Library Services Research Articles

The totemic use of an author in psychology: A century of publications of the work of F. C. Bartlett.

We have tried to retrace the contributions and dissemination of the work of the famous British psychologist F. C. Bartlett through various authors who have been inspired by his work, to a greater or lesser extent. To investigate these questions, we have chosen to carry out a bibliometric work. We were interested in the scientific articles available via the electronic library services (offered by the university and via Google Scholar). The only criterion that guided us in the inclusion in the corpus was the explicit nominative reference to Frederic Charles Bartlett on the whole article. The corpus collected (n = 731) concerns a period of almost a century (1920-2019). The results reveal two periods of increased publication, in 1985 (n = 20) and 2019 (n = 137). Nevertheless, while the name of the author is increasingly cited, most of the time it is only once in the body of the articles. A form of scientific automatism manifests itself in the form of a brief, systematic and automatic citation of the first edition of only one of his books. This "mystified" usage may well extend beyond this author, since Lewin is subject to the same stereotypical quotations and paradoxical marginalization in French-language social psychology textbooks (Pétard et al., 2001). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Hidden Toll: Exploring the Impact of Challenging Patron Behaviors on Australian Public Library Staff

ABSTRACT As a public-facing profession, public library workers are often exposed to challenging behaviors that raise concern for their safety. To understand these concerns, this study explores these staff safety issues in Australian public libraries through semi-structured interviews with 59 staff members from six library services. Findings reveal that library workers frequently encounter challenging and sometimes violent behaviors from patrons. These incidents impact staff wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety, and potential long-term psychological effects. Many workers receive insufficient workplace support following traumatic incidents, leading to internalization of the trauma the experiences cause. The study highlights the need for improved institutional support and better safety measures. It also recognizes the tension created by libraries’ open-door policies, which may expose workers to potential harm.

Working together to move the profession forwards (Librarians and Learning Development)

What happens when you cannot get the buy-in from your colleagues and the workload is driving you mad? In this presentation we showed what we do to disrupt and rewrite the game. Using a fictional scenario, the wise three guided you through the trials and tribulations of embedded support for key academic skills. You were invited to share your experiences in advance of the conference so our agony aunts can come up with ideas and suggestions to help you succeed in your role. Academic skills are most successful when embedded within the curriculum (Coulson et al., 2021; Wyatt, 2011). However, in our experience getting buy-in from academic staff and professional colleagues can be difficult. Engaging students with an active teaching approach can be even harder (Armellini et al., 2021; Hicks and Sinkinson, 2021). Using the model of Integrated Learner Support (ILS) developed at the University of Northampton for undergraduate support (Library and Learning Services, 2022), the workshop highlighted different approaches that can be used to navigate through difficulties, and offered potential solutions to collaborative working between Learning Developers and Academic Librarians.

Partnership or battle

University libraries live and change through interaction with the scientific community or without essential interaction they fail to evolve and grow. This article studies the effects of collaboration between professors and librarians on the strategic development of libraries, especially during times of crisis. This study was conducted at the University of Helsinki (established in 1640). It is based mostly on historical sources, such as the annual reports of the university and faculties, and documents outlining plans and decisions. The first crisis phase took place in the 1820s, when a fire destroyed academic collections and facilities and the university was relocated from Turku to Helsinki. A conflict arose between the contemporary needs of the scientific community and the need for a main library to replace the collections. Another upheaval was caused by the growing need for services for the post-war baby boomer generation. Nationwide library planning aimed for the creation of a separate national library and for merging faculty libraries with the main library. The third crisis phase involved the Finnish economic crisis of the 1990s and the digital revolution that continued into the 2000s. Solutions were sought through cooperation between the academic leadership, library management and personnel. The crisis led to the organisation of library services into two large entities. The success of extensive changes in academic libraries is one of the key questions in management. The crisis periods under examination show that significant reforms are only possible through close partnerships between the library, the research community and academic decision-makers.

