Library Science Students Research Articles

Copyright Literacy of Library and Information Science Students in the United States

Copyright has an impact on nearly every aspect of the information professions, from developing collections to creating local policy and educating patrons. Given the apparent importance of copyright to information professionals, it is crucial that librarians and other information professionals be prepared for copyright-related responsibilities through their degree programs and that they be comfortable in their knowledge of copyright issues. However, there is limited research on the copyright literacy of librarians, relying mostly on their self-perceptions of their copyright literacy, and virtually no research on the copyright knowledge or training of LIS students. The current study expands upon previous research by surveying LIS students to determine how familiar they believe they are with certain copyright topics, and to explore their subjective sense of professional preparation with regard to copyright law and practice. The results of this study will be of interest to library managers interested in the copyright knowledge and preparation of emerging professionals and might also inform curricular decisions for LIS programs interested in ensuring adequate preparation for their students.

LIS pre-professionals’ perspectives towards library user education: A comparative study between three universities in Greater China

Although the perceptions of library user education of academic libraries has been studied in a general context, specific studies on perspective of library and information science students are relatively few, especially in the context of Asia. Filling this research gap is particularly important because it affects the experiential learning of these pre-professionals, and shapes future library user education directions. As such, this study aims at understanding and comparing the views and perceptions of library user education programs in Greater China from the perspective of library and information science students. A total number 305 questionnaire survey responses were collected from three different universities in Greater China, namely: The University of Hong Kong (HKU), National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), and Peking University (PKU). Results from this survey study reveal high evaluations of library user education programs and library user education librarians as a whole, as well as possible ways for librarians to better promote such programs. Such ratings are attributed to findings from previous studies on why students choose librarianship as a career, as well as the importance of experiential learning embedded in the Library and Information Science programs at each university. Findings of this study also suggest that as pre-professionals (soon-to-be professional librarians), these student respondents recognize the values behind library user education as an important part of their overall learning practices. Results from this study will be useful in identifying how future library professionals in Greater China perceive library user education programs, and librarians – therefore potentially helping librarians improve the delivery of these services.

Impact of personality traits on information needs and seeking behavior of LIS students in Pakistan

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the personality traits (agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism) of library and information science (LIS) students in Pakistan. The difference among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior is also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachTwo instruments, namely, BFI scale and a self-structured instrument were used to collect the data. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to find out differences among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior.FindingsFindings of the study revealed that out of 320 respondents, 186 possessed openness to experience, while only 7 possessed extraversion personality trait. Moreover, the students having extraversion personality trait were, generally, more concerned toward information needs. On the other hand students having conscientious trait were increasingly more seekers of information. Overall, the conscientiousness was identified as the most suitable personality trait for LIS students. A significant difference was also observed among all the personality traits of LIS students.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study will help in the identification of LIS individual’s personality. The library managers can use these personality traits for the selection of suitable library professionals for their libraries.Originality/valueThis study can be valuable for the induction of new library professionals and also help managers in assigning the duties based on these personality traits.

STUDENTS’ WRITING ESSAY ABILITY OF “ILMU PERPUSTAKAAN ISLAM”

This research was conducted to see how the ability of students majoring in Islamic Library Science, Faculty of Islamic Law Adab and the Da'wah IAIN Batusangkar in writing discourse. In general, the components of writing discourse that are of concern are Organization, Content, Grammar and Sentence structure, Mechanics and Vocabulary. This research focuses on organization and grammar and sentence structure. This research uses descriptive method. The data of this study were taken from the test of the ability to write discourse by students of Islamic Library Science in the first year. Then, the data is analyzed using the qualitative method. The results of this study indicate that of 38 students majoring in Islamic Library Science, 20 students were able to write discourse while 18 students were only able to write a few sentences. Of the 20 discourses, 1 discourse has used writing components very well. 4 discourses are already using writing components well. 5 discourses are categorized as moderate. 10 discourses are categorized as lacking and there are no discourses categorized as very lacking in using writing components, especially organization and grammar and sentence structure.

Mobile Learning Usage of LIS Students in Mainland China

This study aims to explore the usage behaviors of smartphones for learning purposes by Library and Information Science (LIS) students of mainland China. A quantitative questionnaire was used for collecting the subjects' usage behavior, their perceptions on learning experience through using smartphones, and their needs of accessing library services using smartphones. The authors analyzed the results from two major universities in mainland China. This research discovered that LIS students in mainland China used smartphones for their daily-life matters more readily than for learning purposes. They were also interested in accessing library services with smartphones, but not many of them were already using these services. The undergraduate and postgraduate respondents had some differences in their usage preferences and behaviors. This paper suspected those library services are already available but the promotion has been inadequate. There are obviously opportunities for educators, librarians, and technology providers to get some insights to improve mobile learning (m-learning) in universities and for students to learn better with mobile technology and apps. This study provides insights into the users' needs and the application of m-learning in mainland China, where scant similar studies have been conducted before.

