Journal articles on the topic 'State libraries'

The continued survival and use of university libraries in the present period depend on expanding and modernizing library and information services. The study examined awareness, attitude and use of high-end technologies by libraries in Nigerian Universities. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of high-end technologies available in Nigerian university libraries; determine if staff of Nigerian university libraries are aware of high-end technologies; investigate librarians’ attitude towards high-end technology and ascertain if Nigerian university libraries use high-end technologies for service delivery. The study adopts a survey design of mixed method approach, and the population comprised of 40 respondents in three selected university libraries in Kwara State. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency counts and percentage. Findings of the study revealed that university libraries now feature all-encompassing, user-friendly technology and service-driven techniques as a result of technological advancements, the study sheds light on librarian understanding, attitude, and use of cutting-edge technologies in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Only 6 of the 12 high-tech topics mentioned - RFID, IoT, institutional repositories, cloud computing, WEB 2.0/3.0, and WebOPAC - are thought to be well-known and in use. The study recommended that university management and library committee should provide adequate funding, thereby formulating policies addressing the installation and integration of high-end technologies in university libraries; there should be a public awareness campaign about the importance of high-end technologies in academic libraries; librarians should keep up with the latest trends to provide user-oriented services through adherence to these technologies in order to remain relevant in the profession and on the job, and that there should be constant user education on the importance of high-end technologies for both library staff and patrons.

<span>The adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology by libraries promises a solution that could make it possible to inventory hundreds of thousands of items in their collections in days instead of months. In addition, it would allow patrons to check out and return library property automatically at any time of the day. Besides speeding up checkouts, keeping collections in better order, and alleviating repetitive strain injuries among librarians, RFID promises to provide a better control on theft, nonreturns, and misfiling of a library’s assets. With an estimated 35 million library items tagged worldwide in more than three hundred libraries, this technology is generating ever-increasing interest. In October and November 2004, the industrial technology department and the Robert E. Kennedy Library at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, surveyed participating libraries, RFID electronic discussion groups, and Library and Information Technology Association (LITA-L) electronic discussion group subscribers to collect information with regards to the implementation of RFID systems in libraries. Opinions were gathered regarding such topics, actual or estimated, as RFID implementation costs and time; the impact of the technology on operations such as handling of volumes and security; and RFID system features adopted such as conversion stations, self-checkout units, and security systems. Information on the various RFID library components and the results from the survey are presented in this paper.</span>

<p><em>This research aims to determine strategies for developing librarian competency as well as supporting and inhibiting factors for developing librarian competency in the Pontianak City State University Library. The method for exploring data in the field uses interviews and observations using the case study method with qualitative descriptive analysis. The informants used were the heads of libraries from the three universities and 2 librarians each in each college library. The results of the research show that the problems found in three State University libraries in Pontianak City include the low skills of librarians in using technology and the problem of educational qualifications of leaders who do not meet the standards for running university libraries in 2015 and 2017. Conclusions from the research show that the strategy is carried out through competency certification for equality as well as through training, workshops, national seminars in the field of librarians, becoming members of the IPI, and involving librarians in competitions for outstanding librarians. Efforts to improve librarian competence include leadership support and the availability of funds. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factor is a lack of awareness of increasing competence through education and support from the work environment.</em></p><p align="justify"><em><br /></em><em></em></p>

This first in a series of articles will highlight events and statistics about North Carolina’s libraries in 1905, which were collected fromvarious publications in Joyner Library’s Verona Joyner Langford North Carolina Collection. The Biennial Report of the Superintendent ofPublic Instruction of North Carolina and the Biennial Report of the State Librarian provided information about school and public libraries. Information about college and private libraries was taken from the First Biennial Report of the North Carolina Library Commission and from books about the institutions of higher education.

This study examined the staff training and development programmes in academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for the study. All academic librarians in five institutions of higher learning in the state, comprising 81 academic librarians were investigated. Structured Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data generated were analyzed using percentage, frequency and arithmetic mean rating. Findings of this study showed that there are available training and development programmes in academic libraries in Imo state to a high extent; library needs, institutions objectives, librarians request/staff need are the criteria used to select librarians to attend staff training and development programmes. Challenges of staff training and development programmes in the academic libraries according to the study include: poor funding, and lack of management policy on training and development programmes. The study concluded that there should be continuous educational and professional programmes for librarians to update their knowledge on new technology, and adequate infrastructural facilities should be provided in academic libraries to enable librarians practice what they learnt

Objective -- As a first step in gathering evidence, this study surveyed school libraries and examined the services those libraries provide in relation to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program at a primary level. The purpose of this paper is to explore these UBE factors in relation to school libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods -- A questionnaire was sent to the 33 schools which have a library and information centre staffed by a teacher-librarian, in order to examine library services and the views of those providing them. The questionnaire covers library space, categories of library resources, student activities during library visits, mobile library services, and the teacher-librarians’ perception of the adequacy of the collection and the challenges in the use of library. Results -- Questionnaires were returned by 30 teacher-librarians out of 33, a response rate of 91%. Although pupils across each local government area have the chance to visit school libraries, the system of one short visit per week is inadequate for developing a universal interest in reading and in study skills. Staff responsible for the libraries consider many of the resources to be inadequate or outdated and stock is depleted as pupils borrow books, leaving fewer for those who follow. Conclusions -- As a first step to implementing evidence based practice, this paper describes the primary school library system in Nigeria and provides evidence on how it operates in Oyo State. Teacher-librarians who staff the libraries confirm the inadequacies in the system. They perceive collections to be inadequate and confirm that some pupils in the state have only limited access to library resources. Respondents also believe that they need further training, particularly in computer and information literacy.

The study investigated the influence of librarians' attitudes on users' patronage in private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. Survey design was used for the study. The study population comprised 5,616 undergraduates in five selected private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size of 365 was determined using Research Advisor’s Table. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the participants and questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and simple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that three dimensions of librarians’ job attitude measured; interpersonal relationship (M=3.28), professionalism (M=3.16), and perception and image (M=2.97) were all highly rated by the respondents. The study further revealed that the librarians’ attitudes significantly influenced library patronage of undergraduates in private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2= 0.034, β = 0.185, t(300) = 3.263, p < 0.05). The study concluded that librarians’ attitudes had a significant influence on library patronage in private university libraries in Lagos State. Based on the outcome of the study, it is recommended that the librarians should increase their self-confidence by being proactive and strive to be in the forefront of university activities in order to gain more visibility and launder the image of their profession.

