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This study aimed to evaluate the opinions of the librarians of Semnan public libraries on information consulting and examine the feasibility and requirements of setting up information consulting services (ICSs) in public libraries, which has become even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. The present study adopted a survey method using the interview technique. The research population included all librarians of Semnan public libraries. The findings showed that more than 75% of the librarians of Semnan public libraries were willing to set up the ICSs in the public library. Librarians of Semnan public libraries believed that specialized human resources hardware and software facilities and funding are required to set up the ICSs in public libraries. knowledge and skills, personality traits, and communication and public relations techniques are mentioned as the characteristics of information consultants. According to the librarians, the ICSs increase the users of libraries, improve library services, provide job satisfaction for librarians, and increase income for the library. They considered these factors as the top benefits of setting up information consulting. Given the willingness of young librarians with less experience, who are educated in Library and Information Science (LIS), to set up the ICSs in Semnan public libraries, they have the potential to provide ICSs in libraries by setting up an information consulting desk. Training of these librarians can provide the necessary basis for setting up the ICSs and information consulting clinics, promoting the position of the LIS field in the community, and leading to the employment market for graduates of LIS. This is the first study on public libraries in Iran. The importance of the subject can be a prelude to launching information consulting services in Iranian public libraries during the coronavirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smart self-service kiosk (SSSK) in a library ensures that users are able to access library services without the help of librarians regardless of the location. An SSSK is web-based and allows library users to access library services remotely. Library users are able to check the availability of information resources, the location of the information resources, and the number of copies of a particular information resource in a particular library. This study sought to investigate the provision of information services at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Library with a view to suggest a framework for implementing an SSSK. It could be like a point-of-sale self-service touch-screen kiosk check-out, like those used in supermarkets up and down the country, an information point in a tourist attraction, or a kiosk in an airport that allows people to check in without joining a counter queue. An SSSK would be different for every specific field, depending on the specific planned application. In the field of library and information sciences, an SSSK would be used to search for the availability of books, the location of books and to check a book in and out of the library. For this study a literature review was conducted to demonstrate a need for a framework which involves the provision of information services through an SSSK at the NUL Library. The study identified the need for an SSSK to provide reference and information services at the NUL Library. This includes searching for the availability of information resources or just books like elsewhere, the location of such information resources, as well as the self-checking in and out of information resources in the library. The library users through the web portal of the SSSK would also be able to access the library services remotely. The study proposes a framework to provide information services through a SSSK at the NUL Library. It is hoped that the proposed framework may serve as a benchmark and guideline for the provision of information services through a SSSK at the NUL Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than seventy online studies were reviewed to identify awareness, usage, satisfaction, and challenges of using information resources and services in academic libraries by users. The main objective of this study is to review the literature on information resources and services regarding awareness, usage, impact, challenges, satisfaction levels of users of various academic libraries. The study includes research papers published in national and international journals and other sources available on the internet. A review of various studies revealed that users use library resources and services for various purposes. Studies reveal that most users are satisfied with print resources, but they face problems while accessing online resources due to lack of skills to use these resources. Most students today rely on online resources, but a lack of training prevents them from getting the information they need. Most of the studies have suggested that the library should play an important role in providing information literacy program and user studies at regular intervals in their institutions to provide better library and information services to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of digital technologies in libraries represents a transformative move in the way information is accessed, disseminated, and preserved. The main purpose of the study is to examine the impact of digital technologies on resources and services of public libraries in Anambra and Imo States, and five specific objectives were formed to guide the study. Survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprises of all the library staff both professional and para-professional staff of Anambra state and Imo state public library board (Headquarters) and there are fifty-eight (58) in number. The entire fifty-eight (58) was used as sample size, census enumeration was adopted. The instrument for data collection for the study was the four point modified likert rating scale. The researcher administered the questionnaires through the help of research assistant. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics for calculating the mean. Mean score above the expected or criterion mean of 2.5 was accepted while those below the value were rejected. Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Everett Rogers (1962), guided the study. The findings of the study revealed that the overall digital awareness, as indicated by the grand mean, is moderate, with a score of approximately 1.82 and that the extent of digital integration in the two public libraries is on low extent. The study recommends that that effort should be made to enhance awareness and access to online cataloging, digital lending, and library websites/apps to improve the overall digital literacy and engagement of library users. This may include conducting targeted outreach and educational programs to inform users about these services and their benefits. The library should consider investing in improving its computer facilities for public use, ensuring that patrons have access to up-to-date and well-maintained computers and internet connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated marketing of library services as a determinant for undergraduate's patronage in Oghara Polytechnic library in Delta State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The population of the study consists of 31 library staff at the Oghara polytechnic library. A total of 31 questionnaires were distributed only 25 were retrieved. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above. The study revealed that the needs for marketing library and information services in Oghara polytechnic libraries is keeping the clients in touch, informed about resources and services that match their interests, aims at determining the needs and aims at determining the wants and demands of undergraduates. The study shows the current techniques employed in marketing library services as library website, orientation tours and workshops, blogs and podcast, and posters. The study affirmed the extent of undergraduate's patronage as once in week, twice a week and during exams. The study recommended that the library management should utilize social media to market their information resource and services to increase undergraduate's patronage, the library staff should improve their relationships with their users so as to portray a good image of the library to their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QR code technology can provide an easy and convenient way for users to access library and management information services. By using QR codes, libraries can improve the user experience, save time and effort for users, and gather feedback to improve their services. QR code technology can provide easy access to library and management information services in several ways. QR codes can be placed on library shelves, books, and other materials to allow users to quickly access information about the resource, such as its location, availability, and details about the content. This can help users save time and effort when looking for materials. Many libraries offer mobile apps that allow users to access library services and resources from their smartphones or tablets. QR codes can provide easy access to these apps, allowing users to download and install them quickly. Libraries often host book clubs, author talks, and workshops. QR codes can provide information about these events and allow users to register or RSVP easily. It can be used to gather user feedback about library services and resources. Users can scan a QR code and provide feedback, which can help libraries improve their services. The paper is the first attempt to delineate the extensive usage of QR codes for library and management information services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet has significantly influenced every aspect of human life, while the present era is characterized by information evolution. Efforts to measure up with the quest for information become a herculean task with the traditional reference information service. However, the traditional reference service has undergone a massive facelift with the introduction of the Internet. The concept of online reference information service is an expert way of providing for users' information needs through the mediation of a reference librarian. While online reference information service has had a share in innovation, reference librarians are confronted with meeting users' information needs by embracing their new roles. The study investigated the perception and satisfaction level of online reference information service users and how to satisfy the information needs of users in NBTS. The study was delimited to the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, in scope, and the study sample was drawn from students and other library users in the community. Based on the findings, online reference services through user education must be prioritized in today's library system. Cooperation of online reference librarians with both local and international online reference librarians is also of utmost importance. In conclusion, the study pointed out the indispensable roles of reference librarians in satisfying users' information needs in the changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource sharing and networking are among the noticeable phenomenon which have not been given necessary attention it deserves as a result of which most libraries are not meeting the information needs and services of their users as at when due. This paper highlights evolving networking and resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria. It was discovered that most of the library in developing countries are faced with the precarious issue of non-availability of qualitative services to their numerous library users due to inadequate budget allocation for library, uncooperative or inept attitude of most libraries professionals. Hence, in an effort to curb this perennial crisis, resource sharing and networking between the different libraries came into limelight. The relevance of resource sharing and networking were discussed vis a vis different types of resources that can be shared. The impact of ICT on resource sharing and networking was also stressed and myriads of challenges encountered during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic search literacy and searches powered by artificial intelligence are a focus of the Royal Library and affiliated university libraries in Denmark. The ambition is to integrate AI-search tools in teaching and services that support literature seeking and hence improve the efficiency of the academic search process. However, before doing so, the library managers needed to learn more about the value AI-powered search tools have for information specialists and library users, and hence make informed decisions regarding investment in such tools. This paper presents a case study of two AI-search tools, which were tested via Think-aloud tests, a hackathon and an expert quality assessment at the Royal Library, Denmark. The results point to both opportunities and barriers for the implementation of AI-search tools at the library and we explore the consequences the results of the tests can have for library users and library services. In conclusion, there is a need for more research on the value of AI-search tools for information special)ists and library users. AI-search tools are continuously being developed and improved. The library needs to provide a critical approach to where in the search process the tools add value. Accordingly, the library needs to develop guidance on how to use AI-search tools as a supplement to more traditional approaches, how to report the use of the tools as part of an academic study and address the limitations of the tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries play a key role in the promotion of user centered services through the provision of information resources and services for the information needs of the library clienteles. With the emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the traditional library services have no place in satisfying the curiosity of the library