A matter of conceptualization and representation: teaching indexing concepts in the twenty-first century

Students of library and information science, whatever their interests and employment opportunities, need to have a strong understanding of fundamental LIS concepts, especially in the organization o...

Shifting Sands and the Prophet’s Dream: Exploring the Future of Information Organization Education

This paper explores four main areas that will likely have an impact upon the future of information organization education. In particular, information organization education must be prepared for the continued shift from the use of traditional library cataloging standards to more web-compliant, linked-data standards. Also, there will be more emphasis on the ethical impact of information organization work and the achievement of behavioral competencies of students interested in information organization. Finally, the paper addresses the need for educators to improve their teaching ability in order to more effectively impart the importance of information organization to all library and information science students.

ICT Skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) Students in Bangladesh

The main purpose of this study is to assess self-estimated overall and task-specific Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) students in Bangladesh. The findings indicate that students’ self-estimated overall computer and internet skills are good. The students perceive that they are good in general computer and internet tasks, but at an average level in advanced computer and internet tasks, and evaluation of internet resources. Moreover, their perceived skills in professional software are below the average level. The male students outperform the female students in almost all types of ICT tasks. The study suggests the LIS schools adopt effective pedagogical methods to improve the higher-level ICT skills of their students.

Book Review: Financial Management for Libraries

Function benchmarking, NPV, GASB—the vocabulary of budgets and finance can often seem like another language. Financial Management for Libraries clarifies these concepts by putting them in the context of real-life public and academic library management. For many years, the author, William Sannwald, presented budgeting workshops for the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), and he based this book on his teaching experience. Written for library science students and the accidental administrator faced with creating a budget, the book can serve as a primer to the entire process of financial management or as a reference resource to consult for guidance. As an aid to library school instructors, each chapter opens with learning objectives and closes with suggested exercises. Chapters also include helpful lists of references for more in-depth information on the topics covered.

An Exploration of Curriculum Development Directions Through an Analysis of University Students’ Awareness of Core Competence

To realize competence-based education in the university, the goals of the curriculum should be described according to competence, while measurement and performance should be managed using appropriate core competence diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study is therefore to identify and explore the improvement directions of curriculum through core competence diagnosis. To achieve this, preliminary and follow-up surveys were conducted using offline questionnaires with students in the Department of Library and Information Science. According to the results of the analysis of this core competence diagnosis, the weakest competence was glocal competence, which was found to be statistically significant (t = 9.095, p < .000). Among the four sub-factors of glocal competence, the ability to use foreign languages was the least developed (t = − 25.286, p < .0001). There is a need to promote a variety of experiences and organize a program that develops confidence in students to converse with foreigners or to write what they wish in a foreign language. The result of the analysis of differences in the individual core competencies of Library and Information Science students showed that 33 (82.5%) of 40 students had a statistically significant difference in student competence, indicating that student learning core competence had somewhat improved. This study analyzed the difference in awareness of core competence through pre- and post-diagnosis using the self-core-competence measurement tool. By exploring, developing, and providing customized curriculum according to student needs based on this tool, it is expected that self-directed student participation and core competence can be increased.

Use of Social Media by Library and Information Science Students in Universities in Kerala

This study investigates the use of social media by the Library and Information Science students in the universities in Kerala. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a representative sample of 132 students. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The analysis revealed that a large majority of the students use social media mainly for the purpose of entertainment. Wikis and social networking sites are the most widely used social media applications by the students. A large majority of the students use WhatsApp and Facebook. They use laptops and mobile phones very frequently to access social media. There is no statistically significant association between the gender and the purpose of use of social media by the students. Majority of the students indicated concerns of privacy and data security. Friend requests from unknown persons is the major issue faced by students. This article attempts to highlight the importance of the use of social media by the Library and Information Science students in the universities in Kerala.

Use of Library and Information Science Books in Distance Education Library, Punjabi University, Patiala

The Library is the nerve centre of any educational institution. Library services are essential support services to Distance Education Students. The Library needs of Distance Learners are not unique;they have the same Library and information needs as on campus students. The use of books in Distance Educations plays a very interesting role. Distance Education or Distance Learning is a mode of delivering education and instruction, often on an individual basis, two students who are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. The present study is related to the distance education department Punjabi university Patiala. For the purpose of the study the sample was selected for the 147 books which were being repeatedly issued 1858 times in the last 5 years (2012–17). The objective of the study is to know the usage of books by the studentsof library science. The collected data was analysed using ’Simple Percentage Techniques.

LISSA Newsletter

News and events from SLIS student group: Library and Information Science Students Association (LISSA).