Librarians’ performance is getting tasking and duties assigned must be completed at the expected time, through an effective and efficient manner. Librarians’ performance seems to be low in the libraries located in Ogun State, Nigeria where they work. Motivational factors stimulate individuals to put in their best to see to the completion of an assigned duty/task. Literature has not being fully established on how motivational factors influence job performance of librarians in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is on this premise that this study aimed to find out the influence of motivational factors on job performance of librarians in university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Survey research design was used in this research. The population of the study was 201 librarians from the nine university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was employed. A validated self-constructed structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A response rate of 61% was achieved. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive The findings revealed descriptively that librarians’ job performance was moderate at an overall mean score of 2.80 on a five point Likert scale with quantity of work output being the least score of 2.69. The extent to which librarians were motivated had an overall mean score of 2.00 which showed a low extent of motivation on a five Likert type scale. The most prevalent motivational factor is compensation (Mean = 2.07) while recognition of librarians was X=1.87, which indicates that librarians in these institutions were not recognized. The study concluded that motivational factors in these university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria were low, therefore recommending that there should be an increase in the extent of motivation management of the library. Also, there be encouragement to improve performance of librarians in the libraries by the management of the libraries and the institution at large

The article analyzes changes in state cultural policy over the last three decades and the role of libraries in its implementation. The basic constitutional norms that enshrine the powers of state authorities at different levels in the sphere of culture have been identified. Libraries are seen as both an object of cultural policy and a subject that plays a significant role in its implementation. Two main stages of the state cultural policy are distinguished: 1) from 1992 (adoption of the “Fundamentals of Legislation of the Russian Federation on Culture”) to 2014; 2) from 2014 (Presidential Decree “On Approval of the Fundamentals of State Cultural Policy”) to the present. The relationship between legislation in the sphere of culture and legislation in the sphere of librarianship is presented. The refusal of value-oriented functions of libraries and understanding of the library as a service provider is highlighted as a characteristic feature of libraries in the time of the first stage. The limitations of this approach are demonstrated. An analysis has been made of the tasks of libraries in an environment where culture is defined as one of the national development priorities, contributing to consolidation and cultural continuity. It shows how the Strategy for Development of Librarianship in the Russian Federation until 2030 relates to the tasks of cultural policy. The relevance of librariesʼ educational work in the formation of a fully developed and socially responsible personality is emphasized. It justifies the need to develop a state programme for acquiring literature for public libraries, which will help consolidate the peoples of the Russian Federation on the basis of a unified system of values and continuity of cultural development. This direction is historically characteristic for the development of public libraries in Russia. Russia’s national libraries bear special responsibility for the development and implementation of the state cultural policy.

The article is concerned with some peculiarities of development and innovative activity of modern Russian libraries. The estimation of innovations specificity in the librarian sphere and prospects which are opened by the innovative approach to management of library activities is given.

This study explored staff training and development among librarians in academic libraries in Ondo State. The population of this study consisted of sixty one (61) librarians. The entire population was used as sample for the study because it was manageable.. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The professional staff are used for the study. Frequency and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that all the librarians have participated in formal education as well as continuing education programmes followed by ICT training in the library since commencement of work in the libraries; that all of them have positive attitude to training and development programmes while financial constraint, denial of promotion after completion of staff development programme among others are the prevalent factors affecting training and development programmes among the staff. The study concluded that that the librarians have participated in various training and programmes since they began working in the libraries and recommended that the management of the institutions and libraries should make funds available to staff for training and development and well as promote those that have acquired additional qualifications through professional development programmes.

Purpose – This article examines a structured redesign of one academic library's offering of its online learning objects. This process considered both improving the online learning objects and developing a feasible workflow process for librarians. The findings for both processes are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The scholarship on online library learning objects and web tutorials, beginning with Dewald's seminal study, was examined for trends, patterns, and best practices. From this research, informal interviews were conducted with library faculty members. Once this information had been collected, other public university libraries in the state of Michigan – 14 in all – were considered in terms of if, and how, they offered online learning objects and web tutorials. These three areas of inquiry provide a foundation for the best practices and workflows developed. Findings – Based on the scholarship, librarian feedback, and informal assessment of other public university libraries' practices, best practices were developed for web tutorial evaluation and creation. These best practices are to make online learning content: maintainable, available, geared at users, informative, and customizable. Workflows for librarians around these best practices were developed. Also, using these best practices, the library redesigned its tutorials web page and employed a different content management tool, which benefitted both librarians and users with increased interactivity and ease of use. Originality/value – This article shares best practices and library workflows for online learning objects in ways that are not commonly addressed in the literature. It also considers the library's online instructional presence from the perspectives of both user and librarian, and works to develop structures in which both can function effectively. This article is also of value because of the practical implications it offers to library professionals.

In 1994, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Libraries founded a College Librarian Program. Begun with four librarians serving four colleges, it has since grown to include eleven librarians providing comprehensive library services to the six of Virginia Tech’s eight colleges not served by branch libraries. Other authors have described the early history of the program or outlined some of its specific elements.1 By reviewing how the program came to be, by analyzing the choice points it presents, especially from an administrative perspective, and by discussing its benefits and costs from a university point of view, the authors hope to illuminate an exciting and potentially beneficial approach that other large institutions might seek to adapt to their own missions.

This study investigated the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic on public libraries providing information services in Anambra State. The study was guided by two research questions. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study are the librarians in public libraries in Anambra State. According to the Anambra State Library Board, there are 91 librarians in the public libraries. No sampling technique was used for the study since the entire population was small and manageable. Thus, the sample size of the study is 91 librarians. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was entitled: ―Questionnaire of Challenges of Post-COVID-19 Provision of Information Services (QCPCOVIDPIS)‖. The questionnaire was structured on a four-point scale with 17 items. The questionnaire was validated by two research experts at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument was subjected to test rest. The study used 10 librarians in public libraries in Enugu for the test of reliability and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. At the end of the exercise, the study obtained a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.89 and was considered reliable for the study. The researcher personally went to the libraries to collect and administer the questionnaire and retrieved it on the spot and 100% of the questionnaire was returned. The data obtained from the copies of the questionnaire were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Mean scores of 2.50 above were considered ―Agree‖ while mean scores below 2.50 were considered ―Disagree‖. The study found that inadequate funding post-COVID- 19 affects the delivery of library information services because most public libraries across various states in the country suffer from neglect, displaying deteriorated structures and limited interest from successive governments. The study recommended that government should try as much to fund public libraries to enable libraries to sustain the provision of information services to the users. Government and library management should always work in synergy to make a budget for libraries that can help in the provision of infrastructural facilities.

Starting in 1988, the Indonesian government has authorized the librarian profession to become a functional position. Functional positions are regulated gradually, and finally with the decision of KEMENPAN RB 132/KEP/M.PAN/12/2002 concerning Functional Librarians. As a profession that the state has recognized, librarians must be responsible for all actions both of fellow librarian professions, organizations, and to themselves. Each member of the Indonesian Librarian Association is responsible for implementing the code of ethics in the highest standards for the needs of users, professions, libraries, professional organizations, and the community. Librarians must not only know about the librarian’s code of ethics, but librarians must also implement it. The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of students class of the 2019 library and information science study program on the importance of implementing the librarian code of ethics. Later, it can provide knowledge to libraries, especially in Indonesia about the importance of implementing a librarian code of ethics. The method used in this study is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The results showed that students of library and information science study program class of 2019 Indonesian Educational University strongly agreed to implement the librarian code of ethics according to IPI with results above 85%. The implementation of the code of ethics will impact the library and the librarian for the achievement of the shared goals of the library.

