International Journal of Librarianship

Beyond Shared Spaces

2025-09-12T14:49:34+00:00

Academic libraries are vital to higher education, supporting critical thinking, information literacy, and lifelong learning. The mergers with Academic Learning Centers, tutoring services, or other departments have created confusion for students and marginalized librarians. This paper examines these changes, highlighting the essential role of librarians in research, source evaluation, citation, and ethical information use. Drawing on the ACRL Framework and recent studies, it shows how diminished librarian roles can compromise intellectual growth and civic engagement. Recommendations include clarifying roles, promoting librarian-led services, and integrating information literacy into curricula, ensuring libraries fulfill the broader purpose of education.

Editorial

2025-10-20T18:29:30+00:00

N/A

Bridging The Gap

2025-03-03T06:58:29+00:00

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is challenging the skills, expertise, and knowledge of librarians. The growing interest in disruptive technologies among library patrons, coupled with the limited adoption of these technologies by Zimbabwean libraries, has highlighted a significant skills gap among library personnel. This study investigated the skills and knowledge of academic librarians in Zimbabwe in the context of the 4IR. A sample of academic librarians affiliated with the Zimbabwe Library Association was selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected through online questionnaires and analysed using frequency counts. Results show that while academic librarians in Zimbabwe exhibit strong competencies in several key areas, particularly in IT, leadership, and information management, there are notable gaps in specific skills such as website designing and grant writing. Moreover, the study reveals that librarians exhibit a relatively high awareness of 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things and 3D printing. The findings of this study also highlight the complexities and challenges associated with the adoption of 4IR technologies in academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The adoption of these technologies is hindered by a lack of skills, knowledge, and expertise, as well as inadequate funding. Additionally, librarians' attitudes towards embracing 4IR technologies significantly impact their adoption. This study recommends that librarians develop a keen interest in technological innovations and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies through training, seminars, and conferences. Lastly, librarians should acquire and update their ICT skills to remain relevant in the 4IR era.

Librarians’ Awareness, ICT Skills and Marketing of University Library Services in the 21st Century in Delta State, Nigeria

2025-03-10T14:22:26+00:00

The study examined librarians’ awareness, ICT skills and marketing of academic library services in the 21st century in Delta State. It adopted the descriptive survey research design with a population of 112, comprising all librarians in the university libraries in Delta State using the total enumeration sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument to gather data of which only 87 were completed and found usable, giving a 78% response rate. The data generated were analyzed using simple percentages, frequency counts and weighted mean. The findings revealed among others that university libraries market mostly reprographic, serials, e-library, reference, circulation, current awareness, technical, selective dissemination of information and webliography services. It identified the use of library websites and social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, etc. as the major marketing strategies. Librarians in university libraries are aware of marketing library services to a high level. They also possess ICT skills such as Microsoft Office skills, information retrieval and social media skills for marketing library services to a large extent. Funding, inadequate technological infrastructure and lack of adequate support from management were identified as the major factors inhibiting effective marketing of library services. It recommended training on modern marketing strategies such as content creation tools and other digital technologies for librarians.

Accessibility And Utilization of Library Information Resources Among the Students of Federal Polytechnic Ayede Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-03-15T06:25:53+00:00

The study examined how information resources are made available, accessible, accurate, relevant and are being utilized. The study sample population comprised of four departments in the school with 192 registered users of the library. The instrument used for data collection in this study was questionnaire. Research questions were answered using frequency count and percentages. The study adopts a purely quantitative method as means of data collection. Findings reveals that Textbooks are the most available (93 %), and internet resources have the highest percentage of rarely available material (22.6%) due to power supply issues or poor internet coverage. According to the research findings, all resources have comparable accessibility difficulties, with textbooks being the most easily accessible information source for students (61.3%). The majority of users visit the library during exams, while others (52%) only sometimes use its information resources. Students’ library use is limited by several problems such as difficulties in retrieving required information, distance from home, operating hours, poor reading space, inadequate materials. On the above factors, respondents were overwhelmingly in agreement. The study recommended that usage of information resources be made compulsory to student by their lecturers, intensifying awareness campaigns concerning the availability of information resources and the problem of poor internet coverage be addressed.

