Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Accessing Academic Libraries Online Resources, Shanmugam Ap Palanigounder, Murugesan R. Rangasamy

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The present twenty-first century witnesses a tremendous change and growth in

Information and Communication Technology. The e-resources in the academic libraries has enabled the teachers and students to enhance their academic as well as research activities by providing the latest information and access to world wide information. The present study focuses on the accessing level of online resources in the academic libraries by its elite clienteles mainly the students. The students of this ICT era should be provided the right information at the right time. The library services supplemented by e-resources is a great boon to the contemporary users. The …

Mobile Based Library Services In Nigeria: Application, Prospects, And Challenges., Abdullahi Bala Shehu, Paraya Gabasa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract- Mobile technology has provided faster access to information and communication and at the same time also challenging libraries to rethink and remodel their service by adopting technological changes. The study used a review of the literature and personal observation as an academic librarian in Nigeria. In this paper we have discussed about mobile technology, mobile library services its application, benefits, and challenges in academic libraries in Nigeria, Furthermore the paper went ahead to discuss mobile initiatives and application in advanced world which is far ahead of what is been practiced in Nigerian academic libraries, at this juncture academic …

Computer Self-Efficacy As Determinant To The Use Of Online Public Access Catalogue: A Case Study Of Selected Universities In Niger Delta Region, Rachael Ejovwokoghene Eserada, Stanley Efe Okolo, Peace Nkemdilim Ideh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The research surveyed computer self-efficacy as determinants to the use of online public access catalogue. Based on a detailed literature review, a total of three research questions were raised: What are the available access points for the use of OPAC by the library users? What are the various search methods/technique used by users to locate needed materials through the OPAC? And what is the level of the user’s computer self-efficacy? The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study is made up of 18,332 registered under -graduate library users and the sampling size of 920. The findings …

Digital Preservation Strategies: A Case Study Of Two Academic Libraries In Indonesia, Yeni Budi Rachman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The aims of this research are to describe digital preservation strategies conducted by two selected academic libraries in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. This research uses the qualitative approach with data collection method through interview. The results indicate that respondent libraries have made efforts to implement digital preservation activities, in order to protect their digital data and collection. This study recommends that the lack of official policy according to digital preservation should be followed up by providing a preservation policy.

Use Of Online Public Access Catalogue (Opac) In Selected University Libraries In South- South Nigeria, Rachael Ejovwokoghene Eserada, Stanley Efe Okolo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines the use of OPAC in selected university libraries in south- south Nigeria. In actualizing this, four (4) research questions were formulated which are: How frequently do the users in university libraries in South-South Nigeria use OPAC? What are the purposes of use of OPAC? How frequently do the patrons search for various information resources through the OPAC? What are the challenges faced by library users with the use of OPAC? The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study is made up of 18,332 registered under -graduate library users and the sampling size of …

Operational Challenges Of Providing Library Services To Distance Education Learners In A Higher Education System In Uganda, Bosco Apparatus Buruga, Moses Odeke Osamai

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated operational challenges of providing library services to long distance learners at higher education institutions in Uganda. The study adopted a survey research design, and the population was drawn from distance learners and librarians at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). Quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed, online Google Form questionnaires were sent to 50 distance learners and 5 library staff. A total of 33 and 4 filled questionnaires were received back from students and library staff respectively and registering a response rate of 74%. The study revealed that 75.8% of the student respondents were not satisfied with the library …

Issues And Prospects Of Knowledge Sharing In Academic Libraries, Ifeoma Ajie

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In recent years it has been acknowledged that the practice of knowledge management can play an important role to ensure an organisation’s competitive edge within an industry. This paper gives an overview of knowledge sharing in academic libraries. Based on the review of critical literatures by the authors, they infer that knowledge sharing in academic libraries can be influenced by motivators and de-motivators. Activities of knowledge sharing in academic libraries may be on organization level or individual level. Knowledge sharing at both levels is critical to the success or failure of knowledge management inside and outside the academic libraries. The …

Knowledge Resources For Visually Impaired Persons: An Indian Perspective, Sufia Khowaja, Nishat Fatima Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the study is to identify the sources provided by the universities of India to visually impaired persons to cater their educational requirements. There are 49 Central Universities in India, out of which 15 were selected for the study. The data from selected university libraries was collected using bilateral approach i.e. questionnaire and telephonic interview. It was found that central universities of India are not providing appropriate sources to their visually impaired users to fulfill their educational requirements. Though some universities had taken initiatives in providing the information resources and services, but still there are many aspects which …

