Library Training Research Articles

Training for Academic Librarians in Assistive Technologies (AT) Requires Higher Priority and Targeted Funding

A Review of: Munyoro, J., Machimbidza, T., & Mutula, S. (2021). Examining key strategies for building assistive technology (AT) competence of academic library personnel at university libraries in Midlands and Harare provinces in Zimbabwe. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(4), Article 102364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2021.102364 Objective – To explore strategies for building up library worker abilities in assistive technology (AT) for inclusive implementation. The primary focuses of the study’s interviewing included the extent of existing training, the challenges of funding and executing this type of training, and any notable strategies for creating greater access to high-quality AT training. Design – A qualitative exploratory study of library workers. Setting – Three academic libraries in Zimbabwe. Subjects – Thirty library workers comprised of Senior Library Assistants, Administrative Assistants, and Assistant Librarians. Methods – The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews confidentially over WhatsApp and telephone. They then conducted thematic analysis on the results. Main Results – Exposure to AT training for academic librarians in Zimbabwe is low. Of the 30 librarians interviewed, only 13 had been exposed to any formal AT training. Of those 13, 12 scored their AT training experience as “not very effective.” Primary challenges listed included lack of AT experts as trainers, not enough funding, and ignorance around disability issues. Conclusion – To improve AT expertise in academic librarians, suggestions included integrating AT training into LIS professional education, and for those already in the profession to establish partnerships across academic departments to perhaps leverage more professional AT training across campus. There was also a noted suggestion that hands-on exposure is more beneficial than passive training.

From Dewey to Deep Learning: Exploring the Intellectual Renaissance of Libraries through Artificial Intelligence

Libraries are embracing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their services and provide more efficient and personalized experiences to users. This paper explores the role of AI in library services, focusing on its applications and impact. The present article begins by discussing the integration of AI technologies such as natural language processing, machine learning, and knowledge graphs in library systems. It then examines the benefits of AI, including improved information retrieval, recommendation systems, virtual assistants, and data analytics. Ethical considerations related to AI in libraries are also addressed. The paper highlights the challenges and future directions for AI implementation, including the need for training of librarians and the importance of user acceptance. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging AI in library services, ultimately paving the way for more effective and user-centric library experiences.

The Intersection of Public Policy and Public Access: Digital Inclusion, Digital Literacy Education, and Libraries

This study aims to examine the state of digital inclusion and digital literacy education in Chinese libraries and provide recommendations for improvement. The background section emphasizes the crucial role of libraries in promoting digital inclusion and sustainable development, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the current digital landscape in China, such as the digital divide and regional disparities in internet access. To achieve the study’s objectives, we conducted analyses of relevant policies, public libraries, and library training programs using a mixed-methods approach. The results highlight the policy landscape, initiatives, and implementation strategies for promoting digital inclusion and literacy education, emphasizing the role of libraries in driving digital inclusion and fostering user engagement. Insights from a university library perspective showcase the role of academic libraries in promoting digital literacy education and training. The findings underscore the importance of digital inclusion and literacy in a digitized society and the crucial role of libraries and academic institutions in achieving these goals. The study advocates for libraries’ pivotal role in bridging digital gaps and enhancing literacy to foster an inclusive, equitable digital society and urges policy support.

Training of library and information personnel in the context of the digital transformation of the library industry in Vietnam: Case study of the Center for Libraries and Digital Knowledge of Hanoi National University

The author analyzes and evaluates the current situation with training library and information personnel at the Center for Libraries and Digital Knowledge of Vietnam National University (Hanoi) in the context of the digital transformation of the library industry in Vietnam. The following issues are highlighted: the role of library and information personnel in the digital transformation of the library industry; application of the ASK model (attitude, skills, knowledge) to analyze the current situation with information and library human resources at the Center for Libraries and Digital Knowledge of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The statistically reliable data evidence on the imbalance of three main components of the planned program: the level of professional library training for the implementation of the goals is generally sufficient; the qualifications of employees in the field of new information technologies look weaker. Third, the librarians’ practical knowledge of foreign languages is of particular concern, which is essential for real digital transformation of libraries. The author offers assessments and recommendations to improve the training of library personnel capable and to meet the requirements of the digital transformation of the library industry in Vietnam.

