and Abrahamic religions, there is a part that involves legislation or practical rulings, known as jurisprudence in Islam. This research uses a descriptive-analytical method and relies on library resources. The findings of the research show that fundamentally, there are no differences in the Shari'a of religions. All religions call upon humans to believe in the One God, reject polytheism, and recommend them to engage in righteous deeds and abstain from undesirable actions and thoughts. If any differences are observed, they are due to the capacities of humans in each era.

Explanation and Analysis of Imam Khomeini's Stance on Pahlavi Policies Regarding Women, with an Emphasis on the Unveiling Policy

Addressing women's issues and providing innovative solutions has always been part of modernization in the contemporary world and Iran. In his authoritarian modernization, Reza Shah, with a quasi-modernist approach to the issue of women, adopted the policy of banning and unveiling the hijab. This policy, while maintaining its foundations, continued during the reign of the second Pahlavi with changes in method. This policy provoked widespread social reaction and resistance from segments of society and religious leaders. Among them, Imam Khomeini, in his speeches, repeatedly referred to this government action, criticizing these policies and condemning the Pahlavi regime's approach to the issue of women and the hijab. The present study, aiming to explain Imam Khomeini's stance toward these actions, adopts a descriptive-analytical method using library resources, seeking to answer the question: What was Imam Khomeini's position on Pahlavi's modernist policies regarding women, particularly on the issue of the hijab? The research findings indicate that on one hand, he defended women's hijab and explicitly opposed the unveiling policy of Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. On the other hand, while raising awareness and warning the public about Pahlavi's negative propaganda against the hijab, he praised the fighters and leaders who stood against the unveiling policy. The influence of Imam's approach in society led to political challenges and increasing divergence between the people and the government, which also played a role in the occurrence of the Islamic Revolution.

Explanation and Analysis of the Function of Religious Rites and Rituals in the Lives of Shia Iranians During the Qajar Period

This study aims to explain and analyze the function of religious rites and rituals in the lives of Shia Iranians during the Qajar period. The research is considered a historical study and has been written using a descriptive-analytical method based on library resources. The information related to the study was collected through note-taking. In this research, the religious customs and rituals of the people during the Qajar period are discussed in various aspects, including birth, marriage, divorce, death, clothing, and the religious holidays of Nowruz, Ghadir, Qorban, Ramadan, and Muharram. The results of the study indicate that, similar to the Safavid era, religious rites and rituals were practiced during the Qajar period, and Qajar kings were also committed to performing customs at both the popular and aristocratic levels. During this period, with the beginning of Iran's contact with the West and Naser al-Din Shah Qajar’s first trip to Europe, Western culture and modernity entered the country significantly, and the methods of celebrating religious ceremonies and mourning during the months of Muharram and Ramadan underwent changes. Some religious customs, such as Chavosh Khani and Taziyeh, reached their peak during this period, while others, such as Bast Neshini, were temporarily discontinued and then limited to specific locations after the death of Amir Kabir.

Library resources and services: Marketing strategies in global era

Library resources and services: Marketing strategies in global era

Traditional uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Asparagus adscendens Roxb.: A Review

