Library Users Research Articles

The role of artificial intelligence tools in enhancing accessibility and usability of electronic resources in academic libraries

PurposeThis study examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in facilitating the accessibility and usability of electronic resources (e-resources) in academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative descriptive survey to collect data from library users. The population targeted was sampled using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 427 (58%) participated in this study.FindingsMost respondents preferred electronic journals (e-journals) among the e-resources stored in academic libraries. Chatbots were identified as preferred AI tools for accessing and enhancing the usability of these resources. Strategies mentioned included the potential for integrating AI tools across various e-resources. However, among the challenges reported was the inability to integrate AI tools with the existing library management systems. Improving e-resource discovery and access can significantly enhance the effectiveness of AI tools in academic libraries.Originality/valueOriginality in the context of AI applications in academic libraries refers to the unique approaches, innovative tools and creative solutions that enhance the accessibility and usability of electronic resources. By focusing on unique solutions that enhance the accessibility and usability of e-resources, these libraries can better serve their diverse user populations and adapt to the evolving landscape of information needs.

Anticipating future explorations in science and technology literature for university liberal arts majors

Scientific literacy emerges as a vital competency for aspiring preservice educators, underscoring the need for a multidimensional approach to literacy that transcends disciplinary boundaries and fosters a holistic understanding of knowledge. This study investigates the borrowing behaviors of 4,864 students across the teacher education, fine arts, and psychology departments at Nanjing Normal University from 2014 to 2023. A total of 15,859 science and technology book transactions were recorded, culminating in an overall borrowing of 38,783. The analysis employs chi-square tests to explore the relationship between gender and borrowing frequency, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A ranking of book categories based on the Chinese Library Classification System is conducted, and the findings are analyzed through SPSS to evaluate the degree of correlation among various levels of borrowing data. Correspondence analysis is utilized to visualize patterns in borrowing across different majors, providing insights into preferences for specific literature and resources. The study further delves into topological structures of borrowing practices using Gephi to create network diagrams, revealing statistical connectivity among readers within a major. Annual borrowing averages for science and technology books are calculated, and predictions for future borrowing trends are visualized using Excel scatter plots, facilitating an understanding of science and technology book reading of liberal arts students, as well as evolving academic resource utilization. The results highlight distinctive borrowing patterns and the impact of demographic factors on students’ library usage, contributing valuable insights to academic resource management.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Social Media Information Communication for Library Users

Exploring the Effectiveness of Social Media Information Communication for Library Users

With Love to the Russian Book: Russian Bibliographer from the University of Hawaii, Patricia Polansky

ABSTRACT This article is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of Patricia Polansky, well-known Russian bibliographer at the University of Hawaii, who did much for the development of international book cooperation and exchanges between scientific libraries of the Russian Far East and US libraries. Thanks to Polansky’s efforts, a unique collection of Russian publications has been assembled from the Asia-Pacific region (China, Japan, Australia, South America, and the Pacific coast of North America). She is the author of publications on the bibliography of Russian-American book relations; and her catalog of the Russian collection in Honolulu went through two editions by the publisher Pashkov House (2002, 2015–16). Materials from the Russian collection of the University of Hawaii and an interview with P. Polansky were used for this tribute.

Regional library infrastructure management for service improvement in Bangka Belitung Islands Province

The Archives and Library Service office of Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) Province has a vital role in increasing literacy and reading interest in the community. Library users can access library services through the provision of infrastructure that suits the needs of library users. Infrastructure management is carried out to enhance services to library users. This study aims to determine the management of regional library infrastructure for service improvement in Babel Province through infrastructure analysis to enhance literacy and interest in reading, budget management, and human resource competency. This research method used was descriptive qualitative. The results indicated that the Archives and Library Service office of Babel Province had inadequate facilities and infrastructure, such as outdated book collections, poorly maintained shelves and reading tables, and less than optimal circulation facilities. The library has not prioritized budget management related to the procurement of facilities and infrastructure, and human resource competencies resources are not optimal in budget planning and management. The library has not conducted a comprehensive user survey, thus hindering the analysis of user needs and providing service facilities that have not met community expectations. The study concludes that infrastructure and budget planning at the Bangka Belitung Provincial Archives and Library Office has not been implemented optimally, thus obstructing the provision of library services and having an impact on low literacy and reading interest among people in the area.