Australia is a federation of six states, two self-governing territories and a number of external territories. The state libraries were modelled on the British Museum Library and saw themselves as ‘national’ institutions, with a mandate to collect ‘books of all languages and descriptions’. Until the 1950s they remained the backbone of the Australian library system. By 1962, with the expansion of university education, the holdings of the university libraries for the first time equalled the combined resources of the state libraries and the National Library of Australia (NLA). The other development that transformed the post-war library scene was the emergence of the NLA itself from the relative obscurity of the pre-war years. The rivalry that grew up between the state libraries and the NLA was eventually put to rest by a number of factors, including the creation of the Australian Bibliographic Network and the resulting National Bibliographic Database, which made all types of library more interdependent; also the enforced sharing of the new poverty of the 1980s and the early 1990s. However, the state libraries themselves are now better housed, leaner and more efficiently run than they were even a decade ago. The 5.2 million volumes they hold account for almost 13% of the nation's bibliographic resources.

Two librarians reflect on their experiences as participants in Penn State's Diversity Residency Program. An introduction is provided by Barbara Dewey, Dean of University Libraries & Scholarly Communications.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on research that examined librarians’ perception and acceptance of use of Facebook and Twitter in promoting library services in Oyo state, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The survey design and interview were used to collect data from librarians in Oyo state. The questionnaire contained questions that are pertinent to the issues being investigated. The 81 responses (81 per cent) received were processed, analysed and results presented. Findings – The paper reveals that majority of the libraries in Oyo state, Nigeria, have Facebook profiles, though minority have Twitter accounts. Librarians in Oyo state, Nigeria, have high perception and acceptance of using Facebook and Twitter to promote library services. Findings also reveal that librarians in academic and special libraries in Oyo state, Nigeria, are more highly receptive to use of Facebook and Twitter to promote library services. Findings revealed further that younger librarians showed more positive perception and higher acceptance. Research limitations/implications – While the research was limited to librarians in Oyo state, Nigeria, it has applications to librarians and libraries all over Nigeria. Practical implications – This research provides information on the perceptions and acceptance of social media tools (Facebook and Twitter) in promoting library services. The findings may help provide information to library heads on adopting new and popular technologies to bring the library closer to the user and attract more users and on why it is not being used where they are provided. Originality/value – At the time of completing this study, research had mainly been on librarians’ use of social media for personal issues not on librarians’ perception and acceptance of using it to promote library services. This research also focuses on libraries in Oyo state having a presence on Facebook and Twitter to promote library service and direct and prompt communication with their users.

Knowledge has become a crucial resource in our society, managing knowledge helps information professionals in improving services being rendered to library users. The digital era has revolutionised the landscape of knowledge management in academic libraries, presenting new opportunities and challenges for information professionals. Academic libraries face the complex task of formulating effective strategies and implementing best practices for knowledge management. To actively participate in knowledge management activities, certain competencies and skills are required by library personnel. Thus, this study explores knowledge management practices in academic libraries in Ondo State . This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consists of 114 library personnel working in the eight (8) academic libraries in Ondo state tertiary institutions. The population of this study was limited to professionals (librarians) and paraprofessionals (library officers) only. The sampling technique adopted for this study was total enumeration. The research instrument for this study was a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results revealed the main purposes of implementing KM in academic libraries, which include improving library services, managing information explosions, and meeting information needs of users, among many others. The highest rated areas of KM in academic libraries include digital and online services, reference services, technical services, policy and decision making, information literacy program, and resource management. Strategies of KM, as indicated by the study, includes using available ICT facilities for KM activities, providing ICT infrastructure, training in ICT and KM, developing a knowledge sharing culture, and providing mentorship. The benefits of KM, according to the findings, include gaining new skills, eradicating duplication of work, providing new jobs and roles to library professionals, transforming libraries into learning organisations, helping librarians respond effectively to users‟ needs, and so on. Respondents indicated that all the ten skills listed in the study are important for KM implementation. The major problems of KM implementation identified were budget decline, lack of clear guidelines and policies on KM, inadequate staff training, inadequate technology, lack of appropriate rewards and incentives, among others. Knowledge management will empower libraries to thrive as dynamic knowledge hubs in the digital era. Academic libraries should make sure that they manage their knowledge so as to facilitate easy and timely sharing and use of knowledge for the betterment of academic community. The study recommends that management need to make adequate provision for staff training and technological infrastructure so as to facilitate knowledge management and improve library services.

The reference services in Cameroonian libraries are lagging in the exercise of their activities. Thus, this study raises the problem of the organization and functioning of reference services in the libraries of Cameroon. The purpose of the research is to provide an updated view of research issues in reference services in the libraries of the Republic of Cameroon. It outlines the definition of the notion «reference service»; opens his essence, characteristics, and content; reveals the current state of reference services for Cameroonian libraries and the main factors influencing the activities of reference services in libraries of Cameroon. The research defines the attributes of a reference librarian and proposes and defines several ways and trends for the future improvement of reference services in the libraries of Cameroon. As part of the research conducted, the following methods were used: observation and interviews carried out in Cameroon libraries. The results of this study would, no doubt, be of great benefit to all libraries in Cameroon and should ideally be completed by the Cameroonian reference services.

The article reflects the results of a local study of the human resources of libraries in music and art schools of St. Petersburg, conducted in 2020, assesses the current state of their human resources and suggests possible ways of its development. Libraries in children’s music and art schools (CMS/CAS) are an important participant in the system of additional pre-professional education of children, that’s why the quality of the work of specialists is an important factor in ensuring the quality of the educational process. It was found that the information about these libraries on the websites of the CMS/CAS, is given extremely rare, and it is not structured. Regulatory documents contain very little or no information at all about the tasks of the library, the functional responsibilities of librarians, let along their salaries. The staff is exclusively women; three-quarters of employees are over 50 years old; their work experience in libraries ranges from a minimum to several decades; only the third of employees have a higher library education, more than a half – the pedagogical one, that result in the quality of library activity. Only half of the employees is able to work on computer. Qualification categories to librarians are not assigned. All respondents need advanced training in basic library processes. In the current situation, the main way to develop the activities of the libraries in the CMS/CAS of St. Petersburg is to transform them into information and library centers for the arts similar to those created in school libraries, and to unite them into a network to overcome the disunity of the professional group of librarians of the CMS/CAS.

