Selected University Libraries Research Articles

Conceptualisation of Open Educational Resources, Audiovisual Resources and Electronic Information Resources: A Literature-based Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Ebonyi State Nigeria

Teaching, learning and research at every level of the education system cannot be successful without appropriate resources. Adequate, quality resources are not readily available, especially in resource-constrained countries like Nigeria. These resources come in various formats (physically and/or electronically). Audiovisual resources (AVRs), electronic information resources (EIRs) and open educational resources (OERs) are examples of teaching and learning materials that could be procured by educational institutions and accessed by students and other members of the academic community. The instrument for data collection was a literature review directed to the librarians of the selected university libraries. The educational resources—in terms of availability and usage—were presented in tables comparatively. Findings show that each of the three university libraries has certain types of AVR, EIR and OER, which are available for students’ use. Strategies for the effective use of these educational resources in Nigeria’s academic libraries were discussed. It is recommended that adequate learning facilities, other than books, be provided by the government or private individual owners of the academic libraries in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. There is also a need for academic librarians and users to keep themselves abreast of the skills necessary for the appropriate use of educational resources (subscription or free-based) in the institutions where they are available.

Harnessing digital power for relevance: status of digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda

PurposeThis study aims to assess the extent to which Uganda university libraries have implemented digital transformation technologies and to determine the facilitators and barriers affecting the implementation of digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design. It was conducted in six selected university libraries in Uganda, which were in three private and three public universities. The study sample included 103 librarians with a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree and six library directors.FindingsThe findings indicated that there was an average (n = 37, 48.7%) implementation of digital transformation in the selected university libraries in Uganda. Some of the barriers hindering digital transformation included inadequate funding, lack of awareness of digital technologies, inadequate ICT skills, insufficient ICT infrastructure and limited staff among others. There is a need for library management to provide support in the form of funds, policies and human resources to implement such digital transformation.Research limitations/implicationsThe criteria for choosing universities were those that have been around for at least 10 years. The reason for this was that it was assumed that these universities would have well-established staff development programmes and procedures as well as be likely to have incorporated technology into their services, including libraries. This study’s limitations stem from the fact that this criterion for selection might not apply to all Ugandan university libraries, particularly those that are less than 10 years old and may not have been well represented in this study.Originality/valueThe magnitude of the problem of digital transformation in university libraries in Uganda is unclear because of the limited research available in the Uganda library and information science field. This study presents the status of digital transformation in Uganda university libraries.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work and health of university library staff

ABSTRACT This study sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of university librarians in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The article’s importance is in assessing the impact of new strategies in the context of the COVID-19 crisis when libraries were forced to close and operate online only. The content focuses on analysing the physical and mental health impact of COVID-19-infected librarians in leadership positions and on university librarians in general during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the immediate post-COVID period. Taking care of the physical and mental health of people infected with COVID-19 in the aftermath of the pandemic is indispensable if they are to continue to meet the requirements of their profession. This study collected data quantitatively and qualitatively through an anonymised survey and in-depth interviews in six selected university libraries. Interviews were conducted from June 2022 to August 2022, recorded, translated, and topic analysis done by the authors directly before writing.

Perceptions of Librarians toward the Adoption of Linked Open Data; a Case of Selected University Libraries in Uganda

The study aimed at exploring the perception of librarians toward adopting Linked Open Data in Uganda, a case of selected university libraries. An exploratory survey approach was employed for this study using a mixed methods approach of data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Ms Excel. The targeted population was 78 professional librarians in seven selected public universities. The study was guided by the UTAUT model using the performance expectancy construct. The findings revealed that the respondents perceived that Linked Data would assist the patrons in discovering relevant information and data through links to other data repositories. They also believed that Linked Data interlinks would be used to describe the relationship between two Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs). The respondents were convinced that Linked Data will enrich data discovery and improve the users’ overall search experiences. The study found that respondents perceived that Linked Data will assist the patrons to discover relevant data and benefit research, enrich discovery of data, hence improving their overall searches. Linked Open Data is very important to enable data sharing through the Semantic Web.

Academic Libraries as Learning Organizations: Enhancing CPD Activities within Selected University Libraries in Uganda

This study adopted Watkins and Marsick learning organization model to determine the learning organization’s attributes that selected university libraries in Uganda had implemented to promote CPD activities and dissemination of the acquired knowledge. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Six library directors and 76 librarians from six university libraries in Uganda participated in the study. 51–67% of participants indicated that their libraries encouraged teams, provided ICTs, supported their learning requests, encouraged external collaboration, allowed staff time off for training, provided mentoring and coaching, encouraged discussions among staff, recognized and appreciated teams, had procedures for sharing CPD knowledge and skills, acknowledged and appreciated CPD participation.

