Scholarly Communication Commons^™

Sela Leadership

The Southeastern Librarian

List of SELA Officers, Executive Committee, State Representatives, Committees, Sections, Round Tables, Ad Hoc Committees, and Working Groups for the Summer 2026 issue

Exploring The Experiences And Challenges Of Librarians In Cataloguing Academic Resources In Public University Libraries In The Volta Region Of Ghana, Hawa Osman Dr, Joana Dango Mrs., Hannatu Abue Kugblenu-Mahama Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of librarians involved in cataloguing academic resources and examined the challenges they face in public university libraries in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Methods: A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain in-depth insights into librarians’ lived experiences. The study was conducted at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Library and Ho Technical University (HTU) Library. A total of 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling, guided by Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. Ethical standards, including …

An Analysis Of Public Library Services For The Tribal Community In Rayalaseema Region With A Special Reference To Healthcare And Hygiene, P Ramu Naik, V. K. Dhanyasree

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Public libraries have long been recognised as critical societal institutions, serving as information, education, and community engagement centres. In the context of tribal communities, their role in disseminating health information is particularly significant. Tribal populations often face unique health challenges and disparities, making access to accurate and reliable health information vital to their well-being. This study examines the pivotal role that public libraries play in disseminating health information to tribal people. The study is conducted among 13 branch libraries in the tribal areas of Rayalaseema region. A structured questionnaire was used for the survey. The results show that even though …

An Unsolved Theft, Tim Pyatt

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article explores the mysterious theft of Civil War narratives from the libraries of the University of North Carolina and Duke University in the late 1970s while the author was an undergraduate at Duke. Using records preserved in the Duke University Archives and personal accounts, the author pieces together how the theft was discovered and the investigation was conducted. Potential suspects included the notorious thieves James Shinn and Stephen Blumberg as well as individuals identified during the investigation. The secrecy around the investigation as well as the effort to protect institutional reputation may have ultimately led to the theft never …

Disaster Preparedness, Prevention And Management In Lagos State University Library, Mausi A. Bokoh, Sophia V. Adeyeye Dr, Oluwaseun Adeola Abiodun-Asanre, Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Disasters pose significant threats to human lives, infrastructure, and national socioeconomic development. Effective disaster preparedness, prevention, and management are therefore vital for mitigating their impact and ensuring continuity of operations. This study examined disaster preparedness, prevention, and management practices at Lagos State University Library. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering key aspects of disaster management. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviations were used to analyze data.  The findings revealed that the library employs basic preventive strategies such as turning off electricity after work hours and ensuring timely evacuation during emergencies. …

Dealing With Generation Z (Gen Z) Library Users In Information Services Provision: The Challenges Before Nigerian Public University Libraries, Inemesit Udom Udoh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Generation Z are today’s bubbling population in various organizational settings, including students in the institutions of higher learning, with diverse information needs and expectations. This study examined the challenges of dealing with Generation Z (Gen Z) library users in information services provision in Nigerian public university libraries. It adopted a mixed methods research design of quantitative and qualitative types, with a population of four hundred and one (401) professional librarians from 8 public university libraries. A sample size of 205 professional librarians was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected with structured questionnaire, semi-structured interview and observation …

Academic Library Staff And The Use Of Social Media: Survey Of Academic Library Staff At Pakpatan And Sahiwal City., Dr.Shahid Mehmood Dr., Muhammad Faisal Mr., Ahmad Nawaz Dr, Bakht Yar Zafar Mr., Whaid Buksh Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The research libraries have benefited a lot with the aid of the social networking sites and this can hardly be overestimated. Due to the spread of the information technology in the university libraries, the user’s expectations, the type of services that the library can offer and the role of the library staff have all been changed. The research objective in general was to be familiar with the extent of familiarity and comfort of Pakpatan City library and Sahiwal City library staffs in Pakistan with the social media. The method of descriptive surveying was used to obtain these findings. The sample …

Users’ Searching Preferences In Accessing The E-Library Resources Of The Federal University Of Lafia, Nigeria, Alice Olije Odu, Samuel Otsonu Aboh, Olumide Johnson Akanmidu, Grace Sewuese Ape