The paper adopted descriptive survey research method to assess collection development policy and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in rivers state, Nigeria. The population of the study includes 42 professional librarians in three university libraries – University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University. Census sampling technique was used to sample all the 42 librarians. Three objectives guided the study. Self-developed questionnaire was utilized for data collection and 100% return rate was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean (x̄) and standard deviation (±) was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that that collection development policy has a positive influence on the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.84 ≥ 2.5), several factors affecting collection development policy in promoting the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.73 ≥ 2.5), and there are several ways to improve the effectiveness of collection development policy in ensuring the utilization of information resources (x̄: 3.57 ≥ 2.5). The study concluded that Libraries without a collection development policy or poorly written collection policy would suffer waste of fund, poorly offered library services, and low patronage or poor usage of the information resources by users. Among others, the study recommended that continuous training of library staff concerned with the activity of collection development, academic libraries should explore various ways of generating funds independently such as the offering of photocopy services to users, and academic libraries should learn to patronize local but quality information resources.

This study investigated knowledge and utilization of digital applications for effective service delivery in academic libraries in South-South universities, Nigeria. 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were raised. The population included 181 selected Librarians in the twelve (12) selected universities in South-South, Nigeria as a case study. A sample size of 119 Librarians representing 66% of the population served as respondents. Convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A 25-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain 0.73 reliability. Mean/standard deviation were used for research questions and z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that, Librarian in both federal and state universities are knowledgeable about Library Catalogue Apps, Library Card and Account Management Apps, Digital Preservation and Archives Apps and others. Meanwhile, Librarians in both federal and state universities poorly utilize Digital Citation Management Apps, Digital Library Card and Account Management Apps and Digital Preservation and Archives Apps. The analysis also shows that, Librarians do not utilize Digital Augmented and Virtual Reality Apps, Digital Library Events and Notifications Apps, Reading and E-Book Apps, Digital Study and Collaboration Apps and Quick Response (QR) Codes scanners. The challenges academic libraries face in promoting digital applications are inadequate skilled staff to operate digital libraries, difficulty in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-utilization of digital library Apps.

American Librarian Ralph Munn's historic tour of Australian libraries in 1934 is well documented. Along with Ernest Pitt, Chief Librarian of the State Library of Victoria, he spent nearly ten weeks travelling from Sydney and back again, visiting libraries in all the state capitals and many regional towns throughout the country. Munn's trip was funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which was then, through its Dominions fund, turning attention to philanthropic opportunities in the Antipodes. The resulting report, Australian Libraries: A Survey of Conditions and Suggestions for their Improvement (commonly referred to as the Munn–Pitt Report) is often credited with initiating the public library movement in Australia.

The study investigated the attitude of library personnel towards preservation practices of academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 387 librarians and paraprofessionals in seventeen academic libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. Total enumeration method was used. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.77 to 0.84. A return rate of 81.4% was achieved. Descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics were used for data analysis. The finding indicated attitude of library personnel had a significant influence on preservation of information resources in the libraries (Adj.R2 = 0.076, F (1, 314) = 26.825, p < 0.05). Attitude of library personnel indicators: positive attitude (β = 0.222, t(312) =3.535, p < 0.05) and negative attitude (β = 0.094, t (312) = 1.516, p < 0.05) positively and significantly influenced preservation practices of information resources. The study concluded that attitude of library personnel have affect preservation practices in academic libraries. The study recommended that the management of academic libraries in Niger State should create awareness through training for librarians to foster positive attitudes towards the preservation of information resources. Library management should have disaster preparedness management plans and preservation policies to secure the library resources against deterioration.

The study investigated awareness and use of cloud computing; its implications by libraries in selected academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were asked and answered. Also, three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 significance level. Survey research design was adopted. The total population of the study was 53 librarians, comprising professional staff of the library in Imo State University, Owerri, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The sample size was the entire population; hence the census enumeration sampling technique was employed. Rating scale was used for data collection. Data collected were presented in tables and column charts, and analyzed using mean, standard deviation. Testing of hypotheses was done using F-ratio (ANOVA) at the significance level of 0.05. Findings reveal that there is certain level of awareness on cloud computing technologies and models in the libraries studied. It was also discovered that cloud computing technology were used by libraries in the institutions studied, and economy of resource cost effectiveness and file sharing are some of the major positive implications of librarians adoption cloud computing technologies. However security and privacy, multiple taxation were also identified as major negative implications of cloud computing adoption by the librarians in discharging their functions in the libraries. Based on these findings, recommendations were made.

In the fall of 2013, the George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library (HHSL) undertook a collection assessment and development project to determine journal and monograph holdings across the Penn State University Libraries in subject areas related to librarian liaison assignments in the health sciences at Penn State Hershey. This project had several aims: a) to assist in collection development activities by showing current journal and monograph holdings in relation to liaison areas in a way related to the strategic plans of the HHSL, the medical center, and University Libraries; b) to inform library users of holdings and improve access; and c) to assist liaison librarians in acquiring a more complete understanding of core resources in their liaison areas. This article presents the process involved in the assessment and development project, connections with relevant areas of the strategic plans, and areas for further improvement.