Background: Musali (Asparagus adscendens Roxb.) is a traditionally important medicinal plant of the family Asparagaceae. It is used worldwide to treat several ailments due to the presence of various bioactive constituents, mainly concentrated in the tubers of plants. It has been used since time immemorial as a popular drug for treating chronic leucorrhea, spermatorrhea, general weakness, diarrhea, dysentery, and pharmacological purposes like rejuvenation, aphrodisiac, etc. This review aimed to gather information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Asparagus adscendens Roxb. Materials and methods: Primarily, classical literatures of Ayurveda, including Brihat-trayi (greater triad), Laghu-trayi (lesser triad), and Nighantus (lexicons), were reviewed for the terms “Musali” and “Shweta Musali.". Establishing an overview, library resources, and online collections of books and original research articles, other online databases such as Pubmed Central, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, JSTOR, Henari, Google Scholar, and NepJoL were explored with search words like “Musali”, “Safed Musali”, “Shweta Musali” “Asparagus adscendens”, botanical characteristics, traditional and contemporary uses, pharmacognosy, phytochemical constituents, pharmacology, agriculture, and miscellaneous aspects. Ethnobotanical reports, wet laboratory experiments, pharmacognostic characteristics, phytoconstituents, and pharmacology (experimental works and clinical trials) are selected to include in this review. Evidence-based papers from indexed sources were also considered. Results and discussion: Asparagus adscendens has been used for the treatment of chronic leucorrhea, spermatorrhea, general weakness, diarrhea, dysentery, rejuvenation, and aphrodisiacs in Ayurveda by its various names and formulations since 1000 BC, the period of Agnivesa. This plant has great pharmacological actions such as antifertility, antioxidant, anthelminthic, antidiabetic, etc. Conclusion: Musali has been a unique gift of nature to mankind since time immemorial. It is a major ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations. It has several uses, including as a strong "Rasayana" (rejuvenator), a tonic and vitalizer that promotes health, a therapeutic remedy for prenatal and postnatal problems, a restorative agent that boosts immunity, and a strong aphrodisiac. It will take a number of scientific endeavors to investigate the pharmacological actions that are hidden and described in the classics. To assess the pharmacotherapeutics of Asparagus adscendens and provide a solid, evidence-based treatment, more clinical studies may be carried out.

Traditional and Contemporary uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Psoralea corylifolia Linn.

Background: Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) is an endangered and traditionally important medicinal plant of the family Fabaceae. It is used worldwide for the treatment of several ailments due to the presence of various bioactive constituents that are mainly concentrated in the seeds and fruits of plants. It has been used since time immemorial as a popular drug for shvitra (leukoderma), kustha (skin diseases), osteopathy, rejuvenation, aphrodisiac, etc. Materials and Methods: Primarily, classical texts of Ayurveda including Brihat trayi (The greater triad), Laghu trayi (The lesser triad), and Nighantu (Lexicons) were reviewed. Establishing an overview, library resources, and online collections of books and other online databases such as Pubmed Central, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, JSTOR, Henari, Google Scholar, NepJoL were explored with search words like “Bakuchi”, “Psoralea corylifolia” for its botanical characteristics, traditional and contemporary uses, pharmacognosy, phytochemical constituents, pharmacology, toxicology, and agricultural and miscellaneous aspects. Results and Discussion: It was found that Psoralea corylifolia has been used since the Vedic period for the treatment of various skin diseases like psoriasis, and vitiligo in Ayurveda and several metabolic and systemic diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine, by its various names and formulations. Furthermore, under appropriate dosages no any toxic effect of the plant was reported in an animal experiment conducted by Uthirapathy and Ahamad. Conclusion: The seed of P. corilifolia Linn is commonly used in skin diseases such as Switra (leukoderma), Vicharchika (psoriasis) whereas anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-lipogenic, anti-tuberculous, anti-carcinogenic, memory enhancing, anti-venom and aphrodisiac has also been reported as its major pharmacological activities. Clinical trials can be further conducted to evaluate the pharmacotherapeutics of P. corylifolia to develop the well-established evidence-based therapy

Investigating Criminal Policy with the Delmas-Marty Approach

The policy-making process in the field of criminal law is a highly complex process. Most governments have reacted to criminal phenomena based on their own interests. The response to criminal events is closely related to the culture and norms prevailing in each country. Criminal policy, which essentially examines the reactions of governing bodies to criminal phenomena, can contribute to the objectives of criminal law, namely the rehabilitation and education of criminals and the provision of justice in society. This research raises questions about what criminal policy is, which pillars it is based on, and which model of criminal policy can be suitable for addressing criminal events. The assumption is that criminal policy refers to the government or governing body's response to criminal phenomena. The pillars of criminal policy include legislative criminal policy, judicial criminal policy, executive criminal policy, and participatory criminal policy, and the best model of criminal policy is the liberal model. The main objective of this research is to achieve a unified and accepted concept of criminal policy, and its secondary objectives involve identifying the pillars and models of criminal policy. In this study, the analytical-descriptive method is employed, and library resources, scientific articles, and reputable journals are utilized. The most significant obstacle faced in this research is the lack of resources in the field of criminal policy in Afghanistan.