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Online information activities in the academic environment keeps getting better and easier thanks to the internet that forms part of regular source of connection between users and other information resources. Access to e- library resources are normally via computers and mobile technologies using local network or the internet connection. This makes searching from e-library resource more appealing to academic library users. However, libraries still experiencing low users’ patronage with the e-resource collection, hence this study is undertaken to ascertain the searching preference by the Students of the Federal University of Lafia to help devise better ways of meeting their information …

From First-Come, First-Served To Rubric-Based Open Access Publishing Funds: A Comparative Analysis And Survey Study, Karen B. Burton, Amal Wagih H. Mostafa

Publications

Open Access (OA) publishing contributes to research visibility and compliance with grant mandates, yet high Article Processing Charges remain a major barrier. To address this, Clemson University Libraries launched an Open Access Publishing Fund (OAPF) in 2016, initially using a first-come, first-served model. Rapid depletion of funds under this model prompted a shift in 2023 to a rubric-based monthly award system. This research compared the current practices of Clemson University's OAPF with OA funds at similar land-grant universities. The findings revealed that all eight institutions used first-come, first-served models and had similar eligibility criteria to Clemson's. It also surveyed previous …

Role Of Libraries As Sources Of Information On Organic Farming In Oyo State Nigeria, Sobalaje Adewale Joel A. J, Oyetola Solomon Olusegun S. O, Ayano Kekinde Oluwaseun K. O.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT: This study provided the role of libraries as sources of information on organic agriculture to the farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Organic agriculture/farming is the process of producing food naturally. Two hundred (200) questionnaires were distributed for administration, but only one hundred and eighty-five (185) questionnaires were returned, representing 92.5%, and were found useful for this study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the returned questionnaires. The data was analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages, and regression analysis tests for dependent and independent variables. The study discovered that 90.8% of the respondents used …

A Framework For Enhancing Utilization Of Library Electronic Resources In Higher Institutions Of Learning, Niyonsaba Innocent, Atuha Peter, Natukunda Elizabeth, Arahe Turahe Glorious

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Electronic resources are now essential for teaching, learning, research and dissemination of knowledge in higher institutions of learning. Although many universities have invested heavily in digital collections, databases, electronic journals, electronic books, institutional repositories, and online reference services, the use of these resources is not as high as expected in many universities, especially in developing countries. Low awareness, lack of information literacy skills, limited technological infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, lack of training, and weak institutional support continue to impede the effective use of electronic resources. This is a review paper that explores the current state of electronic resource utilization …

Assessment Of The Status Of Open Access Publications In Central Universities Of India: A Review Of Literature, Gulam Jilani, Swapna Banerjee

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Unrestricted access to research outputs and increased exposure and distribution of academic information are two benefits of Open Access (OA) publication, which has emerged as a revolutionary method to scholarly communication. With an emphasis on its economic models, international and Indian publishing trends, institutional activities, regulations, and researcher attitudes, this study explores the literature on open access publishing. The paper examines many OA models, such as gold, green, hybrid, bronze, and diamond access, emphasizing their benefits, drawbacks, and implications for the fair distribution of information. The expansion of open access publication in India and throughout the world is also covered, …

Non-Negotiable Responsibilities Of Librarians Despite The Presence Of Generative-Ai Powered Chatbots: An Overview, Emmanuel Chidiadi Onwubiko

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The presence of AI-Chatbots as linguistic models of Generative AI is one that has sent cold in the spines of librarians for the fear of the unknown.  Against this backdrop, it is received with mixed feelings.  To some librarians, it poses threats to their traditional responsibilities hence the fear of losing their jobs.  This paper conceptualizes the place of generative-AI Chatbots in libraries and their limitations, identifying some non-negotiable responsibilities of librarians regardless of the emergence of AI-Chatbots as well as clearing some doubts as expressed by librarians by reconciling the impacts of Chatbot and how librarians can leverage the …

Benchmarking Academic Knowledge Hubs: A Comparative Assessment Of Nirf Ranked Indian University Library Portals, Sheel Bhadra Yadav Dr., Vinit Kumar Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

University library portals have become important digital gateways for accessing academic information and services. This study examines the current status of library portals of the top 100 universities ranked under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in India. A structured evaluation framework was used to analyze the content and services available on these portals. The framework was developed through expert responses from library and information science professionals and validated using statistical methods. The analysis was conducted using a weighted checklist covering five major categories: general information, library collections, e-resources, library services, and social networking features. Data were collected through systematic …