users. Library users are gradually keeping away from the use of the library and less value are attached to the library. This paper looked at the traditional and hybrid services that are easy to access and more convenient for the library users as a way of promoting clientele centered services in academic libraries. The study recommended that academic libraries should introduce and employ strategic services in order to attract the library users to the library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries and information centres accumulate information and achieve the users' information needs. The users' information need varies according to their different fields of interest. The library professionals and information centres need to fulfil the changing needs of the users. Through users' studies, we get the idea of where the users are using optimal information and know where the library must improve the services. A study was carried to gauge the services provided by the public libraries to the users of Murshidabad District, West Bengal. Survey methods and questionnaire tools were applied to conduct this study. The study found that users improve their reading skills in several ways by using public libraries. It was found that the users need more services like computer facilities, photocopies facility, beverage facility, newspapers, magazines, more subject related books, and journals publicly libraries of Murshidabad District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike ECentral Library, Awka. Five research questions were used for the study. The research method adopted was the survey method and population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth Dike public library. A sample size of 345 users was used. Mean was used for data analysis. Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. The study found that the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services which have high mean score above 2.50. The extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their literacy level are reprographic services, library instruction (user education), and inter-library loan which have high mean score above 2.50. The roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong learning, organizing library week, story-talk hour, creative activities or creative writing, book exhibition and book talk which have high mean score above 2.50. The challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, and poor library infrastructure which have high mean score above 2.50. The solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, and low cost of library materials which have high mean score. This study concludes that the impacts of public library services on promoting literacy level are high as they have the tendency of improving the reading culture of users. The study went on to recommend that sufficient and relevant library materials which include electronic resources be made available for users of public libraries as this will go a long way to enhance each user's literacy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College libraries are integral part of higher education institutions and they play an important role in raising the standard of education. The study was conducted at Sri JCBM College, Sringeri to assess users’ awareness and utilization of library resources and services. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal visits to the said college library. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Seventy structured questionnaires were distributed and 52 duly filled questionnaires were returned back, the response rate is 76.04%. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (16.0) and Excel. The study revealed that the majority (86%) of the users are visiting library daily. The study revealed that majority of the users have awareness on almost all the services provided by the library. The majority of the users always use internet browsing service (50%), Reference service (44.23%) and Book bank facility (40.38%) while they visit the library. The users were satisfied with various resources and services provided by the library. The study suggested to provide a separate digital library with the adequate number of computers with high speed internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, access to more number of e-resources including CDs/DVDs and online journals to the users in the library. The library needs to explore innovative methods by making use of technology in reaching out to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facebook is now being used by library staff to publicise their services. This is due to the fact that Facebook is now part of our daily lives especially students and teaching staff users. This paper explores the views and reaction of library staff of Cape Coast Technical University towards Facebook as a tool; and explores the way library staff use Facebook to portray the duty of library experts and their services to users. The researcher emphasises on the traditional duties of library staff and discusses possibilities for performing this role through Facebook. Current research suggest that Facebook enable library staff to publicise their collections and services to the general public as well as introduce new collections and educate users on the libraries responsibilities and support towards users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the WeChat mobile library service programme at Shanghai University Library and identifies problems and resolutions by reviewing the development process and experience and user feedback. A case study was conducted, and user feedback from a web survey was analysed to identify the programme's problems. Accordingly, recommendations and resolutions were developed. The author discovers that a WeChat account is crucial as an interaction platform between libraries and patrons, particularly on mobile devices. Patrons prefer to receive library services via WeChat rather than other channels. Their favourite features include online public access catalogue (OPAC), my library, and study facility availability. Libraries should conduct regular assessments to understand patrons' feedback or requests and make timely adjustments accordingly. The web survey and its data are novel in this area and provide a credible example to optimize WeChat library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Public library plays a pivotal role in modern society. Public libraries, by providing free access to the resources, support all groups of users like students, teachers, researchers, physically challenged people, retired people, businessmen, homemakers, etc. The present study investigates the utilization and user satisfaction of public library resources and services at City Central Library, Shimoga, India. The study examines the various resources available and the services rendered by the City Central Library, Shimoga. Questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data for the present study, where 100 questionnaires representing 80% were received out of 125 questionnaires distributed. The data were analyzed and interpreted with the