Delivery Of Library Services Research Articles

Factors influencing the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda to make suggestions on how to improve access to and use of e-library resources. The study adopted a survey research design to collect data from postgraduate engineering students. Following a census sampling strategy, data was obtained from 58 out of 80 registered postgraduate engineering students using online self-administered questionnaires. The findings revealed that the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students was influenced by ease of use, convenience, level of awareness, and information search skills. However, access restrictions and high internet costs negatively affected e-library resources usage. It is the conclusion of the study that the use of e-library resources was largely influenced by personal factors. This study has implications on e-library resources collection development, policy development, and service delivery in academic libraries. The study bridges the knowledge gap in the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students.

Application of Artificial Intelligence for Library Services: A Systematic Literature Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes traditional library services by offering opportunities for effective and quality service delivery through AI-powered systems. Artificial intelligence has the potential to automate many library operations and services to provide 24/7 assistance to library users in meeting their information requirements. Hence, libraries tend to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations and service delivery. This can be further verified by reviewing the current state of knowledge regarding artificial intelligence and libraries. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to find the current status of knowledge regarding the application of artificial intelligence for library services and to investigate the research gaps in the application of artificial intelligence for library services. The study followed the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.The review revealed that extensive research studies were focused on discovering different library services and operations where AI can be utilized to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery, and challenges faced by libraries in using AI tools. The study further recognized areas where studies are lacking which include different AI tools for library service delivery, smart libraries, natural language processing, AI-powered Chatbots, ethical considerations of AI, education and personalized learning, digital library and Distributed Artificial Intelligence, AI for participatory library service, future of libraries in the age of AI, AI Literacy. Hence, the findings provide some implications for future research regarding artificial intelligence and libraries.

Identifying librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable competence development and smart library services: an empirical investigation from universities’ librarians

Purpose This study aims to identify the librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable competence development and smart library services. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research design for addressing the objectives. The population consisted of librarians from the public and private sector universities of Pakistan. The data were analyzed by using Smart PLS software. Findings The analysis consisted of two major parts: first the assessment of measurement model and second the structural equation modeling analysis. A significant positive impact of AI adoption was found on the implementation smart library services. Findings revealed that behavioral intention motivated librarians to adopt AI tools in university libraries for the delivery of smart library services. Research limitations/implications We applied quantitative method to carry out the study while future authors may conduct a systematic literature review on the same topic for offering a broader outlook. Practical implications It has provided practical contributions by providing a baseline for management bodies to construct policies for the successful adoption of AI in libraries for sustainable competence development of practicing librarians and implementation of smart library services. Social implications The study has social implications too as AI integrated library services prove fruitful for society and digitally skilled librarians play a vital role for the promotion of reading and research culture in society. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for the enhancement of digital literacy skills, sustainable competence development and smart library services in the context of Pakistan.

Offline Databases Provision for Effective Library Service Delivery in Federal University Libraries in North - West, Nigeria

Offline Databases Provision for Effective Library Service Delivery in Federal University Libraries in North - West, Nigeria

Save in Cloud, Access Anywhere: The Utilization of Cloud Computing in University Libraries for Library Service Delivery in Contemporary Age

Save in Cloud, Access Anywhere: The Utilization of Cloud Computing in University Libraries for Library Service Delivery in Contemporary Age

Examining the types and purpose of cloud computing used for library services delivery in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Background of the study: The implementation and integration of information and communication technology in library services and operations has revolutionized traditional practices, enabling libraries to adapt to the evolving needs of users in the digital era. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to examine the types and purposes of cloud computing used for library service delivery in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: The study used a descriptive survey approach. The population was all the 108 librarians in the eight universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling technique was employed, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from the librarians. The study answered three research questions. Findings: The study revealed that OCLC, Word cat, Google Docs, and other types of cloud computing are being utilized by the librarians. The study also revealed that poor internet connectivity, among other challenges, militates against the use of cloud computing for academic library service delivery. Conclusion: The study concluded that the librarians make use of cloud computing for library services. The study recommends that the library should provide reliable internet facilities with fast speeds, high broadband, and reliable power supplies, among others.

