School Library Research Articles

Challenges of Processing Digital-Based Library Materials in School Libraries

Challenges of Processing Digital-Based Library Materials in School Libraries

Teacher’s Perspectives on Library Practice in Nigeria Secondary Schools Through the Lens of Science Literacy

This study explores science teacher’s perceptions of school libraries in Nigerian secondary schools. Library provision, existing practice and potential reforms are considered. A mixed mode research approach is used. Quantitative surveys were carried out with 40 science teachers and qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with the same group. The interviews were transcribed and coded to identify common themes and factors. The study not only confirms material and staff resource constraints but also suggests that progress might be achieved with a greater focus on scientific literacy, the fuller integration of libraries into teaching and learning and the use of social learning approaches. Such reforms appear in policy discussions but implementation has been very limited.

QR Codes Making Smart and Effective Library Services

Using QR codes in school libraries can indeed be a valuable and innovative approach to enhance the utilisationof library resources and services. Implementing these strategies can create an interactive and engaging libraryexperience, motivating students to visit the library more frequently and make the most of available resources. The study explains the various uses of QR codes in promoting school library resources and its services, with all possible implementations to maximize their use. It encourages freely available tools to generate QR codes. It also tries to show, how the school library at B.V.B. Vidyashram Pratapnagar uses QR codes to create an experience that makes students want to go there more often.

Assessing Users’ Demand for Library Space: Insights from an Architecture School

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a post-occupancy evaluation to assess users’ feedback on the use of the architecture school library at Thammasat University, Thailand. The proposed study also has a specific objective: to explore users’ demand for library space in terms of academic library attributes. A case study of the library in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning was conducted at Thammasat University. Multiple data collection methods were used, including document analysis, a questionnaire survey, a workshop, and focus group interviews, to gather information on users’ demand for the library space. The findings confirm the relevance of the variables in the conceptual model from previous studies, which encompass three key attributes regarding users’ demand for library space: physical, social, and digital spaces. Functional obsolescence and changing learning approaches are revealed as dominant influential factors affecting users’ demand for library space. The connection between post-occupancy evaluation (POE) and pre-design evaluation (PDE) in the redevelopment of a real estate project is considered as a shift from performance measurement to performance management, assisting in establishing agreed-upon performance goals for the operation. This study’s findings, derived from a single case study, do affect affect generalisability. However, the study provides insights into academic library design and renovation by emphasising the alignment of library spaces with user needs for improved service effectiveness and user satisfaction. The research introduces an integration of POE and PDE, proposing a methodological framework for future library space redevelopment that could contribute to the broader discussion on library design and user experience.

Optimizing E-Resource Utilization In Business School Libraries: A Lean Six Sigma Approach

Optimizing E-Resource Utilization In Business School Libraries: A Lean Six Sigma Approach

Plot, Characters, and Representation: Patterns and Gaps in Award-Winning LGBTQ Children’s Books

ABSTRACT Children’s books representing LGBTQ identities are a vital part of elementary school classrooms and libraries, as well as family resources, and more of these diverse books have been published over recent years. While existing research on these books catalogs how many of them represent traditionally marginalized groups, our research examines the diversity of narratives within these books. In this study, we used narrative critical content analysis to examine 51 books from three award lists: the Lambda Literary Awards, the Rainbow Booklist, and the Stonewall Book Awards for Children’s and Young Adult Literature. These books are age-appropriate for read-alouds for all elementary grade levels based on their text complexity and storylines. We categorized books with identity-based conflicts and conflicts not based on identity. Overall, we found that books rely heavily on LGBTQ identities as the main source of conflict, using repeated plotlines of coming out, resisting bullying, love stories, and LGBTQ rights. In most cases, these repeated plotlines limit representation of LGBTQ people’s complex, multifaceted lives. We discuss the implications of these repeated plotlines, and we provide a list of recommended books that represent LGBTQ characters with more multifaceted lives and provide more unique stories.

Learning life skills

Meg Barclay, education consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews books which help children learn some of the key skills they will need later in life

Educational reads

Meg Barclay, education consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews books which help children to build friendships, learn about stories from India and be introduced to key mathematical concepts

Cultivating Diversity: Multicultural Representation in Collection Development at Tumbuh 2 Elementary School, Yogyakarta

