Technologies In Academic Libraries Research Articles

Factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries: A systematic literature review (SLR)

The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries, investigate the impact of robots on library services, and reveal challenges to adopt robotic applications in academic libraries. A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 16 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings displayed that the factors of innovation, advancements in artificial intelligence, library security, and personalized services influenced positively the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. The study also illustrated that robots had a significant positive impact on academic libraries by performing a variety of roles, solving space issues, and providing entertainment to library patrons. Results also revealed that loss of critical thinking, technical issues, lack of organizational planning, financial hurdles, fear of job loss, shortage of skilled manpower, and ethical considerations caused barriers to the successful implementation of robotic applications in academic libraries. The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It is the first systematic literature review on the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. It has provided practical solutions in light of evidence-based data for the effective adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries.

Implementation of information technology in academic libraries in Nigeria: Benefits, challenges and solutions

Information technology has undergone tremendous advancement in recent decades. The power brought forward by the developments in information technology (IT) has seen its adoption across all sectors of the economy, with its implementation resulting in unprecedented efficiency. In Nigeria, implementing IT, especially in the education sector, remains one of the library’s objectives to enhance human capacity through access to digitized information. Academic libraries’, being at the forefront of providing information, implementing IT are inevitable and enhances service delivery. However, the implementation of information technology in Nigerian academic libraries has been characterized by numerous challenges affecting their capacity to efficiently deliver services to their users. The established processes for implementing information technology in these institutions include inadequate funds to purchase and maintain IT equipment, power interruptions, low computer literacy among librarians, and poor internet connectivity. Fortunately, adequate staff training and exploring alternative energy sources include some appropriate solutions to the identified challenges.

Perceived awareness and usefulness of artificial intelligence technology for efficient library operations in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

The integration of artificial intelligence technology in academic libraries has immensely elevated the image of their operations and services to users. This study investigates the perceived awareness and usefulness of artificial intelligence technology for library operations in Kwara State academic libraries. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study and the population consisted of 108 librarians and paraprofessionals in all university libraries in Kwara State which are University of Ilorin, Kwara State university Malete, Al Hikmah University, Ojaja , University, Eyenkorin, Landmark University, Omu Aran, and Ahmad Pategi University, Patigi. A total enumeration technique was employed and questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected wewre analysed with frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings revealed that AI Robots, AI chatbots, face recognition technology, virtual references, Humanoids, Dynamed and AI expert systems are the AI technologies the respondents were highly aware of. The respondents perceived the usefulness of AI technologies for efficient library operations such as AI chatbots can be useful for reference services, AI can used for cataloguing and classification of library materials, AI drone surveillance can be used for library security, AI expert search tools for information search, AI can be useful for automating library routines. The findings also revealed the challenges of artificial intelligence technology integration to library operations to includes potential loss of job, high risk of maintenance, inadequate internet service provision, technical problems, epileptic electricity or power supply, and Inadequate ICT facilities for AI technologies. This study concluded that the librarians in university libraries in Kwara State are aware of AI technology and perceived the usefulness of its integration to library operations. It also recommends that AI technologies such as robots, chatbots, and expert systems should be integrated to libraries in other to provide top-notch services to their users.

Application of emerging technologies for research support in Nigerian academic libraries: Trends, problems and prospects

Academic libraries in the modern era are often asked to justify their existence in tertiary institutions by showing how the institution and society at large have benefited from the library services. One main area that librarians often point to is the research productivity of members of academic institutions. However, studies have shown that research productivity among Nigerian scholars is low, which means that academic libraries have to be more innovative in supporting researchers in their domains. Emerging technologies offer innovative ways of supporting research activities by providing tools and resources that streamline the research process and ensure proper visibility for research outputs of academic library clients. This article, which is based on a review of previous studies, explores various areas where academic libraries in Nigeria can apply emerging technologies, the likely challenges, and strategies that can be adopted to ensure sustainable use of emerging technologies in academic libraries. It has been found that emerging technologies can enhance existing library services and create new ones, such as data mining, data management, and scholarly communication, among others. However, although steps are being taken by academic librarians in Nigerian tertiary institutions to leverage technology in providing the needed support for researchers, the pace of technology adoption is still slow and the range of technologies being adopted is limited compared to available options. This state of affairs has been attributed to challenges such as lack of infrastructure, librarians’ skills, and a negative attitude towards change. The study recommends a multidimensional approach to the application of emerging technologies in Nigerian academic libraries

Knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in southwest Nigeria

Abstract This paper investigated knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. The population comprised all professional and non-professional librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria. One hundred and thirty-two (132) librarians from Southwest, Nigeria were selected using simple random sampling technique. Two research questions were answered. A structured questionnaire titled “QKPLCTLSN” was used for data collections. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument yielded r = 0.76 and r =0.82. The findings of this research revealed that, librarians in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria have knowledge about cloud-based technology and they have been using one or more applications in academic libraries but their perception towards the use of cloud-based technology was negative. In view of this, the following recommendations were made; librarians should embark on staff development programmes that would enable them keep pace with the latest technology, library management should encourage librarians to attend seminars, conferences and workshops that would enhance their technological skills, there should be adequate funding from the government and provision of stable power.

Guest editors’ notes

We are excited to note that IASSIST’s Africa chapter has continued to grow bigger and stronger. After a successful first IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop in Uganda during January 2021, a second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop took place in Ibadan, Nigeria in West Africa October 4th through October 7th, 2022. We are delighted to share with you the papers in this issue, most of which were presented at the second IASSIST Africa Regional Workshop at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The first paper unpacks the application of emerging technologies for research support in academic libraries in the modern era. The authors are Dr. Sophia V. Adeyeye and Taofeek Abiodun Oladokun who explain how emerging technologies offer innovative ways of supporting research activities. These emerging technologies provide tools and resources that streamline the research process and ensure proper visibility for the research outputs of academic libraries’ clients. The article explores various areas where academic libraries can apply emerging technologies such as data mining, data management, artificial intelligence, library automation and scholarly communication, among others. The article further highlights the setbacks academic libraries in Nigeria are facing in the application of emerging technologies such as lack of infrastructure, librarians’ skills, and negative attitude towards change. The second article, authored by Ms. Akinyoola Oladoyin Grace, is titled” Knowledge and perception of librarians towards cloud-based technology in academic libraries in Southwest, Nigeria”. In this paper the author reveals that librarians in academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria are familiar with and use cloud-based technologies. However, the librarians seem to have a negative attitude towards the use of these technologies. Therefore, there is a need for a staff development program that would enable the librarians to keep pace with the latest technologies. Such a program could be funded by government and executed through seminars, conferences, and workshops so as to enhance the librarians’ skills with cloud-based technologies. The third paper presents the preservation of election data and security in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Election malfeasance and violence have been experienced in Nigerian political systems since 1959. In this paper Sunday Tunmibi and Wole Olatokun explore how the world’s gradual move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) could be harnessed to ensure the preparation of free and fair elections. The paper suggests specific 4IR technological solutions to electoral data security and preservation challenges. It also suggests policies to serve as catalysts for the Independent National Electoral Commission. Suggested policies for 4IR technologies relate to artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, robotics, block chain, cloud computing and 3-D printing. These are the 4IR technologies that dictate the pace of activities in all walks of life including security and managing a free and fair national election. In the fourth paper Ologbosere Oluwatosin Abiodun discusses the significance of data literacy in the era of big data. It emphasizes the role of big data as a fundamental building block of truth focusing on the emergence of data literacy. Data literacy is a crucial subset of information literacy necessary for navigating the virtual landscape. Essential data literacy skills that are needed for navigating the dynamic twenty-first-century environment are highlighted. Integrating data literacy into higher educational programs, particularly in libraries, is stressed for relevance in meaningful information resource utilization. This paper shows how the integration of data literacy in higher education emphasizes the critical role of data literacy in the context of economic growth, development and informed decision-making and fosters sustainable development. In the fifth paper titled ”Data protection and right to privacy legislation in Kenya”, author Andrew Matoke Mankome articulates how the Parliament of Kenya enacted the Data Protection legislation in November 2019. This new law guaranteed the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Data Protection and citizens’ right to privacy is now a topical concern in Kenya and around the world. This paper expounds how the new law comes at a time when data security and privacy concerns are prevalent and lack of them result in loss of reputation and identity; safety concerns; legal penalties; and compensation for damages or loss of business. This is mainly because of the increasing globalization, cross-border transactions, internet penetration, and the use of social media and digital platforms among citizens, private institutions, and governments. This paper reviews the crucial provisions of the Data Protection law which covers regulated actions seeking compliance by data controllers and processors under the stewardship of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner ('ODPC'). A comparative analysis of the practice in other jurisdictions is also provided.