Information Literacy of Library Science Students at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo

This paper analyses information literacy competencies of students at the Department of Comparative Literature and Library Science, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo that offers bachelor's degree and master's degree in library science. Survey on information literacy competencies of library science students at the Department was realized by the online questionnaire for self-assessment that was developed on the basis of Permutation Model Components with the purpose to obtain insight in student’s perception of their information literacy competencies, to detect to what degree students improve their information literacy competencies and confidence during studies and what possible difficulties they face in this process. This is particularly important considering that there is no separate information literacy course adopted in Departments curricula but the information literacy related content is offered and taught in different courses. Analysis expectedly reveals that in general students feel confident in their information literacy competencies, that their information literacy competencies progressively improve during their studies, but also that students consider that the introduction of a stand-alone information literacy course would greatly contribute to the simpler and faster improvement of their information literacy competencies.

Internet and learning resources: a case study of the Library and Information Science Students at Universitas Padjadjaran

Student learning and reading activities today cannot be separated from internet media. This study aims to determine the benefits of information retrieval systems, the positive impacts and negative impacts of internet use and learning activities, especially those related to the student reading activities in the internet era. This study uses a case study approach with purposive sampling by selecting 20 students of class 2014 from the Library and Information Science Program of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran as the research informants. Data collection techniques were obtained through in-depth interviews, observation and literature review. The results showed that the internet became the primary source of information for most students of the Library and Information Science Program at the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. However, they still assume that the credibility of printed information sources is stronger than online information sources. This can be seen from printed books or online and electronic sources which become the results of the form of printed books being the main reference for the college assignments which are considered to be done more seriously by the informants.

Training LIS Students as Mobile Technology Consultants for Libraries and Not-for-profit Organizations

Mobile devices are a ubiquitous accessory in daily life for millions of people. These devices can be used to effectively meet a user’s information needs. Librarians can assist users with the skills to select, purchase, design, develop, deploy, and maintain mobile applications and related technologies (MAT). Project MISSILE (Mobile Information Skills and Solutions in Library Education), funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, created an interdisciplinary curriculum plan for training library and information science (LIS) students to serve as mobile technology consultants (MTC) for libraries and not-for-profit organizations including schools and churches. This paper introduces the curriculum designed from an assessment by the experts on our advisory board. Our unique curriculum includes hands-on training gained through practica, guest speaker series, and field visits under the collaborative interdisciplinary mentorship of researchers and practitioners. The MISSILE curriculum builds twenty-first-century skills in information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving.

LIS Students at a Japanese University Use Smartphones for Social Communication more often than for Educational Purposes

A Review of:&#x0D; Lau, K. P., Chiu, D. K. W., Ho, K. K. W., Lo, P., &amp; See-To, E. W. K. (2017). Educational usage of mobile devices: Differences between postgraduate and undergraduate students. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 43(3), 201-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.03.004&#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Objective – To discover how undergraduate (UG) and graduate (G; “postgraduate” [PG] in the original article) students of library and information science (LIS) use mobile devices and to understand preferences and perceived barriers to educational use.&#x0D; Design – Survey questionnaire.&#x0D; Setting – University in Japan.&#x0D; Subjects – Ninety undergraduate students (30 male, 60 female) and 30 graduate students (13 male, 17 female). Nineteen additional recruits were excluded from the study due to incomplete surveys. Almost all subjects (&gt;98%) were born between 1982 and 2002.&#x0D; Methods – Subjects were recruited without incentives from one LIS department. An online survey was conducted with the purpose of gathering information on how often devices were used for various activities, perceived barriers to mobile learning (m-learning), and demographic data. The survey was modeled on a 2015 study of LIS students in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan (Ko, Chiu, Lo, &amp; Ho, 2015). The Mann-Whitley U test was used to investigate possible significant differences between UG and G responses.&#x0D; Main Results – 94.2% of participants had smartphones with Internet access; both UG and G subjects reported weekly to daily use for social communications (email, short message service [SMS], chat, and social media) and for querying search engines. Both UG and G subjects reported using finance and banking services less than once a month. Other activities (shopping, finding locations, entertainment, sports, tools and productivity software, casual reading, academic reading, accessing reference materials, accessing libraries) for both groups fell within the range of less than once per month to weekly use. Unlike G subjects, UG subjects reported significant (p &lt; 0.05) engagement with social media and marginal (p &lt; 0.10) engagement with accessing libraries, and productivity tools.&#x0D; In terms of educational use, neither UG nor G subjects reported daily m-learning behaviors, instead reporting monthly to weekly browsing of online information and social networking sites, with far less (i.e., less than once a month) engagement with professional articles, e-books, learning management platforms, and several other activities (listening to podcasts, viewing videos, “other”). UG subjects reported significant marginal (p &lt; 0.10) engagement with “other” materials, unlike G subjects. Library catalogs and databases were less likely to be used when compared to reference sources, with UG and G subjects reporting monthly or less use for these. When asked if they would use mobile library services, respondents answered “maybe interested if available”, with UG subject reporting significant marginal (p &lt; 0.10) engagement vs. G subjects for several of these services. Regarding productivity activities, both UG and G subjects reported monthly or less use of note taking, word processing, and scheduling tools. For communication and sharing activities, subjects reported monthly or less activity for communicating with classmates, using email for study-related issues, posting to discussions on learning management platforms, posting or commenting about their studies on social networking sites, sending photos or videos to social media, moving document files, and scanning Quick Response (QR) codes. UG subjects were marginally (p &lt; 0.10) more engaged in communicating with classmates than G subjects.&#x0D; Barriers to m-learning were not considered “high” barriers, with “low” to “medium” barriers for both UG and G subjects being small screen size, non-mobile format, difficulty typing, challenges with authentication, no Wi-Fi, difficulty reading, lack of specialized apps, and slow loading times.&#x0D; Conclusion – This study provides a snapshot of how participants used mobile devices at the time the survey was conducted. Both UG and G subjects used their devices for social communication more than for educational purposes.