A Comparative Analysis of the Student Preferences for Digital and Physical Books in Library Usage

The study investigates student preferences for digital and physical library resources at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, Philippines, amidst the evolving landscape of educational technology integration. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from Senior High School and College students, the research identifies significant trends in resource utilization patterns and their impact on academic achievement. Results indicate a preference for digital resources, although some students still value physical materials. Statistical analyses reveal discipline-specific variations in resource utilization and a positive correlation between the frequency of accessing digital resources and academic performance. The study underscores the importance of aligning library services with student preferences to optimize learning outcomes and foster digital literacy. Recommendations are made for tailored interventions to enhance resource provision and promote equitable access across academic disciplines

What is a “good” library? The measures are changing

PurposeStandardization of library performance measures started in 1994, when several handbooks describing performance indicators had already appeared. The 1st edition of the International Standard ISO 11620 was published in 1998, followed by an amendment 5 years later, both dealing with the traditional library. As indicators for the digital library services were still developing, a pre-standard technical report for such indicators was published separately in 2003. The second edition was published in 2008 and combined 45 indicators for traditional and digital services, if possible, as “hybrid” indicators. The 3rd edition appeared in 2013 with 52 indicators, presenting new topics such as preservation and digitization. For this edition, seven indicators had been eliminated as outdated. The 4th edition was edited in 2023, presenting 61 indicators, of which 14 new indicators and many revisions. The paper follows the subject areas and corresponding indicators over time and tries to define the present and possible future trends.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the development of library performance measurement as standardized in ISO 11620. It follows the changes, additions and deletions of indicators since the first edition in 1998 and compares them to the changes in libraries’ tasks and activities.FindingsThe analysis shows that indicators for changing tasks and technologies or for new fields of interest follow a few years after the changes, as the methods have to be developed and tested. New topics are often introduced from outside, following political trends and themes, such as cost-efficiency or support for special user groups. An important input came from other standards with quality indicators, especially ISO 21246 for museums and ISO 21248 for national libraries. An interesting issue is the changing role of indicators for the digital library in ISO 11620. Until the forthcoming edition, a simple increase in digital collections and services was often regarded as quality. The new concept is to regard the existence of digital services and collections in libraries as normal and to look for additional aspects, e.g. the use of a digitized collection.Research limitations/implicationsFor the first time, the forthcoming edition will contain a clause about impact assessment. Measuring the quality of library services should not stop with effectiveness and efficiency but should also include assessing the impact on individuals and society. Methods for assessing library impact are described in a separate standard, ISO 16439. However, there is evidently a borderland between evaluating the quality of library services and identifying their effect on users. The new edition of ISO 11620 tries to clarify this and includes some “border” indicators, such as measures for the awareness of libraries their services.Originality/valueThe overview of developments in the standardized performance measures will help to understand the relation of the indicators to the current goals and tasks of libraries and may further the use of the standard. As libraries’ tasks and activities will continue to develop and change, new topics will come up in the next few years, some of which can already be identified today.

The survey of public library services by non-user residents

Public library services are provided based on the basic principle of accessibility to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, language, or social status. Currently, the access to services of public library is insufficient, 8.8% of the population is using library services. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out why people who do not come to the library do not participate in the service. According to the results of the research, the main reasons for not being able to use public library services are “being too busy to go to the library” and “lives far from the library”. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce services for “busy” and “far away” citizens who cannot participate in public library services, and to improve existing service methods and technologies. Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаагүй оршин суугчдын судалгаа Хураангуй: Нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээг нас, арьсны өнгө, хүйс, шашин шүтлэг, үндэс угсаа, хэл, нийгмийн байдлаас үл хамааран хүн бүрд хүртээмжтэй байх үндсэн зарчим дээр суурилж үзүүлдэг. Одоогоор нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээний хүртээмж хангалтгүй, хүн амын 8.8% номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж байна. Иймд номын санд ирэхгүй байгаа иргэд яагаад үйлчилгээнд хамрагдахгүй байгааг олж илрүүлэх зорилгоор энэхүү судалгааг хийв. Судалгааны үр дүнгээс үзвэл нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа хамгийн гол шалтгаан бол “номын санд очих завгүй байдал”, “гэр нь номын сангаас хол байх” ажээ. Иймд нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээнд хамрагдаж чадахгүй байгаа “завгүй” болон “хол гэртэй” иргэдэд зориулсан үйлчилгээ нэвтрүүлэх, одоо байгаа үйлчилгээний арга, технологийг сайжруулах шаардлагатай болжээ. Түлхүүр үгс: нийтийн номын сангийн үйлчилгээ, үйлчилгээний хүртээмж, номын санд бүртгэлгүй оршин суугч