Awareness, Attitude, and Use of High-End Technologies by University Librarians in Kwara State, Nigeria

The continued survival and use of university libraries in the present period depend on expanding and modernizing library and information services. The study examined awareness, attitude and use of high-end technologies by libraries in Nigerian Universities. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of high-end technologies available in Nigerian university libraries; determine if staff of Nigerian university libraries are aware of high-end technologies; investigate librarians’ attitude towards high-end technology and ascertain if Nigerian university libraries use high-end technologies for service delivery. The study adopts a survey design of mixed method approach, and the population comprised of 40 respondents in three selected university libraries in Kwara State. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency counts and percentage. Findings of the study revealed that university libraries now feature all-encompassing, user-friendly technology and service-driven techniques as a result of technological advancements, the study sheds light on librarian understanding, attitude, and use of cutting-edge technologies in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Only 6 of the 12 high-tech topics mentioned - RFID, IoT, institutional repositories, cloud computing, WEB 2.0/3.0, and WebOPAC - are thought to be well-known and in use. The study recommended that university management and library committee should provide adequate funding, thereby formulating policies addressing the installation and integration of high-end technologies in university libraries; there should be a public awareness campaign about the importance of high-end technologies in academic libraries; librarians should keep up with the latest trends to provide user-oriented services through adherence to these technologies in order to remain relevant in the profession and on the job, and that there should be constant user education on the importance of high-end technologies for both library staff and patrons.

Research Data Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa

The rapid pace of technological change has significantly transformed the librarianship profession, impacting the required competencies for professionals working in library and information services (LIS). As new roles emerge within academic libraries, librarians need to assess their current knowledge and skills as well as identify additional knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving roles and responsibilities. This paper reports findings of a study conducted at two university libraries in South Africa. The objective of the study was  to identify the competencies necessary for academic librarians in providing research data management services (RDM). While previous studies have explored the knowledge and skills required for academic librarians in Southern Africa and globally, there is a research gap concerning the specific competencies necessary for RDM. This study employed semi-structured interviews with librarians from two  selected university libraries, using purposive sampling. The research also included document reviews and content analysis of relevant  academic library job advertisements. The study’s findings highlight key competencies such as information and data management  practices, repository management, data curation, data collection management, understanding funders’ policies, research Research Data  Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa methods and processes, as well as  ICT and digitization skills. The findings also highlight the importance of robust training and selfdevelopment through online courses,  webinars, and freely available materials as strategies to support RDM. 

An assessment of Archives and Record Assortment in selected University Libraries of Bangladesh: a Study

It was intended to analyze and assess the current state of archives and records management in some selected university libraries of Bangladesh as well as to evaluate present status of implementation of IR in these selected libraries. To draw inferences and make recommendations, a survey was conducted in selected public and private university libraries of Bangladesh. The universities were selected for this study on the basis of their position within 10th in the 2020 Uni Rank list published in Bangladesh. The primary data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation methods and secondary data were derived from literature search. The findings of the study show that 50% public university library use digital repository as archives whereas 90% private university libraries preserve the archives digitally as well as manually. The study also reveals that maximum (90%) private university libraries use archival repository though the number of repositories are increasing slowly. On the other hand, 50% public university libraries use the repository but the number of manual collection of these university library are much higher than others libraries. The study also clearly indicates that public libraries are ahead of private university libraries in preserving the number of manual collection. The findings of the study show that fifty percent public university libraries use digital repository as archives whereas near almost all private university libraries preserve the archives digitally along with manual system. The study revealed that the difference between manual collection of public and private university libraries was significant(p=0.0384), on contrast, the difference between public and private university library collection regarding IR collection is not significant (p=0.9937). The study clearly indicates that public libraries are ahead of private university libraries in preserving the number of manual collection whereas private university is ahead of public university in the implementation of IR system and its collections.