ANALISIS TEORI RESEPSI TENTANG REPRESENTASI PERPUSTAKAAN PERGURUAN TINGGI PADA VIDEO PERESMIAN GEDUNG PUSAT INFORMASI DAN PERPUSTAKAAN UNIVERSITAS NEGERI PADANG

The development of technology and digitalization has encouraged various institutions, including university libraries, to utilize digital platforms such as YouTube as promotional tools. This study analyzes the representation of the Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) library in the promotional video titled "Peresmian Gedung Pusat Informasi dan Perpustakaan Universitas Negeri Padang" (Inauguration of the Information and Library Center Building of Universitas Negeri Padang) uploaded on the UNP TV YouTube channel. Using a qualitative approach, the research applies reception analysis based on Stuart Hall's encoding-decoding theory. The findings indicate that the video represents the library as a place for studying and discussion, a quiet space, with stereotypical depictions of librarians, a collection limited to books, and a sense of suspicion toward library users. The researcher concludes that this representation fails to reflect the functions of a modern library, which should also encompass social spaces, digital collections, and a friendly relationship with users. The researcher adopts a negotiated and oppositional stance on certain elements of the video, particularly regarding the portrayal of librarians, the library atmosphere, and the featured collection. The study concludes that promotional videos for libraries should reflect inclusivity, trust, and modernity to project a positive institutional image and attract more library users.

A usability evaluation of a metaverse library: A case study of the “Community Virtual Library”

The purpose of this case study is to examine the usability evaluation of the metaverse library, with a central focus on designing around the needs of library users. To achieve this, our study delved into the usability of one such platform, the Community Virtual Library (CVL), focusing on aligning its features with user needs. We assessed the CVL based on Jacob Nielsen’s usability criteria: satisfaction, memorability, learnability, efficiency, and error tolerance, through specific tasks. Our methodology combined interviews, observations, and the System Usability Scale (SUS) to fully grasp the user experience. Furthermore, we explored users’ emotional responses using the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) model, enriching our understanding of their interaction with the platform. Throughout the analysis, we found that participants with metaverse experience showed higher success rates and spent less time on tasks compared to those who did not have such experience. Notably, while the tasks for learnability, focusing on basic functionalities, demonstrated relatively shorter durations, the slightly more intricate efficiency tasks took twice as long, regardless of metaverse familiarity. However, tasks for memorability, involving repetition of efficiency tasks, showed a marginal reduction in task duration. This underscores the potential to enhance usability and efficiency through education and learning initiatives. Meanwhile, the analysis indicated a high level of arousal according to the PAD model, underscoring the metaverse’s appeal in providing unrestricted access to diverse media and creating an engaging and novel environment. This study is expected to contribute significantly to evaluating and improving the usability of metaverse libraries, ultimately increasing user satisfaction and encouraging continued usage. By identifying areas for improvement through comprehensive assessments, we anticipate fostering a more enjoyable and efficient user experience within these virtual library environments.

Accessibility of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library for Students with Disabilities: An Evaluation

Objective. This research aims to identify the accessibility of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library for users with disabilities to uncover the gap between the standard of library services for people with disabilities and the condition of the library to support an accessible environment. Methods. This research applies qualitative methods to explore the accessibility of library services for users with disabilities using the IFLA checklist, a standard for providing library services for people with disabilities consisting of 3 main areas; physical access, media format, and service and communication. Results. UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library has met the most of criteria for providing services for users with disabilities. Physical access covering the area outside the library, entry to the library and access to library collections and services, is largely in accordance with the standard. However, the absence of an elevator prevents users with wheelchairs from accessing to upper floor in which the library collections are stored which means that access to library collections is hindered. To address this problem, the library provides the Difable Corner, a department for users of all types of disabilities. The research also found that for library collections, the library provides more for the blind, while for the deaf it is still not maximized. Therefore, the library, in collaboration with the Center for Disabilities Service provides volunteers to students for whom inclusion requirements have not yet been met. Conclusion. Being under the parent institution that promotes inclusive value requires UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library to provide an inclusive environment that welcomes all users regardless of their abilities. The library has made some effort to fulfill the standards for providing a library for the disabled. The gap between ideal standards and real conditions in the library related to accessibility for the disabled can be taken into consideration to improve inclusive-based library services.