Space object identification and classification from hyperspectral material analysis

This paper presents a data processing pipeline designed to extract information from the hyperspectral signature of unknown space objects. The methodology proposed in this paper determines the material composition of space objects from single pixel images. Two techniques are used for material identification and classification: one based on machine learning and the other based on a least square match with a library of known spectra. From this information, a supervised machine learning algorithm is used to classify the object into one of several categories based on the detection of materials on the object. The behaviour of the material classification methods is investigated under non-ideal circumstances, to determine the effect of weathered materials, and the behaviour when the training library is missing a material that is present in the object being observed. Finally the paper will present some preliminary results on the identification and classification of space objects.

Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

Copyright knowledge of library staff and students in an academic library

The study aims to assess the level of copyright knowledge among library staff and law students at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) library in Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used a quantitative research approach using a survey to gather data on understanding and awareness of copyright laws on campus. Google Forms was used to collect data. The population consisted of 38 library staff selected using a census sampling method and 112 final-year and postgraduate law students selected using a stratified random sampling method. The results of the study show that UNIVEN law students are more knowledgeable about basic copyright matters such as policies, copyright protection, public domain, copyright limitations, and fair dealing, copyright ownership than library staff. The research findings provided insight into the current level of copyright knowledge among library staff and law students and suggested strategies to improve copyright education and training in libraries. The results of this study will be useful to librarians, academics, and policymakers interested in promoting copyright literacy and compliance in academic libraries.

Energy-Efficient Federated Training on Mobile Device

On-device deep learning technology has attracted increasing interest recently. CPUs are the most common commercial hardware on devices and many training libraries have been developed and optimized for them. However, CPUs still suffer from poor training performance (i.e., training time) due to the specific asymmetric multiprocessor. Moreover, the energy constraint imposes restrictions on battery-powered devices. With federated training, we expect the local training to be completed rapidly therefore the global model converges fast. At the same time, energy consumption should be minimized to avoid compromising the user experience. To this end, we consider energy and training time and propose a novel framework with a machine learning-based adaptive configuration allocation strategy, which chooses optimal configuration combinations for efficient ondevice training. We carry out experiments on the popular library MNN and the experimental results show that the adaptive allocation algorithm reduces substantial energy consumption, compared to all batches with fixed configurations on off-the-shelf CPUs.

Impact of organisational factors on job performance of librarians in university libraries in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria

The study investigated the impact of organisational factors on job performance of librarians in university libraries in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. Descriptive research design was adopted, with a population of 140 librarians from university libraries in Delta and Edo States. The total enumeration sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a questionnaire titled ―Impact of Organisational Factors and Job Performance of Librarians in University Libraries Questionnaire (IOFJJPOLIULQ).‖ Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean, and standard deviation) to address the research questions, with the decision rule based on mean scores. The findings revealed that various organizational factors have a significant impact on librarians' job performance in university libraries in Delta and Edo States. Job performance level among librarians was found to be high. The study concluded that organisational factors play a crucial role in determining librarians' job performance in the states. High job performance level suggest that these organisational factors are likely well-implemented, positively contributing to librarians' roles and overall effectiveness. Recommendations included investing in continuous training and development programs for librarians; that ongoing professional growth opportunities will enhance job performance, increase job satisfaction, and improve retention rates. The study contributes to the knowledge base by demonstrating that organisational factors such as a positive work environment, library facilities, leadership styles, technology provision, and opportunities for advancement can influence job performance in libraries.