help of SPSS software (version 6.0) and MS-Excel. It was found that majority of the users (50% above) were satisfied with the resources, facilities and services provided by the library. It was discovered by the study that the library is extensively used by the users of all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been conducted for literature review on Impact of ICT on learning activities of users by Academic library services. The study focuses on the technology utilized in Academic libraries and impact on discovering how ICT keeps on advancing, and as it does it is turning out to be increasingly more incorporated with students and researcher learning. Brilliant machines and voice-controlled aides are only two instances of how technology is developing to make students' careers simpler. This study explains how technology changes the manner in which library services work and it additionally influences the way learning exercises of users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Games and other forms of play are used in today's libraries to attract underserved patrons, to introduce patrons to other library resources and services, and to facilitate engagement between library patrons. While many perceive gaming as a new library service, gaming services have been part of librarianship since the nineteenth century through chess clubs. During the Great Depression, libraries supported patrons with puzzle contests and developed circulating toy and game collections. Academic libraries built game collections for research and classroom needs, while school libraries collected and facilitated educational games to aid teachers. Video games have been used in libraries to help patrons learn to use technology and to bring groups of patrons together to enjoy shared experiences. The goal of this article is to demonstrate the different ways in which libraries have used games, toys, and puzzles over the last 150 years through both collections and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was conducted to find out the realistic about the user's utilization and satisfaction level of Central library of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), Gangtok, Sikkim, India. The user's satisfaction of a library totally depends upon the utilization of library resources and services. Methodology: For the required queries a questionnaire was prepared for the present study and it was distributed among 120 SMIMS students randomly. Findings: The study exposed that students use the library for browsing e-resources and borrow books as per their need. From the students responses it was clear that users give preferences on accessing e-resources than printed material. Research Limitations: The present study is limited only for the students of the particular medical institution. The students were selected from different disciplines i.e. medical science, nursing and physiotherapy. Though faculties also use the library along with the students of this institution yet the research survey was limited for the students only. Practical Implications: Users were satisfied by using the library services like e-resources accessing, printing & photocopying service, DDS service, SMS alert service etc. Above these services the respondents recommended for digitization of the central library for the better utilization of library services as new information and communication technology are developing day by day so it should be implemented for best practices. Originality: This is the original study as it is absolutely based on primary data from student's survey. Some additional data are also collected personally from the library staff to know the better utilization of library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social media have significantly changed almost every part of our being. They have changed the shape and nature of communication. Before the emergence of social media platforms, communication was mainly face-to-face as distance was an essential barrier in communication engagement, but that has changed with the emergence of social media platforms. In addition, library services are also experiencing serious changes as a result of the emergence of social media platforms. This is because services that were once rendered in library halls can now be rendered outside of library building. Library users also have new expectations from library managements. They desire to have services rendered to them in a simple and technologicalbased manner than before. These changes have made researchers interested in examining issues related to changes that have taken place in library management in the social media era. This study examined the use of mediated platforms for creating awareness regarding the services in libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by five objectives. Descriptive survey was used as the design of the study. Both librarians (n=300) and library users (n=300) were sampled for the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Descriptive analysis like simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for the study. It was found that there is low extent of application of social media for the purposes of increasing public awareness of services in libraries. Also, seven objectives of applying social media to enhance awareness of services in libraries were found. Seven strategies for using social media to promote library services were also reported. Six obstacles to the use of social media to promote library services were also reported. They are: lack of skilful manpower; inadequate finance; lack of interest on the part of library management; lack of appropriate and up to date tool; inadequate staff members and lack of a conducive working environment. The perceived influence of exposure to social media messages promoting library services were also reported. The results of this study have implications on library practice and scholarship. Regarding library practice, the results suggests that to effectively promote library services with a corresponding possibility for increased patronage, there is the need for management of libraries to address serious issues of inadequate manpower, lack of facilities and poor funding. When this is done, it is hoped that social media could be fully applied for the purposes of promoting library services in Nigeria. In terms of scholarship, the results of the study has added to the body of literature regarding the important role that social media platforms are now playing in different spheres of the society. In particular, the results has added to studies on the role of social media in library services. It is therefore, recommended that library management should put in place programs and policies that support the use of social media to promote library services. Based on the results of the study, the researchers recommends, among others, the utilization of social media to promote library services. Other recommendations are also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to describe the features of the relationship between the contemporary era readers and the mass of communicative stimuli characterizing a