Library Resources and Services Usage by Undergraduate and Post Graduate Medical Students of a Medical College in Maharashtra: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: As medical science is a continuously advancing discipline, use of the medical library by students is very important for updating their knowledge and competence. Objectives: To study the pattern of library usage by undergraduate and postgraduate medical students and to compare library utilization across academic years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate and post graduate students in a medical college. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Total 250 students (231 undergraduate and 19 post graduate students) participated in the study. 34% of undergraduate and 21% post graduate students were found visiting library daily. Increasing trend was observed in daily visits of the students as academic years progress. Students spent significantly more time during examination days in the library as compared to usual days. The primary reason for visiting the library was to prepare for the examination. 73.20% students reported that recent editions of books and journals were available in library. Most of the students were satisfied about the library services. Conclusion: Students are utilizing library facilities and services to a great extent but still there is a need to sensitize students to use library for activities such as research, reading recent journals, preparation of seminar.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Library Users with Disability and Efforts of Academic Libraries in India: A Systematic Literature Analysis

The Impact of COVID-19 on Library Users with Disability and Efforts of Academic Libraries in India: A Systematic Literature Analysis

Retraction notice: Libraries in the metaverse: the need for metaliteracy for digital librarians and digital age library users

Retraction notice: Libraries in the metaverse: the need for metaliteracy for digital librarians and digital age library users

Online Library Interfaces: A User-Centered Study on Design and Functionality Preferences of Gen-Z Users

University libraries, in the era of digitalization, have become essential platforms for obtaining academic information. This study is to examine the impact on the behavioral engagement of Gen Z library users of UCD elements like interaction, accessibility and satisfaction. Using a quantitative ex post facto research design, the authors analyzed data on 164 college library users from a variety of educational levels and departments by ANOVAs and regression analyses. The findings were that interaction (β=0.612,p<0.001) and accessibility (β=0.822,p<0.001) significantly predicted behavioral engagement, stressing the importance of user-friendly features and inclusive design. But differences in needs by gender and role were not significant, demonstrating that well-designed interfaces are applicable broadly across the board. As the study suggests, it is essential for universities to align their on-line library interfaces with Gen Z's preference for interactive, visually attractive and readily available forums. Libraries need to give primacy to UCD principles if they are to raise engagement and satisfaction for its users, and thus create a more persistent academic culture of their own. The research adds to literature about digital library usage and offers valuable insights for developing online systems.

Social Media as an Effective Tool for Remote Services of Digital Libraries

The aim of the article is to reveal peculiarities of using social media (social networks, video hosting, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the remote services development. Research methods. The methods of analysis and synthesis, logical, system-structural and comparative methods are applied, which contribute to systematising and generalising theoretical and methodological foundations of the remote services development of digital libraries; studying of popular practices of Ukrainian libraries in social media; identifying peculiarities of using different types of social media in library activities. The method of cognitive analysis is applied in order to highlight basic characteristics of social media as tools of remote services of digital libraries. Using the methods of deduction and generalisation contributes to the formulation of research conclusions. Scientific novelty. Features of applying various types of social media in library activity at the current stage are studied; the basic characteristics of social media as tools of remote services of digital libraries are clarified; the specifics of using social media (social networks, video hosting, podcasts, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the development of remote services is clarified. The most effective types of social media in the context of the specifics of the remote services development of digital libraries in Ukraine are identified. Main conclusions. Having led to revolutionary changes in information and communication practice, social media becomes an integral part of library activity at the present stage. Social media provides libraries with an opportunity to engage users in multifaceted communication while promoting library services and resources beyond geographic boundaries and physical library spaces. Features of social media usage (social networks, video hosting, podcasts, etc.) as a modern toolkit of digital libraries in the context of the development of remote services are the following: promotion of services (notifications about news, relevant items from the collection and library events); connections with library users; provision of library programmes and services 24/7 regardless of territorial location; possibilities of creating corporate communication in order to improve the library service, etc.