Knowledge and Utilization of Digital Applications for Effective Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in South-South Universities, Nigeria

This study investigated knowledge and utilization of digital applications for effective service delivery in academic libraries in South-South universities, Nigeria. 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were raised. The population included 181 selected Librarians in the twelve (12) selected universities in South-South, Nigeria as a case study. A sample size of 119 Librarians representing 66% of the population served as respondents. Convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A 25-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain 0.73 reliability. Mean/standard deviation were used for research questions and z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that, Librarian in both federal and state universities are knowledgeable about Library Catalogue Apps, Library Card and Account Management Apps, Digital Preservation and Archives Apps and others. Meanwhile, Librarians in both federal and state universities poorly utilize Digital Citation Management Apps, Digital Library Card and Account Management Apps and Digital Preservation and Archives Apps. The analysis also shows that, Librarians do not utilize Digital Augmented and Virtual Reality Apps, Digital Library Events and Notifications Apps, Reading and E-Book Apps, Digital Study and Collaboration Apps and Quick Response (QR) Codes scanners. The challenges academic libraries face in promoting digital applications are inadequate skilled staff to operate digital libraries, difficulty in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-utilization of digital library Apps.

A Study on Digital Literacy Skills and Library Services Delivery in Tamil Nādu Universities - A Correlation

The Study is about to find a correlation between Digital Literacy skills and the Library Services Delivery in Tamil Nadu Universities and more than 75 library professionals of selected Tamil Nādu Universities through random sampling method are used for the study. A questioner in Google Form was designed and circulated among the 75 users through e-mail for data collection using random sampling method. Out of the 75 questioners circulated, only 63 are dully filled and found suitable for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for analysis of Data and Single hypothesis with 0.05 level of significance using the linear regression was tested. Subsequently, Creswell correlational ranking was used to decide the strength of relationship strength between variables and results are displayed in frequency tables. The findings of the study show that majority of library professionals have Digital Literacy skill, a considerable number of Library Professionals have to improve their digital literacy skill in areas like ability to use computer systems for information dissemination, ability to use different software, design a simple webpage, obtain product keys for software, design Mobile Applications, and design Cloud Applications etc. Among other skills and among the numerous services provided by the library, the library professionals were skillful in using internet to search and communicate information, conduct website evaluation and use Boolean logic etc. Moreover, Study results showed a correlational value of 0.963 and the hypothesis yielded a p-value less than 0.05. Which implies that the null Hypothesis is rejected, and it is concluded that there is evidence of linear relationship and hence there is significant relationship between the Digital Literacy Skills of the Library professionals and the Library Service Delivery of the Identified universities in Tamil Nādu. Based on the results of the study it is recommended that library authorities should focus on the ways and means of, intensifying the efforts in creating awareness and should be initiated steps that the library professionals should be provided with appropriate training on digital literacy skills, their application and essence, in order to enable them to acquire more of the skills, together with applying them to maximize the library service delivery, among other things for better service to the users.

Professional Training Of Librarians And Service Delivery In Public Libraries In Nigeria

The main purpose of the paper was to examine professional training of librarians and service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. It is an opinion paper and therefore expository in nature. The paper discussed the history of public libraries in Nigeria and service delivery. The paper critically reviewed the professional training of librarians in public libraries. It also exposed various library services, such as current awareness, user education, inter-library loan, circulation, reprographic service and challenges affecting the services in the public libraries. The paper recommended among others, professional training for librarians with digital skills to enhance their productivity for efficient and effective service delivery.

