Showing papers in "Library Philosophy and Practice in 2018"

The Effects of Social Media on the Undergraduate Students’ Academic Performances

Abstract: Social Media are growing rapidly among the young generation all over the world. University age students widely engaged using Social Media. So, they will affect students personal and professional live. Thus, this study is designed to find out the positive and negative effects of social media on the academic performances of students in Alberoni University of Afghanistan. As quantitative approach was adapted to collect the relevant data of study, a number of 371 survey questionnaires were administered among the undergraduates in nine faculties of Alberoni University. Subsequently, SPSS software was applied to analyze the relevant data of the study. It was concluded that in despite of public views concerning the misuse of social media among students in the society, most of the students were interested to use social media positively for their educations. The positive impacts of social media among the undergraduates appeared to be higher as compared to negative impacts. However, results of ANOVA showed that there are no statistically significant differences between positive and negative impact of social media and students' academic achievements. Educators and students can use social media as informational and communication tools to ease and improve learning process.

Autocratic Leadership Style: Obstacle to Success in Academic Libraries

Abstract: The literature review is on autocratic leadership style as obstacle to success in academic libraries and other institutions were it is practiced. Leaders in institutions of higher education have been observed to be exhibiting autocratic leadership style. This review is geared towards reminding Chief Librarians that autocratic leadership style, no matter the colour it is painted remains a leadership style that is greatly not wanted by the led in the libraries. Most times, positive work attitude is not exhibited by staff. Leaders have been for the most part ignoring staff by following outmoded set of principles about them for the reason that it adhered to Theory X when actually most staff could be closer to the Theory Y set of principles. In this review, the many definitions put forward by researchers where highlighted and discussed. The pros and cons of using autocratic leadership style were also noted. It was concluded that autocratic leadership style prevents the use of creative ideas to problem solving; therefore leaders should learn to exercise restraint in the use of the style in the running of their institutions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Application in Library Systems in Iran: A Taxonomy Study

Abstract: With introducing and developing AI logic, this science as a branch of computer science could impact and improve all sciences which used computer systems. LIS also could get benefit from AI in many areas. This paper survey applications of AI in library and information science and introduce the potential of library system to apply AI techniques. Intelligent systems have contributed for many librarian purposes like cataloging, indexing, information retrieval, reference, and other purposes. We applied Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) as a primer method for identification of the most applicable AI techniques categories in LIS. ESs are the most usable intelligent system in LIS which mimic librarian expert’s behaviors to support decision and management. AI also can utilize in many areas such as speech recognition, machine translation and librarian robots. In this study four criteria for the application of AI in the library systems in Iran was considered and it is determined in three area included public services, technical services, and management services. Then, degree of development these services was studied using taxonomy method. The results showed that most developed Recommender Systems (RM) in library systems in Iran and Natural Language Processing (NLP) is the most undeveloped criterion.

Read or Perish: Reading Habits among Students and Its Effect on Academic Performance: A Case Study of Eastbank Senior High School - Accra

Abstract: The paper was to examine reading habit among students and its effect on academic performance: using Eastbank Senior High School in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana as a case study. A questionnaire was employed for data gathering. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study revealed that 45.19% of the respondents recognized the importance of reading in their studies. The study revealed further that reading habits have affected the majority of students in their learning. The findings reported that the lack of conducive home environment hinders their reading habit t when they are at home. Based on the findings it has been recommended that the school should design a timetable for library hours to allow students to go to the library at least one and half hours in each day. Parents should help their children to have a serene reading environment when they are at home.

An Investigation on the Nexus Between Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction of Library Staff in Private University Libraries South-West, Nigeria.

Abstract: Human capital is a key success factor in any organisation. Dissatisfied and unhappy staff may not perform maximally, and this could affect an organisation’s products and services. This study examined the extent to which leadership style, correlated with job satisfaction intention in private university libraries South-West, Nigeria.Survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of all the 361 library staff. Findings revealed that the level of job satisfaction of library staff was low, and that the most practice leadership style is autocratic. It also revealed a significant relationship between leadership style and job satisfaction (r = 0.028, p < 0.05); The study concluded that leadership style contributed significantly to the low level of job satisfaction. It is recommended that library management should be more democratic, payment of allowances should be put in place. This would increase the job satisfaction of the employees in private university libraries.

