Information Services In University Libraries Research Articles

Innovative Digital Transformation for Dynamic Information Service Sustainability in University Libraries in Nigeria

Aim: Technologies have ushered in a significant innovative digital transformation to sustain dynamic information services in modern libraries. This has prompted the assessment of innovative digital transformation for dynamic information service sustainability in university libraries in Nigeria. Specifically, the research examined the nature of digital transformation, universities and digital transformation, innovative digital transformation in university libraries, dynamic modern information services in university libraries for sustainability, and the essentials for dynamic information service sustainability in university libraries. Conclusion: Libraries globally, and particularly in developing countries, must be re-positioned in this era of digital transformation due to technology adoption to offer valuable information services for their sustenance and to retain their relevance in the lives of the public. Moreso, there is a great need for innovative digital transformation in libraries to sustain modern information services as well as to increase their efficacy in information use as part of their mandate to leverage digital technology systems. The study, therefore, recommends that more sophisticated technologies are used in university libraries. University libraries in developing countries like Nigeria need more funding to fully exploit the opportunities introduced by digital technologies. Thus, university management should work hand in hand with libraries to enable them to fully connect to the opportunities of the digital era. The continuous human resource development is necessary to equip universities with appropriate digital competencies useful in the digital context.

Identification of Barriers Associated with Information Products and Information Service Marketing in University Libraries in Sri Lanka

Libraries and information centers are not profit-making organizations, but they are information and service providers. The concept of marketing captures not only the buying and selling for monetary purposes but also the fulfillment of organizational objectives effectively in non-profit organizations which are constantly and inextricably linked to meeting its client's information needs. Marketing performances in the field of library and information science includes planning, organizing, dissemination, and controlling of information products and services through motivational and user convenience way. As a result of marketing, these organizations should be able to achieve their aims while satisfying their customers and fulfilling their information needs as well as wants. Academic libraries such as university libraries represent the “heart” of the learning organization. However, in the literature, it is reported that university libraries face many difficulties and there were many failures in providing the information sources and services to their users. It is therefore important to identify how the concept of marketing can be used in the university libraries effectively. This study, therefore, aims to identify the barriers faced in marketing information products and information services in university libraries in Sri Lanka. The quantitative research methodology has been used as a research methodology of this study while the case research method has been used as a research strategy. The study sample consisted of 15 state university librarians in Sri Lanka and structured questionnaires were distributed to gather data for this study. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). This study identified barriers in the marketing of information products and services in university libraries such as lack of professional human resources with marketing knowledge, lack of proper marketing policy for library management, The inactivity of the marketing mix, Failure of the promotion activities, Lack of understanding about the importance of public relation, lack of recognition for libraries in the society/organization, ignorance of the activities of staff in one section of the library. Overall marketing of information products and information services in the university libraries of Sri Lanka was not at a satisfactory level.

Scholarly Use of Web-based Information Resources and Services in University Libraries in Kerala (India)

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the use of web-based information services in university libraries in Kerala, India.Design/methodology/approach: A survey method was used for the collection of data. The questionnaire method was used to collect data for the study. The study was conducted among the research scholars of four selected universities in Kerala, India.Findings: This study has analyzed the services and resources in the libraries which are provided through the medium of the internet and also the usage patterns of web information services by the scholars of the selected universities. The analysis reveals that most of the university libraries have implemented web-based information services. However, the extent of usage is not to the expected level and this is due to the lack of sufficient awareness about the usage methods of web resources and services. With the help of proper user education and training programs, the present situation can be ameliorated. The findings of this study can be helpful to the authorities to improve the services in the libraries.Originality/value: Proper use of library resources is essential for scholars to bring forth productive research outputs. This study provides recommendations for enhancing web-based services in university libraries in Kerala to provide better services to the users.