Objective – To examine the human resources environment in Canadian libraries in order to assess readiness to accommodate change and to identify opportunities for human resources planning. The “8Rs” of the study were defined as recruitment, retirement, retention, remuneration, repatriation, rejuvenation, re-accreditation, and restructuring. Design – This study was undertaken in three phases over nearly three years through the use a variety of methods including literature review, analyses of existing data (Statistics Canada and library school graduate data), telephone interviews (with senior library administrators), focus groups (with representatives from Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Urban Libraries Council and Alberta Association of Library Technicians), print surveys (library institutions) and web-based surveys (of professional librarians and paraprofessional library staff). Setting – Canadian libraries that are not component branches of a system, and that employ professional librarians. Subjects – Stage I: 17 senior library administrators participated in telephone interviews and three focus groups were conducted. Stage II: Surveyed library administrators representing institutions. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure geographical representation from each of Canada’s provinces and territories. Full census participation was conducted for members of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council. The print survey instrument was distributed to 1,357 subjects; 461 completed surveys were returned (response rate of 34% with results for the total sample accurate within plus or minus 3.8 per centage points, 95 times out of 100). Stage III: Surveyed professional librarians and paraprofessional staff. Multi-stage random sampling was used to ensure representation of library staff from all library sectors and sufficient sub-sample sizes. Of the 12,472 individuals in the sampling frame, 8,626 were notified of their selection to participate in the web-based survey. Corrections were made to e-mail addresses and 7,569 e-mail invitations with the survey URL were sent successfully. Of the 8,626 potential respondents, 3,148 librarians and paraprofessionals participated (for a response rate of 37%). A non-random Canada-wide call for participation was distributed to library staff who had not been represented in the sampling frame via the listservs of 56 library associations. This provided an additional 1,545 respondents and the total sample size increased to 4,693 for a confidence interval of plus or minus 1.2%, 95 times out of 100. The non-random data from the Canada-wide call was kept in a separate dataset file. Methods – Stage I began with a literature review and analysis of existing Statistics Canada and library school graduate data. Three focus group sessions with representatives from Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Urban Libraries Council and Alberta Association of Library Technicians were held and in-depth telephone interviews were conducted in May 2003 with 17 senior library administrators. Transcripts were thematically coded and summarised. The interview guide is available as Appendix E of the report. The results of Stage I were used to inform the design of the two survey instruments (Stages II and III). Stage II was a 17-page print survey informed by insights gathered in Stage I and was sent to library directors in the summer of 2003. The print mail-out of the institutional survey was sent to libraries that employed at least one librarian and were not a component branch of another system. A copy of the institutional survey is available as Appendix C of the report. Stage III was a web-based survey of librarians and paraprofessional library staff undertaken in the summer of 2004 using random and non-random sampling methods. This survey was developed from insights gathered in Stages I and II. A copy of the individual survey is available as Appendix D of the report. Main results – The analytical focus of the 275-page report is on the broad Canadian library sector. Data and analysis are provided by type of library, type of staff, and by geographical regions where sufficient response rates have allowed reporting. Although the role of the paraprofessional is examined in many sections of the report, the principal focus is on the professional librarian. Nine sections of the report present results, analysis and strategic human resource planning implications. Highlights for the broad Canadian library environment are briefly described below. Each section of the report provides further breakdown by library sector, type of position, career stage and other variables that provide significant insight. Workplace Demographic Characteristics (Section C) This section provides demographic information about those in supervisory or management roles (62% of librarians), union density (67% of librarians and 79% of paraprofessional staff), longevity in career, part-time employment, and gender, along with other characteristics. Results conclude that visible minorities and Aboriginal staff are under-represented across all types of libraries and that few libraries recognise the credentials of immigrant librarians. Recruitment to the Profession and to the Organization (Section D) Positive exposure to libraries and librarians is the best predictor of librarianship as a career choice and there were no significant differences in the original motivations for choosing the professional librarian career between new professionals and senior librarians. In response to the open-ended question about motivation for choosing librarianship, none of the librarian respondents (n=1,823) indicated leadership, managing libraries or supervising others as their reason (p. 52). Many respondents indicated reasons for choosing the profession that are in alignment with the values of librarianship, but few indicated reasons that reflect the real nature of the librarians’ role. The average age of new librarian recruits is 37 (with little variation between sectors). Thirty per cent of paraprofessionals are interested in pursuing an MLIS degree; 29 per cent are not interested because they are satisfied with their current role. The major barriers for paraprofessionals wishing to pursue the MLIS degree are inadequate or unrecognised credentials (21% - although 45% of paraprofessionals have an undergraduate degree), geographic distance (33%), lack of money (48%), and lack of time (49%). Eighty per cent of libraries report that the major barrier to recruiting is budget constraints; other barriers include small size of library (60%), organizational hiring freeze (54%), inadequate librarian pay (54%), geographic location (52%), inadequate pool of qualified candidates (51%), and inadequate pool of interested candidates (50%). The ten most important and difficult-to-fill competencies when recruiting varied significantly for each sector: leadership potential, ability to respond flexibly to change, and ability to handle high-volume workload were the three highest-ranked competencies across all libraries. Retirement (Section E) Canadian libraries experienced librarian retirements (11% of total current workforce) and paraprofessional retirements (7% of total current workforce) between 1997 and 2002. During this period, 79 per cent of librarians retired before age 65. Forty per cent of librarians over age 50 estimate that they will retire between 55 and 60. Only 9 per cent of libraries have a succession plan. Staff Retention: Inter- and Intra-organizational Mobility (Section F) Librarians are satisfied with their work and stay in their organization because they like the job (85%), co-workers (84%), and workplace (79%). Seventy-seven per cent of senior librarians and 87% of senior paraprofessionals have been at their current library for more than 10 years. Sixty-nine per cent of librarians believe they are qualified to move to higher level positions, but 69% of institutions state that limited librarian turnover contributes to a lack of promotional opportunities. Education (Section G) Seventy-five per cent library administrators agree that MLIS programs equip graduates with needed competencies, but 58% recommended that the programs provide more management, business and leadership training. Seventy-six per cent of administrators believe that they have little or no input into curriculum content of MLIS programs. Overall evaluation of MLIS education by recent librarian entrants is not positive. Only forty-four per cent indicated that the program provided a realistic depiction of the job, while only 36% said the program provided a realistic expectation of work in their library sector. Recent librarian entrants (67%) were satisfied with the overall quality of their MLIS program, but few indicated that their program provided them with the necessary management skills (25%), leadership skills (20%), or business skills (12%) for their position. Recent library technician entrants were more satisfied (81%) with their programs’ success in providing general skills (87%), and providing a realistic depiction of the job (72%). Continuing Education (Section H) New librarians (72%) need a significant amount of ongoing training, but only 56% believe that their institution provides sufficient training opportunities. Only 30% of libraries have a routine method for determining training needs of librarians and fewer (13 %) have an evaluation method for training outcomes. In most cases, about half of those who received training reported that it improved their job performance. Quality of Work and Job Satisfaction (Section I) Librarians and paraprofessionals are satisfied with their jobs (79% for each) and librarians (72%) and paraprofessionals (61%) agree that their salary is fair. Most libraries offer a wide range of benefits to their employees, including life insurance (95%), pension plan (92%), and medical benefits (88%). Librarians (80%) and paraprofessionals (70%) are satisfied with their benefits. Although a low percentage of librarians agreed that they have little job stress (24%) and only 39% found their workload to be manageable, 62% of librarians agree that their work allows work, family and personal life balance. The statistics are slightly more positive for paraprofessionals. There is a gap between the desire to be treated with respect (98% for all workers) and the perception that respect is conveyed (77% of librarians and 75% of paraprofessionals). A similar gap exists between desire to be involved in decision-making and actual involvement. The two most important factors for job satisfaction for all library workers are respectful treatment and a job that allows them to learn new skills and grow. Numerical Librarian Demand-Supply Match (Section J) Libraries hired more librarians than they lost in 2002, for a net three per cent increase. Many library administrators believe that there will be a five-year increased demand for librarians (77%) and paraprofessionals (81%). The short-term supply (next 5 years) of new librarians to replace departures due to retirements is predicted to have the capacity to fill 98 per cent of the current librarian positions; the capacity to replace library technicians is 99 per cent. The long-term supply (next 10 years) of new librarians to replace departures due to retirements is predicted to have the capacity to fill 89 per cent of the current librarian positions; the capacity to fill technician positions is identical. These predictions are based on no growth in the number of positions in the future. Match Between Organizational Job Function Demand and Individual Staff Supply of Skills, Abilities, Talents, Interests (Section K) Libraries report that increased use of information technologies (87%) and re-engineering (61%) have contributed the greatest change in the roles of librarians. Libraries report that more librarians have been required to perform a wider variety of tasks in the past five years (93%) and that this trend will continue over the coming five years (94%). A high percentage of libraries (86%) reported that over the past five years librarians have been expected to perform more management functions and 56% of mid-career and senior librarians believed this had occurred. Libraries (88%) believe that this trend will continue; only 44% of librarians indicate interest in performing management functions. Mid-career and senior librarians report that job stress has increased over five years ago. Requirements to work harder (55%), perform more difficult tasks (56%), perform a wider variety of tasks (69%), and perform more managerial functions (56%) are the contributing factors. The performance of a wider variety of tasks and more difficult tasks was significantly related to the assessment by librarians that their jobs were more enjoyable, interesting, rewarding and challenging. Institutions (78%) reported the increased need for paraprofessionals to perform librarian tasks over the past five years and believe that this will continue (77%). Only 28% of paraprofessionals believe they are currently required to perform more librarian tasks. Conclusion – The need to confirm the existence and magnitude of the crisis that will be created by upcoming retirements in Canadian libraries was a primary motivator for this study. Conclusive results were obtained that should inform each sector and geographic area in Canada. The percentages of staff over the age of 55 (librarians: 25%; paraprofessionals: 21%) is much greater than that of the Canadian workforce (11%). If there is no growth in the number of positions needed, there will be no short-term supply-demand crisis to fill the gaps left by retirements. There will be a librarian and technician shortage in ten years (a shortfall of 11% of the current supply) and a more significant crisis if the predicted growth in staffing is factored in. Recruitment to the librarian and technician professions is critical and the paraprofessional staff may be a potential pool of future MLIS candidates if the accessibility issues associated with the programs are addressed. Only nine per cent of organizations have a succession plan in place. There is great opportunity for the development of strategic solutions. In response to the open-ended question about motivation for choosing librarianship, no respondent indicated leadership, managing libraries or supervising others as their reason. This is of concern when 62% of librarians today work in a managerial role. Management and leadership skills are a significant concern for recent graduates, administrators, and librarians, with all indicating that the workplace needs are greater than the current preparedness. More cooperation with MLIS programs and professional associations is essential to ensure that leadership and management skill development are supported through the curricula and continuing education planning. Organizations must also develop and support a culture where leadership is encouraged and expected, and recognised. There is a need for further development of continuing education opportunities, and training needs assessment and outcome assessment programs may be beneficial. Paraprofessionals and new librarians are less satisfied with the workplace training opportunities available to them than librarians in later stages of their careers. Role change will continue in libraries and planning will be essential to ensure that restructuring reflects the competencies that will be needed in the new mix. Workload and job stress appear to be rising and will require careful monitoring. There may be opportunity to define roles for “other” professionals in libraries. Library staff have a tendency to stay in their institution for much of their career, making decisions in the recruitment and hiring processes of critical importance. Loss of employees due to turnover is not a problem for most libraries, but the lack of turnover has affected the promotional opportunities for those who desire upward mobility. An interesting recommendation was made that two or more libraries may realise both cost savings and benefits through the sharing of staffing resources. If issues surrounding credentials can be addressed, there may be a potential pool of future immigrant librarians.

