Delivery Of Library Services Research Articles

Investigation into the Challenges Associated with the Delivery of Library Services on Mobile Technology Platform

Investigation into the Challenges Associated with the Delivery of Library Services on Mobile Technology Platform

Transformed library spaces lead to transformed library services: a case study of the RCSI library

A new health sciences library integrated into a state of the art academic and clinical education building provided opportunities for transforming library services delivery, positioning space as a service, deeper integration of library expertise within the University community and the curriculum, and for enhancing the student experience.

Delivering equitable distance library services to off-campus users at the University of the Free State in South Africa

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived satisfaction of Advanced Certificate in Teaching students and facilitators regarding online library services offered by the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative approach with open-ended questions that generated some qualitative data. Data has been presented using descriptive statistics in the form of tables, graphs and charts and thematic content analysis for some qualitative data. Findings All learners in this study were adults between 45 and 55 years of age. Of the respondents, 13% lacked online experience, while about 85% had never used online library services and 35% indicated that Google was their primary source of information. The majority of respondents indicated information literacy as a core function of the academic library. High data cost in South Africa came out as one of the major issues affecting distance learners as well as login and password frustrations. The study confirmed computer anxiety, physical discomfort, information overflow and prompt response as some of the perceived challenges and levels of satisfaction respectively of Advanced Certificate in Teaching students and facilitators regarding online library services offered by the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa. Practical implications The study revealed that a distance learning library policy is of the essence because it helps to put in place rules and regulations that guide the delivery of distance library services. Originality/value The offering of online and distance library services is a fairly new concept to the UFS library. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice regarding the perceived satisfaction of distance users on online library services and how to improve the current practice.

Libraries and mobile technologies: an assessment of the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries of Nigeria

In this study, the researcher examined the views of library users and professional regarding the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries. The researcher tested five hypotheses to achieve the study objectives. The survey research design was used for the study. A total of 250 librarians and 250 library users in Nigeria constituted the sample for the study. The sample was purposively selected. The librarians were from Federal and state University owned libraries in Nigeria. The library users were undergraduates from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A self-developed questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. It was decided that a questionnaire was appropriate for the study because it aided the researcher to gather primary data in large volume. The response format for the questionnaire instrument was multiple option for the demographics and a four-point Likert scale for the psychographic response. Therefore, the questionnaire was divided into part A and part B. While the former sought demographic data, the later sought psychographic data. A total of three experts from the Federal University Otueke validated the questionnaire. The researcher requested the experts to examine the instrument with specific considerations on clarity, appropriateness and logicality of presentation. The test retest approach was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the results of the study. All the five assumptions were not supported (p>0.05). Therefore, the researcher conclude that both library users and professionals are aware of mobile technologies, ready to apply them in library services, and are influenced by perceived ease of usage and perceived usefulness. These results offer strong support for the Technology Acceptance Model. The results also have implications on the delivery of library services in the 21st century library environment by implying that both library users and professionals will be willing to support any policy and programme aimed at promoting the application of mobile technologies in library practice and patronage. The basic contribution of this study is that it has offered empirical insights regarding the views of library users and professionals on library practice. This knowledge could guide policy advocacy monitoring and implementation. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that libraries in Nigeria should fully integrate mobile technologies in their services and practice. It is also recommended that libraries should carry out studies that offer them insights into the mobile technologies preference of their target patrons so as to serve them better. Also, further studies are recommended to examine the level of implantation of mobile technologies in academic libraries in Nigeria. Finally, studies should be expanded to provide insight into the challenges against the implementation of mobile technologies in libraries in Nigeria. The practical and theoretical implications of the results have been explored.