Perancangan UI/UX Aplikasi Perpustakaan Digital Berbasis Web dengan Pendekatan Metode Design Thinking

Today's library management increasingly demands quality and professionalism so that the resultscan be utilized to the maximum extent possible by its users. The library on the Dirgantara MarsekalSuryadarma University campus already has a website-based digital library service. This serviceis aimed at students, lecturers and the general public who need book references. However, theservices provided have limitations ranging from performance to user interface appearance. Thisresearch aims to develop a professional digital library at Dirgantara Marshal SuryadarmaUniversity. Designing the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) using the Figmaapplication with a good and intuitive Design Thinking method and can meet the expectations ofthe needs of Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma University library users. Testing using the SingleEase Question (SEQ) method to see the level of effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction withthe UI/UX design prototype of the Digital Library Application that will be built. The test resultsshow a value of 6.7 on a scale of 7, indicating that the UI/UX design of the application that hasbeen designed is considered good and in accordance with user needs

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PATTERNS AND ISSUES WITH AI DEPLOYMENT IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

With the hindsight of the enormous benefits of Artificial Intelligence to every sector of human development, this article explores how university libraries in Nigeria intentionally adopt and use AI-enabled tools and technologies for library operations and services. It also identifies the constraints to the deliberate use of the technologies in the libraries. The paper adopts a survey approach using a self-developed questionnaire to elicit information from the 174 members of the Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities about the status of AI use in their libraries. Google Forms application was used to administer the survey for eight weeks. Only 25 universities responded to the survey. Data analysis shows that AI use is infantile and inadvertent in Nigerian university libraries, and its use is constrained by paucity of funds, lack of requisite skills and poor infrastructure, especially epileptic power supply and poor internet access. The paper is among the few that investigate deliberate use of AI in Nigerian universities libraries, and it recommends the need for Nigerian university to review and restructure their strategic plan documents to include AI integration in academic activities and programmes, particularly, for providing innovative library services.

Robots in Public Libraries: An Empirical Analysis of Current Applications and Future Opportunities

ABSTRACT The paper investigated the current application of robots in public libraries with specific consideration of its future opportunities. Three (3) objectives guided the conduct of the study. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The population for the study comprised librarians who have been certified by the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and worked at public library boards. Thematic analysis and content analysis techniques were adopted for this study. The study found that robots bring various advantages, including increased operational efficiency and streamlined access to information, as well as interactive educational opportunities and heightened user involvement. The findings indicate that embracing robotic technology enables public libraries to establish more accessible, dynamic, and user-focused environments, fostering an atmosphere of innovation and technological progress within the realm of information services. It could be concluded that the integration of robots in public libraries plays a vital role in modernizing and improving library services to meet the evolving demands of library users and communities. However, library stakeholders must address potential obstacles, including financial limitations, technological preparedness, and user acceptance. Prioritizing the training of staff, fostering community involvement, and establishing clear policy frameworks enables public libraries to effectively navigate the challenges related to incorporating robotics, ensuring a smooth transition toward a technologically advanced and user-focused library environment.

Transforming Libraries: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising library services and enhancing user experience, creating a new era of efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. This editorial explores how AI reshapes the library landscape, ushering in a new generation of efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. The AI’s most notable contribution to libraries is the automation of routine tasks, cataloguing and organising; librarians can now rely on AI algorithms to streamline. It saves librarians valuable time engaging in intellectually stimulating activities and ensures a more accurate and organised library system. AI-driven systems can efficiently analyse vast amounts of data, leading to improved search functionalities and more seamless information retrieval for library patrons. Moreover, AI is instrumental in the personalisation of library services. Through machine learning algorithms, libraries can analyse user behaviour, preferences, and historical data to provide customised recommendations. This enhances the user experience by offering tailored suggestions for reading materials, resources, and services, making libraries more relevant and engaging for diverse user groups. Another essential role of AI in libraries is the development of virtual assistants. These digital assistants, powered by natural language processing and machine learning, can help library patrons navigate the catalogue system, answer queries, and even provide Realtime language translation service. Virtual assistants help libraries become more inclusive and accessible, reaching more audiences with diverse language backgrounds and information needs.

