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This study investigates cataloguing and classification as a predictor of library use among users of libraries of public universities in Kwara State. Descriptive survey method is used for the population of users of libraries of Kwara State University, Malete and University of Ilorin. Convenience sampling is used to select 427 users who filled the online questionnaire titled Questionnaire for Cataloguing and Classification as a Predictor of Library Use among Users of Libraries of Public Universities in Kwara State. Findings revealed that 69.1% of users consult the library catalogues before using information resources, while subject, class number, series and author(s) of information resources are the major access points used in searching and locating information resources to be used in the library. This study concludes that consulting library catalogues before using information resources minimizes the stress users will go through when searching for information resources in the library and increases users' library usage. It recommends amongst other things that cataloguers and classifiers of libraries of public universities in Kwara State should ensure that catalogue cards are properly filed and subjects of information resources of their libraries are adequately covered in order to enhance easy location and use of information resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ascertain the degree to which Internet users are aware of and utilize Internet resources and services, a survey was performed in Union Territories, the results of which are reported in this study. The study looks at how Internet users utilize search engines to find information. Data collection methods included a survey and follow-up interviews with postgraduate students, faculties, and librarians. The chosen sample of 12 Colleges received a total of 300 questionnaires; 271 valid samples were obtained. The information was examined based on the demographics of Internet users, how they search for information online, how they utilize online tools and services, how reliable the information is online, how difficult it is to use the Internet, and how much Internet literacy is necessary. More time was spent online by the academic staff than by the pupils. Although Internet search engines were the most popular means for finding information, other approaches were also employed, including databases, gateways, and the World Wide Web (WWW). As significant Internet services, respondents cited search engines, email, and the World Wide Web. About 60% of respondents thought that the Internet was a helpful tool for education and research because of the high quality of the information available there. Some of the variables affecting Internet usage were listed as slow speed, lack of training, and information overload. Additionally, suggestions are provided to enhance the usage of the Internet, such as the creation of subject gateways and a well-planned Internet literacy programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blended library services are reinforced by academic librarians to deal with the challenges that come from the changes caused by the pandemic. Transformation is reflected through information and communication technologies that are in constant development and available to users remotely. This study discusses the extent of usage and effectiveness of blended library services at the University of Baguio library by the students, faculty, non-teaching, and other library users. Blended library services covered online platforms, online resources, online circulation, online reference service, online information literacy (IL), and online want list form. This study used a descriptive research design to gather the information that will systematically describe the current status of the UB library online services. A survey questionnaire formatted in google form was employed to gather the needed information. The findings of the study reveal that the blended library services of the university have been utilized - much utilized by the users, specifically canvas LMS resources of online resources, online document delivery of online circulation and the library e-mail: library@e.ubaguio.edu of online reference service, other feature of blended library services have not been used to their full advantage. Furthermore, the blended library services are highly effective as assessed by the faculty, non-teaching staff, and other library users. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Library strongly endorses additional databases and integration of these databases, library guides, and library services in the canvas LMS; regular posting of the blended services in the UB library social media account and platform for easier accessibility on the part library users; lastly, re-evaluate the way the development, manage and deliver marketing strategies of the blended services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to find out relationship between customer relationship management (CRM) practices and barriers in university libraries of Pakistan. The study also focused on CRM's barriers and its correlation with types of university, regions of university and gender. This study adopted correlational research design with survey method based on quantitative data collection. A structured and open-ended questionnaire was distributed among the head/in-charge librarians of universities libraries in Pakistan. The results have demonstrated that major barriers of CRM are financial resources/budget, qualified, experienced and trained staff, human resource satisfaction and motivation, information technology infrastructure, CRM knowledge and understanding by staff, library culture and collaboration, library users, and leadership commitment. Insignificant variations were found in the overall mean score of CRM barriers based on types of university, regions of university, and gender of the respondents. There is a strong negative (inverse) relationship exist among CRM practices and overall barriers as well as its four sub-facets, while three attributes having moderate negative relationship respectively. This study has numerous practical and theoretical contributions about CRM for academic libraries, especially those engaged in customer relationship management strategies, practices and implementation. The results enlighten library employees to be effective, proactive and successful performers for users' satisfaction, retention and loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection management in libraries has evolved alongside the developments of the new technologies effecting libraries. As digital collections are increasingly becoming the preferred resources by remote library users, librarians are faced with the challenge of proving a seamless continuation of efficient accessibility to these digital collections over time. This study aims to explore librarians' understanding of the sustainability of digital collections, the criteria for its fulfilment, and their perspectives on the accrued benefits of the practice. The study employs a qualitative approach, with purposive sampling of 25 experienced librarians and library ICT personnel from three federal universities in Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups discussions were used in the data collection. Result reveals that the academic librarians are insightful about what it means by sustaining digital collections in their respective universities. The themes generated are the provision of access, digitization, preservation, task functions, and services. The criteria to be achieved for the sustainability of digital collections, includes skilled manpower, professional development, defined roles, ICT infrastructure, funding, and maintenance. The movement for sustaining digital collections in academic libraries in Nigeria will benefit the library's reputation, improve the services offered, aid in the preservation of the collections, promote resource sharing, and reduce time and cost. The study suggests that academic librarians need ongoing training to keep them abreast of the latest technology for crucial understanding in a bid to sustain their digital collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "incarnational ministry," which is often taught in cross-cultural ministry or missions training, offers practical value to academic liaison librarianship, namely: getting out of the library and going to where the users are, being a life-long learner, and modeling humility during interactions with patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries should explore the marketing strategies to be used to promote their services among users, to entice new users and retain existing users. The objectives of this study were to find out the marketing techniques used in Sri Lankan university libraries and identify the challenges that university librarians face when marketing their services. The study involved 130 academic staff members of the libraries in 15 state universities established under the purview of the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka. The total population was considered as the sample and the data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software package considering the mean and standard deviation. There were 105 valid questionnaires among returns, and the response rate was 80.8%. As per the results, library websites, user orientation seminars, notice boards, and e-mail notifications were most frequently used to promote library services. Mobile applications, blogs and podcasts were rarely used to promote library services in Sri Lankan universities. The mean ratings of perceived challenges in the marketing of library services by university librarians in Sri Lanka were considered. Lack of networking among librarians (3.54) was identified as a significant challenge faced by Sri Lankan university librarians when marketing their services. Other significant challenges were unawareness of library user requirements, insufficient funds for marketing, increased cost of marketing and lack of skills in marketing library services. This concludes that Sri Lankan university librarians market their library services using an array of techniques and come across various challenges while adopting marketing techniques to their services. To overcome these challenges libraries should consider appointing a marketing librarian for each university library and establish a collaboration between them, develop a unique marketing strategy for each library, and allocation of funds for marketing library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article explores the content and style of the message from the regulations of the public and private university libraries of the province of Córdoba (Argentina). The aim was to know the structure and the normative aspects that include. The regulations were studied from their web pages considering aspects, content structure, writing style and relevance of messages. This investigation started with the perception that the words and sentences chosen tended to indicate restrictions and limitations with a negative tone. Diversity on styles was observed and the use of negative expressions was corroborated in high percentages. Regarding the thematic structure, an arbitrary differentiation was detected that shows it as independent units that do not always have the necessary coherence and cohesion. The primary basis on which they base the elaboration of the regulations was not determined with certainty, however some reasons could be pointed out from the type of mandates they establish: order the librarian #s task; guide the library users on the available resources, indicate their proper use to achieve equitable, efficient and democratic use or fit within strict rules. In this way, the need to investigate the fundamentals of the elaboration of these regulations is raised, which, together with the findings presented, seem to be the cause of ignorance and difficulty of application. Finally, it was possible to elaborate a series of recommendations that are included in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information has becoming the most valuable asset in the emerging world. Hence, information has become one of the major driving forces that lead a country towards sustainable development. While the libraries and other information centers are closed around the world, it could be adversely affected on the economy and general livelihood of the society. Thus, continuing the information services uninterruptedly is a matter of significance. However, the continuum of library services during lock-down situations and post-pandemic scenarios should be practice with proper care and understanding, especially during the post-pandemic conditions when re-commencing work in an academic library after the lock-down situation. Prevailing COVID -19 pandemic has provided an eye-opening lesson for academic librarians to re-think the way they perform and in what ways they can prepare