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What role should libraries play to ensure citizens develop the competencies they need to fulfill their vital civic roles in our democracy? Alarms raised over widening civic knowledge gaps have prompted a renewed commitment to building more civically literate, active citizens. Like their counterparts in schools and universities, librarians teach many of the skills and dispositions that citizens need to participate in civic life. Yet their information literacy frameworks equip twenty-first century learners primarily for success in college and career, not citizenship. With schools and colleges launching new initiatives to bolster civic participation, librarians must join forces with other civic literacy proponents to empower citizens to emerge as civic agents that cocreate their future together. While the nation's great experiment in democracy undergoes a momentous test, libraries must assert their role in fostering civic literacy as central to their mission as cornerstones of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractElizabeth Parang reviews Data-Driven Decisions: A Practical Toolkit for Library and Information Professionals; Leonard Martin reviews Academic Librarian Burnout: Causes and Responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a snapshot of United States academic libraries in 2020 and explores longitudinal trends in staffing and expenditures for 1996 to 2020. The authors merged and analyzed academic library data from the National Center for Education Statistics from over 4,000 postsecondary institutions. Characteristics are explored by region and maps are provided. Total inflation-adjusted library expenditures have increased steadily for all regions from 1996 to 2020, including in the two major expenditure categories of staffing and collections. In the Northeast and West, averages are markedly higher in staffing and total expenditures than the other two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small branch of a large academic library is in the process of relocating from one area of campus to another. Although the new space is drastically smaller than what they currently have, the librarian wishes to build upon the small maker area that was recently created for the relaxation and enjoyment of patrons. With the SCAFFOLD makerspace design framework, this new area will be created using the latest research in making and learning, keeping inclusivity at the forefront of all activities. This paper describes the current maker area, what the plans are for the new space, and how that space will be designed using this new SCAFFOLD method. It is hoped that this project can be replicated by any academic librarian wishing to add a small yet useful makerspace while staying within their budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document provides information on East Asian libraries in North American institutions for the fiscal year 2022-2023. It includes data on physical and electronic collections, fiscal support, staffing, and public services. The document highlights specific collections and acquisitions at certain institutions and mentions challenges faced by some libraries. It also provides contact information for libraries conducting research on East Asian studies. The document offers a comprehensive overview of the East Asian library collections and resources available at these institutions. [Extracted from the article]

In the library and information science (LIS) literature, there are examples of librarians leading educational development initiatives, often centered on information literacy (IL). However, there does not appear to have been significant exploration in the educational development literature of librarians acting as educational developers. This article is intended fill this gap by providing an overview of academic librarians' engagement with educational development and offering a brief case study of a librarian who is involved in educational development, followed by discussion of key questions and potential implications that are raised when considering librarians acting in this role. The goal is to open up a dialogue between and among educational developers and librarians about the role of librarians in educational development. This may also encourage discussion among educational developers about how the field should be defined and who qualifies as an educational developer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textbook affordability programs and the promotion of OER are well-established priorities for many academic libraries, but few studies have examined the prevalence of such programs either in general or across institution types. This paper presents the results of a study designed to gather information about textbook affordability initiatives at university libraries that are members Association of Research Libraries. It uses information from the publicly available websites of ARL libraries in the United States to determine how many of those institutions maintain textbook affordability programs, with those figures further broken down by status (public/private) and membership in the Open Education Network. In addition, the findings reveal some notable characteristics of textbook affordability programs, including an overall lack of visibility on institutional websites, a marked variety in financial incentives, and evidence of programs that have been discontinued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many academic libraries have renewed their commitments to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in public statements. In this qualitative study, the author interviewed academic librarians to understand how these commitments have been actualized in libraries, and what barriers and challenges have been faced by individuals coordinating this work. All libraries had established committees to implement EDI initiatives, but committees with dedicated positions, budgets, and consistent support from administrators were able to attempt more large-scale, systematic work. The study includes recommendations for library administrators for providing effective structures and support for EDI efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Globally, mobile technology is a significant factor influencing how libraries are changing the ways of delivering services to today's users. This paper aims to explore academic librarians' perceptions of the usefulness of mobile technology in delivering library services and the efforts required for its successful adoption. