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The success or failure of any tool, service or system used in a library is predicated on the audience it finds. While web-scale discovery systems have developed widespread adoption in academic libraries, there is a sense from librarians that they continue to be in search of their true audience. Librarians play a key role in the utilization of web-scale discovery systems, and their experiences as an end user of these systems may influence their attitudes in many ways. The survey discussed in this article looks at the attitudes librarians have toward web-scale discovery systems when using them for their personal research, including feature preferences and inquiries into opinions regarding strengths and weaknesses of the system. The results of this survey provide some insights into why some librarians struggle with the idea using of web-scale discovery systems by themselves and by the patrons with which they work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the ways in which academic librarians and users interact when using social media tools such as Twitter and Weibo as well as end-users' and librarians' perceptions of the types of interaction through social media. The study conducted an analysis of 1600 microblog posts sampled from twenty university library Weibo (Chinese Twitter) sites and twenty library Twitter sites in English-speaking countries. The results were compared using Chi-Square analysis. Results indicated that at present academic librarians in English-speaking countries use post information relevant to the library (news and events) and respond to information/research inquiries. And academic librarians in China are likely to use Weibo to communicate with users and to disseminate library news. Given the lack of previous research on how social media such as micro-blogging in general facilitates communication between librarians and library users in academic libraries between in English-speaking countries and China, this study provides valuable information concerning librarians' and end-users' interactions of information/knowledge sharing activities, which will enable libraries to be better positioned to promote user engagement through SNS usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries are currently experiencing a drastic change; this change has been necessitated with the introduction of the internet and the advancement of technology. Traditionally, academic libraries were the sole providers of information in the university environment. However, with the introduction of the internet, information access is scattered, and the academic library that previously used to enjoy the monopoly of being the only disseminator of information, now has competitors. The internet has changed the way information is accessed, packaged, shared and disseminated. Library users are changing the way they access information. Despite all these changes, academic libraries are yet to fully develop and embrace appropriate strategies to address these new realities. This paper highlights the significance of introducing innovative strategies in academic libraries for sustainability purposes, using business entrepreneurial theories, competing values framework and disruptive innovation theory in the transformation of academic libraries into a value addition organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores library users' perceptions and preferences of virtual reference services (VRS) in an academic library in Hong Kong and examines the impact of VRS on students' learning for the future improvement of the library's services. A qualitative semi-structured interview was conducted with ten students from different faculties of a comprehensive university in Hong Kong. Proceedings of the interviews were recorded using Zoom, transcribed, and analyzed into theme tables according to the 5E learning model. Results indicate that WhatsApp is the most preferred VRS due to its convenience, response immediacy, textual record, and minimal learning efforts. Phone, email, and Zoom are less preferred due to users' perceived embarrassment, formality, and time constraints. The findings demonstrate that VRS is vital in students' different learning stages. It arouses students' interest in learning and information search, allows the exploration of new learning resources, provides a good platform to solve learning problems, and offers efficient and instant help for learning. Unlike previous studies, this study identifies users' perceived impact of VRS on their learning process based on the 5E learning model. It provides important implications and suggestions to improve VRS and staff training to enhance the library's overall reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the validity of LibQUAL+™ scores, and specifically how total and subscale LibQUAL+™ scores are associated with self-reported, library-related satisfaction and outcomes scores. Participants included 88,664 students and faculty who completed the American English (n™ = 69,494) or the British English (nBE = 19,170) LibQUAL+™ language versions in the 2004 data collection cycle. Results suggest that LibQUAL+™ scores primarily measure satisfaction rather than outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses his views on the causes of the crisis in research librarianship. He argues that the crisis results from academic librarians attempting to alter the perception patrons have of academic libraries, the fact that patrons are not in need of academic librarians as much as in the past, and an improper assessment of what constitutes a valuable and useful collection. The author urges academic librarians to objectively assess their patron service and change if necessary.