Model for integration of information and communication technologies in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in southeast Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to develop a model for integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Seven objectives guided the study; ICT-based resource sharing practices in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria; ICT infrastructure for resource sharing; ICT needs of librarians for resource sharing practices; stages of ICT integration in resource sharing; perception of librarians towards ICT-based resource sharing; challenges to integration of ICT in resource sharing practices; design a model for the integration of ICT into resource sharing; all in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted for this study is the mixed research design containing the “descriptive survey” research design and the “research and development, R&D.” The population of the study is 164, comprising all of the librarians in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. All of the librarians of the five federal universities will be involved in the study. Hence, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that 88.8% of the librarians use ICT to boost the volume of resources; while 74% of the librarians were positive in all responses pertaining to ICT-based resource sharing practices in the libraries. The study also revealed that ICT infrastructures in the library for resource sharing are highly available and applicable; while computers and internet networks are the most needed gadgets for the operations. Libraries in Southeast Nigeria are in the applying and transforming stages of ICT adoption at a 69.7% response rate; while the librarians have a strong belief and understanding that a lot can be achieved in resource sharing through ICT; and would recommend such. Poor electrification, inadequate funding and unavailability of some ICT technologies were equally identified as challenges. The study conclusively developed a resource sharing model, the Southeast Federal University Library Connect; accessible at https://southeastfeduniconnect.njh.com.ngOriginality/valueThe research study is one of the few types of research that has developed a functional model for resource sharing in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.

The New Normal and Academic Libraries: Challenges and Prospects

The paper explored the new normal in the context of academic libraries, focusing on both challenges and opportunities. It aims to identify innovative technologies for library adaptation to the new normal, examine the difficulties in implementing these technologies in library services, and propose potential solutions to these challenges. A literature-based approach was adopted to explore how libraries can leverage advanced technology to adapt to the new normal. The findings highlighted the importance of evaluating library service delivery in developing countries to promote awareness of technological advancements and ensure the sustainable efficiency of library services in the post-pandemic era. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and popularity of technological advancements in organizations have risen sharply. Libraries and librarians had to adapt to the new normal as the pandemic disrupted traditional organizational methods. For Recommendation, the study suggests that libraries in less developed countries should focus on developing human capacity, promote self-improvement among librarians, and collaborate with libraries in developed countries to update skills.

Effects of blockchain technology (BT) on the university librarians and libraries: a systematic literature review (SLR)

PurposeThe objectives of the study were to identify the effects of blockchain technology (BT) on the university librarians, the impact of BT on the university library services and to reveal the challenges to adopt BT in the university libraries.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was applied to address the objectives of the study. Around 25 studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that blockchain technology (BT) has positive effects on the university librarians as it assists them in digital resources management, provision of integrated library services, effective records management and continued professional development. The study also displayed that BT has a positive impact on the university libraries through effective information management, user privacy, collaboration, technological innovation and access control. Results also revealed that technical issues, financial constraints, security problems, skill issues and sociocultural issues created challenges to adopt BT in the university libraries.Originality/valueThe study has offered theoretical implications for future investigators through the provision of innovative literature on the prospectus and challenges associated with blockchain in the context of librarianship. The study has also provided practical implications for management bodies by offering recommendations for the successful adoption of blockchain in the university libraries. Additionally, a framework has been developed to adopt BT successfully in the university libraries for the delivery of smart library services to library patrons.

Delivering and utilising library services during the pandemic disease outbreak: challenges and coping strategies

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe shutdowns, quarantines, closures, cancellations, and other restrictive measures in different countries. Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools were not immune to the devastating effects caused by the pandemic. Purpose The present study intended to explore challenges and coping strategies in maintaining access to and use of resources and services in academic libraries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research design To gain familiarity and acquire new insight into how Tanzania academic libraries managed their services during the COVID-19 pandemic exploratory research design was employed. A qualitative approach was mainly used to explore library staff and users’ opinions and experiences on library service provision during the pandemic outbreak. Data collection methods and analysis Focus group discussions (FGDs) and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data collected through FGD and semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative data analysis. In particular, thematic analysis was employed in analysing data based on assigned themes. Results Generally, the study reveals multiple challenges in delivering library services and resources and their coping strategies. However, most of the coping strategies put forward mainly focused into preventing the pandemic, rather than enhancing access to and use of library services and resources among the users. Conclusion and recommendations The study exposes challenges that affected the delivery and use of library services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies were known. Proposal to digitize the library collections, invest in the application of digital library solutions and innovations, build capacity in digital competencies among the library staff and users, and increase access and use of open and freely available resources and services appear to be sustainable coping strategies when a pandemic occurs.

