scholarly journals Addressing the Challenge: Cataloguing Electronic Books in Academic Libraries

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuzhen Zhao ◽  
Wei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Electronic Books ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Electronic Medium ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
New Policies ◽  
The University

This paper explores the various issues and challenges arising from e-book cataloguing experienced at the University of Windsor’s Leddy Library and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL). This discussion uses an evidence -based approach to identify and resolve issues relevant to academic libraries as well as to consortia. With the ever rising popularity of e-books within academic libraries, cataloguing librarians are actively seeking more effective methods of managing this new electronic medium, including the development of new cataloguing policies and procedures. This paper will explore the various issues and challenges surrounding e-book cataloguing and processing within academic libraries, and will identify new policies and procedures that may be used to effectively assist in e-book management.

Relationship between Utilisation of Electronic Books and Users’ Satisfaction in University Libraries in North East Zone, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-64
Author(s):  
Zainab Mohammed Abdullahi ◽  
Abbas Lamido Gora Adamu ◽  
Abubakar Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Electronic Books ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
North East ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

Electronic books (e-books) are vital information resources in every university library as they are utilised by users in search of information for conducting research activities, teaching, learning and assignment. This study investigated the relationship between utilisation of e-books and users’ satisfaction in university libraries in North East Zone, Nigeria. Correlational research method was used. The population of the study comprised of five thousand three hundred and seventy nine (5,379) registered library users spread across the five sampled university libraries under study. Stratified random sampling technique was used in drawing the samples and the sample size for this study was one thousand three hundred and seventy two (1,372) registered library users drawn using Krejcie and Morgan (2006) table. Questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics to answer the two research questions, while, inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) was used to test the formulated null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that users’ utilisation of e-books and users’ satisfaction with utilisation of e-books for research, learning, assignment and information in university libraries in North East Nigeria were generally moderate. The study also established that there was significant relationship between utilisation of e-books and users’ satisfaction in university libraries in North East Zone, Nigeria. The study recommended teaching of information literacy for library users, acquisition of adequate and relevant e-books in the university libraries as well as discouraging users from using information obtained from online sources such as Google and other search engines as they are mostly ineffective for their research activities, teaching, learning and assignment.

Innovation during crisis: exploring reaction of Swedish university libraries to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-375
Author(s):  
Serdar Temiz ◽  
Lakshmi Pradip Salelkar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
The University

Purpose While universities are using more digital tools such as learning management systems (canvas, blackboard, etc). or massive open online courses (MOOCS) such as MIT, OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, digitalization has also influenced university libraries. Digital services of academic libraries need exploration on how they provide digital services and how they respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and map digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research approach is used in this study. Through a Web search, data was gathered from all 39 universities in Sweden through two means: visiting university and their respective library websites; examination of other documents provided by the university such as press releases, announcements. Evaluation of the content and digital services and libraries response to COVID-19 is conducted by thematic coding. Findings In response to the ongoing COVID-19 spread, a general trend seen among all is limited working hours, shutting down physical libraries for general public, unmanning operations. All 39 number of universities in Sweden have moved their offerings toward using online tools. The main themes that have been identified from our study are as follows: Availability of Information, Accessibility of resources, Collaboration with other actors, Increased use of existing services, motivation and support to practice social distancing. Research limitations/implications Owing to the limitations of COVID-19 conditions, time and other aspects, there was not any opportunity to visit the university libraries or book time to interview librarians or students, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There are many other activities that university libraries are offering to their employees and using their internal newsletters and email groups to reach their audience; as a result, some of digital services that are offered during COVID-19 might have not been noticed. Practical implications These findings can provide base to other universities on how to react to COVID-19 and bring more discussion. Social implications COVID-19 has big social impact on people. The findings present that libraries can go beyond their responsibilities and provide emotional and psychological support the community towards social distancing such as videos, social online meetings, live video workshops. Originality/value The findings from this study call for a review digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden, so that best reactions and services could be understood.

scholarly journals Use of Language-Learning Apps as a Tool for Foreign Language Acquisition by Academic Libraries Employees

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-33
Author(s):  
Kathia Ibacache
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
The United States ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
University Of Colorado ◽  
Foreign Language Acquisition ◽  
The University

Language-learning apps are becoming prominent tools for self-learners. This article investigates whether librarians and employees of academic libraries have used them and whether the content of these language-learning apps supports foreign language knowledge needed to fulfill library-related tasks. The research is based on a survey sent to librarians and employees of the University Libraries of the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB), two professional library organizations, and randomly selected employees of 74 university libraries around the United States. The results reveal that librarians and employees of academic libraries have used language-learning apps. However, there is an unmet need for language-learning apps that cover broader content including reading comprehension and other foreign language skills suitable for academic library work.

Mobile services at academic libraries: meeting the users’ needs?