An assessment of users’ satisfaction with the resources and services of Kebbi State Public Library

Regular assessment of users’ satisfaction with library resources and services is one of the strategic ways of determining the relevance of any type of library. This research assessed users’ satisfaction with the resources and services of Kebbi State Public Library. Survey research method was used. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection for the successful conduct of this study. Frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. Out of the two hundred and fifty (250) copies of questionnaire administered, one hundred and eighty four were returned. The study revealed that a majority of the users of the library were students who used it to read their notes and textbooks to prepare for examinations. Seventy point six five percent (70.65%) of the respondents rated the collections inadequate while sixty five point seventy-six percent (65.76%) rated them outdated. Seventy three point thirty-seven (73.37%) of the respondents rated the library environment not conducive while ninety-nine point four six (99.46%) rated the library staff friendly. Although eighty point nine eight (80.98%) of the respondents viewed the collections as relevant. Seventy seven point seven (77.72%) were not satisfied with the resources and services of the library. In order to ensure sustainable users’ satisfaction by the library, the researcher recommended that the funding of the library should be improved; library governing board should be constituted; the library collections should be regularly updated and, adequate and qualified staff should be employed among others.

The Construction of English Teaching Resource Base in Colleges and Universities Based on Knowledge Graphs

Abstract Establishing a teaching resource base for English in higher vocational education is one of the effective informatization reform measures. In this paper, the basic framework of English teaching resource base based on a knowledge graph is firstly designed to semantically describe and organize the existing teaching resource organization structure and storage method in the form of a graph based on text semantic coding. Using entity linking technology and knowledge point automated association method, the entity vocabulary in the text is identified and linked to the corresponding entities in the knowledge base to realize the association between teaching resources and knowledge points. Then, the cosine similarity between historical learning resources and teaching resources in terms of semantic features is calculated, and resource recommendation is carried out based on the knowledge connectivity between user interests and resources. The evaluation of the teaching resource library’s performance and its effect on students’ English learning and teachers’ teaching ability is concluded. The results show that users’ evaluations of the indicators of the teaching resource library are concentrated between (3.9-4.4), the p-values of the dimensions of students’ English knowledge in the two cases of yes/no use of the resource library are 0.010, 0.047, 0.038, 0.035, 0.018, and 0.026, and there is a significant variability of the teacher’s teaching ability at the level of 5 percent. This study offers guidance on how to promote the reform of English curriculum construction, optimize teaching resources, and enhance teachers’ overall teaching ability.

Հայաստանի ազգային գրադարանի նյութերի թվայնացման նոր փուլը (OCR)

Optical character recognition (OCR) is the process of converting an image of text into a machine-encoded text format. For example, when we scan a form or document, the computer saves the scan as an image file. A text editor cannot be used to edit, search, or count words in an image file. OCR helps convert an image into a text document and content is stored as text data. Optical character recognition (OCR) provides the added functionality of being able to edit and search these documents. Such data can be used for analysis, optimization, process automation and productivity improvement. It saves time and reduces errors. We inform our thousands of users that the OCR-passed digital collections of old and new digitized periodicals, editions dedicated to the anniversaries of periodicals are replenished thanks to daily hard work. As of 26.10.2023 #armocr #ocr has received around 93,691 PDFs or 1,496,939 pages: newspaper, magazine, abstracts, NLA publication. These repositories can serve as a unique online library of educational resources.