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

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

Application of Collaborative Technologies in Academic Libraries: Perception of College Librarians in Maharashtra

Application of Collaborative Technologies in Academic Libraries: Perception of College Librarians in Maharashtra

Auto-Identification Technologies in Academic Libraries

The study focuses on the importance and advantages of various auto-identification technology which are used in academic libraries. Libraries are not safe and secure and facing many problems, like theft, mutilation of library materials and other unethical losses. Auto-identification technologies are useful for libraries to solve those problems. There are various Auto-identification technologies which are used in libraries, like bar codes, smart cards, bio-metric, GPRS, and radio frequency identification (RFID). In this paper, studied some auto-id technology and benefits and challenges of these technologies.

(In)accessibility and the technocratic library: Addressing institutional failures in library adoption of emerging technologies

Since 2015, there has been a rapid increase in academic libraries focusing their services on artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies (XR), big data, and other technologies that align their interests with corporations in the tech industry. However, there are broad ethical failures within this industry that libraries are not equipped to manage and instead risk importing those failures and discriminatory thinking into library services and technologies. This paper draws on the authors’ research on XR accessibility in academic libraries to illustrate how broader trends in technocratic thinking in academia are producing socio-technical configurations that often exclude disabled library users. It argues that critical failures in designing and implementing accessibility programs for emerging technologies in academic libraries point to the broader technocratic imperatives of contemporary universities operating under the logics of neoliberalism. Accessibility is an afterthought in this context, forcing users to adjust their bodies and senses to conform to the master plans of technology designers and evangelists.

Influence Usage of Media Platforms in Improving Uptake of Academic Library Services in Selected Universities in Kenya

The significance of social media in academic library cannot be overstressed. The evolution of Information technology in academic libraries has presented change in users’ views, demands, alterations in library services and changes in library staff functions. Academic Libraries have adopted and embraced various social media tools. However, there seems to be no clear picture on how exactly the social media technologies are being used by staff in the library for academic library services. This study was on utilization of social media platforms in improving uptake of academic library services in selected universities in Kenya. The study was basically narrowed to selected public university libraries in Kitui and Muranga Counties. The study aimed at achieving examining the factors influencing the use of social media in improving the uptake of academic library services. The study adopted Technology Acceptance Model as its conceptual framework. Descriptive research design was adopted, applying qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population comprised of two selected public university libraries in Kitui and Muranga Counties. The total sample size was 17 Librarians inclusive of the Chief University Librarians while total sample size for postgraduate students was 400. Literature was reviewed based on the objectives of the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were tools used for collection of data. Pilot study was carried out at Kenyatta university Kitui campus library which had similar characteristics to the libraries where the research was done to determine the reliability and validity of data collection tools. From the analysis of the collected data, the study established seventeen (17) different types of social media platforms that are currently being used to enhance uptake of the academic libraries’ services. Facebook and YouTube were the most outstanding of the platforms. Internet connectivity stood out among the factors influencing the use of social media platforms to enhance uptake of library and information services.