Construction of higher education knowledge map in university libraries based on MOOC

Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish a massive online open course (MOOC)-based map of higher education knowledge and apply it to university libraries. It hoped to provide more targeted and personalized learning services for every learner. Design/methodology/approach In this study, MOOC and university library information services were outlined, the development status of MOOC at home and abroad and the development of university library information services were introduced, and the necessity and significance of MOOC in developing information services in university libraries were analyzed. What is more, the knowledge map of university libraries was explored. The four modules include the construction of data sets, the identification of related entities from plain text, the extraction of entity relationships and the practical application of knowledge maps. For the logical relationship of the course, a combination of knowledge base and machine learning was adopted. In the knowledge map application module, the knowledge map was visualized. Aiming at the generation of personalized learning scheme, a prior data set was constructed by means of the knowledge base. The original problem was considered as a multi-classification problem. K-nearest neighbor classifier divided all courses into four academic years to obtain all courses. According to the course stage, the personalized learning scheme of some majors in higher education was obtained. Findings The experiment showed that it was feasible to apply the higher education knowledge map based on MOOC to university libraries. In addition, it was effective to divide the course into four stages by classifier. In this way, the specific professional training program can be obtained, the information service of the university library can be improved, and the accuracy and richness of the entire learning program can be increased. Research limitations/implications Due to the limitations of conditions, time and other aspects, there were not many opportunities to visit the field library, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There were many proper nouns and professional terms in foreign references, but my English translation ability was limited. The relevant investigation on foreign studies may not be detailed and comprehensive enough, and the analysis and induction of influencing factors of university library information service may not be rigorous and concise enough. Practical implications As the base of university information dissemination, the university library is the source of knowledge. At the same time, it is also the temple of students’ independent learning and the media of mainstream culture and improving its own information service level is also in line with the trend of The Times. Under this background, this research studied the influence of MOOC on university library information service and focused on the challenges and opportunities faced by university library information service in the MOOC environment, so as to continuously improve its cultural serviceability and better serve teachers and students. Originality/value Since the birth of MOOC, they have exerted great influence and enlightenment on universities and relevant educational institutions within a few years. European and American universities take an active part in the construction of the MOOC platform and explore how to make better use of the library to build MOOC resources in practice. It is also a hot topic for university libraries to participate in the construction of MOOC information resources. Therefore, the study of this topic has both theoretical and practical significance.

Exploration of cloud computing practices in university libraries in Kenya

Purpose Modern technological solutions are rapidly changing the information landscape in library and information establishments. One such innovative solution that is gaining momentum in information centers is cloud computing. The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare opportunities and challenges of “cloud computing paradigm” in handling and supporting delivery of information services in university libraries in the face of the present hard economic situation and limited financial budgets. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on current academic literature, document analysis, several editorials and articles on the potential and challenges of cloud computing paradigm in university library and information centers. Findings Cloud computing is proving as the best management practice of salvaging information services in university libraries due to numerous competing challenges and issues in institutions of higher education. University libraries in developing countries face many challenges of inadequate information infrastructure, limited financial budgets, manpower issues and rapid changes in technological systems. In the context of hard economic times, cloud computing is critical in adding value as well as advancing the goals and objectives of modern university libraries. Cloud computing is the “best technology practice” that is poised to play crucial roles in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers. There are many competing challenges and claims, but potential benefits count more. Research limitations/implications The study is based on the ideas of cloud services conceptualized from reading academic literature, document analysis, several editorials, articles and professional work experience. The paper identifies that cloud computing paradigm is useful in achieving the goals and objectives of university libraries in this hard economic situation facing institutions of higher learning. Practical implications The paper provides practical insights that cloud computing is the “must have technology” for modern university library and information centers already burdened with the demand to develop effective and efficient technological solutions due to subsequent changing needs of the digital information environment. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management. Social implications Cloud computing paradigm provides university libraries with the business opportunity to use comprehensive technological solutions with reduced capital expenditure and safe methods of data storage. This eases the inconveniences normally caused by the need to develop and own such comprehensive technological solutions. Originality/value This research looks at the potential of the emerging trend of “cloud computing paradigm” in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers in the context of limited financial budgets. Cloud computing has been gaining momentum in Kenya, especially in business organizations as compared to library and information establishments.