Evolving with FOLIO

2025-05-08T08:59:49+00:00

Purpose

This paper explores the impact of continuous upgrades to the library services platform. Specifically, it focuses on the EBSCO FOLIO library services platform at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilises a case study approach, examining DUT Library’s newly acquired library services platform, EBSCO FOLIO, its advantages and limitations, as well as the functionality that is delivered as part of the continuous upgrade process.

Findings

The findings highlight the improvements in library efficiency, user satisfaction, and the system flexibility that have resulted from adopting EBSCO FOLIO. It also outlines the challenges that have arisen, particularly as a result of the upgrades.

Originality

This paper offers a unique perspective by documenting the specific experiences of DUT Library with EBSCO FOLIO, contributing to the broader discourse on library systems migration and the evolution of library services through continuous technological upgrades.

Empowering Academic Librarians in Imo State Through Continuous Professional Development

2025-05-10T17:46:41+00:00

The study investigates the empowerment of academic librarians in Imo State, Nigeria, through Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The work adopted a mixed-methods design, the research assesses librarians' participation frequency in CPD, the impact of networking and CPD opportunities, and the role of knowledge-sharing culture in enhancing service quality. The study sampled 96 professional librarians from four academic libraries in Imo State, employing stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and interviews, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic methods. Findings reveals CPD participation: 2.69 (mean score) of librarians engage in CPD occasionally, 1.97 participate rarely, suggesting institutional or motivational barriers. Networking and Mentorship shows low engagement in mentorship programs (0.96 mean) and advanced certifications (1.71 mean) highlights gaps in structured professional growth. Digital Proficiency indicates a low mean score (0.63) in digital tool confidence underscores technophobia, impeding adaptation to modern library demands. The result also shows knowledge-sharing culture with a grand mean of 0.88 which reveals weak collaborative learning environments, linked to distrust and lack of institutional policies. The study concludes that there is the urgent need to institutionalize CPD, foster knowledge-sharing networks, and address technological skill gaps among librarians. Recommendations; universities and library management should sponsor CPD initiatives, including workshops, conferences, and advanced degree programs, implement mentorship frameworks and digital literacy training to bridge competency gaps, promote policy-driven knowledge-sharing practices to enhance service delivery and librarian expertise.

Students' Information Sources and Information-Seeking Challenges:

2025-06-04T06:22:35+00:00

Academic libraries play a pivotal role in developing strategies to improve access to information, promote literacy, and offer support to students, particularly during unexpected events such as the pandemic. This study aims to identify the sources of information relevant to students' course research and assignments, the challenges they face, and their coping strategies The study employed the quantitative method and purposive sampling to include students who visited the library during the limited in-person classes. The study's findings revealed that students rely heavily on the modules provided by faculty members. The majority of students found the lack of access to physical information resources, such as books, journals, and theses, to be particularly challenging. Based on the results, this study offers direction for developing more effective library services, collection development programs, information literacy programs, and technological solutions.

Roles of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research Library in Providing Effective Library Services to Users

2025-06-03T16:11:59+00:00

This article has highlighted the critical position of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) Library as an efficient and important provider of various library services to its valued users. The main goal of this research library is to provide customized and comprehensive information services adapted to the unique requirements of its esteemed clienteles. The NIFFR Library located in New Bussa, Niger State is one of the premier research libraries in Nigeria, offering a wide range of essential services to its users including, but not limited to, borrowing or lending services, document reservation, retrieval of valuable resources, assistance in using the library and its tools, expert reference services, and up-to-date awareness services, to name just a few. In addition, the library actively promotes awareness and knowledge within the research community by educating users on the importance of utilizing ASFA (Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstract) database. Descriptive research was used for the study while questionnaire was the research instrument used for the study. The population of the study comprised 100 fisheries research scientists, 50 industrial training students and 3 librarians. Random sampling techniques was used for the study. However, during the course of this study, some issues were observed that hamper the smooth delivery of library services. The lack of skills among librarians appeared to be a significant obstacle, underscoring the need for comprehensive training programs to enhance their knowledge and experience. In addition, the library is struggling with insufficient funding, limiting its ability to acquire important library materials and potentially creating gaps in its collection. In addition, the problem of insufficient Internet connection adversely affects the efficiency and effectiveness of libraries' online services and prevents seamless access to digital materials. In the face of these obstacles, some key recommendations to address the highlighted issues have been developed. Funds must be made available to support comprehensive training programs for librarians to ensure they have the skills and abilities needed to provide quality library services. In addition, providing adequate funding for the acquisition of necessary library materials would help fill gaps in the existing collection and improve the resources available to users. Finally, establishing a reliable and robust internet connection is vital as it allows continuous access to digital resources.