Collection Development Strategies for Electronic Resources in Two Selected University Libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Purpose: Electronic resources have become critical and instrumental for academic work in the technological era and, as such, useful for students and researchers. This study reports on collection development as a strategy for electronic resources. Design/methodology/approach: An interpretivist research paradigm was adopted, followed by a qualitative research approach. A case study research design was deemed appropriate for the study. The target population comprised librarians from two academic libraries in KwaZulu-Natal. The study employed purposive sampling and used semi-structured interviews to collect data from the participants. Due to Covid-19 regulations, these interviews were conducted online using Google Teams. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Findings: The findings revealed that both universities provide different types of electronic resources to support teaching, learning, and research activities. The electronic resources provided in the two selected academic libraries included online databases, e-books, e-journals, e-references, e-magazines, and videos from the JoVE databases and packages. The findings showed that these academic libraries encounter major challenges with limited library budgets and high subscription costs of e-resources. The study recommends that adequate funding to acquire more e-resources should be allocated, and that the consortium must become more involved in the process of purchasing electronic resources so that cost could be shared. Research limitations/implications: This study focused on librarians in two institutions, excluding the management and executive management of these institutions, which are planners and decision-makers influencing finance and some processes. Practical implications: Electronic resources subscribed to by academic libraries play an important part in addressing different user information needs. With the emergence of information and communication technology (ICT), academic libraries strive to remain relevant in their collection development through the provision of electronic resources. The research offered librarians additional collection development strategies through electronic resources that they can adopt in order to provide sound collections to their users, regardless of financial constraints. Originality/value: The study investigated enhancing collection development through electronic resources as a strategy in the selected academic libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It may serve as a valuable resource for academic librarians in carrying out the effective collection development of electronic resources, as currently, world development is driven by technology. It also adds to the body of knowledge in the field of electronic resources, academic librarianship, and information science.

INFLUENCE OF LIBRARIANS ICT SKILLS, INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ON THE USE OF OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

This study investigated the influence of librarians’ ICT skills, institutional factors on use of OER in the Nigerian university libraries. The descriptive survey design of a correctional type was adopted; total enumeration technique to capture all 247 librarians in the selected university libraries in South-West Nigeria. 247 copies of questionnaire were distributed and 201(81.4%) were retrieved and used for the study; data were analysed using frequency count, percentages, mean, standard deviation and multiple regressions. The result revealed that both Librarians ICT skills ( =2.20) and availability of ICT training ( =2.20) were low, while level of availability of infrastructure ( =3.01) is moderate. Poor or unreliable power supply ( =1.80), were the major challenges faced by librarians. Librarians ICT skills (r = 0.376, p < .05) and institutional factors (r = 0.535, p < .05) had a positive linear relationship with the use of OER, these two variables jointly influenced librarians’ use of OER which accounted for 40% variance in the dependent variable (R2 = .40, F (1;66) = 66, p < .05). It was found that librarians’ ICT skills and institutional factors jointly determine the use of OER. Librarians ICT skills and institutional factors are essential factors to be put in place for effective and efficient use of OER in university libraries. Therefore it is recommended that university libraries under study should be well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure and adequate ICT trainings for the use of OER.

Perceived Usefulness and Users’ Attitude as Correlate of Multimedia Resources Utilization in Nigerian University Libraries

The study sought to evaluate perceived usefulness and users’ attitude as a correlate of multimedia resources utilization by undergraduate students in selected university libraries in Kwara State. It is a quantitative research that adopted descriptive survey design of correlational type. The units of analysis consist of all undergraduates in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Molete and Al-Hikma University, Adewole. The study used a questionnaire and observational checklist for data collection. Available multimedia resources in the surveyed university libraries include photographs, audio and video recordings, projectors, globes/maps/atlas, plasma television, computer, library management software, electronic information resources and internet connectivity. None of the three university libraries has an interactive smart board and only the University of Ilorin Library has filmstrips and microfilms/microfiches. Identified challenges militating against successful utilization of multimedia resources in the university libraries include epileptic power supply, out-datedness of available multimedia resources and poor internet connectivity. It was also found that there was a relationship between level of multimedia resources utilization and perceived usefulness of multimedia resources (r=.65, p<.001, N=398) with a moderate to strong positive relationship. More so, there was a relationship between level of multimedia resources utilization and students’ attitude towards multimedia resources (r=.58, p<.001, N=398) with a moderate relationship. Librarians in charge of multimedia resources have a whole lot to contend with, ranging from ensuring information infrastructure to activating multimedia resources utilization are readily available, adhering to copyright laws and fair use guidelines while also maintaining access control. Greater effort also needs to be geared toward training and retraining of librarians because of the varying format of multimedia resources that require different skills of operation.