Utilization of Modern Technologies for Service Delivery in Special Libraries in South-East Nigeria

Modern technologies are part of the tools that can help to provide efficient and effective service delivery in libraries. For librarians to perform their jobs effectively, they have to fully utilize modern technologies. The aim of the study therefore, is to examine the utilization of modern technologies for effective service delivery in selected special libraries in South-East, Nigeria. Specifically, two objectives and two research questions guided the study .The study adopted descriptive survey design. Responses to a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers were received from 30 librarians. The questionnaire was entitled,’ Utilization of Modern Technology for Effective Service Delivery Questionnaire(UMTSLCQ). It was validated by experts and its reliability index was calculated as 2.50 using frequency table. The data collected were presented in a tabular form for clarity, analyzed using frequency count and tables. The findings of the study showed that modern technologies are not being utilized adequately in service delivery in most special libraries in the south east, although they complement many of the services provided by the special libraries. Recommendations were made based on the findings which includes proper sensitization of librarians on appropriate use of modern technologies, adequate funding, consistent and constant training of staff to upgrade their skill on the use of modern technologies. The study concluded by making recommendation based on the findings.Keywords: Modern technology, Utilization, Service delivery, Special Libraries, South-East Nigeria

Quality Assurance Variables and Information Service Delivery in Federal University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of four selected variables of quality assurance (library collections, human resources, library environment and funding) on information service delivery in federal university libraries in south-south zone of Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. The population and sample size of the study was 178 comprising 64 professional librarians and 114 para-professional librarians using the census sampling technique. A researcher-developed questionnaire–Quality Assurance Variables and Information Service Delivery Questionnaire (QAVISDQ) validated by three independent assessors and with reliability coefficient of .82 determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability package in SPSS 20 - were used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using Mean and Standard Deviation to answer the research question and dependent t-test to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings from data analysis showed that the investigated quality assurance variables had significant influence on information service delivery in federal university libraries in south-south, Nigeria. It was concluded based on the findings of the study that information service delivery in university libraries is determined and influenced by the quality of the collections, human resources, library environment and the adequacy of funding. Consequently, it is recommended among others that government should ensure proper allocation of funds for academic libraries as all the quality assurance variables cannot be put in place without the availability of funds and that university libraries and librarians should take up the initiative to proactively improve the quality of their resources and services by sourcing for funds through partnership and collaboration with corporate bodies, philanthropic individuals and so on.Keywords: Quality Assurance Variables, Library Collections, Human Resources, Information Service Delivery

Job Satisfaction among Library Personnel in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria

Job satisfaction is an indispensable factor for the success of every organization. It is a general concern to both employers and employees in organizations including universities libraries in Nigeria. Lack of job satisfaction could lead to poor service delivery in university libraries. Therefore, this study investigated job satisfaction among library personnel in public universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study was based on Herzberg two-factor theory. The dimensions of job satisfaction that the study covered included salary, job security, supervision, relationship with co-workers, promotion and work itself. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from the professional and paraprofessional staff in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. As a result of the manageable size of the library personnel, total enumeration was used. Thus, the population was made up of 346 professionals and paraprofessionals staff from the federal and state universities. A response rate of 76.6 was obtained. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the level of job satisfaction of the respondents was high. Contributing to this was satisfaction with job security, relationship with co-workers, work itself and recognition. The results also revealed although the level of job satisfaction of the respondents was high, they were not satisfied with their salary. Out of all the dimensions of job satisfaction, satisfaction with salary had the lowest mean. Thus, the study recommends that the problem of low salary should be tackled in order to improve the level of satisfaction with salary among library personnel.Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Library Personnel, Public Universities, South-West, Nigeria

Library staff utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for service delivery in special libraries in north central Nigeria

The study investigated ICT utilization for service delivery in special libraries in North Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by three objectives and relevant literature related to the study was reviewed. Survey research design was used for the study. The population comprised of one hundred and twenty-six (126) professional and para professional library staff in fifteen (15) research libraries in North Central Nigeria. But the sampled population for the study comprised of eighty three (83) library staff from eight (8) research libraries in the North Central Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for collection of data. Out of eighty three (83) copies of questionnaires administered, seventy six (76) copies were duly completed and the data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages and mean score. The study revealed ICT facilities were available for minimal use for service delivery. Major problems hindering utilizations of ICT for service delivery in research libraries of the North Central Nigeria were those of ICT policy and in adequate funds. The study proffered recommendations. Keywords: Special libraries, service delivery, North Central, ICT, Utilizatiion

Training and retraining: a catalyst for retooling 21<sup>st</sup> century librarians for effective information service delivery in academic libraries in south south, Nigeria