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharine Bomhold
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Research Universities ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Carnegie Foundation ◽  
Mobile Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how academic libraries in the USA have responded to the rapidly evolving mobile environment and to determine if there is a noticeable, comprehensive pattern to instituting mobile services. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher surveyed library mobile services of 73 academic libraries at Carnegie Foundation rated RU/VH institutions. Based on this survey, the paper describes the current state of mobile services at very high research universities. Findings – While most academic libraries at research universities have some sort of mobile presence, what is offered is highly varied and is not predictable. There are still many notable University libraries that have no mobile presence. Practical implications – This study highlights the inconsistent nature of mobile services at research universities and identifies best practices in place at others. Originality/value – This is the first study to employ the Carnegie Foundation ratings of the university in which the library functions.

Technological Innovation in Academic Libraries Among Universities

2019 ◽  
pp. 265-291
Author(s):  
Champeswar Mishra ◽  
Surendra Kumar Pal ◽  
Amitabh Kumar Manglam
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Educational System ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Innovative Behavior ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Innovative Solution ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The University

Innovation is no longer an option but a necessity for an organization to survive during a crisis. Innovations in terms of products, process, technologies, and services, can effectively be used to resolve the crisis of the current educational system to survive and thrive in the 21st century. Academic libraries should re-think and re-invent the existing technologies, services, and facilities to fulfill the demands of users. Management, organization, and dissemination of information can be done quickly and effectively with the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in an innovative way. Technological innovation (TI) can be considered as an innovative solution for the sustenance of libraries during a crisis. This chapter attempts to describe the essence of TI in academic libraries and highlights the perceptions of librarians on TI in the university libraries system in India. Therefore, this chapter will explore individual innovative behavior and its influencing factors on technological innovation in academic libraries in Indian universities.

Making a makerspace case for academic libraries in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 568-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Nneka Okpala
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Current Journal

Purpose This paper aims to give a highlight on the concept of makerspace and its perceived benefits in academic libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The searches encompass current journal articles, books, newspapers, magazines, personal experiences on the concept of makerspace, 3D-printing and technologies in libraries. Practical examples of libraries that already have makerspaces in operation were sourced. Findings Findings of this study create awareness of benefits, challenges and strategies for developing and managing makerspaces in Nigerian academic libraries, using Zenith Library as a hypothetical sample. Research limitations/implications Only the proposal guide has been drafted. There is need for more investigations on the awareness of, and plan to adopt makerspace technologies in Nigerian academic libraries. Practical implications Librarians need to appreciate the makerspace technologies and forge ahead in establishing makerspace in strategic areas of their libraries which should serve as a meeting point for all users in the university community, and for the sharing of innovative ideas. Social implications There is need for a paradigm shift in Nigerian university libraries, hence the shift in librarians’ thinking and approach to find their place in the new maker movement. Originality/value The originality of the paper lies in its justification for establishing makerspace in Nigerian academic libraries alongside the drafted proposal which has been designed to serve as a guide to libraries in Nigeria, as no makerspace has been documented to be existing in any Nigerian library.

Leadership in challenging times of academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-149
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aslam
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Library Leadership ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the key challenges of academic libraries in times of changing nature of higher education system and how library leaders can manage the challenges when effective leadership is highly required for academic libraries today. As the time is changing, the kinds of challenges that library leaders face have also changed. Author of this study explores the methods and approaches, which are more effective ways of managing challenges in the reshaping environment of academic libraries. At the same time, change has become a permanent part of academic libraries and they need leaders who are able to lead and manage change efficiently, bring theories into practices, find innovative solutions to challenges, creative thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative mindset and self-motivators. Design/methodology/approach The selective publications have been reviewed to find the best ways to leading changes and managing challenges in academic libraries. The approaches and methods in this study are based on personal experiences of author as director of the university libraries and experiences of library leadership worldwide are conversed. Findings Academic libraries are facing similar challenges around the world. The author found that academic library leadership needs innovative skills and competencies, effective communication abilities and a new way of thinking to deal with challenges and create willingness to adapt the changes. Kotter’s leadership manage change model may apply for creating and implementing organizational change in academic libraries. Originality/value Literature on this topic is comparatively limited. Consequently, this manuscript adds value to the publications of library and information sciences and offers the literature in the field of leadership challenges and manage change in the academic libraries. It also provides guidelines to academic library leadership universally, and how can leaders work with change effectively.

scholarly journals Provisions and Effectiveness of Continued Staff Development Programmes for Professionals in University Libraries in East India

10.28945/3364 ◽  
2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Human Resource Planning ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The University

One of the greatest challenges that academic and research libraries face today is to prepare the staff working in these organizations for the future. Preparation of library staff requires serious attention to the human resource programmes in libraries and consideration of the development needs and interests of staff at all levels, from at the top the University Librarian to the lowest level the Library Attendant. Human resource planning requires a strategic approach, which focuses on both the immediate issues and considers future needs. Library Managers and the Library Authority need to be adept at identifying the human resources issues in their organizations; able to design and implement development programmes, policies and procedures, to address these issues in a timely and meaningful way; and willing to commit the necessary resources to support the full development of all library staff.

Income‐generating activities: a viable financial source for African academic libraries?

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benzies Y. Boadi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Responsibility ◽  
Current State ◽  
Income Generating Activities ◽  
The University ◽  
National Governments

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non‐traditional methods of providing funding for them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades.FindingsThe paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them.Originality/valueAs a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income‐generating activities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document