for the post-pandemic reopening of the library. With the knowledge of the COVID -19 pandemic and related pathological nature of the virus, the present approach attempts to formulate an input while reopening the academic libraries of Sri Lanka. The concept also is applicable while planning to provide library services in similar post-lockdown scenarios. Practical safety precautions were suggested after conducting a thorough literature search in relevant and reputed journal databases, magazines and official websites. It can be recommended that the library should formulate a dedicated body, with the leadership of one senior member of the library staff for the overall monitoring and assessment of the pandemic-safety in the reopening time. Awareness of the libraries' stakeholders via different mediums, develop policies for disinfection, meetings, and other official tasks can be suggested. Following a country-specific existing-strategy that developed for the libraries of Sri Lanka is highly recommended. As a summary, the academic library should formulate an integrated pandemic prevention protocol to serve the library patrons with a delightful post-pandemic reopening experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After working as a public and school library director for two decades, the challenge of reference and research work in an academic library is exciting and daunting for a mid-career librarian. She quickly realizes that constantly comparing fondly remembered library experiences with new professional challenges must transition into embracing what lays ahead and learning new skills. To successfully serve an academic library patron population, the variety of knowledge and information expertise is different and expanded, but the time-honored aptitude of treating library visitors well and carefully ascertaining their information needs remains the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen academic library users who are blind were interviewed about their experiences with academic libraries and the libraries' websites using an open-ended questionnaire and recorded telephone interviews. The study approaches these topics from a user-centered perspective, with the idea that blind users themselves can provide particularly reliable insights into the issues and potential solutions that are most critical to them. Most participants used reference librarians' assistance, and most had positive experiences. High-level screen reader users requested help with specific needs. A larger number of participants reported contacting a librarian because of feeling overwhelmed by the library website. In some cases, blind users and librarians worked verbally without the screen reader. Users were appreciative of librarians' help but outcomes were not entirely positive. Other times, librarians worked with users to navigate with a screen reader, which sometimes led to greater independence. Some users expressed satisfaction with working with librarians verbally, particularly if websites did not seem screen reader user friendly, but many users preferred independence. Participants agreed it would be helpful if librarians knew how to use screen readers, or at least if librarians were familiar enough with screen readers to provide relevant verbal cues. Many users liked and used chat reference and many preferred Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) to learn citation style, though learning citation style was challenging. Questions such as reference librarians' role when eresources are not equally accessible deserve wider discussion in the library literature and in practice. Given the challenges described by the research participants and legal requirements for equally effective electronic and information technologies, libraries and librarians should approach reference services for blind users more proactively. Recommendations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on librarians promoting the use of the library through other means such as marketing of library services to the users. Topics include visiting private information providers, cybercafé, and no longer solely relying on the library; and library services such as decline in library budget, change in user's mode of satisfaction, rising cost of books, and serials and electronic resources.

An interview with head librarian Wilson Chu of the Learning Resources Center (LRC) of Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) in Hong Kong, China is presented. Topics discussed include the academic programs offered by HKDI, the attitudes of library users, and the workshops on information literacy. Also mentioned was the combination of the programs of three campuses under Hong Kong's Vocational Training Council (VTC).

The article explores the challenges of the twenty-four library services in Kenneth Dike Library at the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Nigeria. It mentions that Kenneth Dike Library at the University of Ibadan has started the twenty-four library services in July 2011 to expand the scope of information service delivery to all the potential users of the library. It found that the library lacks staff to effectively manage the teaming library users who turn up at night to make use of the library.

The article focuses on the alleviation of the anxiety and culture shock of the international students in the U.S. academic libraries. It points out the international students' high level of motivation for success is in American academia. It notes the necessity for librarians to be aware of the differences between domestic and international students in their educational systems, class participation and academic success. Librarians are suggested to encourage international students to express themselves in their research papers and in class.

The article focuses on the lack of information communication technology (ITC) infrastructure in Nigerian libraries which is acting as a barrier for resource sharing. It states that a lack of cooperative spirit, negative attitudes toward automation, inadequate funds, and poor communication infrastructure are factors that contribute to the failure of resource sharing in Nigerian libraries. It mentions that Nigerian university librarians admit that if their libraries are networked with ITCs then they would be better able to meet users' demands, supplement library stock, and eliminate space problems. It recommends that the Nigerian government should allocate more funds so that the institutions can survive and improve in quality.