The Role Of Academic Libraries In Creating Oral History Collection, Leili Seifi, Raziye Kazemi, Shahnaz Khademizadeh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study aims at reviewing the role and place of academic libraries in creating oral history collections with the aim of its preservation and application in these libraries. The research methodology is systematic review. To this end, the related studies were searched and identified from 10 international databases in 1983 to 2019. Out of which 23 most related ones were used for present study. For validation purpose, other experts than research team were used. The research findings indicated that academic libraries could stabilize their role and place in creating collections based on oral history through its identification, preservation, promotion and …

Usage And Perception Of E-Resources By Undergraduate Students: A Case Study Of Government Degree College Baramulla- J&K, Dr. Shabir Ahmad, Bilal Ahmad Dar Mr, Mohd Basharat Mughal Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

We have witnessed a drastic change in the organization and operations of Library and Information Centres from last three decades or so. From storehouses of books to Information Centres, from preserving philosophy to access orientation, printed materials to digital information, manual system of operations to automatic service delivery systems and from in-house services to advanced consortia based remote access to flood of information resources, libraries as service centres have traversed a long journey with revolutionary and evolutionary ramifications. Modern-day libraries are flooded with lots of information sources both in print as well as in digital format. A major chunk of …

Challenges To Library And Information Services (Lis) Delivery In The 21st Century: The Situation In Three Academic Libraries In Imo State, Nigeria, Nkechi M. Amaechi Phd., Uchechukwu Victoria Enweani, Catherine Chinyere Eke

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose: This paper examined the challenges to transforming library and information services (LIS) for effective service delivery in three academic libraries in Imo state. Design/Methodology/Approach: The survey method was adopted for this study with questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The target population comprises of library and information science professionals in three academic libraries in Imo State Nigeria. Availability and purposive sampling techniques was used to select the participant. The generated data were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and percentage was well illustrated. Findings: The findings revealed the challenges to effective transformation of academic libraries in the 21 …

Training And Development Of Library Staff: A Case Of Two University Libraries In Ghana, Samuel Abban

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The research was about the importance of training and development of the library staff. It looked at the types of training and development programmes that would be suitable for library staff in the present dispensation. The study explored the benefits of training and development programmes and why such programmes must focus on specific skill development of staff. The research identified specific areas which more training should be delivered. The study was based on two case studies of Academic Libraries in Ghana. A descriptive survey research approach of data collection was adopted using a questionnaire distributed to 65 respondents. The findings …

User Engagement With Social Media, Implication On The Library Usage: A Case Of Selected Public And Academic Libraries In Malaysia, Sharyna Shafawi, Basri Hassan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The mainstream use of social media has impacted the library as it has been identified to be an efficient platform for libraries to foster networking and enhance engagement with their user community. The unique characteristics of social media with ‘high tech’, ‘interactive’ blend with the ‘human touch’ give a valuable means for libraries to provide information resources and services beyond their physical walls. However, despite its widespread usage, an engagement rate on social media is still low among library users and evaluation of social media use is still elusive and scarce in the library literature. Prior studies have yet to …

Identifying Non-Use Of Library Services By Faculty In A Ghanaian University, Edward Mensah Borteye, Kodjo Atiso, Afia Densi Asare-Kyire Knust

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper aims to primarily investigate among faculty the reasons for non use of library services and resources at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the category of non users and also how to improve usage. The study adopts a descriptive survey design. Fifty-six (56) out of 1018 faculty respondents were identified as non users and this formed the basis of the study. Data was mainly collected by questionnaire. The information sources respondents mostly used included their own textbooks; Internet; electronic journals and ebooks etc. Reasons adduced for non use of library services included: no time to visit …

Evaluation Of Online Reference Services: Reflections From Nigeria Academic Libraries, Vincent Onyeacholam Ekwelem Mr, Helen N. Okpala Mrs, Josephine C. Igbokwe Mrs., Chukwunaza N. Ekwelem Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper reports on a study of evaluation of online reference services (ORS). The paper focuses on the librarians’ perception of the evaluation of online reference services of academic libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by the following four objectives: to find out the extent of application of online reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria; to examine the benefits of using ORS in academic libraries in Nigeria, to identify the challenges associated with the use of ORS, and profer solutions for ameliorating the challenges faced by these academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design which …

The Study Of The Relationship Between Perceived Richness Of Information Resources At Academic Library And Attitude Towards Using Them, Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived richness of information resources at academic library and the attitude to use them by students' of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz; and conducted by an analytical survey method. Using stratified random sampling 380 students were selected and data were collected using researcher made questionnaire. Results showed that the students have no tendency (mean=3.2281) to use the information resources of library. Meanwhile, the library information resources in terms of update (mean=3.2281), accessibility (mean=3.1702), quality (mean=3.1342), transparency (mean=3.1325) and quick feedback ability (mean=3.1325) are above average and in a relatively favorable level; but, …