This study examines training and retraining: a catalyst for retooling 21 st Century librarians for effective information service deliver in academic libraries in South-south, Nigeria. The total population for this study comprises of 235 (Two hundred and thirty five) librarians working in State, Federal and Private university libraries in South-south, Nigeria. The entire population of the study was sampled using total enumeration sampling technique because of the small and manageable size of the population. Findings from this study revealed that the service rendered in full capacity to users by librarians in university libraries in South-south, Nigeria in this 21 st Century are e-library service, e-mail service, e-reference service, selective dissemination of information service via social media networks, printing and photocopying service, online referral service and Internet service among others; that the librarians working in academic libraries in the South-south, region of Nigeria needs training in librarianship in the area of e-library service, e-mail Service, e-reference service, OPAC service, selective dissemination of Information on social media networks, digitization services, that training and retraining of librarian working in university libraries in the South-south region of Nigeria will lead to effective service delivery in the library, timely service delivery in the library, error free information services for library users, user satisfaction with library services and resources, easy access to library resources for library users, development of positive attitude to work among librarians. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study which include: University library management should support the training and retraining of their librarians through TETFUND and other sources to ensure that their libraries are equipped with capable librarians who can function effectively in the face of the 21 st Century information demands of the library users among others. Keywords: Training, Retraining, Information, Service Delivery, Librarians

The Ultimate Survey: Asking One Question at a Time to Get Feedback from Library Users

ABSTRACTLibraries use surveys and other instruments to gather feedback from their users. However, with competition from many other campus entities requesting input, how can survey fatigue be avoided? To gather this feedback, the Social Sciences Reference Desk utilized a short, fun and easy method. Each week for 10 weeks during the fall semester of 2017, the reference assistants wrote a survey question on a whiteboard and provided sticky notes for patrons to write their answers. The survey provided valuable information about patrons’ needs and expectations. It also fostered changes that were easily implemented to improve the delivery of library services.

Civic engagement in the community-managed libraries in Oman

The current study aims to identify the practice of civic engagement in the community- managed libraries inOman. Community-Managed library is an act of making the library space available for community’s activities, byworking in partnership with the voluntary and community sector and other public services. In addition, it isusually involving users as volunteers in the delivery of library services and the organization of activities, thatsupports and involves the community in various levels of decision making process, work around books andengage in public dialogues and deliberations.A qualitative survey was used to identify the stakeholders’ perception towards the adoption of civic engagement,as a method to develop and sustain these libraries. Stakeholders’ suggestions to overcome the challenges,currently faced by these libraries were also identified. Triangulation method was used to gather informationfrom social media of the libraries beside the open survey. It was discovered that, the six aspects of civicparticipation are practiced in the community-managed libraries’ and seen in various activities and programs.However, the libraries founders must be motivated through appreciation and support from the government,private sector and other organizations, in order to develop their libraries and keep them sustainable. Finally, thecommunity-managed libraries could model public libraries or serve as extension in the country.Keywords: Community managed libraries, Community engagement, social capital, public libraries.

ICT-related training and support Programmes for information professionals

This paper, which seeks to investigate ICT-related training and support programmes for information professionals, becomes essential due to multifarious tasks that require adequate ICT skills, knowledge and application in a dynamic context to function better. This paper adopted the quantitative research approach. The quantitative approach was survey, using a questionnaire to collect data from respondents in selected university libraries in Africa. Findings revealed that ICT-related training and support programmes offered to information professionals helped to improve current practices of library operations and service delivery to users. Re-skilling becomes significant due to the existing phenomenon of pedagogical learning, thus leading to the creation and harvesting of knowledge among information professionals. The exposure, experience, knowledge and skills acquired serve as defence for information professionals in the application and use of ICT-related tools of hardware and software, irrespective of the context. Embracing continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills to navigate and sustain dynamism in the work place becomes a necessity.