Influence of Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions on use of Digital Library by Engineering Lecturers in universities in South-west, Nigeria

Abstract: Digital library (DL) is an important information system which provides all-encompassing benefits to various stakeholders in scholarship and research through its provision of access to immediate and up-to-date information resources. The review of literature indicated low use of this system by engineering lecturers owing to system characteristics; and pay little or no attention to factors such as Performance Expectancy (PE) and Facilitating Conditions (FC) on the use of this system by engineering lecturers in universities. This study therefore investigated the influence of performance expectancy and facilitating conditions on the use of digital library by engineering lecturers in universities in South-west, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design of correlational type was adopted. The study comprised 759 engineering lecturers in 10 universities in South-west Nigeria. Data analysis for the study involved frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for the analysis. Performance expectancy was found to be a critical factor in the use of digital library by engineering lecturers. The paper therefore, recommends the need for improvement of facilitating conditions such as provision of uninterrupted power supply, high Internet bandwidth and facilitation of periodic training in order to sustain the use of digital library by engineering lecturers in universities in South-west, Nigeria.

Assessment of Information Literacy Skills among Students of Alagappa University, India

Abstract: This study assessed and the use of information skills among the students of Alagappa University Central library users. Simple random sampling technique is used in the study. The scope of the study covered various aspects like awareness in library sources and services, both printed document and electronic documents.; Knowledge about the item usually covered in the catalogue and including Internet; familiarity use ICT and Online Database; Information literacy a determining factor in the development of the information society. The study shows that the majority of the students accessing internet in university central library and the maximum number of students are using various information resources for developing their knowledge and prepare the seminar, conference and writing journal article. The study also analyzed that the main problem of the lack of electricity was the prime barriers to the use of the computer by university library users.

Assessment of ict competencies of library staff in selected universities in kwara state, nigeria

Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the world of library such that activities been carried out manually before are now been automated. The work of library staff are now being characterized by information and communication technologies. Academic libraries were observed to be more equipped with information infrastructures more than any other type of libraries, but no library no matter how well equipped that doesn’t require the service of a workforce that is highly competent in the use of ICT tools, as such information infrastructure will remain unused or under-utilized. It is in connection to the above, that this study assessed the ICT competence of library staff in selected universities in Kwara state using a descriptive survey design of quantitative research method, where sample size of one hundred and twenty two (122) were drawn from population of one hundred and ninety one (191). Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection, with one hundred and nine participants (which constitute 89.3% return rate) fully completed and returned the instrument. Result of findings demonstrated a high level of ICT competency on the part of library staff in selected university libraries (University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Al-Hikmah University), most especially on skills that were considered basic and intermediate ICT skill. Verdict from the study has it that library staff in those universities can effectively deploy ICT tools for operations in the library. They identified library schools, computer training centers, workshops and seminars, personal training, watching demonstrations on YouTube, guidance from friends and relatives as sources from which Library staff can acquirer ICT skills, but more emphases is on having additional qualification in computer science. Constraints to ICT skills acquisition identified include; tight working schedule, lack of motivation, lack of experience, inadequate training, and inappropriate library and information science curriculum. Identified challenges militating against effective utilization of ICT tools in the library for dynamic information service delivery include; lack of adequate information infrastructure, absent of provision for staff training and development, limited and tighter budget for the library, lack of technological know-how, fear of technology on the part of library staff as well as epileptic power supply. Sequential to the above identified challenges and constraints, the study recommends that library management should make available adequate information infrastructure and as well make provision for staff development and training. Experienced staff should as well train the upcoming or new staff in the library. Library schools should revise curriculum and design one that will accommodate development in information and communication technology. Professional associations and regulatory bodies should organized regular seminars and workshops that will improve ICT skills of librarians.