SD Tumbuh 2 prioritizes multiculturalism, necessitating the integration of multicultural values throughout its curriculum, school environment, and library resources. In terms of library services, the development of library collections is fundamental, necessitating the school's diligent engagement in collection development activities to ensure their proper curation and enhancement. Hence, it is imperative to address how multicultural values are infused into the collection development process within the library of SD Tumbuh 2. This research aims to explore the manifestation of multiculturalism values within the collection development practices at Tumbuh 2 Elementary School Library in Yogyakarta. Employing a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, the study focuses on the Tumbuh 2 Elementary School Library as the subject, examining how multiculturalism values are represented in its collection development practices. The research employs a combination of data collection techniques, including non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis follows Miles and Huberman's model, comprising reduction, data display, and verification stages to ensure comprehensive examination and validation of findings.The findings of this study reveal that the collection development practices at Tumbuh 2 Elementary School in Yogyakarta effectively reflect multiculturalism values. These findings underscore the school's commitment to fostering an environment that aligns with its vision and mission, demonstrating a coherent approach to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its educational framework. The portrayal of multiculturalism values in the collection development practices at the library reflects an ethos of inclusivity, characterized by openness and a commitment to fostering dialogue. Furthermore, it embodies humanistic principles, tolerance, democratic ideals emphasizing justice, and egalitarianism, thereby promoting equality within the school community.

Perancangan Sistem Informasi Perpustakaan Berbasis Web SMK Negeri 3 Karawang

Perancangan Sistem Informasi Perpustakaan Berbasis Web SMK Negeri 3 Karawang

Gaining Teachers' Insights: School Library Access and Its Significance on Science and Mathematics Education

Gaining Teachers' Insights: School Library Access and Its Significance on Science and Mathematics Education

LIS Educators’ Perception Towards the Adoption of AI Tools in Nigerian Library Schools

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education marks a significant shift in how students learn, teachers teach, and educational institutions operate. This research delved into the knowledge and views of Library and Information Science (LIS) educators regarding the use of AI in library schools in Rivers State. The study employed a survey approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 44 LIS educators from various institutions in Rivers State participated, selected through random sampling, and data were collected using an online survey. The study found that while many LIS educators are aware of AI and have integrated it into their teaching and research, there remains a considerable gap in formal training and professional development in this area. Despite this, there is a clear understanding among educators of the value of AI in library and information science education, in line with broader trends in education and industry. The research also identified positive attitudes towards AI as a tool to enhance education quality and prepare students for careers in librarianship and information science. However, several barriers hinder the integration of AI into curricula and practices, including lecturer attitudes, credibility of information sources, internet connectivity, negative institutional perceptions, and low lecturer competency in AI. To address these challenges, the study recommends that Nigerian library schools fully implement AI technologies like chatbots, barcodes, RFIDs, and robotics to enhance teaching activities. It also suggests that higher education institutions develop specialized training programs and workshops on AI for library schools, covering both basic and advanced concepts. This would enable educators to effectively integrate AI into their teaching and research practices.

The Status of Libraries and Information Centres in Namibia

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding of cultures, traditions and systems of different countries is of growing importance. This article aims to acquaint readers of this journal with library systems in Namibia, shedding more light on its goals, history, and various branches such as the National Library of Namibia, the National Archives of Namibia, as well as special, academic, and school libraries. Through statistical data on services offered and user demographics, the author provides insights into the current landscape of libraries in Namibia. Additionally, the article addresses challenges faced by these institutions, ultimately concluding that while the library systems in Namibia has made significant strides since Namibia gained independence, further efforts are required for its continued development and enhancement.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS ANDROID PADA MATA PELAJARAN DASAR-DASAR DESAIN KOMUNIKASI VISUAL KELAS X DKV DI SMK NEGERI 1 PASAMAN

The aim of this research is to develop valid and practical learning media for the basics of visual communication design. The process of learning the basics of visual communication design at SMKN 1 Pasaman is not optimal, this is caused by several problems, namely the availability of learning media only in the form of printed books that students borrow from the school library. This causes students to not understand the learning material and be less motivated to study and cause low student grades. Based on the data obtained, the students' KKM completion score was only 53%. This research uses the Research and Development (R&D) research and development method with the ADDIE model which consists of 5 stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation at each stage. This research involved 36 class X DKV students who took part in learning the basics of visual communication design. The results of this research are Android-based learning software that can be used as a complement to the learning process, especially in the basics of visual communication design subjects. Data collection techniques are in the form of observations and questionnaires, while data collection instruments are in the form of validity questionnaires and practicality questionnaires. The data analysis technique uses a Likert scale with the Aiken formula. The results of this research show that the validity value of the media is an average of 81.53% in the "Very Valid" category, while the validity of the material is an average of 93.85% in the "Very Practical" category and the teacher's practicality assessment is an average of 81.77% in the "Practical" category. " while students' practicality assessment averaged 83.3% in the "Practical" category.

Media and Information Literacy for All: An Analysis of the Content and Pedagogy in a University-Level Course

Media and information literacy (MIL) education is seen to be one of the solutions in dealing with concerns regarding information disorder. While there exists an MIL course in the Philippine senior high school curriculum, it is undeniable that strengthening peoples’ knowledge on the topic is essential. As such, the inclusion of a course on information literacy to the undergraduate curriculum in the School of Library and Information Studies of the University of the Philippines Diliman is a step in the right direction in ensuring that students consciously and continuously practice ethical engagements with information. Officially included in the curriculum in 2018, a year later, research focused on the course’s development was conducted. This research builds upon the researcher’s earlier work on course development. This time, the researcher who is also the one teaching the course, examines the teaching and learning practices employed in the delivery of the course, through an autoethnographic approach. Reflections were thematically analyzed and mapped against the Media and Information Literacy Core Educator’s Competencies released by UNESCO in 2021. The goal of this research is to serve as reference allowing MIL educators to reflect on and have an awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of content and pedagogy. Findings could also contribute to the development of course materials related to the teaching of MIL.