Staff training and development of librarians in academic libraries in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study explored staff training and development among librarians in academic libraries in Ondo State. The population of this study consisted of sixty one (61) librarians. The entire population was used as sample for the study because it was manageable.. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The professional staff are used for the study. Frequency and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that all the librarians have participated in formal education as well as continuing education programmes followed by ICT training in the library since commencement of work in the libraries; that all of them have positive attitude to training and development programmes while financial constraint, denial of promotion after completion of staff development programme among others are the prevalent factors affecting training and development programmes among the staff. The study concluded that that the librarians have participated in various training and programmes since they began working in the libraries and recommended that the management of the institutions and libraries should make funds available to staff for training and development and well as promote those that have acquired additional qualifications through professional development programmes.

Attitude of library personnel towards preservation practices in academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria

The study investigated the attitude of library personnel towards preservation practices of academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 387 librarians and paraprofessionals in seventeen academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. Total enumeration method was used. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.77 to 0.84. A return rate of 81.4% was achieved. Descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics were used for data analysis. The finding indicated attitude of library personnel had a significant influence on preservation of information resources in the libraries (Adj.R2 = 0.076, F (1, 314) = 26.825, p < 0.05). Attitude of library personnel indicators: positive attitude (β = 0.222, t(312) =3.535, p < 0.05) and negative attitude (β = 0.094, t (312) = 1.516, p < 0.05) positively and significantly influenced preservation practices of information resources. The study concluded that attitude of library personnel have affect preservation practices in academic libraries. The study recommended that the management of academic libraries in Niger State should create awareness through training for librarians to foster positive attitudes towards the preservation of information resources. Library management should have disaster preparedness management plans and preservation policies to secure the library resources against deterioration.

COLMARppm: A Web Server Tool for the Accurate and Rapid Prediction of 1H and 13C NMR Chemical Shifts of Organic Molecules and Metabolites.

Despite rapid progress in metabolomics research, a major bottleneck is the large number of metabolites whose chemical structures are unknown or whose spectra have not been deposited in metabolomics databases. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has a long history of elucidating chemical structures from experimentally measured 1H and 13C chemical shifts. One approach to characterizing the chemical structures of an unknown metabolite is to predict the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of candidate compounds (e.g., metabolites from the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)) and compare them with chemical shifts of the unknown. However, accurate prediction of NMR chemical shifts in aqueous solution is challenging due to limitations of experimental chemical shift libraries and the high computational cost of quantum chemical methods. To improve NMR prediction accuracy and applicability, an empirical prediction strategy is introduced here to provide an accurately predicted chemical shift for organic molecules and metabolites within seconds. Unique features of COLMARppm include (i) the training library exclusively consisting of high quality NMR spectra measured under standard conditions in aqueous solution, (ii) utilization of NMR motif information, and (iii) leveraging of the improved prediction accuracy for the automated assignment of experimental chemical shifts for candidate structures. COLMARppm is demonstrated in terms of accuracy and speed for a set of 20 compounds taken from the HMDB for chemical shift prediction and resonance assignment. COLMARppm is applicable to a wide range of small molecules and can be directly incorporated into metabolomics workflows.

Capabilities and Apparent Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption in Nigerian Academic Libraries

Objective. This paper discusses the capabilities and implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigerian academic libraries. The study emphasizes the importance of libraries using new technologies to improve their operations and services, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Methods. The research conducted a literature review to examine the capabilities of AI in libraries and its impact on academic libraries. Results. Various AI tools such as natural language recognition, robotics, big data, and machine learning were identified. AI can revolutionize library services, improve information quality, increase productivity, and provide virtual assistance. However, there are challenges to the adoption of AI in Nigerian academic libraries, including high costs, resistance to change, poor network connectivity, privacy and ethical implications, and a lack of supportive cultures. To fully exploit the benefits of AI, libraries must develop plans and policies, train librarians with the necessary skills, and address the challenges associated with AI adoption. Conclusions. AI holds great advantages to enhancing library services in Nigeria, but careful planning and preparation are needed.