ABLS Library of the State Library of North Carolina

The Accessible Books and Library Services (ABLS) Library of the State Library of North Carolina (SLNC) is a unique resource that caters to the needs of persons with a visual or print disability. Strategically located in Raleigh, North Carolina, it is a convenient hub for library professionals, including those from academic, public, school, and private libraries. The ABLS stands out for its diverse range of services, a wealth of information, and robust network, all used to assist and engage persons with visual and print disabilities.

Exploring best practices in smart public library services: a survey

Purpose This paper aims to the integration of smart cities and technologies has had a profound impact on public library services globally. However, debates continue about how public libraries are incorporating smart technologies and tools, and what this means for their role in smart city development. This paper explores how public libraries are evolving to meet community needs by providing both physical and digital services. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this study is to assess the role of public libraries in the smart cities and how they are aligning toward development of smart concepts, technologies, services such as contributions to smart city objectives, community impact, the digital divide, unique projects and readiness for future smart city advancements. So, the authors explored 11 public library systems of cities across the world implementing smart city projects. Findings The authors found that all the library systems offer extensive print and digital collections, sustainable buildings and a well-connected network of branches. They provide self-checkout services, makerspaces equipped with 3D printing and coding workshops and advanced recording and video editing technologies. Furthermore, these libraries function as community centers, serving diverse groups including children, women, the elderly and marginalized communities. They function as third spaces that foster lifelong learning and digital literacy. Originality/value Although smart cities face substantial debate regarding their features, tools and feasibility, public libraries have adapted and redefined their roles to become influential public institutions. They now play a crucial part in supporting vibrant and dynamic communities and neighborhoods within smart cities.

Impact of big data and data analytics on the provision of data services in academic libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and data analytics (DA) in academic libraries, as well as their influence on the provision of data services (DSs).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data for this study. The population of this study comprised LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries. A four-factor measurement model estimating the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in academic libraries was tested using the structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings revealed that awareness (AW) (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.011) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the provision of DSs. The perceived utility of BD (β = 0.058, CR = 0.582, p = 0.561), and perceived utility of DA (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.905) exhibits a positive but statistically non-significant impact on the provision of DSs (β = 0.010, CR = 0.120, p = 0.905). The goodness of fit indices suggest a favourable fit for the model, as evidenced by the following values: χ2 = 1.400, DF = 164; p = 0.001; IFI = 0.954; TLI = 0.946; CFI = 0.953; GFI = 0.906; and RMSEA = 0.043.Originality/valueA new perspective on the use of BD and DA in academic libraries is presented in this study. It presents a four-factor measurement model on the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in university libraries.

When library cares: mining insights from LibQUAL+ to determine university students’ priorities

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate students' satisfaction with university library services in southern Punjab, Pakistan, emphasizing their perspective on service quality (SQ).Design/methodology/approachA LibQUAL+® survey with 22 core items was conducted within university settings using convenience sampling. In total, 345 usable responses were returned through Google Forms. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression test, Pearson and Deviance statistics and chi-square test to assess the satisfaction status of library users.FindingsThe study found that libraries generally meet SQ standards. However, there were minor gaps in information control (IC) and library as place (LP).Practical implicationsThe study provides library administrators with actionable insights to enhance services, encouraging stakeholders to adopt optimal library practices for heightened efficiency and user satisfaction.Social implicationsIt highlights the crucial role of libraries in shaping future societal progress by emphasizing the need for elevated user services. Librarians can use this knowledge to modify their planning and take impactful initiatives that align with the evolving needs of their users.Originality/valueWhile many studies have utilized LibQUAL, this research is unique for its focus on addressing university library services in underdeveloped regions facing economic challenges. It attempts to fill the information gap by offering a transferable approach for strategic priorities in similar settings.