Emerging Technology Services Provided by Nigerian Library and Information Science Professionals

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing practically every area of human endeavor. This invention has resulted in a significant shift in the way libraries operate all around the world. Recent library technologies, which varied from library 1.0 to library 5.0, provide evidence of this. It is anticipated that this breakthrough will draw the tech-savvy generation to the library; sadly, in Nigeria, the opposite is evident. Based on this, the study looked at services based on emerging technologies that librarians and information scientists in Nigerian libraries provided. The study's population consisted of 45 attendees from the 2019 IT Section of the Nigerian Library Association Workshop, and it used a survey research design. Out of the 45 copies of the administered questionnaire that were recovered, only 38 were deemed relevant for the investigation. There were two sections to the questionnaire. Section B aimed to gather information on emerging library services offered and obstacles to their implementation, whereas Section A sought to clarify demographic data. The study's conclusions were computed using descriptive statistics. The survey found that practitioners provide a wide range of library services based on developing technology. According to the survey, there is a dearth of services based on emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, gaming, and the Internet of Things. The survey also found that among other difficulties, practitioners deal with erratic electricity and poor internet service provision. It was concluded that practitioners would maximize the use of emerging technologies if sufficient attention was given to the issues impeding their use in the delivery of library services. Recruitment of more personnel and provision of alternative power supplies were among the recommendations made in the study.

Artificial intelligence as enabler of future library services: how prepared are librarians in African university libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate artificial intelligence (AI) as enabler of future library services, with consideration to how prepared are librarians in African university libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied the interpretive content/document analysis of literature harvested from different databases of Scopus and Web of Science. AI could be used to perform daily routines in circulation, serial, reference and selective dissemination of information among others. It could also be applied to the provision of innovative services of recognition of library activities such as answering research quarries, cataloguing and classification of library materials and management of library system software of different databases within the library systems.FindingsIt could be deduced from the study that AI would continue to serve as a panacea to future library services irrespective of its geographical context. Due to the evolving nature of knowledge growth, AI having its roots in the field of engineering has been found useful to support future library services. The support accrued from library service delivery in the library profession has made librarians continue to interact with other intelligent machines that can demonstrate human behaviour even though they are not real human beings. The behaviour of machines and AI where human beings play a significant role has brought many renovations in the management of complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision making and suggestions, on potentials of diverse work operations.Practical implicationsThe understanding that the present paper portrays in the context of future library services is that there is no way the AI could function without a human interaction perspective when drawing an analogy from computer science, information science and information systems fields of study.Social implicationsThe interest of users across their background would be strengthen if AI advances transformed the handling complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision-making and giving suggestions, among other things. The possibilities of diverse work operations from empirical evidence of studies consulted in recent times gave the authors the impetus to consider AI as the enabler of future library services.Originality/valueThe increasing demands from library patrons have prompted librarians to adapt their methods of delivering services. These emerging technologies have also brought about shifts in approaches to teaching and learning. Consequently, the recent surge in digital technology-driven service innovations has ushered in a fresh paradigm for education and research. In response to these changes, librarians are actively seeking novel and innovative technologies to enhance user experiences within their libraries. They serve as catalysts for introducing modern and advanced technologies, consistently adapting to contemporary tools that enhance their offerings.

Evaluating features of mobile phone technology needed to access library services in Mount Kenya University library in Kenya

With library automation already done in all libraries in mount Kenya university, installed library management system, provision of e-book reader (kindles) and user and library staff training all provide ample platform for use of library materials via mobile phone devices. Since the introduction of Kindles and use of MPT to access and utilize library services in MKU libraries, no study has been done to determine the effectiveness of this technology. Therefore, this study and its recommendation come handy in order to improve library service delivery using MPT. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of mobile phone technology in accessing library information materials at Mount Kenya University. The target population was 39452 where a sample of 395 was selected. In this study, questionnaires were used to collect data. Four campuses were purposively sampled due to their established library automation and library management system providing the platform that can support library access via Mobile Phone Technology. Data collected through questionnaires was cleaned, edited, coded before it was entered into the statistical software for analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analyzing the collected data. Based on research findings, it could be right to say that despite challenges of power outages, internet instability and other factors identified above, mobile phone devices have required features to support access to reference services, checking in/out, indexing and abstracting, conducting current awareness to users, doing selective dissemination of information, executing interlibrary loaning and providing special services to special people.

