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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]

This research is on the application of Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs) in securing information resources in Nigerian university libraries. Ibrahim Babangida Library(IBL), Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTech),Yola was surved. The study reviewed literature relating to ICT devices used in securing information resources, the causes of insecurity in libraries and the challenges faced by libraries in providing security to information resources. Convenient sampling method was adopted in selecting respondents. Out of 107 copies of questionnaire that were distributed to respondents, a total of 102(95.3%) were returned duly completed and found useble for the study. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages were used to analysed the data collected. Based on the research findings it was apparently clear that mutilation and book theft, deviant behaviors induced by ICTs among others are the major causes of insecurity of information resources in the library. ICT devices discovered to be in use in IBL include; handheld detectors, burglary proofs, lamination, retrospective conversion, digitization and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). The study further revealed that some of the challenges faced by the library towards securing its resources include; inadequate funds, high cost of electronic monitoring and surveillance devices, systems failure, lack of technical support, among others. Some of the recommedations of the study are organising orientation on security and preservation of library resources, allocation of more funds to support the library formulation of security policies and trainng personnel to handle ICT facilities. [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 presents a study that determines the importance of Personnel training Scheme (PTS) to improve the work performance of librarians at the Ibrahim Babangida Library in Yola, Nigeria. It highlights the advantage of the training since it can help librarians foster professionalism and leverage better management methods in response to the changing nature of library users. It also encourages librarians to participate in PTS to meet expectations from their jobs.

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 offers an analytical study of 39 dissertations in the Master's of Library Science programme in the School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria between the years 1996 and 2008. The analysis focused on each academic year's productivity of dissertation, subject area, type of library, the geographical area covered and the gender of the students that presented the dissertations. The analysis revealed that the 2006 academic year had the highest dissertation productivity. It was found that information science was the most researched subject area and academic librarianship was the type of library most researched.

The article discusses the state of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Nigeria university libraries. It argues that Education Trust Fund (ETF) needs to implement one of its terms of reference, making it responsible to sponsor short training courses. It suggests librarians to train students in ICTs.

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.