documentary landscape in a continuous and exponential growth: the concept of information overload has recently been introduced, to show the complexity of the current information environment and the orientation difficulties within a documentary over-production condition. After a theoretical review about the libraries' contribution in facilitating the bibliographic paths of users, and in providing a set of cultural tools intended to an effective and autonomous interpretation of a boundless documentary landscape, in the final section of the study, conducted in 2016 at the Venice Libraries Network (RBV), the fundamental traits of information overload experience are investigated from a multidimensional perspective, along with an in-depth analysis of the potential of the services offered by public libraries in alleviating the undesirable effects of the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-library use data is crucial for modern libraries to understand the full spectrum of patron use, including patron self-service activities, circulation, and reference statistics. Rather than using tables and charts to display use data, a geographic information system (GIS) facilitates a more visually appealing graphical display of the data in the form of a map. GISs have been used by library and information science (LIS) researchers and practitioners to create maps that display analyses of service area populations and demographics, facilities space management issues, spatial distribution of in-library use of materials, planned branch consolidations, and so on. The "seating sweeps" method allows researchers and librarians to collect in-library use data regarding where patrons are locating themselves within the library and what they are doing at those locations, such as sitting and reading, studying in a group, or socializing. This paper proposes a GIS as a tool to visually display in-library use data collected via "seating sweeps" of a library. By using a GIS to store, manage, and display the data, researchers and librarians can create visually appealing maps that show areas of heavy use and evidence of the use and value of the library for a community. Example maps are included to facilitate the reader's understanding of the possibilities afforded by using GISs in LIS research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's twenty-first-century library and information science (LIS) professionals are faced with the challenge of a growing population of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of whom are from minority and underserved populations representing the poorest segments of society with little or no experience with libraries. This article argues that although considerable efforts have been made by LIS professionals to meet the needs of minorities and underserved populations, a cultural competence framework is needed for these efforts to be successful. This article proposes a conceptual framework for developing cultural competence for LIS professionals and identifies three domains in which cultural competence is developed: cognitive, interpersonal, and environmental. The development of cultural competence within these domains is discussed, and essential elements needed to develop cultural competence within the domains are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeologists have used material artifacts found in a physical space to gain an understanding about the people who occupied that space. Likewise, as users wander through a digital library, they leave behind data-based artifacts of their activity in the virtual space. Digital library archaeologists can gather these artifacts and employ inductive techniques, such as bibliomining, to create generalizations. These generalizations are the basis for hypotheses, which are tested to gain understanding about library services and users. In this article, the development of traditional archaeological methods is presented and used to create a conceptual framework for the artifact-based evaluation in digital libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tanganyika Library Service (TLS) was the national public library service set up in Tanzania, East Africa, in the 1960s. By the end of the decade, it was generally regarded as a model of Western-style public library development in Africa. This is an account of its establishment and early years based on accessible documentary sources in Tanzania and the United Kingdom, on printed sources, and on interviews with 1960s staff members in the two countries. Topics include the background of educational and library underdevelopment during the colonial era; the African Socialist philosophy of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere; TLS readers and what they wanted to read in English or Kiswahili; the link with adult education and with literacy education in particular; the attempts to reach as many as possible with books and service in spite of resource constraints; the urban/rural debate; staffing and staff development; the contribution of E. M. Broome, TLS founding director; and the issue of overseas aid and cultural imperialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The E-rate program has provided tremendous benefits to libraries, allowing many libraries and library systems to acquire technological equipment and services that would otherwise be too expensive, increasing the availability of public Internet access through libraries. This article analyzes the data related to the E-rate program and the discounts that it has provided to libraries and library systems between 2000 and 2004. By examining the E-rate data in a longitudinal manner, this article explores the trends in the application for and the provision of E-rate discounts to libraries and library consortia at national and state levels. The data suggest that, despite a number of controversies over the years, the program has provided a significant level of support for libraries and library consortia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries in Hawai'i serve one of the most diverse populations in the United States. With 51 branch locations across six islands, Hawaii's public libraries are central hubs for citizens, where community building can take place. This paper seeks to explore ways in which community building takes place at public libraries in Hawai'i. Through on-site visits at public libraries, observations of training sessions of participants of a Hawai'i-based public library professional development program (Hui 'Ekolu), and informal interviews with local public library patrons, key themes, reflections and analysis convey a common question across all groups: "What is a Native Hawaiian Library?" "What is Hawaiian librarianship?" This research is at an emerging stage where such meaningful questions are pointing towards a need to center Indigenous Hawaiian ways of knowing and perceiving public services in libraries as a primary tenet of cultural competence for public library workers in Hawai'i. As a federally funded grant program, Hui 'Ekolu is an innovative opportunity to explore questions that emerge as an inquiry-based approach to determining