Information Literacy of Polish Students in Social Sciences and Humanities

PURPOSE/THESIS: The aim was to study information competencies of Polish students of library and information science (LIS), history and journalism with two aspects taken into consideration: students' belief regarding the importance (BIM) of a set of core information competencies, and their self-efficacy (SE) in this field. APPROACH/METHODS: The IL-HUMASS questionnaire, slightly modified, was used. It consists of 26 information literacy aspects divided into four areas: information retrieval, evaluation and processing, and communication skills. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal, on one hand, some common attitudes apparently associated with students' current life phase. On the other hand, some differences emerged that can be connected with the field and character of the study. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results enable a preliminary evaluation of information literacy of the students in different study fields, as well as the comparison of their attitudes and skills to those of the respondents of similar foreign projects.

An Investigation of Entrepreneurship Awareness and Skills among Library Information Science Students at Bauchi Metropolitan Universities

This study investigates entrepreneurship skills and awareness among library and information science students at Bauchi metropolitan universities. Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders emphasized on the development of entrepreneurship skills and awareness among undergraduate students at universities, polytechnic and colleges of education. This led to setting up agencies like small and medium scale enterprises (SMEDAN), Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Entrepreneurship centers and clubs in most Nigerian colleges and universities. Hence, it becomes necessary to equip library and information science students with skills required to achieve self-reliance. Bauchi State is one of the 36 States in Nigeria located in the North East Region of the country with only two public universities, ATBU and BASUG. In these universities, library and information science is offered as a degree course. This study uses Primary data where questionnaire was employ as the tool of data collection. Frequencies and Percentages was used to analyzed the respondents questions asked while the chi-square X2 analysis was employ to test the stated hypothesis. The result of the study shows that library and information science students are equip with entrepreneurship skills and awareness at Bauchi metropolitan universities. This study therefore conclude that library and information science students are equip with entrepreneurship skills and awareness in the Nigerian universities as it is seen in Bauchi metropolitan universities. The study recommends that relevant stakeholders including government and corporate world should continue to support and promote entrepreneurship skills and awareness among all students of universities in order to brace them up with the challenges in the labour market after graduation. Priorities should also be given to students to undertake practical trainings courses in entrepreneurship areas and students should be encourage carrying out practical assignments and projects based on real life problems pertaining entrepreneurship skills.&#x0D;

Dare to Dream: Promoting Indigenous Children's Interest in Health Professions through Book Collections

Introduction: Indigenous peoples in Canada experience significant health challenges, but few pursue careers in the health sciences. Two programs by medical librarians designed to encourage children in First Nations communities to dream of careers in the health professions will be presented.&#x0D; Description: An academic library in [Province] developed children’s health and science book collections with Indigenous school libraries. Library and information science students, as well as a librarian, participated in health education activities in the recipient schools. This project inspired the community service project of the joint MLA/CHLA-ABSC/ICLC Mosaic|Mosaïque 2016 conference, which focused on placing similar collections in Ontario Indigenous communities. The mechanics, benefits, and challenges of the programs will be discussed including book selection and delivery. &#x0D; Outcomes: Hundreds of books have been delivered and informal qualitative evaluative data from the recipient communities indicates positive outcomes. Some difficulties in providing optimal access to the books were identified due to communication problems or the relative lack of library infrastructure in these communities.&#x0D; Discussion: Reading for pleasure is linked to student's academic success. Access to varied and quality literature is important for school achievement, therefore these collections may potentially impact student’s future life chances. While a direct correlation between these collections and student’s future career choices cannot be easily measured, it is known that Indigenous high school graduates frequently choose to pursue professions linked to the needs of the community. Therefore any materials drawing attention to potential community health needs may well influence student’s choices.