Cloud computing Technology in Academic Libraries: A paradigm shift

Cloud computing has presented to us another point of view to take a gander at the current asset – sharing issue, cloud computing can be applied to advanced library assets to further develop data sharing abilities, further develop asset use. This paper portrays how cloud computing assists with accomplishing more effective utilization of IT equipment and programming ventures and give a way to speed up the appropriation of advancement. The study gives an overview of cloud computing and how it might be combined with library administrations in the online environment.

ICT Based Research Support Services in Academic Libraries: A New Frontier to Enhancing Research Integrity and Productivity

This article focuses on the innovative approaches to delivery of research support services using emerging technologies in academic libraries. The emerging technologies rapidly change the research support system to enhance the research output and visibility in higher educational institutions with the aim of research data management and digital transformation of research output over the networks. Currently, Research Support Service (RSS) is one of the significant services delivered by libraries in the context of research support and data management at their institutions. Research support is a new service area for academic libraries to enhance and promote the research activities at their universities in the collaborative mission. To effectively delivery of the research support services by libraries in educational institutions, library professionals has formulated institutional research policy, research data lifecycle, redesign library space and services (digital repository, research advocacy, open data repository, e-resources discovery and accessibility, ETDs management, Web OPAC accessibility, virtual labs, research data management, reference management, plagiarism deterring, Current Awareness Service (CAS), Internet accessibility, wi-fi, email alerts, 3D printing, printing & scanning, bibliometrics, curation & preservation of data, e-documents delivery, data analysis support and open access publishing etc.) to 24x7 research support to the academicians and researchers in the digital age. These research support services help to enhance to usage of library collection & services and promote research-integrity at their instantiations. Research support services, namely the redesign of the library e-infrastructures and services to 24x7 research support to the researchers and academicians to enhance the research output in digital environment. The author’s noticed that delivery of research support services in Indian educational institutions are under progressive stage, only few universities are engaging in effectively delivery of such types of services in open research world. Also, this paper describes the advantage of delivery of research support services through the lens of the digital transformation of library services in academic institutions.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the cloud computing acceptance questionnaire for academic libraries

Cloud computing is a new technology that drives libraries to create and share knowledge, leading to the cost reduction, easy management, and unlimited data storage capacity. Given the importance of cloud computing technology and the lack of tools to investigate the factors affecting cloud computing acceptance in academic libraries; therefore, the aim of present study was to perform the development and psychometric evaluation of the cloud computing technology acceptance questionnaire for academic libraries. This study is a methodological research. After defining the concept of cloud computing acceptance, the initial version of the questionnaire consisting of 43 items and 11 components was designed. Then, face and content validity were used to assess validity, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine reliability. The results showed that the questionnaire has acceptable face validity (more than 1.5) and content validity (0.79). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the intra-class correlation coefficient were 0.77 and 0.92, respectively. In this study, for the first time, a tool was designed to evaluate the acceptance of cloud computing technology in academic libraries. Due to the fact that this tool has acceptable validity and reliability, it can be used in various studies and surveys.

Becoming immersed: Using Virtual Reality technologies in academic libraries to expand outreach and enhance course curricula

In the fall of 2018, the Binghamton University Libraries purchased Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and accessories to provide an innovative service on campus and extend its outreach. The availability of the technology through the Libraries’ allowed a nursing course to incorporate it into their teaching. The Libraries also hosted monthly VR outreach events and included the technology in a Digital Humanities Research Institute (a four-day intensive workshop). This article explains these uses, describes VR’s ability to be adopted into various learning spaces, and discusses the future integration of VR into course curricula. Limitations encountered and potential challenges are also discussed.