Professional Training of Future Librarians at the Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University

Objective. The purpose of the study is to represent the experience and directions of professional training of future library specialists in a higher education institution, which is based on the integration of education, modern information and communication technologies, and a practical component, which enables the professional realization of specialists in modern library institutions in accordance with the requirements of the information society. Methods. The research used a complex of general and special methods of scientific knowledge, namely: the method of document analysis by studying and presenting educational programs for training future specialists regarding their compliance with the needs of the labor market; the method of monitoring the process of training applicants in a higher education institution, its features and adaptation to the requirements of the information society; descriptive method and method of logical presentation of research results. Results. The results of the study showed that the organization of professional training, and learning strategies, which are applied at the Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University at the Department of Management Information Systems, contribute to the successful professional realization of future library specialists in accordance with today's requirements. Graduates of the department are highly qualified and competitive specialists on the labor market. Conclusions. The conclusions argue for the relevance of professional training of future specialists in the library field in the context of digital transformations of society. The importance of improving educational programs aimed at training specialists in the library sphere was emphasized.

Registers of Educational Programmes as a Tool for Developing the Industry’s Human Resources Potential

The purpose of the article is to present a toolkit for analyzing changes in the system of library training, its subsequent adjustment and transformation into an effective tool for the development of the industry. The basis of this work is the monitoring of the functioning of the system of university and additional professional education (APE) in the field of “Library and Information Activities”.To solve this task the specialists of the Russian State Library have developed and created two registers: The Register of basic educational programmes of higher education, implemented in the direction of “Library and Information Activity”, and the Register of existing educational programmes of advanced training and professional retraining for library specialists. The registers are placed in the “Library Professionals” section of the federal state information system “National Electronic Library”. A study of these registers has been carried out and their expert evaluation has been made. The result of this work may be the creation of a “map” of higher and additional professional education of Russian library professionals.The register of basic educational programmes of higher education implemented in the field of “Library and Information Activity” contains details about 73 educational programmes of higher education of institutions from 32 subjects of the Russian Federation. The register of educational programmes of professional development and professional retraining for library specialists includes information about 241 educational programmes of additional professional development (29 professional retraining programmes and 212 professional development programmes). These programmes are implemented in 34 subjects of the Russian Federation.The programmes of APE are analyzed. The author’s methodology of evaluation of professional retraining programmes is presented. The minimum number of points that a professional retraining programme received according to the results of the examination was 6, the maximum number of points was 43.33 (out of 50 possible).Conclusions on the results of the expert evaluation are given. The prepared registers are presented as one of the elements of the information and educational platform of Russian libraries.

Analysis of an optical imaging system prototype for autonomously monitoring zooplankton in an aquaculture facility

Traditional approaches to biomonitoring in aquatic systems, such as sample collection, sorting, and identification, require significant time and effort, thereby limiting the spatiotemporal resolution of sample collection. Additionally, collection and preservation of samples for subsequent taxonomic identification and enumeration leads to mortality of organisms. Recent advances in technologies that utilize optical imaging and machine learning have provided new opportunities to expedite biomonitoring and lead to significant cost savings. These technologies can be advantageous to scientists or managers that conduct routine biomonitoring to inform operations, as in the case of aquaculture facilities. The Small Aquatic Organism optical imaging system (SAO) is a high-throughput optical imaging and classification prototype system that relies on computer vision and machine learning (Support Vector Machines, or SVMs) to autonomously identify and enumerate aquatic organisms. The SAO provides a more sustainable method of collecting large volumes of data and has the benefit of being used in situ. In this study, we tested the performance of the SAO in providing comparable results to manual zooplankton community monitoring in ten ponds at an aquaculture facility. We performed a side-by-side study comparing the sampling methods of plankton tow nets, where major zooplankton taxonomic classes were manually identified and enumerated, to sampling with the SAO. Vouchered samples were used to develop a training library for the SAO, where classes consisted of water boatman and zooplankton groups: cladocerans, copepod adults, copepod nauplii, and rotifers. SAO imagery was manually classified and compared with predicted results for validation. Accuracy for the SVM classifier of the SAO was 37.4 %. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Random Forest classifiers were also applied to SAO imagery and image features for comparison. The best CNN model and our Random Forest model had accuracies of 80.4 % and 46.6 % respectively. Challenges faced included the small size of copepod nauplii and rotifers and the limited resolution of the imaging camera, although there are tradeoffs between imaging resolution and the sample processing rate. Our comparison shows that advancement in both optical imaging and ML are needed in order for the SAO prototype to yield comparable results to manual community monitoring in an aquaculture facility.