Accomplishments, experiences, events, and news about Pennsylvania librarians and libraries. In this issue: Chatham University Appointments and Professional Development Clarion University Libraries Appoint Two New Library Faculty Duquesne University Library News Lehigh Libraries Go Live with OLE The Library Company of Philadelphia’s African Americana Graphics Collection Now Online PADIGITAL E-mail List Penn State University Libraries News Seton Hill Library Marks 125th Anniversary with Makeover University of Pittsburgh Library System News

State Islamic University libraries are striving to become research libraries. Since humanities are the core discipline in most State Islamic Universities, a new service concept—digital humanities—has been introduced to support research activities. This study explores the implementation of digital humanities in three State Islamic University libraries: UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. This research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that while the libraries have sufficient librarians, their involvement in research activities is not extensive or proactive. Additionally, the facilities and infrastructure necessary to support digital humanities are inadequate. Although policies supporting digital humanities exist, there is a lack of strategic programs to explore and fully enhance library use and involvement in research. Furthermore, internal cooperation between institutions has been established but remains limited, indicating a need for libraries to adopt a more proactive role. These insights underscore the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital humanities within State Islamic University libraries, providing a foundation for future strategic initiatives to enhance their research support capabilities.

This study is on Strategic Enhancement of Public Libraries Functionality in Delta State, Nigeria: The Role of Stakeholders. Descriptive research was used for the study. The population for the study was 229. However, the 28 Librarians manning the outreaches (public libraries) and their Assistants (28) as well as 44 non-professionals were purposively used as the sample size (100). The data collection instrument, the questionnaire had three clusters with statements on a 4-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using frequency counts and Mean scores statistics. The study revealed that challenges hampering the functionality of public libraries include inadequate funding, insufficient qualified librarians, poor infrastructure, poor remuneration and inadequate public relation (PR) by libraries in that other; that the ways to enhance public libraries in Delta State and make them more functional include government provision of adequate funds, proper formulation of public library policies, employment of professional librarians to man the various sections of the library, and frequent organization of exhibitions of resources programme in public libraries; and serious stakeholders involvement in public library Management. This investigation more than before echoed on the need for government as the main stakeholder, to make serious effort in terms of supervising, appraising and implementing, the public library initiatives (as enshrined in the National Policy on Education).

The study adopted a descriptive survey design which sought information on the preparedness of academic libraries in Nigerian universities for post COVID-19 pandemic library service delivery. The study was conducted in Anambra State of Nigeria. The population for the study comprised of all the 10 academic librarians in the libraries in the 3 campuses of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra State. There was no sampling because of their small size. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire entitled COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Questionnaire (CPPQ). Data collected were analysed using mean. The major findings of the study included that all categories: ensuring access to soap and warm water, ensuring they have a supply of hand sanitizers, keeping surfaces clean were some of the measures libraries adopted to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic; staff were advised to work from home, online services were adopted, zoom trainings was always there to ensure the staff safety from the virus: among the problems were inadequate fund, power failure and poor internet services. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that academic libraries should provide free Wi-Fi around the library and prepare the library’s physical surroundings for people to study in groups of two, three, and more, without necessarily entering the library, government should provide more funding for academic libraries to meet with contemporary best global practices in their library as the library reopens amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The paper presents the way in which libraries of religious schools – madrassas operate and whether their work is satisfactory and in accordance with the standards. The results, which were obtained by administering a survey, will be presented and analyzed in detail, along with guidelines and instructions on how to change the current situation and to make the work in school libraries of the highest quality possible and as purposeful as possible. The research indicated some of the basic problems that school libraries of madrassas are facing nowadays, and the current situation in these three school libraries. Some of the issues tackled in this paper are: the state of school library stock, library space, space for independent and group work, as well as the analysis of technical equipment and library staff. Special attention is paid to information literacy, which is today one of the key competencies for every librarian, as well as for all their students and users. Keywords: school libraries, Gazi Husrev-bey’s madrassa, librarianship, Madrassa Džemaluddin ef. Čaušević, Behram-bey's madrassa.