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. The research objectives were underpinned by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyses using NVIVO for thematic analysis. Findings: Results show that, in general, academic librarians support the use of mobile technology to provide services such as access to eBooks and Journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, Bookmyne application, information literacy consultations and training. Library managers, fellow librarians and users were identified as encouraging the adoption of mobile technology to enhance library services. The paper further confirms that the successful adoption of mobile technology requires some effort. However, due to some of the challenges presented in the study, a majority of respondents felt that their libraries are not yet ready to fully embrace mobile technology the way it is envisioned in today's world. Practical implications: The study endeavours to address the divergence between students and academic librarians' viewpoints regarding the application of mobile technology in the provision of library services. Originality/value: This paper highlights numerous ways that academic librarians could adopt and embrace mobile technology, which can benefit both academic libraries and other institutions of higher learning. The knowledge presented in this paper could assist academic librarians in assessing their institutions' vulnerabilities, challenges and strengths in using mobile technologies to provide library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a book review of "Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries," edited by Kalani Keahi Adolpho, Stephen G. Krueger, and Krista McCracken. The book features fifty-three chapters written by fifty-seven authors who identify as trans or gender diverse and have experience working in libraries or studying library science. It aims to provide a platform for trans library workers to share their experiences and create a sense of community, while also educating non-trans library professionals about the experiences of their trans colleagues. The book addresses the lack of scholarship on trans and gender diverse workers in the library field and covers topics such as coming out, transitioning, discrimination, and the need for structural changes in libraries to be more inclusive. The chapters vary in tone and format, reflecting the diverse voices of the authors. The book also explores themes of intersectionality, including the experiences of BIPOC trans and gender diverse individuals in the library workplace. While the book primarily focuses on public and academic libraries, it acknowledges the limited scope and lack of demographic data on trans library professionals. Overall, the book highlights the challenges and joys of being a trans or gender diverse library worker and encourages further conversations on gender diversity in the library field. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to determine the level of ICT self-efficacy among librarians working in the Libraries of Aligarh Muslim University Library System (AMULS). A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a quantitative survey. One of the researchers visited the Maulana Azad Library, Faculty and College Libraries, Departmental and Seminar Libraries, and School Libraries and distributed the questionnaire to librarians. On the other hand, librarians of the AMU regional centers' libraries were contacted through email to complete the survey form. Of the 123 questionnaires distributed to the librarians, 102 questionnaires were received with an 82.9% response rate. Librarians mostly view ICT as having a positive impact on library operations and services. The majority of librarians are skilled in using basic ICT applications. However, they lack the necessary skills to manage ICT-based library operations and services. Inadequate ICT application training and a lack of ICT infrastructure were cited as significant barriers to librarians obtaining ICT skills. This is the first study to examine ICT self-efficacy among librarians in an Indian university. Its findings could aid in the development of strategies for integrating new technologies into libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a qualitative case study of subject librarians at Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library Subject librarians considered their main purpose to be connecting the people at the university with library resources. People skills are a key to being successful in their positions. Their duties of collection development, reference, instruction, liaison, citizenship, professional development, and scholarship are interrelated and work together in important ways. Subject librarians are satisfied with their jobs and corresponding autonomy. They are concerned about librarian stereotypes and want to overcome the ignorance about their positions. They agree that subject knowledge is important but do not agree on a formal degree standard. This study could be used to help develop and improve SL programs. It could inform hiring decisions and improve the practices of current subject librarians by focusing on the key skills of working with others and subject knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the tensions and contradictions in the potential success of maker-learning in Higher Education (HE) as supported in academic library makerspaces. Insights are formed from an in-depth, Cultural-Historical Activity Theory framed case study on a well-established North American HE academic library-based makerspace service. Lessons are drawn from the organisational tensions that emerged as challenges in its development. Participants were from the library service, students and academics from different disciplines that make significant use of the library makerspace. The 'relational agency' and 'common knowledge' of academic librarians in bringing together academic and student perspectives on the utility of