what professional learning and development can look like within place-based contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rural dwellers need timely, accurate, pertinent and reliable information for sustainable rural development. However, in Nigeria it is estimated that over 70% of people are living in rural areas who are mainly non-literate people who cannot read and write in any language. It is against this background that this article sought to investigate the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria to find out whether they are relevant and appropriate to the nature of this group of people. Objectives: The study aimed at investigating the forms of information sources and services utilised among rural dwellers from public libraries in the North-West zone of Nigeria for sustainable rural development. Method: Wilson's 1981 model suggests that information-seeking behaviour arises as a result of a need perceived by an information user, who, in order to satisfy that need, makes demands upon formal or informal information sources and services. Hence, the model was adopted to underpin the current study. A structured questionnaire was designed and personally administered to the study participants. The quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS software and descriptive statistics. Results: Despite the fact that most of the rural dwellers in the North-West zone of Nigeria are non-literate people, it is evident from the results that there is utilisation of various forms of information sources and services from public libraries. The predominant forms of information sources utilised among rural dwellers from the libraries were printed materials, posters, flyers and audiovisuals. However, the forms of information services provided to rural dwellers by the libraries were traditional library services and awareness campaigns about government policies. Conclusion: The study revealed that utilisation of public libraries' information sources and services among rural dwellers in the area under study revolved around printed materials and traditional library services. It is evident that most of the library users among rural dwellers were those who were literate, as the non-literate people who were the majority did not patronise the libraries. Thus, this study will assist authorities of the public libraries in the area under study to provide relevant and effective information sources and services to rural dwellers for sustainable rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of any library for adoption of barcode technology is to improve library operations reducing workplace injuries, and improving services for library users. This study therefore examines application of barcode technology in landmark university centre for learning resources, Omu-Aran Experience. The study identified four research objectives. The design used for this study was case study research method. The population for this study comprises of all the library personnel with status ranging from professional to non-professional. The total population of the library staff was twenty (20). The whole 20 staff were used. The questionnaire was tagged "Application and Use of Barcode in Center for Learning Resources," (AUB-CLR). AUB-CLR was divided into five section. The data collected through AUB-CLR Questionnaire was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data for better clarification and detailed descriptions were given where necessary. The finding of the study reveals that one of the factor affecting the use of barcode technology in Center for Learning Resources are constant lookup of database which is always necessary due to the fact that barcode doesn't save data of the book nor the system status; the finding of the study also reveals that 100% of the respondents believe that they are using barcode technology in their library due to its accuracy, speed, efficiency, time saving, and quality of library service. The paper concludes with few recommendations that include the use of Smart Barcode labels with both accession and call numbers in Landmark University Center for Learning Resources. It also recommended that institution logo should be printed on it. The library can indicate ownership and possession of material that can help security officials identify material borrowed from the library and help them prevent loss especially when material is stolen, these labels provide crucial evidence of the Library ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the performance of a library's services is one of the most crucial parts of providing good services. The main objective of the study is to examine the perceptions of the DU residential hall library users as they relate to quality service and to determine how far the DU residential hall libraries have succeeded in delivering such service to its users. The primary data were directly collected from residential students of DU in three segments (desired service, minimum service, and perception) using the modified SERVQUAL questionnaire. Different types of measures were calculated as necessitated by the study. The outcome of the study shows that maximum service items fall short of meeting the user's need. The study recommended also some exploratory guidelines for improving the present library performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the usage of library and information services provided by selected regional centre libraries of the Open University of Sri Lanka. It attempts to find out the needs, expectations and usage of the library by distant learners and their perceptions about library services. The study sample (n=350) was drawn from a population of 1550 students of three selected regional centre libraries of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The study found that the users are satisfied with the overall library resources, services and facilities available, but users are not really getting the full benefit of the library services and some of the services are under-utilized. The major causes or reasons for this problem are the lack of comprehensiveness of the regional library collections, insufficient space for reading area, inadequate training for users in services and the lack of computers and Internet facilities in the library. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the library should order multiple copies of reading material, extend the lending period for a period of one month in regional centres, increase the number of computers for users and provide online access facilities. It is also recommended that a comprehensive information literacy program should be conducted to promote awareness and use of electronic information resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the survey for extended library hour service in Sam Jonnah Library, University of Cape Coast in Ghana. It cites on the modern libraries that accommodate diverse needs and support in the development and retention of academic success in universities. It also discusses the pivotal role of libraries by complementing teaching, research, and extension programs of the educational institutions.