The Exclusion Of Persons With Visual Impairment In Nigerian Academic Libraries' Websites, Yetunde Abosede Zaid, Yetunde Zaid Ph.D

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries facilities and resources are expected to be accessible to patrons including people with disabilities. The experience in Nigeria appears to dictate otherwise.This study therefore examines the extent of inclusion and exclusion of persons with visual impairment with respect to access the contents of websites of Nigerian academic libraries. Data used for this study were derived from content analysis of websites of the first top ten universities in the webometric ranking of universities in Nigeria, The analysis was based on the checklist of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). This study discovered that only two of the …

Professional Development Programmes For Polytechnic Library Staff In Ghana: Challenges And Prospects, Micheal Owusu-Acheaw

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study assessed professional development programmes available for Polytechnic Library staff in Ghana, and examined their prospects and challenges. The survey method was employed and quantitative approach was adopted for the study which involved only professional Library and para-professional staff of the Polytechnics in Ghana. Out of 80 copies of questionnaire sent out, 72 were retrieved representing a response rate of 90%. The study revealed that most of the staff were aware of the term “professional development”. They also confirmed that knowledge they acquired through professional development had also improved on their work performance considerably. Again, the study showed that …

Knowledge And Use Of Electronic Information Resources By Medical Students At Al-Jouf University In Saudi Arabia, Aquil Ahmed, Sulaiman Al-Reyaee Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Electronic resources are becoming an integral part of the modern education system, especially in higher education settings. Due to the need of medical professionals for high quality, authoritative, relevant, accurate and timely information, students studying in healthcare institutions need to know the various e-resources and the best suitable way to track and access them in order to support their learning and evidence-based medical practice. The present study has tried to assess and compare the awareness and usability level of medical students of two different colleges at Al-Jouf University in using the subscribed electronic resources. The main purpose was to determine …

Awareness And Use Of Electronic Resources In University Libraries: A Case Study Of University For Development Studies Library, Franklina Adjoa Yebowaah Ms, Florence Dedzoe Dzokotoe Plockey Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic libraries are hub of knowledge and hence are considered as integral parts of academic life. Academic libraries have been in existence for over 500 years and are still very useful today to all educational institutions. The advent of Information and Communication Technology has led to the use of electronic resources in libraries. However, empirical studies have shown that the use of these resources by faculty members is very low. The objective of this study therefore, was to examine the use of electronic resources by lecturers of the University for Development Studies, Wa campus. Primary data were collected from 80 …

Faculty Awareness And Use Of Library Subscribed Online Databases In The University Of Education, Winneba. Ghana: A Survey., Agatha Gifty Larson

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Faculty awareness and use of Library subscribed online databases in the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana: A survey.

Today electronic databases have become the backbone of many academic libraries around the globe including Ghana. This is largely due to its advantages over the print resources. Libraries spend colossal amount of resources on online databases in a bid to enhance teaching, learning and research in institutions of higher learning. This study was carried out to examine the usage of online databases by faculty members of the University of Education, Winneba. It focuses on only the Winneba campus to address the following …

Knowledge Management Culture Among Library Cataloguers: The University Of Zambia Library Experience, Eness M. Miyanda Chitumbo Mrs, Christine Wamunyima Kanyengo Ms

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper assesses knowledge management processes and practices of the Cataloguing department of the University of Zambia Library; investigates factors that lead to poor working systems among Cataloguers; cause inconsistencies and data redundancy in the library’s database. A case study approach was adopted, with the aim of getting detailed information and insights into the experienced problem of inconsistencies and duplication of the data. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The results show that there is little knowledge sharing and transfer amongst the cataloguers; use of existing rules or standards such as Anglo American Cataloguing Rules and …

Emotional Intelligence Of Library Personnel And Library Work Productivity In Selected Academic Libraries In Oyo State, Nigeria, John Adeboye Oyeboade

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a capacity that profoundly affects all other abilities in every human being, either facilitating or interfering with them. This study investigated emotional intelligence of library personnel and library work productivity in selected Academic Libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. Responses were generated from 186 library personnel across eight (8) selected academic libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. The questionnaire was used for data collection. Using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation, it was found out that Self-Awareness (r = .521^**; P < 0.05), Self-Management (r = .154^*; P < 0.05), Social Awareness (r = .192^**; P < 0.05), and Relationship Management (r = .790^**; P < 0.05) were positively correlated with Library Work Productivity. Likewise, Emotional Intelligence (r = .085^*; P < 0.05) has significant positive relationship with Library Work Productivity. The ANOVA showed that self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management jointly and significantly predict library work productivity by 52.1%. The paper therefore, recommended academic library Managements can therefore include quality EI training and coaching in their on the job training programs. Those who work extra hours to make up for yet to be realised goals should adequately be motivated. Finally, Emotional Intelligence Quotients should form part of the criteria for employing library personnel in Nigerian academic libraries.