PurposeThe study examined library personnel awareness of the availability of emergency response plans, their forms and roles in safety routine preparedness and control in federal and state university libraries in Southwest Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe survey research design alongside a multi-stage sampling procedure comprising purposive, randomisation and total enumeration techniques guided the study. The population consisted of 327 library personnel drawn from 12 federal and state university libraries (i.e., six each). The questionnaire and structured interview methods were used for data gathering. Of the 327 copies of the questionnaire administered, 249 copies, representing 76.1%, were duly completed and found valid for analysis. Whereas the acceptance threshold of ≥90% response rate and a criterion mean of 2.50 were adopted for making judgements regarding the research questions, while the hypothesis was tested using chi-square statistics with cross-tabulation.FindingsThe state university libraries in the studied region are extremely lagging behind their federal counterpart in terms of emergency preparedness, judging by the availability of emergency response plan (ERPs). However, documenting the plans for routine emergency response is not widespread among the university libraries; thus, the extent of response preparedness is both simplistic and doubtful. Despite the seemingly proactive nature of the federal university libraries over their state counterpart, librarians in both settings do not perceive effectiveness and preference in either the written emergency response plan (WERP) or unwritten emergency response plan (UERP) as an emergency preparedness and control measure.Originality/valueThe research increases knowledge of emergency preparedness in university libraries beyond the mere availability of ERPs. Through a comparative empirical analysis, the desirability of the WERP as a measure of emergency response preparedness in university libraries has been strengthened.

Purpose Libraries throughout the world use OCLC’s EZproxy software to manage access to e-resources. When cleaned, processed, visualized and enhanced, these logs paint a valuable picture of a library’s impact on researcher’s lives. The purpose of this paper is to share techniques and procedures for enhancing and de-identifying EZproxy logs using Tableau, a data analytics and visualization software, and Tableau Prep, a tool used for cleaning, combining and shaping data for analysis. Design/methodology/approach In February 2018, The Ohio State University Libraries established an automated daily process to extract and clean EZproxy log files. The assessment librarian created a series of procedures in Tableau and Tableau Prep to union, parse and enhance these files by adding information such as user major, user status (faculty, graduate or undergraduate) and the title of the requested resource. She last stripped the data set of identifiers and applied best practices for maintaining confidentiality to visualize the data. Findings The data set is currently 1.5m rows and growing. The visualizations may be filtered by date, user status and user department/major where applicable. Safeguards are in place to limit data presentation when filters might reveal a user’s identity. Originality/value Tableau used in concert with Tableau Prep allows an assessment librarian to clean and combine data from various sources. Once procedures for cleaning and combining data sources are established, the data driving visualizations can be set to refresh on a set schedule. This expedites the ability of librarians to derive actionable insights from EZproxy data and to share the library’s positive impact on researcher’s lives.

On September 10, 2008, the Oregon State University (OSU) Libraries shut its doors . . . for the annual In-Service Day event. Eighty employees from all three OSU libraries gathered at the Valley Library on the OSU main campus. Karyle Butcher, university librarian, strongly supports this annual event planned by library staff for library staff and states that “the goal is to learn, to have fun and to develop better relationships and understanding of the departments and units with the OSU Libraries. My belief is that in doing so, we all work better and have a shared view of what . . .

Codification and preservation of traditional knowledge is of great importance, more so by professionals from the library and information science. Acquisition and management of traditional knowledge in academic libraries is one of the evolving areas of research and this is why this paper examined the impact of institutional support for professional competence of librarians to improve the codification and preservation of traditional knowledge in Lagos State, Nigeria. It provides a perspective from which institutional support can be viewed as an important element for codification and preservation of traditional knowledge in the libraries. In addition, the paper identified institutional support as funding, motivation, staff training/development, facilitative policy; including the inadequacies. The paper discussed the concept of professional competence and the competences required of professional librarian for codification and preservation of traditional knowledge in the library. This include: educational qualification, understanding the source of traditional knowledge, ability to locate traditional resources, possession of knowledge of traditional knowledge codification and preservation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. In conclusion, the paper reiterated that there is need to include other librarians apart from the library management staff in the formulation of institutional policy for improvements in codification and preservation of traditional knowledge in Lagos State. Moreover, the library management should make adequate provision for regular training and retraining of librarians to improve the codification and preservation of traditional knowledge in Lagos State.

The study investigated the role of libraries as sources of information for farmers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 respondents, of whom 142 (95%) responded and were valid for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using a percentage table. Findings showed that 54.3% of the respondents use library resources as their information sources, while 45.7% do not use library resources. This implied that there was little disparity between those farmers who use libraries and those who do not use libraries as their information sources. Further, negative attitudes by farmers toward the use of libraries, inadequate agricultural information resources in the libraries to meet farmer needs, a low level of ICT skill by farmers to access agricultural information resources in their comfort zones, inadequate time to visit libraries and the long distance of library locations were major problems militating against the farmers use of library resources. While proper information repackaging, adequate education on the use of ICT tools should be given to farmers toward the use of library as their information sources, every library should equip their library with resources on agricultural information, a specialist agricultural librarian should be encouraged by the libraries to meet the needs of farmers; libraries should also encourage mobile services in order to bring library services closer to farmers; and farmers should also be encouraged to find time to visit the library so as to get the latest information on new agricultural innovation documents.

In the article, the author reveals the systems of libraries in the Republic: the number of libraries, the total amount of library collections in traditional and electronic media. Training and professional retraining of personnel, perfecting the librarians social image, scientific-research and scientific methodical work effectiveness’ growing are of great importance.The dominant role of the National Library of Tajikistan as a center for scientific research of the dynamics and prospects for the development of library and information technologies, advanced training and retraining of library workers in the Republic is observed.The article touches upon priority trends of the National Library development, gives characteristics of some long-term projects, such as “Creation of an electronic collection of book monuments of Tajik-Persian literature”, “Creation of an electronic collection of book monuments on the culture and art of the Tajik people”, aimed at forming the national segment of the electronic collection of book monuments of the Tajik people. Another important direction of its work on preserving and popularizing the historical and cultural heritage is the creation of historical and local history resources for the state public libraries of the Republic.

In fall 2006, Colorado State University Libraries in Fort Collins, Colorado, underwent an administrative reorganization. Part of this reorganization involved changing Morgan Libraries’ Reference Desk to an Information Desk from which staff and student assistants would provide reference referrals to librarians. To gather statistics and track the success of this new service, the College Liaison Librarians, formerly known as Subject Librarians, implemented an office statistics database to record and track referrals received in their offices from Information Desk staff. This database evolved to also provide a centralized online area to collect numbers of office reference transactions. This paper discusses the reasons behind the office statistics database’s creation and the statistics it provides CSU Libraries College Liaison Librarians.