Resource Constraints and Quality Public Library Service Delivery in Ghana

The availability and quantum of resources at the disposal of libraries greatly influence service delivery. This study seeks to assess the adequacy and effect of attenuating resources on the quality of public library services and the barriers to accessing sufficient resources for the provision of quality services. Based on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed 32 participants drawn from three regional libraries, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that all three regional libraries were highly under resourced in terms of qualified personnel, physical resources, and current library materials which ultimately resulted in low patronage of the library facilities. A major concern was the absence of a National Library and Public Library Policy guiding the establishment of public libraries in Ghana. We strongly suggest that the new public library service bill should include a statutory formula for resource allocation to public libraries. Though our research concentrated on Ghana, the implications of the study are of great value to similar contexts.

Data Speaks Volumes: Evidence-Based Delivery of Library Services in a User-Centred Library

ABSTRACTWith the ever-increasing focus on user needs and experiences, librarians are compelled to reposition themselves as providers of services and support. With an increasingly service-oriented approach to the profession, librarians must view their work and services through lenses of critical inquiry, assessment, and thoughtful design. Above all libraries are increasingly expected to plan, deliver, and assess their services based on evidence and data, an approach to librarianship which demands greater attention in professional literature and best practices. This paper presents a literature review of reference data collection strategies and discussion of evidence-based practices in librarianship. A case study is then presented for one academic library’s process of developing and implementing a new system to collect, classify, and analyse reference statistics. Named the TARP Model, this system allowed librarians at NYU Shanghai to understand user behaviours, train reference staff, assessing reference services and trends, and manage the logistics of providing reference services.

Hospital library closures and consolidations: a case series.

BackgroundHealth sciences libraries are being closed or are under threat of closure, but little is published that looks at context and causes or alternative library service delivery models such as affiliations or consolidations. There is also very little research about the effect of these changes on health care provider satisfaction, patient care, or hospital quality indicators. Preventing library closures is not always possible, but understanding some of the circumstances leading to the decision and implementation of a closure or consolidation could inform best practice management.Case PresentationsAt a recent Medical Library Association joint chapter meeting, a panel of six librarians presented their cases of navigating a library closure or reorganization. Background information was given to highlight reasons that the decisions to reorganize or close were made. Following the case presentations, participants took part in discussion with audience members. Cases and discussion points were recorded for further research, publication, and advocacy.ConclusionsSeveral points from the cases are highlighted in the discussion section of the paper. An accurate reporting of US health sciences libraries and librarian staffing is needed. More needs to be written about new library service models and best practices for centralizing and maintaining library services. After a consolidation, remaining librarians will be expected to manage the effects of staff loss and site closures and so should be involved in planning and implementing these decisions. It remains to be determined how hospitals with librarians compare in patient care and other quality indicators against hospitals without librarians.

Networked library access and services delivery for the blind and visually impaired university students: evidence from the UAE

PurposeThe study aims to discuss the special needs-centric information delivery as a new genre of the academic library services. It also sheds light on the assistive technology used to help blind or visually impaired (BVI) students to access the available digital contents and use online services conveniently. A particular emphasis placed on gaining some insights into BVIs’ perceptions towards the orientation and assistance offered by the access service librarians, as well as any experience in using assistive educational technology for reading and information access.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used semi-structured interview survey to gather the necessary data from 35 BVI university students drawn from the Special Needs Services (SNS) Unit at the UAE University. The interview was concerned with use of library e-resources and online services for doing their assignments, easy-to-use facilities to access the e-resources and main challenges facing them in communicating with the librarians.FindingsThe findings revealed that the BVI students considered that the university library does not answer their needs for getting access to digital content and using online services adequately.Practical implicationsThe Main Library should cooperate closely with the SNS Unit to get the most benefits from their experience in the BVI-devoted services to develop an efficient library information discovery and delivery to this student group.Originality/valueThere is scarcity of scholarly studies on the pedagogical and information acquisition challenges facing the BVI university students in the UAE higher education. This is the first research study that tackles the experience of the BVI students in using the academic library.

Effective library services for children and young people in public libraries:A developing structured review

Public libraries play fundamental roles in providing children and young people with free and open access to knowledge, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Toddlers come for story times, teachers and day care providers bring groups of children to find books and information, to be instructed in information literacy skills, and to hear stories. School children drop in for after-school programming or homework assistance. Hence the role of public libraries in the life of children and young people cannot be overemphasized. This paper focuses on different innovative services and programmes in public libraries for young people in the digital age; library services for children and young people and strategies for effective library service delivery. It concludes by recommending that Public Library should make a concerted effort to improve its collections, resources and services in other to meet the ever increasing need of children and young people. Keywords: Public Library, Library use, Library Services, Children and Young people.