maker-learning is found to be key. Maker-learning is observed to be an intertwined embodied/haptic, social/dialogic and rational/critical expansive cross-disciplinary system in a Zone of Proximal Development. Evidence of attempts to address the themes of inclusivity, diversity and sustainability to achieve ethical-maker-learning outcomes are discussed and developed. The article then expands on Ratto's Critical Maker pedagogy utilised by the case study library service. I conclude with the proposal of a potentially transformative new concept for supporting cross-disciplinary maker-learning systems, 'Critical Material Literacy' (CML), whereby technical and material awareness connects with progressive concerns for people and the planet. This new theoretical concept is designed to start proactively addressing the key case study themes, with academic librarians becoming critical agents in creating ethical-maker knowledge hubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigated Social Media Use for Service Delivery in Federal Polytechnic Libraries in South West Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive survey method. A total of 46 academic librarians working in the Federal Polytechnic Libraries in South West Nigeria constituted the population of study. Total enumeration sampling techniques was adopted for the study. Hence, all 46 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the academic librarians, 42 copies of the questionnaire representing 91.3% were returned and deemed useful for data analysis. Data collected were analysed using SPSS, frequency counts and simple percentage. The study found out that social media technologies have been integrated into the library routines as the items rated weighted mean X =(3.52>2.50) are above standard mean. In addition, most of the respondents strongly agreed that there are benefits librarians could derive from integrating social media technology in libraries supported with weighted mean X =(3.75>2.50) which is greater than standard mean. Finally, there are challenges librarians encounter in the use of social media for promoting library and information resources and service, supported with weighted mean X (3.62>2.50) which is greater than the standard mean. The study concludes that the incorporation of social media technology into library services is more than a management strategy; it is a tool that can be used to transform library services and provide cutting-edge services to users in the face of shrinking budgets. The study recommends among others that libraries should redesign their services to fully utilise the sharing capacity of social media tools for the provision and dissemination of their services to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1st Austrian Library Congress took place in Innsbruck from May 2 to 5, 2023. The main topic of the conference was „Working environments – Realities and visions“. This congress report presents presentations on the topics of data guidelines in German-language library science journals, bibliometrics as a service of the university library and information science consulting services by liaison librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite ongoing attempts at censorship, graphic novels and comics continue to grow in popularity and are increasingly adopted as course materials. With thoughtful planning, smaller academic libraries can strategically develop these collections in a way that supports curricula and pleasure reading. Attentive assessment, cataloging, and promotion of these materials can ensure that collections are accessible and beneficial to users from many backgrounds while ensuring that primary audience needs are met. In this article, academic librarians share their experiences one year after developing and promoting a graphic novels and comics collection at a rural, two-year campus library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated quality assurance practices in selected university libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all the academic librarians working in the selected university libraries. Purposive sampling technique was used to select nine (9) out of the forty two (42) university libraries in the three (3) zones out of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Questionnaire and interview were the instruments used to collect data for the study. Total enumeration technique was used to administer questionnaire on all the 171 academic librarians in the selected university libraries. Major finding indicated that majority of university libraries lacked library-based quality assurance programme but depended on university-wide quality assurance programme as reflected in lack of quality assurance parameter like; policy framework, coordinating unit and supervisory committee or officer. Challenges of quality assurance as revealed in the study include: inadequate funding; lack of commitment by library management; inadequate knowledge about quality assurance practices among library personnel; lack of guidelines and standards by regulatory government and professional bodies; and inadequate facilities. The study recommends: establishment of library-based quality assurance programme with necessary policy framework, dedicated unit and qualified personnel; development of guidelines and standards by regulatory agencies; and training and outreach programmes for library personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents findings from a study into the attitudes and practices of pandemic‐era early career researchers (ECRs) in regard to obtaining access to the formally published scholarly literature, which focused on alternative providers, notably ResearchGate and Sci‐Hub. The study is a part of the Harbingers project that has been exploring the work lives and scholarly communication practices of ECRs in pre‐pandemic times and during the pandemic, and utilizes data from two rounds of interviews with around 170 ECRs from the sciences and social sciences in eight countries. Findings show that alternative providers, as represented by ResearchGate and Sci‐Hub, have become established and appear to be gaining ground. However, there are considerable country‐ and discipline‐associated differences. ECRs' country‐specific level of usage of the