Students with disabilities perceptions on the library and college: Systematic review and case study

This research provides a case study of students registered with disabilities at one academic institution in Mississippi with three different libraries across all campuses and evaluates the existing literature in library and information science journals on academic libraries and students with disabilities between 2009 and the present. The case study provides findings on not just students with disabilities who are succeeding in a college setting, but students with disabilities who are failing. In the review of the literature, it includes an analysis of the methodologies used to collect data, and the analysis of the types of disabilities being studied along with the spaces or platforms being assessed. Special attention is given to studies using qualitative methods that allow student participants to provide feedback in their own words to provide context to the case study findings provided. Based on the findings, most of the studies utilized accessibility reviews to determine compliance with accepted standards. Studies also tended to prioritize an emphasis on students with visual disabilities, and most studies evaluated virtual spaces and studies. Less than a third of the studies included student viewpoints, which included requests for additional training for librarians, more accessible physical spaces, and more accessible electronic resources.

Comparison and Analysis of Medical Librarian Training Programs for Medical Library User Services

Comparison and Analysis of Medical Librarian Training Programs for Medical Library User Services

How Supporting Law Libraries Overseas Promotes Access to Justice and is Good for the Planet

AbstractThe International Law Book Facility (ILBF) ships donated law books to organisations across the globe which require good quality legal publications. Since its inception in 2005 it has delivered over 80,000 books to more than 250 organisations in 56 countries. Here Katrina Crossley, the Chief Executive of the ILBF, explains why it is so important and how it works, giving some examples of how the project has eased the way for people training in the law in Africa. The importance of law librarians in all of this is discussed too. Katrina also outlines how ILBF has worked with BIALL in the course of its law librarian training schemes in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and will continue to do so in other countries in Africa as this is expanded.

A comparison of photographic and spectrometric methods to quantify the colours seen by animal eyes

Abstract Quantifying how colours stimulate animal eyes is an essential first step in many areas of biology, from behavioural and visual ecology to neuroethology. Although multiple methods exist, their relative accuracies remain untested, leaving researchers unsure which methods are most accurate and which might be unacceptably inaccurate. Here, I compare measurements from reflectance spectrometry and four camera‐based techniques to ground‐truth spectroradiometric measurements of radiance, using eight diverse visual systems. Because errors may compound through successive calculations, I calculate not only relative quantum catches but also chroma and colour contrasts. I find that filters mimicking photoreceptor spectral sensitivity curves, through either custom fabrication or weighted additive combinations of bandpass filters (‘computational filters’), as well as reflectance spectrometry, are the most accurate techniques, with most R2 > 0.98. Statistical filters trained on the library of reflectance spectra in the multispectral image calibration and analysis (MICA) toolbox lag behind in accuracy, particularly for dark colours, with R2 values dipping as low as 0.23. However, the performance of these filters is vastly improved (all R2 > 0.96) if one (a) uses the full UV–VIS range of camera and animal vision, even for animals lacking UV photoreceptors and (b) expands the library of training spectra to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on either a 24‐ or 45‐colour chart (an alternative method offered by the MICA toolbox) vary wildly in accuracy, with R2 values ranging from 0.11 to 0.94, and should not be trusted. For those requiring point measurements only, reflectance spectrometry is highly accurate within the constraints described in the main text. Those using photography and desiring the highest levels of accuracy should opt for custom‐fabricated or computational filters. Statistical filters trained on the MICA toolbox's library of natural spectra can be expected to be reasonably accurate for many combinations of visual systems and stimuli, but only if (a) the full UV–VIS spectrum is used and (b) the training library is expanded to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on a colour chart are highly unreliable and their use should be discontinued.