Perspectives: The Burden of Proving Burnout in Academic Library Workers

Current paradigms of assessment, measurement, and evidence-based practice in libraries, which inform administrative and managerial action (or inaction), construct an undue burden of proof for burnout (and other negative workplace conditions) that denies library workers the care and interventions necessary for them to thrive in their workplace and that leads to continued exploitative practices and emotional extraction. Frequently, burnout has to be proven through quantitative rather than qualitative processes, and the lack of quantitative data allows administrators to ignore burnout’s prevalence. Similarly, when solutions to burnout are considered, they're approached without consideration of individual worker needs. Through the focus on quantification, we bureaucratically obscure the individual in favour of a plurality, and develop solutions that serve those at the centre but not the margins. The phenomenon of burnout can be understood as a symptom of larger labour concerns throughout libraries and other workplaces that result from an overreliance on (quantitative) evidence-based paradigms and the mining of affect in service of “workplace wellbeing.” Library innovation, then, improves the functioning of the library for users in a model where the library is not a workplace and the library workers are not considered a user group. In some cases, library resources receive far more consideration and care than the people working in the library both in terms of space and support.

Filozofia dla bibliotekarzy i niebibliotekarzy – na łamach przedwojennego czasopisma „Bibliotekarz”

The journal “Bibliotekarz” was published in 1919, 1929–1939 as an organ of the Polish Librarians Association. It was the most important professional librarian journal, next to “Przegląd Biblioteczny”, published in Poland in the interwar period. Basically, the journal was intended for librarians working in public libraries, fulfilling various functions in the area of library practice: information, advisory and education. In addition, in the years 1929–1934, under a changed title – “Bulletin of the Public Library of the Capital City of Warsaw” (publisher, from 1934 – co-publisher), it acted as a reporter on the activities of this library.An expression of the magazine’s servitude and openness towards readers, and libraries – towards library users, was the publication in its pages of information and reports on books from various fields of knowledge, collected and made available in the library, among which philosophy occupied a prominent place. The aim of the article is to show the presence of philosophy in the pages of “Bibliotekarz” and in the Public Library of the Capital City of Warsaw itself. In particular, the popularization of philosophy through the publication of bibliographic reports on new and old philosophical books, and reviews of philosophical books published in the journal, was discussed. Moreover, the presence of philosophy in the librarian training programs at the One-Year Library School operating at the Public Library of the Capital City of Warsaw was also presented. From the reports of the Library, information about philosophical acquisitions, books and periodicals was extracted. Walter Auerbach’s text on philosophical literature, useful for librarians in their professional work, found a special discussion. The silhouette of this outstanding pre-war librarian, his life and professional path and his most important works were dusted off from oblivion.

Temporal analysis of multi-spectral instrument level and surface reflectance data sets for seasonal variation in land cover dynamics by using Google Earth Engine

By rapid growth in programming tools, accessibility to end consumer computing power, and the availability of free satellite data, the data science and remote sensing fields have begun to converge in recent years. Before this major processing time is wasted in collection of data. Google Earth Engine easily overcomes above problem; it contains data from different satellites and has power of processing and computation also. Well known data provider satellites are present in the library of GEE and users can easily process and track real time data from these satellites over GEE. “Sentinel”, a mission of the European Space Agency and “Landsat”, an American Earth observation satellite have been used in a variety of remote sensing applications. GEE makes these data sets available to the general public. These datasets are utilised for computing and analysis purposes. The objective of this study is to find change in study area by using above discussed two satellite data, over each season of year on different category of classification (Random Forest, CART, GTB and SVM). This work focuses on improving the classification accuracy of different classification algorithm by reviewing training samples and analyzing post-classification with image differencing in the algebraic technique. Because Landsat data have a medium spatial resolution, therefore point-wise computation was used. Lastly, we also detect which data sets are working better on an appropriate machine learning algorithm, so after final calculation we estimate accuracy of each algorithm by using confusion matrix and kappa.