Use of ICT Tools for Marketing Library Services in Selected University Libraries in Oyo State Nigeria

This study examined and found ICT tools for marketing library services within selected university libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, and Ajayi Crowther Oyo. One hundred twenty (120) questionnaires were distributed for administration but only one hundred and ten (110) questionnaires were returned; representing 91.7%, and were found useful for this study. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the returned questionnaires. The data was analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages, and a chi-square test for dependent and independent variables. The study discovered that internet facilities, videoconferencing, email, social media, telephone, OPAC and websites were available for marketing library services, with radio and television having lowest availability. Reservation, renewal, current awareness and online access to library database were library services rendered which accounted for the highest percentage of respondents. The findings also show that marketing library services helps promote the library profession. However, with all the benefits inherent in having market library services, there are still a lot of problems militating against developing good market strategies in the library, such as inadequate funding and poor infrastructure (ICT tools). In order to achieve effective and efficient marketing of library services, adequate attention must be given to the strategies and recommendations given in the study.

Library Services Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Study of Remotely Exploitable Electronic Academic Databases in Selected University Libraries in Nigeria

The study adopted a research design of the qualitative type to investigate library services amid the COVID-19 Pandemic using remotely exploitable electronic academic databases in two Nigerian foremost university libraries, as case studies. An Interview guide was used to elicit data from E-Librarians of the two Federal University libraries randomly selected for the study. The interview guide contains seventeen questions that seek to proffer answers to the main objective of the study. Response retrieved were analyzed using thematic analysis to extract codes, identify patterns, and create themes relevant to the study’s objective. The study revealed that both libraries have a functional E-library and subscribes to key databases. The study also revealed that both libraries’ websites are connected to open source databases remotely accessible to library users. The study reinforces the need to embrace the change in the global architecture of library services in the wake of the COVID -19 pandemic and make their E-resources remotely accessible to users. The study recommended that library managers should adopt best practices in providing users with remote access to their E-resources. Also, the study underscores the need for library managers to reappraise their memorandum of understanding with E-databases aggregator, allowing their E-resources to be remotely accessible to library users’ thereby limiting users contact with their physical library environment amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Challenges of Rendering Effective Library Services to Users in Select University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

This study investigates the challenges of rendering effective library services to users in selected university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study in line with the objectives of the study as the instrument used in collecting data. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 116 librarians in all the federal universities libraries in South- South Nigeria. A total of 116 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 94 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above and percentage score of 50% were considered as acceptable. The study revealed that the benefits of rendering effective library services to library users are academic advancement, research, reading and promotion. The study also shows challenges for rendering of library services to library users to be obsolete materials, poor budgetary allocation, lack of infrastructural facilities and poor recruitment process. Strategies to render effective library services to library users are acquisition of current materials, adequate budget to the library, provision of infrastructures and sound recruitment of staff. The study recommends that acquisition of current materials is critical to good library service delivery, robust budget to the library, provision of state of the art infrastructure facilities and recruitment of competent personnel. The findings of this study will help library management whose libraries are lagging behind to provide all the basic materials/infrastructures needed for effective library services. Also, transforming academic libraries will enhance the capability of libraries to contribute positively to the reality of knowledge in the society in contemporary Nigerian society.

The Availability of Spanish Language LGBTQ Nonfiction Books in the United States–Mexico Borderland

This study examines the availability of LGBTQ Spanish language nonfiction books among selected university libraries along the United States–Mexico border to measure access to materials for readers and researchers and identify what resources selectors might use to inform purchases. This study utilizes 37 titles and seven libraries for a comparison of holdings. It seeks to expand the body of knowledge available regarding LGBTQ literature while establishing a baseline regarding the availability of LGBTQ Spanish-language materials in academic libraries.

An investigation into pest management and control in selected university libraries in Nigeria

Findings from this recent study on university libraries in Nigeria revealed that there was a prevalence of pest infestation, including rodents, cockroaches and termites. Prominent among the causes of infestation were food and drink being brought into the libraries, along with the occasional transport of infested materials. Good housekeeping, periodic maintenance of the library environment and fumigation have been adopted as pest treatment and control measures by the libraries, although the absence of dedicated library pest control units means that they depend on any more university-wide pest control programme. This means there are challenges for pest control that include a lack of specialist knowledge compounded by a lack of training for library personnel and inadequate knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), all of which this article advocates to ensure the effective management and control of pests in the university libraries.