Librarians’ attitudes towards application of information technology in academic libraries in Pakistan

Introduction. This study investigated librarians’ attitudes towards application of information technology in academic libraries and interrelationship between their attitudes and different factors of their professional and personal traits. Method. Primary data was collected from 288 academic librarians working across Pakistan. Analysis. Answers from 219 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis through frequency runs, cross-tabulation, Pearson correlation coefficient, and t-test.. Results. The findings revealed, overall, that respondents showed slightly positive attitudes towards information technology. However, several librarians were confused over the ownership of information technology applications in libraries. A significant relationship was determined between librarians’ information technology attitudes and availability and usage of information technology in libraries, expenditure on information technology, librarians’ expertise in information technology, their awareness about new technologies, experience in computer usage, information technology training, academic qualifications, and experience as librarians. No significant relationship was found between librarians’ information technology attitudes and library budget, size of libraries, type of libraries, location and librarians’ gender. Conclusions. One of the outcomes of this study is that the information technologyattitudes of librarians have been found to be positively associated with the libraries’ information technologyavailability level and librarians’ expertise in information technology. Therefore, a significant effort is needed to enhance the librarians’ positivity towards application of information technologyin libraries. This requires librarians’ exposure to, and experience of latest technologies. Librarians’ role in information technology-related decision making needs to be enhanced.

A study of librarians' perceptions and adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This paper surveyed the librarians' perceptions and adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries in public institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the constructs of librarians' perceptions of Web 2.0 Technologies in line with a model modified by the researcher; assessed the Web 2.0 tools adopted in the libraries; and identified the constraints to the adoption of the Web 2.0 technologies in the six (6) academic libraries in public institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The entire population was 60 professional librarians with at least a bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science. The study targeted professional librarians because it is assumed they have the qualifications, experience and exposure needed in the adoption of Web technologies. The population was used as sample since the size was small and manageable. The data collected using researcher-developed questionnaire was analyzed with descriptive statistics in form of frequency counts, simple percentage and chart. The findings revealed that majority of librarians have the perception that Web 2.0 technologies are useful and could enhance their job performance; that Web tools are clear and easy to understand; that fellow librarians, library users, host institutions, etc., expect them to use the tools. However, the result showed a low level of web technologies adoption across the libraries. The major constraints to adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State include high cost of technology, poor access to web tools, budget constraints, inadequate training for librarians, and restrictive ICT policies. The recommendations made were proper funding, staff training and re-training, update of library facilities to include web 2.0 offerings, etc. Areas for further studies were also suggested.

The effect of librarians’ digital skills on technology acceptance in academic libraries in Jordan

Digital skills are necessary to work and manage electronic library infrastructures and services. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for assessing the level of digital skills among librarians at academic libraries in Jordan. It is also important to investigate the influence of digital skills on technology acceptance among librarians in Jordan. A questionnaire was developed and used to collect the required data from university libraries in Jordan. The results indicate a high level of digital skills among the librarians. The result also shows that financial issues are the main challenges that librarians face to obtain the required skills. Most importantly, the level of digital skills positively influences the librarians’ acceptance and use of technology in academic libraries in Jordan. It was noted that factors such as sex, age, experience, specialization, and library type had no effect on the results. Findings of this research will help to explore the skills and competencies needed by information professionals and act as a guideline for competency development and curriculum updates in Librarianship and Information Science schools at an international level.

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.

Digital inclusion for visually impaired students through assistive technologies in academic libraries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the state-of-the-art assistive technologies (ATs) developed for people living with visual disability and those that are used in academic libraries around the world as a way of proffering solution to the challenges faced by visually impaired students in accessing information. Design/methodology/approach The data used for this paper were derived from website of companies that specialize in ATs for people living with disability and the library website of the top 14 universities in the world based on the 2020 QS world ranking of universities. Findings This study found that foremost academic libraries in the UK and the USA have integrated various ATs into library services as information access mechanism for students living with visual impairment. The study found that the most commonly used screen reader software is the Job Access With Speech (JAWS). The study also found that one of the institutions has a mission statement on their website, clearly stating support for people living with disability. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted using only the 2020 QS world ranking of universities. It would be interesting to see results of academic libraries from Africa based on their ranking. Practical implications The paper provides highlights on trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing ATs for students living with visual impairments. This paper may assist academics libraries who are at the brink of decision-making on use of ATs as information access mechanism to the visually impaired students. Originality/value This paper is the first to provide librarians with ideas and innovations on specific ATs used by leading academic libraries in the world.