Industry 5.0 – the human centric solution and personalization: challenges and opportunities for libraries

Purpose Industry 5.0 is considering a paradigm shift from mass production to mass personalization and a human-centric model of services using modern technologies. This study aims to examine the Industry 5.0 and its applications in various sectors. It also pinpoints the possible challenges and opportunities for libraries promoting library services, resources, infrastructure and spaces to attract the modern library users. Design/methodology/approach Relevant literature on the topic was searched using keywords including Industry 5.0, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability and green shift and libraries. The researcher also used his experience and the initiatives of the Punjab University Library, which is the oldest and largest university in Pakistan, to promote personalization and user-centered approaches. Findings Findings revealed challenges and opportunities for libraries. Using Industry 5.0, Libraries have the potential to understand users’ preferences, browsing history and information behavior, and accordingly design their services, resources, infrastructure and spaces. Libraries can serve their modern users through personalization and human centric approach such as content recommendations, alert and notification services, customized research assistant, inclusive and accessibility services, personalized event services and personalization through human books. Practical implications Professional library associations, library schools, library directors and libraries need to proactive learn and apply Industry 5.0 while establishing library services, resources, infrastructure and spaces. Library schools need to design their curriculum considering the Industry 5.0 technologies, tools, and platforms. Originality/value This study provides a pen picture of the Industry 5.0 and its impact on libraries. Potential challenges and opportunities are highlighted. These all initiatives required a visionary library leadership to take initiatives toward human-centered personalized services and attract the modern library users.

Teknik copywriting pada media sosial perpustakaan di Pontianak sebagai strategi pemasaran digital

Introduction. This paper aims to identify copywriting techniques used in managing Instagram media of various libraries in Pontianak and the extent of their impact on the target users’ decision to use the library as a learning resource. Data Collection Methods. We used a qualitative approach with virtual observation, literature studies, semi-structured interviews with eight users as participants. Data Analysis. We used data reduction, data presentation to draw conclusion. We used triangulation, cross-checking on key informants and specialists to validate the results. Results and Discussion. Copywriting techniques have not been carried out by all library managers so that the AIDA formula is not visible in every instagram content. Inconsistency in the application of copywriting formula affects the interest of library users in seeing to the information delivered through instagram content. The inconsistency was influenced by librarian’s knowledge and copywriting skills. The library received a positive response marked by library visits, collection utilization, and user participation which increased (although not significantly) because marketing strategies need to be improved. Conclusion. Library managers still focus on quantity and pay less attention to the quality of instagram content so that improving copywriting skills is less of a concern.

Information Retrieval Satisfaction of Library Users at Global Level: A Bibliometric Analysis

Information Retrieval Satisfaction of Library Users at Global Level: A Bibliometric Analysis

Fostering humanization in academic libraries

The role of libraries in contributing to the humanisation of higher education, through proximity services, is discussed; and a user satisfaction study carried out on the subject in the libraries of the Faculty of Psychology and the Institute of Education of the University of Lisbon (Portugal) is presented. A survey was applied to 100 users of a higher education library in Portugal, over 3 years (including the COVID-19 years). Having selected the parameters involved in the humanization of services, the results, measured on a Likert scale from 1 (dissatisfied) to 4 (very satisfied), reveal improvements in user satisfaction with the quality of the collections, the personalized reference services, and the training & support offered. Challenges identified include adapting information resources to users' needs, promoting community inclusion, ensuring equitable and quality care, and providing training in advanced research skills. Higher education libraries play a fundamental role in higher education humanization, providing proximity services that contribute to developing students' autonomy and confidence. The positive satisfaction indicators suggest that humanization in higher education can be successfully achieved with the contribution of these services.