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The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of adoption of artificial intelligence(AI) to support library services delivery in university libraries in Africa. Qualitative research method was adopted to collect data. A preliminary survey of 102 university libraries in English speaking countries in Africa was conducted to identify the university libraries that have adopted AI in their libraries. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses. The study found that the only few university libraries in Africa have adopted AI technologies such as Chatbot, ChatGPT, LibKey from ThirdIron, robots, RFID technology and Grammarly. These AI technologies are used to render different library services like answering of directional and ready reference questions posed by library users, serving as a knowledge base for cataloguing information of library materials, self-check-out machine for books, used as a marketing tool for the library, tool for statistics evaluation and recommendations, assisting in the charging and discharging of library materials, etc. Lack of funds to acquire the AI tools, training of librarians, and lack of full knowledge of AI were the most mentioned challenges associated with adoption of AI in the libraries. The study recommended a formulation of policy to guide the adoption of new technologies such as AI, and training and re-training of librarians through workshops equip librarians with skills needed to effectively use the AI technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of the study is to investigate the application of online platforms by professional librarians for research visibility in Nigeria universities. Design/methodology/approach - The study adopted online survey method. Questionnaire was designed to collect data from respondents using Google form. Data was collected from 367 academic librarians both practicing and lecturing in 28 universities in Nigeria. Findings - The study revealed that majority of the academic librarians have created profile on Google Scholar and also joined ResearchGate network. While, the platforms with the least profiles are Scopus and ORCID. Majority of the academic librarians agree that creating profile in the online platforms raises the profile of the author's institution, brings recognition to the author, influences author's institution ranking, increases readership of the paper (s), make articles reach greater audience, and attracts possible research funding. It also emerged that no institutional e-mail, no google e-mail, some academics not interested, don't know how to create profile on these platforms, no motivation from the institution, too busy to create my profile, and network challenges are some of the drawbacks associated with creating profile in the online platforms. The qualitative analysis revealed that publishing in open access, creating google scholar profile, and joining researchgate network, and publishing in journals that are indexed and abstracted were the popular ways to increase the visibility of one's paper. Research implications - This study will inform and educate scholars in the universities to see the need to register their presence on the web through creating profiles and linking their publications in these platforms. These platforms will no doubt enhance the academic evaluation and give additional weight to publications that are accessible globally. Originality/value - The study reported the extent academic librarians in Nigeria have created profiles on the research visibility platforms such as Google scholar, SCOPUS, researchgate, and ORCID. The findings will inform policy makers, administrators and academic staff to understand how the universities are performing in terms of scholarly activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined Website Use and Evaluation by Senior Library Staff in Ibrahim Babangida Library (IBL), ModibboAdama University of Technology, Yola. The objectives of the study were to determine the types of website used by senior library staff in IBL, to identify the purposes for which website is used, to ascertain whether website evaluation criteria is applied and to find out the challenges encountered while using website. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and employed structured questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The entire population of twenty (20) senior library staff was studied. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that majority of the respondents indicated using educational based website for academic purposes. The study further revealed that accuracy as a criteria for website evaluation was used. Power failure was identified as a major challenge attributed to the use of website. It was recommended that senior library staff should endeavour to use of other types of website apart from the educational & research, information, library and news websites among others. The challenge of Power failure needs to be properly addressed by the university management, through the provision of alternative power sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the non-formulation of a national information policy (NIP) on library development in Nigeria and its consequences. Topics covered include the role of the Nigeria's National Library in information policy development, the efforts that have been done toward NIP formulation in the country, and the outcomes that have surfaced due to the absence of NIP such as copyright laws violation, uncoordinated information environment, and underdevelopment of libraries.

The article provides results from a survey of on-the-job personnel informal and formal training needs and the factors influencing against training in the Ibrahim Babangida Library at the Federal University of Technology in Yola, Nigeria. The significance of staff training and development in university libraries from the National Universities Commission's draft manual is explored. A literature review of on-the-job training (OJT) programmes is given. It was found that OJT and informal training programmes are needed, formal educational training programmes are required, and funding is the major factor inhibiting training.

The article reports on the study that analyzes the Master of Library Science (MLS) dissertations submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Maiduguri between 1996 and 2008 in Nigeria. It reveals that the most researched subject area was the Information Science, followed by Library Personnel management and Library Resources. It shows that the 2006 academic year recorded the highest productivity of dissertations.

The article focuses on the conditions surrounding information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigerian academic libraries. Particular attention is given to the experience of the Ibrahim Babangida Library at the Federal University of Technology Akure in Akure, Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) established a quality control division (QCD) which conducted research to test the quality of Nigerian academic programs. The article also provides examples of the impact of the information revolution on academic libraries.