Assessing the Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Women Faculty Members in PU Colleges of Kalaburagi District, Karnataka: A Gendered Perspective

This study explores the information needs and seeking behaviors of women faculty members working in pre-university (PU) colleges in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, India. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates the primary sources of information, satisfaction levels with library services, and the impact of socio-demographic factors on information-seeking behaviors. The study reveals significant disparities in access to and use of digital resources, influenced by factors such as age, marital status, and educational background. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced library services, tailored training programs, and policy interventions to support women faculty in their academic and research activities. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on gender and technology in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of equitable information access in promoting gender equality in STEM fields.

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.

Collaborations to Support the SJ4A Curriculum in Archival Studies and Social Justice Intersections: Training of Community-Embedded Paraprofessional Archivists Who Are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program recently awarded a $463,238 grant titled “Training of Community-Embedded Social Justice Archivists” (SJ4A) to the School of Library and Information Studies atthe University of Alabama. The grant’s goal is to recruit/train 17 community-embedded paraprofessional archivists who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color to complete their master’s degree part-time from January 2023 – December 2024 in the SLIS’ synchronous distance education program. SJ4A meets an urgent need to diversify the professions and for archivists to apply social justice competencies in work experience and community-embedded practice with graduate instruction and curriculum support. This paper identifies ongoing collaborations to support curriculum development in the SJ4A phases, including recruitment of students,needs assessment of archives-related professionals about social justice services, implementation of educational activities, mentoring, evaluation of program outcomes, dissemination of results, and post-graduation career tracking.

Collaborations between Public Library Educators and Practitioners to Apply a Theory of Change and Promote Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in the American South

The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ National Leadership Grants for Libraries program recently awarded a $332,939 grant titled “Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in Public Libraries” (RJ@PL) to the University of Alabama and the Chicago State University. The grant’s purpose is to build the capabilities of public librarians and selected communities to promote civic engagement for racial justice and achieve the following objectives: 1) Assessment of public library efforts to advance racial justice (externally and internally); 2) Operationalization of strategic participatory planning process using a theory of change to develop roadmaps and action plans that further racial justice in select community domains (economy, education, health, etc.); 3) Implementation of key strategic components of information-based offerings in six/eight library settings. This paper reports ongoing collaboration to further the three design components via applying a theory of change for an intended impact of increased community wellbeing resulting from improved racial climate.

Youth Services: Culture, Community, & Learning

The ALISE Youth Services Special Interest Group (SIG) presents a panel exploring the ways in which youth services in libraries empower youth and families and how youth programs address learning and incorporate culturally-relevant approaches. The session will begin with presentations of papers (15 minutes each) plus a themed question and answer portion to conclude. Attendees will be able to share their own experiences and work in progress on these topics in the discussion. Cahill, Joo, Minniear, LeFebvre, & Garcia will present “Math Talk in Public Library Virtual Storytime Programs.” This work presents an analysis of mathematics content integrated in public library virtual storytime programs. Cahill et al. characterize the mathematics environment of public library virtual storytime programs, discuss whether there are differences in the virtual storytime mathematics environment based on the population density of the community the library serves (i.e. urban, suburban, town, rural) and on library size. Preliminary findings suggest substantial differences in the amount of mathematics-related talk across virtual storytime programming for children. Kim, Choi, & Kang will present “Family Makers: A Culturally Relevant Online Engineering Programming for Youth Through Research-Practice Partnership with Public Library Professionals.” This work details research-practice partnership with seven rural libraries across the U.S using co-design and culturally-relevant pedagogy to develop the Family Makers program and strengthen library staff to deliver engineering learning opportunities. Kim et al. will discuss the importance of leveraging families’ cultural practices of making and forms of everyday sensemaking to design for family learning in engineering and highlight that rural library staff can support family learning in engineering by drawing on their personal experiences, relational knowledge, and non-engineering expertise as resources. Zalot will present “The kids are alright:” Understanding Youth Agency in Book Banning Discourse.” This presentation will discuss some of the factors influencing the absence of young people in book banning discourse and how social media operates as a means of access for young people in both book banning and political discourses. Youth services can nurture youth, community, and support learning and family connection. This presentation and the subsequent attendee discussion will explore the ways that the LIS field can work to address these and other community needs through excellent youth services.