The Emergence of Institutional Repositories: A Conceptual Understanding of Key Issues through Review of Literature

Abstract: It is the responsibility of the libraries to keep update its users by incorporating different technologies or tricks among the services offered to users. The libraries are managing diversified collection in both electronic and physical formats including the theses and dissertations awarded by their respective parent institutes in physical form. The academic libraries are directed by the Indian government through a mandate to protect and preserve the theses and dissertation in electronic form and provide access to the public domain. Institutional Repositories (IRs) have the prospective to store any amount of information electronically. Therefore, many of the academic libraries are forced to develop their IRs. The present paper is an attempt to find out the answers to some of the burning questions related to creation and management of IRs by the libraries. The library managers are sometimes confused when they asked to install the IRs Software, design the IR policy, motivate faculty, prepare budget estimates for IRs, etc. The current study covered various theoretic aspects related to the creation and maintenance of an IR in an academic institution. The study is based on the review of available literature and analysis focused various aspects of motivations, cost factors and software requirement and its global perspectives for the creation of Institutional Repositories. The paper also discusses the role of IRs in Scholarly Communication. Finally, it highlights the barriers for IRs in an academic environment appeared in the repository literature.

The Role of Ict in Provision of Library Services: A Panacea for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract: This paper is an attempt to explore the crucial roles of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in management and provision of library services, and its implication to sustainable development in Nigeria. Despite the availability of wide opportunities offered by the advent of ICT, it has been observed that application of ICT to library services in Nigeria seems inadequate probably due to variety of challenges. With the methodology of simple literature review, the paper made effort to review related literature on ICT resources and ICTbased services in libraries, benefits of ICT and the role of library in sustainable development of Nigeria. The paper further identified the challenges of ICT application in libraries. It was recommended among others that, there should be improvement in the capacity and level of ICT adoption by libraries.

Researchers' Scientific Performance in ResearchGate: The Case of a Technology University

Abstract: With the advancement of technology and changes made in the scientific communication model, changes have been made in scientific evaluation methods. New technologies offer indicators that measure all the actions and interactions of scientists in the digital environment and create new aspects of scientific communication. This work has some purposes; first, mapping profile of scientific activities of faculty members of Sharif University of Technology (SUT) in “ResearchGate” (RG), second, intend to test the correlation h-index between the RG and Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus and Google Scholar (GS). Third, investigate SUT faculty members’ top h cited research RG in WoS, Scopus, and GS. Fourth, investigate Altmetric score of SUT faculty members’ top h cited research RG with Altmetric Explorer (AE). For this purpose, the SUT faculty members were searched in RG. Information was noted for those who were members in RG. Then, all their h index and the number of citations of top h cited research were extracted from WoS, Scopus and GS. Altmetric scores of Top h cited research of SUT faculty members was obtained by using AE. The degree of correlation between RG h index and WoS h index was higher than the h index of other citation databases. Also, the results indicate that there are errors in the calculation of the Almetric score by AE. Only 3% of the top h cited research of SUT faculty members had Altmetric score. While 95.72% of them had been read at least once in Mendeley and 78.7% of them had been cited in Mendeley.

Research trends of sub-subjects on Economics: a bibliometric study

Abstract: The paper is basically a bibliometric study based on 4993 citations from 53 PhD theses under four sub-subjects of Economics viz. Indian Economics, Rural Economics, Economic Developing and International Economics). The purpose of the study is to analyze the citation pattern of references appended to the theses of all four subjects submitted to The University of Burdwan during the period 2006-2015. To fulfill the purpose, all the relevant information has been collected from the research section of The University of Burdwan and Shodhganga (http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/) and finally has been analyzed against pre-defined parameters such as bibliographic forms, journal ranking, authorship pattern, authorship collaboration, degree of collaboration. All the information collected under these parameters has been presented through dBaseIII plus programmer. It was found that highest number of contribution was in Indian Economics with 26 theses (49.05%) and least number of theses was contributed by International Economics with 2 theses (3.77%). The study also revealed that journals were found to be most cited documents (50.15%), followed by books (26.57%) and single authored articles were mostly cited than multi-authored articles.