In this study, we assessed the management control system used for effective job performance among librarians in five federal university libraries and five State university libraries in South East, Nigeria. Our 38-item questionnaire was validated by three experts: one from the Department of Science Education (Education Measurement and Evaluation unit) and two from the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Later we used descriptive statistics and found out that the university libraries adopted performance appraisal system, duties rotation system, controlled activities system and regulation of staff attendance to a great extent, and also that the management control system has contributed to the effective job performance since it enables employees to understand their job expectations and to encourage librarians’ positive work attitude. Based on these findings, we recommended that performance appraisal and staff evaluation should be performed from time to time to identify areas which require improvements. Henceforth, federal and state governments in Nigeria should make funds available for university libraries to enable them adopt effective management control system and procure facilities and resources to enhance job performance in their libraries among others

This study is an assessment of Information Provision Services of Libraries in the 21st century in some selected academic libraries in Delta State. A descriptive survey was adopted in carrying out the research. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection of which 62 were retrieved. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that academic libraries should have Internet connectivity, librarians should be trained in the use of Information and Communication Technology amongst others that were itemized.

Cheryl A. Middleton, associate university librarian for learning and engagement, Oregon State University Libraries & Press, is the 80th president of ACRL.Lauren Pressley, director of the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma Library and associatedean of UW Libraries, has been elected vice-president/president-elect of ACRL.

Despite the avalanche of works done on library service utilization, there is a research gap on the role of marketing strategies in enhancing the utilization of information services in academic libraries in Lagos State. Therefore, this study examined the influence of marketing strategies on the use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The study population comprised 473 librarians. Total enumeration was used. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability coefficients values ranged from 0.681 - 0.937. A response rate of 92.9% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that marketing strategies significantly influenced the use of LIS in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2 = 0.211, β = .460, t (179) = 6.948, p<0.05). Library information services in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria was sometimes utilized (average weighted mean = 2.38, on a scale of 4). The extent of marketing strategies utilized in marketing LIS in Lagos State academic libraries, was high (Average Weighted Mean =3.09, on a scale of 4). The study has shown that the 'Seven Ps' marketing strategies are vital to enhancing use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that management of the academic libraries should pay attention to low usage of radio services, extension services, teleconferencing, TV shows, indexing and abstraction services, book talk, display and exhibition, CD-ROM services and exhibition display services.

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

This study, simply, is an x-ray of the challenges of accessing the resources and facilities for administering university libraries in Nigeria. The total population for the study comprised of fifty (50) university libraries, namely federal, state and private universities, spread across Nigeria. Forty-one (41) responses were received, duly completed and found useable for the study, representing 82%. The entire population of this study was sampled using total enumeration sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents, mainly university librarians, and the deputy university librarians, in some cases. Findings from the study revealed that the major challenges of administering university libraries in Nigeria are staffing, especially, the academic librarians, prompt acquisition of current and relevant books/journals, subscription to relevant databases among others. The study also revealed that some libraries have clearly written acquisition policy, thus, library users: viz, lecturers, students and non-teaching staff, are free to recommend titles for acquisition. The study also revealed that most libraries do not form a consortium with other libraries, for ease of subscription to databases and some libraries depend mainly on trial version of databases in rendering services.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship that exists between motivational factors (remuneration, work environment, promotion and training) on librarian’s job performance in federal university otuoke and Lagos state university libraries. To achieve the objective, research question with corresponding hypothesis was formulated to give direction to the study. The correlation research design was used for the study. The population of the study consisted of 18 librarians drawn from federal university otuoke and 18 librarians from Lagos state university libraries. 36 librarians used for the study, and no sample size due to the small population. Data was collected using researcher’s developed instruments titled ‘Motivational Factors and Librarian’s Job Performance Questionnaire’ (MFLSJPQ). The instrument was found reliable with a reliability coefficient of .714 using Multiple Regression Coefficients. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to answer the research question while Multiple Regression Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from the data analysis showed that the motivational factors being (remuneration, work environment, promotion and training) have significant influence on librarians’ job performances in federal university otuoke and Lagos state university libraries. Upon the findings, it was concluded that remuneration, work environment, promotion and training determine the relationship that exists between motivational factors and Librarian’s Job Performance in federal university otuoke and Lagos state university libraries. Consequently, it is recommended that Governments and parent institutions should provide good salary packages and additional incentives in order to motivate librarians to be committed and dedicated to their required duties. Also, government should provide librarians with adequate remuneration, conducive work environment and regular promotions as well as in-service-training, they will be committed and dedicated to their duties effectively and efficiently, and this would elicit higher productivity from them.

International scientific and practical conference “Rumyantsev Readings” in 2020 was held in absentia. The Publishing house of the Russian State Library “Pashkov Dom” prepared the conference proceedings in two parts, which included 176 articles. Among the participants of the conference there are specialists from libraries of all levels and different departmental subordination, museums, archives, Universities, scientific research institutes in Russia, Belarus, Great Britain and Kazakhstan. The articles cover a wide range of issues on the theory and practice of library science, bibliography science, book studies, the history of librarianship and library activities at the present time. Considerable part of the reports was prepared under the theme “Libraries in the context of history: private collections and state book repositories”. In the year of the 75th anniversary of the Victory, many researchers turned to the history of libraries during the Great Patriotic War. The conference proceedings include materials about outstanding representatives of librarianship, researchers and collectors, where the authors analyse and evaluate their activities. Traditionally, “Rumyantsev readings” present a large number of works on the disclosure of the collections of libraries and archives, description of stored materials: manuscripts, rare books and book monuments, art editions, maps and printed music. Within the topics of the section “Library classification systems” there are presented the articles devoted to separate sections of Library Bibliographic Classification and general issues of system modernization and implementing it in practice, publication of LBC schedules and the value of its public e-version for the development of classification search and improving efficient use of library collections. Issues related to the current activities of foreign and, primarily, domestic libraries are presented in extremely wide range: from understanding the place of libraries in the modern space of socio-cultural communication and strategic approaches to innovation management to highlighting specific projects under implementation. The reports raise the topics of training future librarians in higher education institutions and improving their skills in future, developing and implementing standards, digitizing library collections, and bibliometric analysis. The article analyses the state of digitalization of scientific — information activities in libraries, presents characteristics of separate online information resources, raises questions on the development of regulatory framework for labour rationing and the formation of the library’s image in social networks and information publications about it. Publication of the proceedings will serve to achieve the main goal of the conference — to draw attention to the issues of preserving and studying the world cultural heritage, problems of functioning of libraries at the present historical stage, search for ways of innovative development, expand cooperation between cultural, educational, scientific institutions and intercultural interaction.