A Model Beyond Generic Quality Models For Academic Libraries, Chaminda Jayasundara Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A compelling argument raised by Bolton and Oliver, states that only customers’ assessment of continuously provided services, which may depend on performance-only evaluation, deserves attention. As libraries are services provided continuously and considered in general to be a public service, it is important to research this issue. Thus this paper discusses four research problems based on quality domains, overall customer satisfaction, quality paradigm and the causality in the area of academic libraries in Sri Lanka. The paper concludes that the overall customer satisfaction is related to both satisfaction ratings in the form of gap scores and performance-only scores of quality …

A Primer On Grant Writing For Foundation Support For First-Time Grant Writers In Academic Libraries: Challenges And Opportunities, Peter L. Kraus

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In a majority of academic disciplines, grant writing is a skill that is often self-taught or acquired informally by trial and error. Few academic disciplines have grant writing as standard part of their curriculum at the graduate level. In the past, grant writing has received little or no emphasis in traditional library education since library science faculty themselves have a poor record of pursuing external funding. Yet, grant writing is a critical skill for new and experienced librarians. For many librarians, the prospect and challenge of writing a grant can seem daunting; however, with institutional support and the support of …

A Study Of Using Informal Learning Spaces At Indian Institute Of Technology, Delhi, Amit Kumar, R K. Bhatt

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract:

Purpose- Present paper is an attempt to explore the students’ opinion of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, regarding the use of Informal Learning Spaces.

Design/methodology/approach- A survey was conducted through a well structured and precise questionnaire and circulated personally among 180 students studying at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Findings- The study reveals the fact that majority of the students’ use informal learning spaces for academic purpose and feels that library plays an important role in making them to use of informal learning spaces for academic purpose.

Research limitations/implications- The geographical area of study was confined to the students …

Managing Special Collections In A Small Academic Library: A Case Study Of Preservation And Access To The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Collection, Shafeek Fazal, Gregory Murphy

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article presents a case study of how a small academic library managed one of its special collections that has rich significance to the history of New York City and the maritime industry. With the acquisition of the valuable Sailors’ Snug Harbor research collection and faced with limited financial and personnel resources, the librarians at SUNY Maritime College set forth to aggressively pursue external funding, creatively generate personnel resources, and developed in-house expertise to successfully preserve, promote, and enhance access. Digitization and creating open access technology tools were key components of improving access to the collection. As a result, there …

Measuring Service Quality At Tehran University Of Medical Sciences' Libraries, Amir Hosein Mardani, Soheila Alavi, Mohsen Nazarzadeh Zare

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Using the Libqual+ model, the present study aims to compare the viewpoints of students and librarians in the Tehran’s Medical Sciences University to determine the quality of library services. The results show that the users consider the current quality of services lower than what the librarians consider them to be. This difference of opinion is much more drastic when examining the information control subscale. Service superiority gap was estimated to be -2.14 for the overall library services under study and the said libraries fall fairly short of providing users with the desired level of services. From the users’ point of …

Reading Habits Among Students And Its Effect On Academic Performance: A Study Of Students Of Koforidua Polytechnic, Micheal Owusu-Acheaw

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study sought to assess the reading habits among students and their effects on their academic performance. The study was conducted in Koforidua Polytechnic situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A questionnaire was used for the data collection. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Figures and tables were used to present the results of findings. From the total of 1052 copies of questionnaire distributed, 1000 copies, representing 95.0% were filled and returned. The findings showed that majority of the respondents acknowledge the importance of reading, 81.9% of the …

Mentoring In Libraries And Information Organisation, The Catalogue Librarian Perspectives, M.A. Bello, Y. Mansor Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

All professions engage in continuous training in order to sharpen and sustain professional practice, standards as well as keep abreast with challenges and developments. Mentoring as career development model provides professional development, career growth, confidence, satisfaction as well as develops varied degrees of personal support. The present study is a survey of 48 Nigerian university catalogue librarians’ opinions on the use of mentoring in their professional practice. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 228 participants. The study explores the mentoring practices and assessment in Nigerian university libraries. Survey was conducted from April to September 2011 across Nigerian 36 states. …