Perception of Librarians towards Use of Social Media for Information Service Delivery: A Conceptual Paper

This study conceptualizes how librarians perceive social media in library and information service delivery. The study consults and review previous research on the use of social media to provide service delivery by librarians by librarians. Social media encourages librarians to create new knowledge, ideas, and services and share it across their community of users. Service delivery is the primary function of any university library. Due to the difficult nature of traditional library services, libraries now embrace and adopt some social media tools for service delivery. This research highlighted the opportunities offer by social media to improve service delivery, the study also discuss the categorization of social media, types of social media, applicability of social media, challenges face by librarians when using social media and strategies on incorporating social media when using service delivery. Based on the conceptual review carried out, majority of studies reveals that librarians use social media and ICT in information service library and the most use form of social media is the Facebook, WhatApps and twitter, but, however, they do encounter obstacles in terms when using the social media. The study concludes that librarians actually use social media for library information service delivery, but yet there is a lot of challenges for proper use of social media in library and information delivery. Therefore, the study recommends that university libraries should incorporate more social media to provide effective services to their clients and adequate finance should be provided regularly by the university management to improve the use of social media in information service delivery and finally librarians should render more proactive and more quality social media services to meet the information needs of clients

Some Determinants of Service Delivery in University Libraries

This article presents the result of a study on whether demographic factors, personnel competence, knowledge sharing, organisational learning and leadership styles act as determinants of service delivery; and also find out their joint effect on services delivery when they are properly practiced and is integrated in the university libraries. The study adopted the survey research of the correlational type. This study was carried out in the South-western (Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun) states of Nigeria. All the functional universities were enumerated. The population of the study comprised 635 personnel (339 librarians and 296 library officers) from 35 functional university libraries. The results reveal that demographic factors considered in this study had significant relationship with service delivery of librarians in the universities libraries. In addition, demographic factors, organisational learning, knowledge sharing, leadership styles (transactional and transformational), and personnel competence were found to have positive and significant joint contribution to service delivery in the university libraries. Recommendations were made from the study to librarians in the university libraries to share work related knowledge with their colleagues to foster knowledge sharing practices; and be committed to regular professional development for effectiveness of service delivery in the ever emerging digital environment. Demographic profile of librarians should also be considered during recruitment for library work. Transactional leadership style should be promoted by management in university libraries in South-west, Nigeria to improve service delivery.

The Effect of Library Security on Service Delivery in Federal University Lafia, Library- Nigeria

The Effect of Library Security on Service Delivery in Federal University Lafia, Library- Nigeria Dr. Suleiman Musa, Dr. Faga, Asom, Ejeh, Daniel Matthew Abstract Security is an important and complex challenge in contemporary societies. This study on library security and service delivery in Federal University Lafia Library dwels on the types of security apparatus adopted by the Library, the challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery as well as the remedies to these challenges were investigated. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 16 library staff and 491 registered students. Findings revealed that of all the security aparatus identified by the researcher such as surveillance cameras, radio frequency identification, panic alarms, perimeter alarm system, door intrusion alarms, nexpak/amaray secure cases, alpha security cases or extreme-pac cases, clear-vu one- time and em security tags, the library did not adopt any of them. In addition, it was discovered that poor budgeting /inadequate funding of the library, inadequate staff/personnel, epileptic/erratic power supply to implement electronic security, lack of institutional security policy, among others were some of the challenges faced by the library in the area of security of library materials. the results however points out that the strategies to enhance the implementation of library security are; improve funding of university libraries, employ more staff in the library, there should be security policy for the library among others. from the findings, the following recommendations among others were made : the federal government can help in the provision and installation of electronic security systems in the libraries to further boost the security system. adequate funds should be made available to the university libraries by the institution to provide for effective security system and facilities to safeguard the library resources, as well as the users property the university libraries need to develop workable security policy and disaster management plan, which should be made available to staff and fully implemented for effective library security management. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jlis.v7n1a6