Difficulties in Accessing the List and Full Text of the Defended PhD Theses from Medical Schools: a Retrospective Case Study from Croatia.

To conduct scientometric studies on PhD ("Doctor of Philosophy") theses (i.e., doctoral theses), researchers should be able to access the theses. We aimed to explore how to obtain a list and full text of the defended PhD theses from medical schools in Croatia over 30 years (from the beginning of 1992 to the end of 2021). We tried to obtain information from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the National and University Library in Zagreb (NSK), universities, medical schools and online repositories. We could not find a single list (source) of all PhD theses. Based on 4 different sources (website of the University of Zagreb and Medical School in Rijeka; school administrator from Split; library catalog from Osijek), we gathered information that from the beginning of 1992 to the end of 2021, there were 2955 PhD theses defended at medical schools in Croatia - 357 in Osijek, 550 in Rijeka, 337 in Split and 1711 in Zagreb. In May 2022, the online Croatian Digital Dissertations Repository contained 631 (22%) of full-text theses in Portable Document Format (PDF). University of Zagreb School of Medicine has its own repository that holds the full text of 834 (49%) of their PhD theses. One of the three PhD programs of the University of Split School of Medicine, namely Translational Research in Biomedicine (TRIBE), published full texts of all PhD theses defended at that program on its website. NSK held 2650 (90%) of the theses in a printed version. It was extremely challenging to access the list and full texts of doctoral theses defended in Croatia. Making PhD theses publicly available would ensure transparency and enable analyses that should improve scientific policy.

O ensino de estratégias de leitura em anos iniciais para a formação de leitores profissionais em indexação: mapeamento sistemático de literatura

Reading strategies help the professional reader to read faster and considering the author’s ideas and, to develop them, prior knowledge of the reading strategies taught in the initial years of training is necessary. To study the reading strategies taught in the early years, understand how they are used and what contributions they bring to training a professional reader, a qualitative literature review research was carried out, using the systematic mapping methodology, which made it possible to survey relevant research on the topic of interest. It was found that reading is considered very important for the integral formation of the student, and is one of the main means of access to knowledge, and that the use of reading strategies enable greater textual understanding. It was found that the prior knowledge brought by the student is also fundamental for the process of understanding the text, and is essential for the formation of good readers. In conclusion, guaranteeing libraries in schools with librarianship professionals to carry out reading projects together with teachers and students is essential, and pursuing the continuing education of teachers, so that they can improve their pedagogical practices, is paramount.

The Military Research Library of Imperial Engineering Academy and School

The comprehensive studies on the history of military research libraries are scarce. The authors discuss the history of the library of Imperial Engineering Academy and School; analyze the development of library collection of this institution. The authors chronologize t he h istory o f t he A cademy a nd i ts l ibrary. The relevant regulatory and legal documents that defined the library operation and development, as well as the Academy’s and School’s annual reports, made the basis of the study. The key collection development sources are specified, namely purchase, funded subscriptions to periodicals, free copies of publications by the General Headquarters Military Typography, gifts, and exchange with other institutions. For the first time, the list of employees for the years 1869–1915 is compiled with the specification of their contribution to the library and teaching activities. The authors argue that the Academy’s book collection is the largest research sector library preserving the best military engineering and academic literature of 15th – early 20th centuries

Library Management Implementation at Al Kautsar Junior High School of Bandar Lampung

As library is a very important source of learning, and every school must own and organize a library that meets national library standards. In this study, the main problem is how to implement library management at Al Kautsar Middle School, Bandar Lampung. This study aims to to describe the planning, organizing, leadership, and supervision of the Al Kautsar Middle School library in Bandar Lampung. This type of research uses a qualitative research method with a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection was done through interviews, observation, and documentation. While data analysis included data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results of the research were as follows: 1) library planning consists of determining the vision, mission, and objectives, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the opportunities and threats of the library. 2) The organization of the library comprises the division of labor, the division of authority, the unity of command, and the formation of structures has been going well. 3) The leadership of the SMP Al Kautsar Bandar Lampung library was carried out by measuring national standards. 4) Library supervision was carried out by measuring indicators of library supervision. The suggestion that the researcher can convey is that it is necessary to add human resources so that the already good library management can run even better.
 Keywords: management, library, implementation

Spring reads

Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews books which help children learn about the natural environment and develop a love of nature, as well as explore their emotions.