Marketing of Library and Information Services in University Libraries: A Case Study of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Library, Sokoto-Nigeria

Marketing and promotion play a very vital role in creating awareness for library and information products and services. This paper discusses the importance of marketing and promotion in academic libraries with particular reference to Abdullahi Fodiyo Library Complex, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The paper also reports marketing strategies employed by Abdullahi Fodiyo Library in promoting and attracting more library clientele as well as keeping them for long in the library. The paper concludes by advising librarians to wake up to promote their libraries through advertisement, exhibitions and displays, publicity, public relations to mention but few.

New Knowledge Management System for Better Knowledge and Information Services in University Libraries

This paper discusses the characteristics of the knowledge management of university libraries and how to use knowledge resources for knowledge management so as to prove that knowledge management is the platform for building level communication system of colleges and universities.

Information Services in University Libraries. F. H. Ayres, J. Hall

Previous articleNext article No AccessReviewsInformation Services in University Libraries. F. H. Ayres, J. Hall Michael K. BucklandMichael K. Buckland Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Library Quarterly Volume 45, Number 4Oct., 1975 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/620434 Views: 1Total views on this site Copyright 1975 The University of ChicagoPDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Information Services in University Libraries (Book Review)

Information Services in University Libraries (Book Review)

Survey of Information Services in British University Libraries

The survey was undertaken to provide background information for a SCONUL exchange of experience seminar on information services in university libraries. It found considerable variation in the services provided within individual library systems but revealed that the principle of information provision is widely accepted in all types of library except those of the London colleges, with the highest level of service being provided by the technological universities. About a third of the libraries responding had staff devoting most or a significant part of their time to information work and between 50% and 60% offered literature searches, current awareness services and publicity for or assistance with computer-based information services, although in many cases any given service was only provided for a minority of users within the institution.

Publicity and promotion for information services in university libraries

A survey of information services in university libraries also obtained details of the methods used to publicize these services. A distinction is made between active and passive forms of publicity, and it was found that the latter predominated. Active publicity was used most frequently by the technological university libraries and less by those of the civic and new universities, although the former compared favourably in some respects. The lowest level of publicity was found in the libraries of the London colleges.

Information services in university libraries

Although information services in university libraries were suggested as far back as 1939, it has only been since the mid‐sixties that the information function has been seriously developed by university libraries in this country. Such developments have largely been confined to the technological universities and a few of their ‘new’ and ‘redbrick’ counterparts, but the case for them has been convincingly argued and interest in the provision of information services has been general for some time, as was shown by the Report on Education and Training for Scientific and Technological Library and Information Work published by the Department of Education and Science in 1968. In this Report twenty‐six out of thirty‐seven university librarians indicated that, resources permitting, they would like to extend the services offered to science and technology departments, with special library standards in mind. The rise of the computer‐based services and the need to budget for their use may further accelerate the consideration of information provision in university circles and the coming Quinquennium seems likely to be of particular importance in the development of information services in universities. Some consideration of the implications and problems associated with them, especially for older universities, where staff are not used to such services, may therefore be useful at this time.

Information Services in University Libraries

Developments in university libraries in recent years in reader services, instruction in library use, and subject specialization go only a small way to meeting the problems created by the "information explosion". Reasons why more dynamic and personal information services for scientists and social scientists should be developed include the limitations in researchers' present use of libraries and information, the preference of users for informal channels of communication, increasing pressures on the time of university teachers, and problems associated with computer retrieval systems. Specialist posts of information officer should be created as part of the library services, but with functions distinct from those of the librarian; difficulties that may arise with their location and operation are discussed. The cost of information services in depth is heavy, but it may be possible to develop them within the existing budget by a realloeation of funds and staff duties.