Academic librarians’ perceptions of mobile technology’s usefulness in library service delivery at universities of technology in South Africa

PurposeGlobally, mobile technology is a significant factor influencing how libraries are changing the ways of delivering services to today’s users. This paper aims to explore academic librarians’ perceptions of the usefulness of mobile technology in delivering library services and the efforts required for its successful adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. The research objectives were underpinned by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyses using NVIVO for thematic analysis.FindingsResults show that, in general, academic librarians support the use of mobile technology to provide services such as access to eBooks and Journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, Bookmyne application, information literacy consultations and training. Library managers, fellow librarians and users were identified as encouraging the adoption of mobile technology to enhance library services. The paper further confirms that the successful adoption of mobile technology requires some effort. However, due to some of the challenges presented in the study, a majority of respondents felt that their libraries are not yet ready to fully embrace mobile technology the way it is envisioned in today’s world.Practical implicationsThe study endeavours to address the divergence between students and academic librarians’ viewpoints regarding the application of mobile technology in the provision of library services.Originality/valueThis paper highlights numerous ways that academic librarians could adopt and embrace mobile technology, which can benefit both academic libraries and other institutions of higher learning. The knowledge presented in this paper could assist academic librarians in assessing their institutions’ vulnerabilities, challenges and strengths in using mobile technologies to provide library services.

Awareness and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Effective Library Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State Nigeria

Awareness and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Effective Library Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State Nigeria

Librarians’ attitudes, work environment and service delivery in academic libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between librarians' attitudes, work environment, and service delivery in academic libraries in Delta State, Nigeria. Academic librarians play a crucial role in providing resources and supporting research, which underscores the importance of their attitudes and work environment. A positive attitude enhances job satisfaction and productivity, which in turn improves service delivery. The research utilized a correlational design with a population of 170 librarians from 23 tertiary institutions, including 11 universities and six polytechnics/colleges of education. The census sampling technique was employed, and data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used for analysis, with a criterion mean set at 2.50. Hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicate that librarians in Delta State are generally satisfied with their jobs and view their work environment positively, which correlates with effective service delivery. Positive attitudes and supportive work environments significantly impact service delivery. The study concludes that improving librarians' attitudes and work environments is crucial for enhancing library services. It is recommended that academic libraries in Delta State focus on integrating librarian attitudes, work environment improvements, and service delivery strategies through interdisciplinary techniques and stakeholder collaboration.

Librarians’ skills and application of web technologies for information service delivery in university libraries in Delta State

The study investigated librarians’ skills and the application of web technologies for information service delivery in university libraries in Delta State. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design, with a population figure of 170 librarians from university libraries across Delta State. The total enumeration sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a questionnaire entitled “Librarians’ Skills and Application of Web Technologies for Information Service Delivery Questionnaire (LSAWTISDQ).” Data analysis was achieved with the use of descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean, and standard deviation) to answer the research questions using the decision rule that reflects mean scores. According to the findings, most librarians at Delta State University libraries use a variety of web technologies for information service delivery. They have intermediate knowledge of web technologies and use them extensively for service delivery. To a high extent, these libraries offer a wide range of information services. The study concluded that, as online applications evolve, librarians in university libraries in Delta State can effectively use tools like OPAC, cloud computing, QR codes, wikis, instant messaging, and Twitter. Recommendations include investing in advanced web technology skills, such as website design and software installation, and leveraging these skills to enhance information service delivery and user satisfaction. The study contributes to knowledge by establishing that librarians in university libraries in Delta State possess and utilise web technology skills for delivering information services.