Internet Use and its Effect on Senior High School Students in Wa Municipality of Ghana

Abstract: The internet is a technology that has become an enormous part of people’s daily lives. Over the last decades, internet connectivity has improved tremendously and is available everywhere such as homes, offices, travels and schools. Today, empirical studies report that access to information can influence the academic performance of students. However, studies on internet use among Senior High School Students are limited in the Wa Municipality making it uncertain whether Senior High School Students in the Wa Municipality use internet and the impact it makes in their academic performance. Hence, this study investigates the internet use and its impact on Senior High School students in the Wa Municipality. Primary data were obtained from a random selection of 314 Senior High School Students who are in their third year. The data were collected using a questionnaire and then analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and ANOVA. The results indicate that sources of internet to Senior High School Students include the School Information Communication Laboratory, mobile phones, household internet facilities, and public internet cafes. Besides, students’ access to internet was found to have a positive influence on their academic performance. However, different uses of the internet among students do not influence their academic performance. The study concludes that availability of different internet sources to students does not grant all of them immediate access. It is therefore, recommended that Heads of Senior High School should liaise with policy makers and management of Ghana Education Service to provide internet infrastructure in schools. This is relevant because provision of internet infrastructure in schools is a key strategy to promoting academic performance.

The Role of School Libraries in Promoting Reading Culture Among Secondary School Students : a case study of Federal Government College, Jos

Abstract: For the past couple of years, reading culture has been on the decline, especially in Nigeria, and Africa in general. Research has shown that this is partly due to the emergence of Technology and the rise of social media. It is despairing that young adults spend hours watching televisions, and chatting on social sites at the detriment of reading. This study examined the roles school libraries can play in promoting reading culture among secondary school students, using F.G.C Jos as a case study. On the basis of this, five (5) research questions were developed to guide the researchers. The descriptive survey method was used, and simple random sampling adopted. Questionnaire was the major instrument of data collection. Results of the findings were interpreted using simple percentages and organized in tables, and charts for clarity and better comprehension. The results of the findings revealed that students do not have good reading habit. This was represented by 51.4% who read for only 1-2 hours on a daily basis, which is unsatisfactory. Also students depend largely on textbooks and lecture notes as sources of reading materials, hence they read only to pass examinations; this is an indication of poor reading habit. The findings also revealed that students do not have opportunities of borrowing books from the library, and the library is not integrated in the school curriculum. Also, it was revealed that major factors hindering students from reading include watching television, phone addiction/chatting on social sites, and lack of interesting books.

User Engagement with Social Media, Implication on the Library Usage: A Case of Selected Public and Academic Libraries in Malaysia

Abstract: 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 reveal to what extent the presence of social media triggers users’ awareness and influence their engagement. Subsequently, how it further impacts the actual library usage among end-users. Therefore, the present study attempts to investigate the factors that drive users’ engagement with social media and further examine the relationship of users’ engagement with social media and actual library use from both users and librarians’ perspectives. A mixed method approach was employed, and the study population consists of selected State Public and Academic Libraries in Malaysia. The integration of DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems Success Model (ISSM), Perceived Interactivity (PI) and Consumer Online Engagement (COE) models were adapted to establish the direction of the research. A total of 334 respondents which consisted of library users; and 11 interview participants comprise of professional librarians. The statistical data was analysed usingSPSSand SmartPLS, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative approach. The findings indicated that Information Quality, Perceived Interactivity, and Perceived Net Benefit have empirically proven to be significant predictors of users’ engagement with social media. The study also revealed that two dimensions of online engagement (affective and behavioural) have a positive and statistically significant effect on actual library use; while cognitive engagement proves to be insignificant. The study is significant in providing libraries a holistic overview about determinants of social media engagement and offers guidelines on evaluation of library social media. It also explored the potential and gauges the prospective areas of improvement for harnessing the use of library resources and services in meeting users’ ever-changing needs. Finally, the study proposed a framework for social media engagement evaluation for libraries which act as a benchmark to determine the best social media platforms to be adopted by libraries. Furthermore, the proposed criteria can be applied to increase users’ awareness and greater users’ engagement of library services.