Insight Into Work Environment and Job Commitment of Librarians

2025-06-05T10:12:03+00:00

Job commitment of librarians is intricately linked to organizational factors. Reports reveal that job commitment of librarians in Nigeria is low. Previous studies on job commitment of librarians focused largely on the influence of motivational factors like reward system. This study examined work environment as a determinant of job commitment of librarians in federal universities in southern Nigeria. Social exchange theory (SET) was used as the theoretical framework, while survey design of the correlational type was adopted for the study. 356 librarians in 18 federal universities in southern Nigeria served as the population and a total enumeration of the population was used for the study. The data collection instrument was questionnaire and data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the social work environment of the libraries was conducive ( , while the physical work environment was barely average ( = 2.52). There was a significant relationship between work environment and job commitment of librarians ( = 0.181). Specifically, physical work environment ( = 0.338) and social work environment ( = 0.487) had significant relationships with job commitment. Based on the findings, the study advocated for improvements on the physical work environment of librarians to enhance their job commitment levels and ultimately increase job productivity.

Social Media Usage Patterns from Dawn to Midnight

2025-06-08T15:18:20+00:00

This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage patterns and library visits for reading among university students. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 519 university students. The study employed a structured questionnaire to assess social media usage across seven platforms, daily time investment, common activities performed on social media, and frequency of library visits for reading. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.WhatsApp emerged as the most frequently used platform, with 62.8% of students checking it often upon waking and 63.6% using it until midnight. 47.6% of respondents reported using WhatsApp for 5 or more hours daily. Despite high digital engagement, 74.2% of students still visit libraries to read either often (28.1%) or occasionally (46.1%). Multiple regression analysis (R = .373, R² = .139, p < .001) revealed that reading news on social media positively predicted library visits (β = .281, p < .001), while viewing pictures showed a negative association (β = -.139, p = .022). This study provides novel insights into the complex interplay between digital and traditional information-seeking behaviors among university students. It highlights how specific social media activities relate to traditional academic practices, offering valuable implications for educational strategies and library services in the digital age.

The Role of Social Media in Delivering Reference Services in Public Libraries

2025-06-11T16:53:49+00:00

This study explores the transformative role of social media in delivering reference services in public libraries in Nigeria. Amid evolving digital practices, libraries have increasingly leveraged platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to provide real‑time, interactive reference support. Employing a qualitative research design, semi‑structured interviews were conducted with librarians and patrons from six public libraries across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Thematic analysis revealed three central themes: the evolution from traditional, face‑to‑face and email‑based services to dynamic, multi‑channel digital models; improved service efficiency and extended operating hours contrasted with challenges in digital literacy and equitable access; and effective strategies including continuous professional development, integrated communication systems, and proactive outreach initiatives. Librarians reported significantly reduced response times and enhanced user engagement, while patrons appreciated the immediacy of digital responses yet noted difficulties navigating complex interfaces. These findings corroborate existing literature on digital transformation in library services and underscore the need for robust training and resource investments to bridge the digital divide. The study offers practical recommendations for optimizing social media strategies in public libraries, ensuring that enhanced reference services are accessible, efficient, and responsive to diverse user needs in the post‑pandemic era.

Assessing the Experiences of Autistic Academic Librarians in Positions of Leadership

2025-08-01T15:39:04+00:00

This paper looks at Autistic academic librarians occupying leadership positions and how being Autistic affects their leadership capacity. Through analyzing five different interviews I conducted, I found that being Autistic posed challenges to adopting these roles by making it difficult to deal with a lack of control and master informal social skills. At the same time, being Autistic also proved beneficial by providing interviewees with greater emotional intelligence and the capacity to communicate directly with others in the library. I conclude this paper by talking about additional paths of inquiry related to Autism and leadership in the academic library environment.