The aim of this article is the determination of the gaps of efficiency of 33 city libraries using decomposition of technical efficiency to pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The first model estimates the technical efficiency of city libraries from the perspective of the traditional mix of inputs and outputs that are applied in the DEA models; the inputs are represented by the so-called production and technological resources, and the output is represented by the actual demand given by the number of customers. The second model estimates the technical efficiency of operating conditions of selected city libraries against the actual number of visitors, whilst it is based on the assumption that a city library shall have an appropriate space, optimal access in the form of operating time, and optimal number of places for studying. The results depend on the input or output orientation of models and on the expected returns to scale. As the key gaps of efficiency, the models marked - non-topical and large library collection, number of readers and visitors, and also unutilized spaces of city libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted by researchers Susan K. Burke and Molly Strothmann on use of library websites by public libraries to engage in outreach and services of Readers' Advisory (RA) library service to users. Topics discussed include information and library services provided by library websites to patrons, use of RA to promote the contents of a library's collections, and use of public library websites as outreach tools for readers' advisory.

With patience and perseverance, the readers' advisory (RA) relationship can form a long-term bond between patron and librarian and can also serve to unite library, literature, and the community. But what happens when something hampers the librarian's ability to bring patron and book together? The purposes of this survey of public librarians were to ascertain if readers' advisory librarians were coming into contact with patrons who spoke other languages, to compile best practices and resources librarians used or could use during these types of readers' advisory interactions, and to gain feedback directly from them regarding the interactions themselves. An electronic survey was distributed to public libraries in North Carolina in March 2014. Responding librarians listed over 29 different languages that they were aware of being spoken within their local libraries. Results also indicated that 8 out of 10 public librarians in North Carolina have encountered communication barriers during RA services, with just over 6 out of 10 of those encounters occurring because of the differences in languages spoken during the exchange. Although North Carolina librarians are resourceful individuals who rely on each other, skillfully employ learning strategies, and turn to technology to solve RA problems, results also indicate frustration at the lack of resources and support available to them in these situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents discussion regarding library user services. Introductory comments are given noting the under-appreciated nature of user services within librarianship. Several elements and examples of user services are defined, such as library programming for community needs, community information collections development, and user experience testing. In each case, initiatives being offered by the Reference and User Services Association to develop these areas are noted.

The article presents case studies of social media integrations by East Asian librarians from Yale University and the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB). It mentions that successful strategies of two universities in engaging the public with the library. It concludes that integration of social media tools into the services of library is an effective approach to engage library users with the activities, news, and events of library.

From the users' point of view two aspects are essential for the quality of library online services. On the one hand, relevant content must be available. On the other hand, it should be simple and intuitive to find and to access this content. Therefore, the topics usability and usefulness are of great importance for libraries. This article describes how these two aspects can be evaluated and how libraries can use BibEval and PECI for assessments of their own services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the genealogy of customer-driven librarianship and customer language in libraries. It mentions that genealogy lends to the examination of customer language in libraries in terms of ongoing struggle of the library profession to depict individuals who visit libraries to carry out research. It states that genealogy reveals the delights in disturbing discoveries and the dangers of research as a way to show the objects' creation by institutional practices.