alternative providers is partly traceable to the adequacy of library provisions, although there are other factors at play in shaping ECRs' attitudes and practices, most notably convenience and time saving, as well as the fact that these platforms have become embedded in the scholarly dashboard. There is a dearth of evidence of the impact of the pandemic on ECRs' ways of obtaining scholarly papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The latest issue of IFLA Journal focuses on the various roles of libraries in today's world. The articles are divided into four categories: libraries as facilitators of knowledge dialogue and cultural exchange, the impact of technology on literacies, the challenges and opportunities facing libraries in the face of climate change and disasters, and fostering inclusivity and addressing the gender gap. The articles cover a range of topics, including the role of US libraries in international diplomacy, the preservation of indigenous knowledge, the impact of AI-generated content on critical thinking, disaster preparedness in libraries, and the gender gap in LIS doctoral research. The issue reflects the diversity of library contexts and practices worldwide, with contributions from authors based in different regions. [Extracted from the article]

The data librarianship as a profession produces on workloads can't give us the answers we seek. The library and information science literature wants two irreconcilable things out of its workload data: 1) aggregate comparable data to document and measure use of libraries and its value; and 2) accurate descriptions to document and measure the individual work done by librarians. That is our Gordian Knot. We propose here to change the question asked: how can we achieve a reasonable balance of workload within a group of librarians? That of course implies a focus on a library of a specific type: here a medium-sized academic library of an R2 institution. The goal was to answer a common and longstanding question: we are in continual process of assessing what needs to be done and how/where to shift workloads, but how do we know we're doing it in a reasonable and fair way beyond anecdotes and intuitions? We developed a weighted measure of public services workload in order to assess and track and assign a) areas of declining workload, b) areas of increasing workload (data services), and c) a balance between library divisions contributing to public services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the development of creative spaces in libraries: a case study of Abia State University Library. This study was guided by three specific objectives and three research questions. The design of the study is a descriptive survey, and the population is comprised of 20 librarians from Abia State University Library. Census sampling technique was used to collect the data. The instrument used to generate data for the study is a questionnaire tagged ''Development of Creative Spaces in Libraries Questionnaire (DCSLQ), and the data generated was analyzed using the mean. The findings show that in the development of creative spaces, library personnel need certain skills, and when skills are strategically approached, there can be significant growth in the ability to participate and collaborate. In addition, it was found that the skills needed are leadership skills, interpersonal relationships, technological skills, problem solving skills, and knowledge of intervention skills. Some of the challenges are a lack of willingness among librarians to adopt innovative strategies in libraries and a lack of trained personnel to handle the creative spaces. It was recommended, amongst others, that the infrastructure and facilities for creative spaces should be maintained, hence providing an enabling environment for skill acquisition, interaction, and knowledge development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article examines the self-efficacy and research output of librarians in polytechnic libraries in South-South Nigeria. Design, methodology, and approach: This study adopted an ex-post facto research design and used a questionnaire to collect data from librarians in Polytechnic Libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Findings: This study showed a moderate relationship between self-efficacy and the research output of librarians in polytechnic libraries in southern Nigeria. The study also revealed that self-efficacy will significantly predict research output among librarians in polytechnic libraries in southern Nigeria. Originality/value: This study generated significant findings that are capable of encouraging polytechnic management to provide a foundation for a mentor-mentee policy. This is to make sure that librarians in polytechnics, particularly the junior ones, closely study senior librarians in the field of research so they may be able to use their high levels of self-efficacy to enhance their research output because the more one learns about research, the more confident one becomes in the ability to perform it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated institutional repositories as a collaborative tool for users' satisfaction in public university libraries in Abia and Imo States. Two research questions were asked and two hypotheses formulated to guide the study. The research designs adopted for the investigation are inferential survey and correlational designs. The population of the study was 5,294. The sample size for this study is 378. The instrument used for data collection was a rating scale titled "Motivational Factors as Correlates of User Satisfaction in Public University Libraries" (MFCUPSUL). Research question 1 was answered using the mean and standard deviation, while research question 2 was answered using the Pearson Product Moment Correction (PPMC) and hypotheses were tested with a t-test as 0.05 level of significance. The major findings of the study are: the extent of library user's satisfaction with library resources and services is significantly greater than the expected mean of 30.00 and the coefficient of correlation also shows a significant positive relationship between institutional repository and library users' satisfaction. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend that: university librarians should ensure that library users' satisfaction is sustained by putting in place all necessary resources and services and the government and the university administration should ensure that institutional repositories are established and made accessible in the university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries worldwide provide knowledge management (KM) services to support university research activities, while some librarians are slowly implementing knowledge management practices. The paper examined librarians' perception of knowledge management in Nigerian university libraries and discovered that they perceived it positively. It also identified KM practices in Nigerian university libraries, such as brainstorming, knowledge sharing and mentoring. However, these practices were not recognized as KM practices and were not officially documented as such. Furthermore, the paper also revealed that the effects of KM on the professional development of academic librarians were positive. Therefore, the researchers proffer some recommendations to enhance KM practices in Nigerian university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role that administrators should take in enabling professional development is regularly discussed in the library literature. However, this article, seeking to provide information from a new perspective, stems from data gathered via qualitative interviews in order to explore experiences of academic librarians and to identify commonalities among the experiences that participants describe as meaningful. Themes that emerge relate to the balance between administrative suggestions versus mandates, librarians' desire to self-assess and self-select activities, the importance of job relevance, approaches to sharing information, and barriers to participation. They may offer insights to administrators who wish to facilitate continuing education of staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die strategischen Treiber für die Partnerschaften der British Library sind der Wert von Daten und Ideen, die zunehmende Offenheit von Inhalten und Institutionen, die anhaltende Bedeutung von physischen Räumen und Erfahrungen sowie die Bedeutung von Kreativität, Zusammenarbeit und Wissensnetzwerken. Dringender Änderungsbedarf besteht darin, die wissenschaftliche Kommunikation, die wissenschaftliche Bewertung und das Urheberrecht an die Kriterien von Open Science anzupassen. So kann die Ideenfindung über Crowdsourcing geöffnet werden, die Datensammlung über Citizen Science, die Qualitätskontrolle über Open Peer Review und die Publikation über Open Access. Am Beispiel von Utrecht gab sie einen Einblick in die universitätsweite Implementierung von Open Science und die Rolle, die eine Universitätsbibliothek dabei spielen kann. [Extracted from the article]

What is qualitative research? Why should the library support qualitative researchers and what are ways the library can provide this support? How can a librarian learn more about qualitative research and data in order to build a support program? A social sciences librarian shares lessons she learned creating a program of services and tools to support qualitative researchers at her university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

game, their usefulness as a learning tool for the information literacy of undergraduate students. The videogame “The last exam” was developed after the analysis of 1,639 user queries registered over 2 years at the Complutense University Library, and aims to answer queries common to other university libraries. To evaluate its impact, a single-group pilot experiment was carried out with 14 undergraduate students using a pre-test/post-test validated by experts. The results show significant improvements in the students’ information skills, as well as positive evaluations of the exercise. We conclude that the incorporation of video games as a complement to the content of library training programs can be beneficial, especially as an introduction or for reinforcement or evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal qualities can be defined as personal attributes, values, traits and attitudes in oneself. In this study, personal qualities refer to ten qualities dimension of librarians which are achiever, able to take control, self-awareness, innovative, risk taker, open minded, responsibility, sociability, courtesy and ambitious. A questionnaire was used as the main instrument in gathering data and a total of 634 respondents were involved in this survey. A survey instrument with a seven-point interval scale was built around ten personal quality variables. Only 240 (37.85%) of the questionnaires were returned and usable for further analysis. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression were used in the analysis of data using SPSS version 27.0 software. The test was used to analyse the relationships between the constructs. The results of the study revealed a positive and strong relationship between personal qualities and organisational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An academic library plays a significant role in providing information services to fraternities. However, persons with disabilities need special attention and specialized services. This study aims to identify the special needs of, and the services required by, persons with disabilities or differently-abled persons. The samples were collected from graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students with disabilities in 10 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. The survey research design and the snowball sampling technique were used to collect samples from scattered populations across the ten IITs. A total of 217 samples were collected from the respondents. The results show that graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students with disabilities were satisfied with the library resources and services available to persons with disabilities. The students had a positive opinion about the accessibility of their libraries and the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on their studies and research work. However, they expressed the need for more training and orientation on using new tools and services for persons with disabilities. The