Library Websites as a Platform for e-learning: A Study Concerning the Selected University Libraries of Assam

Library Websites as a Platform for e-learning: A Study Concerning the Selected University Libraries of Assam

Understanding end-users’ perspectives on koha usage in selected university libraries of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Purpose: The research aims to figure out the present state of Koha usage and application in Bangladesh. Methodology: The Survey method was employed with the help of a structured questionnaire. A total of 60 (Sixty) respondents were randomly selected who were getting services through Koha from the libraries. We gathered data from the participants of BRAC University Library; BUET Central Library; Eastern University Library; EWU Library; IUB Library; DIU Library; SAU Library; and Green University of Bangladesh Library. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS (20.0 version) and general statistics.         Findings: Findings indicated that most of the respondents (65%) reported Koha was easy to use, while 35% of them had a negative impression. The study explored that users expressed their highest satisfaction level with the statement ‘notifications of new arrival materials (M=3.88), Self-renewal’ (M=3.83), while the lowest M=3.40 with the statement ‘understanding user interface’’ regarding day-to-day usage of Koha. Research limitations: The study covered the perspectives of students as users only for some selected university libraries of Dhaka City. It would be better to include the university libraries of other cities in Bangladesh as well as the perspectives of faculty users. Practical implications: The results will be helpful to the university libraries of Bangladesh which are planning to adopt Koha in near future. Originality/value: This is original research that empirically assesses the use and application of Koha at selected university libraries. Keywords: Koha, university libraries, user's perceptions, Dhaka city, integrated library management system.

Perceptions and attitudes towards manual and online catalogues among undergraduate students in some selected university libraries in North Central, Nigeria

This study examined perceptions and attitudes towards the uses of manual and automated catalogues among undergraduate students with a focus on three selected university libraries in North Central Nigeria, namely the University of Abuja Library, Abuja, Federal University of Technology Minna Library, Niger State and Kwara State University Library, Malete. The research design used in this study is a descriptive survey. The research population comprises the total number of undergraduate students registered with each of the libraries of the three selected universities in North Central, Nigeria. The University of Abuja Library had two thousand and seventeen (2,017) registered users, Federal University of Technology Minna, Library had two thousand four hundred and forty (2,440), and Kwara State University Malete library had four thousand eight hundred and twenty-four (4,824). This brings the total number of undergraduate library users registered with the three university libraries to 9,281. The sample size for the study was established using the random sampling table published by Israel in 1992. The table provided 200 for a population of 10,000 at ±7% Precision level and 95% confidence level. Therefore, 200 respondents were selected randomly which represent a cross-section of the population in each of the three selected universities in North Central. The instrument used to collect data was a structurally designed questionnaire. To ensure clarity of expressions and appropriateness of language used, the instrument went through face validation from some lecturers in library and information science in the selected universities. Reliability Test measurement yielded a value of 0.71 for Cronbach’s Alpha. A total number of two hundred (200) copies of the questionnaire were distributed randomly to the selected samples from the three selected institutions. Out of this, one hundred and twenty (120) copies, forty from each university library, were successfully filled, retrieved and found usable for the analysis, giving a response rate of 60%. The data generated from the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results were then presented in tabular forms and charts using simple percentages and frequency counts to facilitate a better understanding of the proportions in terms of particular responses. The study concluded that undergraduate students in the three selected university libraries prefer OPAC over the card catalogue; and that despite the availability of the OPAC many students still patronized the card catalogue, which means that in terms of patronage the gap between the OPAC and card catalogue is not that much. A periodic user education program for undergraduate students should be organized by the library management. This will give them the knowledge and abilities they need to find books and other information resources in the library using the card catalogue and OPAC as an effective searching tool.

Appraisal of motivational strategies on work productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study aimed to identify various motivational strategies for work productivity and their components on library staff in selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study population comprises all the library staff in five selected University libraries. Total enumeration sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 105 respondents and were collected using a questionnaire. One research question and hypothesis are used with descriptive and inferential statistical tests applied to extract inferences from data. Results revealed that the most challenging task for the managers of a library and information center was to identify the factors which can motivate the library staff. Managers have to understand the behaviour of staff at work as work behaviour is a clear indicator of what their work needs. The results further revealed that library managers made efforts to be satisfied with the various work behaviours of the workers in an organization. It also showed how those behaviours are related to the needs of users they try to satisfy with different motivation strategies in different situations. The study concludes that library staff is proficient in work motivation with a high level of motivation. It also found a significant relationship between motivation and work productivity of library staff. The findings are recommended to library managers and organizations interested in applying motivation strategies and improving workers’ job productivity.