The Role of Libraries and Librarians in Open Educational Resources in Tanzania: the Case of Selected Public University Libraries

Abstract: This paper examined the Role of Libraries and Librarians in Open Educational Resources (OER) in selected public university libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to find out the level of OER awareness among librarians and the role played by libraries and librarians in OER in Tanzania. The study also identified challenges encountered by librarians in promoting access and use of OER. Fifty two librarians of different ranks and academic qualifications from four public university libraries participated in this study. These were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected through a self administered questionnaire and documentary review. Data collected was analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 18.0. The findings show that librarians are aware of the concept OER and also play multiple roles in promoting awareness on OER and its integration in university websites to facilitate their accessibility and use The study further revealed that limited awareness on existing OER and lack of policy guidelines on the use of OER are major challenges facing librarians in promoting access and use of OER. The study recommends more OER awareness creation campaigns and formulation of institutional OER policies.

The Effect of Motivation and Job Performance on Library Personnel Effectiveness in Universities Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract: This study is an enquiry into the potency of Motivation and job performance as a tool to enhance library personnel effectiveness in discharge of their duties. The method used for data collection was fact finding interviews and questionnaires. Two (2) Hypotheses were used for this research and most interestingly they were all proved to be true. Findings show that the problem of inefficiency would be encountered if staff are not motivated and that the most popular means of motivation is the financial method. Reward systems that include job enlargement, job enrichment, promotions, awards, monetary, and non-monetary compensation were considered. It was discovered that motivation is of prime importance in motivating library personnel; university librarians should continually motivate them, for effective job performance in University libraries.

Scientometric Study of Research Productivity of ARIES, Nainital

Abstract: This paper describes scientometric study of research productivity of Scientists of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the research performance of ARIES, Nainital. For this study, the data is collected from Web of Science (WoS) bibliographical database for the period of 15 years from 2001-2015 and analyzed. 574 research paper has been published over 15 years of time in which 510 research publications are in referred journals and 64 research publications are in conferences, symposiums, bulletins etc. This paper identifies the scientists of ARIES those are active; the areas in which they are active, the journals in which they publish their research work, their productivity in terms of publication, citations and H-Index etc. The paper reveals the collaborating institutions, countries and research funding agencies. Findings also indicate the publication pattern, degree of collaboration as well as the nature of the research activities.

Effective outreach techniques for the promotion of library information resources in academic libraries in Tanzania: A case of Sokoine National Agricultural Library

Abstract: This study examines the techniques for promoting library information resources and services through outreach activities and how librarians and other library patrons perceive the techniques for promoting the resources and services, and the factors affecting the perceptions regarding effectiveness of techniques used. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was purposively distributed to students, librarians and members of academic staff. A total of 40 respondents participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square Test) using SPSS software V.16. It was found that several techniques are used to promote library resources and services. These include catalogues, displays, print adverts each 7%, followed by e-mails (6%) and workshops, phones, leaflets, and face to face events each 5%. The present position respondent holds were found to influence positively and significantly a number of outreach approaches. It was found that the catalogue was rated effective by 28 (70%) respondents in promoting library services, the website was rated effective by 28 (70%) of respondents and the posters were rated effective by 20 (50%) of respondents. From the study, it can be concluded that the library could invest in the use of most highly rated outreach techniques such as face-to-face events, training sessions, workshops, brochures, catalogue, website, phones, leaflets, adverts, e-mail, classroom instructions, social media, posters and library tours to promote the use of services and resources among the library user community. On the part of respondents, they gave the following opinions to improve outreach services: use of social media and library website updates (61%), frequent email alerts of new arrivals, regular user training, and increased publicity by brochures and leaflets each (13%).

Evaluation of Nigeria Universities Websites Quality: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract: The use and continuous use of the website in the developed countries universities are predominant, and the developing countries universities are heightening their effort in the aspect of education technology. The reason why one university website is better than the other concerning quality and accessibility is the focus of this study and this prompt evaluation of 141 Universities in Nigeria across the Federal, State, and the Private ownership. We opted for a hybrid approach to cover the gap in the previous studies. WebQual and SITEQUAL as a framework is adopted based on the web analytical tools. The study contributes theoretically by combining two website quality theories to explain the inhibitors, improvement, quality and future updates of Nigeria Universities websites based on ease of use, processing speed, aesthetic design, interactive responsiveness, entertainment, trust and usefulness and come up with a new WebFUQII model. The contributes to methodology by using web diagnostic hybrid tools that gives more explanatory power. The study also gives managerial implications and guides future direction.