study identified essential library tools and services for persons with disabilities. Academic and other libraries elsewhere in the country should take a cue from the IITs and take steps to make themselves accessible and offer specialized services for persons with disabilities. The findings of this research study will be helpful for policymakers and librarians who want to establish special services for persons with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing interest in applying user experience (UX) methods to improve library interfaces, spaces, and services, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational factors influencing libraries' adoption and incorporation of UX expertise. This article reports the results of semi-structured interviews with 16 UX librarians and focuses on how the positions were created, the benefits they have brought to their library, their biggest challenges, and the extent that their work is understood throughout the library. The article concludes with a preliminary model of library UX maturity and six critical directions for the future of UX librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study is to define the unique research needs of creative communities as seen by the academic librarians supporting those communities. After surveying academic librarians, visual practice, information relating to the practice of a creative discipline, and inspiration were identified as unique research needs of these populations. Survey respondents also identified challenges to serving creative communities, including perceptions of library relevance, buy-in, and scheduling. While past literature has engaged with supporting specific creative disciplines, this study focuses on the collective research needs of creative communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between ICT competence of librarians and their job performance in the libraries of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Abia State University, Uturu. Three research questions were answered and three hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted simple linear correlation design involving Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The population of the study was 136 librarians working in the libraries. The instrument used for data collection was rating scale titled librarians Information and Communication Technology Competency and Job Performance (LICTCJP). The research questions were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), while the hypotheses were tested using t-test of the significance of Pearson r. The findings of the study revealed that there is a very high and significant relationship between ICT competence of librarians and; cataloguing and classification of information; Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) but there is a low but significant relationship between ICT competence of librarians and reference services provided in the libraries. Based on these findings the researchers recommend that ICT competence should be a major criteria for the employment of librarians in various libraries; the university administrations should provide on-the-job ICT training to the librarians in the various libraries; and the librarians should be monitored to ensure that the services provided in the libraries are done using ICT in order to meet up with international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the use of social networking in promoting library services to undergraduate students in University of Nigeria Nsukka. The study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria Nsukka. The population of the study comprised 180 library staff and four research questions guided the study. Data for the study were generated using questionnaire and data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, frequency tables and percentages. The findings revealed that some social networking platforms are used for the promotion of library service to undergraduate students of University of Nigeria Nsukka. The findings also indicated that librarians' inability to use the social networking tools for library promotion though to fear of privacy and identity theft, electricity failure, slow speed of internet, librarians' lack of ICT skills among others are the challenges affecting the use of social networking in promoting library services to undergraduate students of University of Nigeria Nsukka. The study revealed; many social networking applications are not available; the use of social networking in promoting library services to students is on the average because some librarians know of the platform, but, don't promote library services; poor social networking policy implementation by the library; library staffers' in ability to use social networking effectively; library staff is been prevented from using social networking because of-electricity failure and slow internet network among others prevent library staff from using social networking. Proper strategies given to adapt to overcome these challenges are: training of library staff in social networking usage, provision of generator, employment of qualified library staff with the knowledge of ICT skill, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the academic librarians ICT competency and skills towards effective library services in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Sample for the study comprised about 100 librarians who were randomly selected through simple random sampling. The type of ICT skills possessed by the librarian, level of their ICT competency, sources of ICT skills acquisition and the Challenges Librarians face when using ICT in delivering Library services in their respective libraries were the instruments used to collect relevant data for the study. Findings from the study indicated that librarians have both basic and intermediate ICT skill in the area of their specialization. Results showed that respondents acquire skills from rightful sources which can help them to perform their duties has librarian effectively. Study recommended more availability of ICT equipment in the library, stable electricity is needed, staff motivation, employ ICT expert to train others staff regularly and increment in library budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning disabilities is a generic term that refers to different groups of difficulties manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities. This is a descriptive survey that is aimed at ascertaining the level of awareness of learning disabilities among academic librarians who by position serve heterogeneous clientele. The study was guided by one research question based on the objective of the study. The sample population of this study was 50 academic librarians randomly selected from five federal universities in Southeast, Nigeria while the major instrument used in collecting data for this study was a 20-item test like questionnaire constructed by the researcher to test the basic awareness of learning disability among these academic librarians. The data collected were statistically analyzed on percentile basis and analyses were done on the basis of Level of awareness of learning disabilities and scores achieved in test items by the academic librarians. The outcome of the study shows that the academic librarians had a moderate knowledge about learning disability. To this end it was recommended among others that orientation programmes and workshops need to be conducted so that they can diagnose the problem of students who form bulk of their patrons and intervene accordingly as well as addressing the challenge of lack of awareness among the general public as well as educators and library management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When evaluating subscription-based databases, academic librarians primarily rely on cost-per-use statistics to guide their decision-making. Although this metric is useful, it does not provide a complete picture of a resource's value to the institution. To adopt a more holistic approach, the University of Mary Washington implemented an evaluation grid, which was used to assess 61 products the library subscribed to during the 2019–2020 academic year. In addition to product cancelations, results were used to identify areas for improvement. Using an evaluation grid enabled UMW Libraries to make high-quality renewal and cancelation decisions in an objective and transparent manner and effectively communicate these decisions to various stakeholders. Libraries wishing to holistically assess their databases can adapt the evaluation grid to meet their local needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With libraries now expected to be online and clients assuming that academic information resources are available and accessible publicly on the Internet anytime, the digital environment provided opportunities for the libraries to mature in their learning support for their school communities. This had been made even more pronounced when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the world over, moving all services and programs to shift heavily to the digital environment. While advanced libraries have been prominently embedding Library 4.0 in their learning support systems, the pandemic pushed many, if not all, libraries to consider developmental directions involving the heavy use of digital technologies in scholarship. This study aimed at exploring the digital scholarship (DS) service opportunities in libraries by means of benchmarking on the DS services and practices of the top higher education institution libraries in Asia in 2020, which endeavors to serve as baseline in coming up with a proposed DS hub development plan for Philippine academic libraries. The descriptive survey design using website investigation to screen data was employed, drawing up an instrument to contextualize the DS services mined from these websites, then categorized based on the determined and desired DS services environment. A DS services scan of the libraries of top-ranking Asian universities with that of the Philippines' best were mapped to get a perspective of the status of the latter's DS services, providing insights in coming up with a DS program plan. Data revealed that while leading Asian university libraries have moved away from the traditional types of services, content and framework, its Philippine counterparts' services were deemed emerging. Subject expertise upskilling among librarians in the fields of data research management, data services and digital technologies, as well as an intensified librarian engagement in DS partnerships and projects in the academic community were seen as opportunities for a responsive DS service. The output of this study has potential use in guiding Philippine academic libraries in coming up with their own framework and roadmap towards instituting their own DS services hub, to leverage learning support in their respective communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propriety of using collegiality or related constructs as an evaluation factor in faculty promotion and tenure (P&T) is strongly contested. The work of many academic librarians requires extensive collaboration among their library colleagues as well as teaching and research faculty who work outside of the library. Given the centrality of communication and cooperation to their success, one might expect that collegiality could manifest differently in their tenure processes than in those of other faculty. Therefore, we surveyed library faculty to learn about their perceptions of the extent to which attributions of collegiality or lack of it influence tenure decisions at their institutions. With a total of 165 respondents, key findings include: 1) approximately 55 % of respondents whose libraries' P&T documents mention the concept of "collegiality" reported that they understood the concept clearly; 2) approximately 42 % of the respondents believe that collegiality should be included in their library's P&T documents; 3) the group that most strongly believed that collegiality should not be included were non-White respondents (58 %). Many of the respondents commented that a complex concept such as collegiality is too easily misused to perpetuate common biases against those who identify as being part of underrepresented groups; and 4) approximately 36 % of the White respondents and 59 % of non-White respondents thought that using collegiality as an evaluation factor would negatively affect underrepresented faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]