How Systems Use The Research Organization Registry (Ror) For Research Integrity, Maria Gould, Adam Buttrick

FORCE 2026

As scholarly publishers strive to ensure the integrity of the scholarly record, verified author affiliations have become a key metric to assist with assessment of manuscript submissions. For instance, a recent article in Nature used author affiliations to identify problematic research practices at particular institutions, and a recent STM report on Trusted Identity in Academic Publishing points out that a verified author affiliation valuable as it links an individual to an organisation, providing a route for accountability where there would otherwise be none.

Knowing that there is a confirmed link between an author and a reputable research organization is a …

Connected, Traceable And Trusted Identifier In China, Jia Liu, Xiaolei Xia, Lijuan Wang, Shu Wang, Yuanchun Zhou

FORCE 2026

Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) has been recognized as a critical infrastructure for the Open Science. The Chinese National Standard GB/T 32843-2016, Science and Technology Resource Identification was launched in 2016 which specifies the numbering schema of the Science and Technology Resource Identification(CSTR). The standard systematically defines the identification objects, encoding rules, and applications for science and technology resources, establishing a robust technical foundation and operational guidelines for their complete lifecycle management. CSTR Identification Platform（https://www.cstr.cn/en） based on the Standard, providing unique identification service for global science data, papers, patents and other science and technology resources.
Connected
CSTR platform services cover …

Stm Integrity Hub: Infrastructural Change Through New Collaborations, Joris Van Rossum

FORCE 2026

The STM Integrity Hub, launched at the end of 2021, offers powerful services and tools for publishers to help detect research integrity concerns in manuscripts submitted for publication, including indications that the manuscript may have been produced by a paper mill. With those services, publishers are better equipped to effectively respond to the worrying and increasing volume of materials submitted for publication that violate accepted academic norms of research integrity. Four years after its launch, the Hub screens 125,000 manuscripts per month from 40 publishers, powering effective workflows through integrations with 7 submissions systems.

The Hub demonstrates the power of …

Promoting Crisis-Ready Data Policies In Science Publishing: Implementing Unesco’S Open Science Guidance For Resilient Preservation, Response, And Recovery, Francis P. Crawley

FORCE 2026

Crises disrupt not only societies but also the continuity of scientific data and publications essential for evidence-based decision-making. Preserving the integrity, accessibility, and long-term usability of these resources during disruptions has become a global priority. In response, UNESCO, with the support of CODATA, has developed a suite of Open Science Toolkit instruments (Factsheet, Guidance, and Checklist) on ‘Developing Data Policies for Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science’. This presentation examines how these instruments can strengthen data preservation, response, and recovery within scholarly communication. By promoting crisis-ready data policies supported by AI-enabled systems in science publishing, the UNESCO approach connects …

Making Open Work: Research Data Management As A Foundation For Open Infrastructure And Intercultural Engagement, Qinqin Zhang, Lily Y. Ko

FORCE 2026

At The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Research Data Management (RDM) plays a vital role in advancing our commitment to research integrity, transparency, responsible research, and open science. Through services such as a Data Management Plan (DMP) tool, a FAIR-aligned institutional repository, and targeted training, we enable researchers to manage, share, and reuse data across disciplines and cultures.

CUHK Library’s RDM initiatives emphasize collaboration, inclusivity, and intercultural exchange. A key program is Data Champions, a peer-led network that empowers students and staff to advocate best practices in research data management. Data champions co-develop learning materials, lead workshops, and provide …

Building Trust From The Ground Up: Implementing A University Pid Action Plan For Research Integrity And Provenance, Jodi Neindorf, Kate Croker

FORCE 2026

Trust in research begins with transparency — knowing who did what, where, and when. Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) provide the infrastructure to support this transparency, making it possible to trace the provenance of research outputs, link contributors and institutions, and ensure that research is findable, accessible, and verifiable. In this presentation, we will share our university’s newly developed Persistent Identifier (PID) Action Plan — a strategic, institution-wide approach to implementing and integrating PIDs to enhance integrity, provenance, and trust across the research ecosystem. By aligning with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) National PID Strategy, our university ensures interoperability with national …