International Journal of Librarianship

Editorial

Yongming Wang — 2024-09-20

Bibliometric Study and Visualization Analysis of Domestic and International Information Literacy Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Changhong Wu — 2024-09-20

This study employs bibliometric and visualization analysis to investigate the landscape of information literacy research in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), comparing trends and characteristics across domestic and international contexts. Utilizing data from the Web of Science and CNKI databases, the analysis reveals a consistent upward trajectory in research output for both domains, with notable peaks reflecting technological advancements and policy initiatives. The research themes demonstrate a shift from early focuses on information retrieval and knowledge organization to more recent explorations of AI literacy, social media, and user engagement. International research highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between library science, computer science, and education. In contrast, domestic research emphasizes the integration of AI technologies within library automation, information service innovation, and smart library development. Author and institutional collaboration networks reveal a preference for university-based partnerships, with international collaborations extending across diverse disciplinary backgrounds. While both domains exhibit similar trends in collaboration patterns, the absence of certain high-publishing countries from international collaboration networks warrants further investigation. Research hotspots reflect the growing influence of AI on information literacy, with international research exploring fear appeals, social media, and deep learning, while domestic research focuses on deep learning applications, smart libraries, and bibliometrics.

Leveraging Specialized Resources to Develop Innovative Library Services

Jia Zhou — 2024-09-20

Theme libraries have emerged as a new service model to meet the demand from the public for a diverse service with resources that are both inclusive and specialized. The "a library within a library" is currently the main practice model of theme libraries. Influenced by that concept, the recently constructed and opened Suzhou Second Library includes a number of theme libraries, such as “Suzhou Literature Library," "Music Library," and "Design Library." The establishment of these theme libraries within the Suzhou Second Library allows the library to build special community-focused collections that are culturally rich, to collaborate with local cultural organizations to create quality public programs that highlight the collections, and to actively engage the public with special events and exhibits surrounded by multimedia, digital special effects. These programmatic efforts have greatly improved public’s awareness of the valuable resources held at the library and thus increased the effectiveness of this new service model.

Virtual Reference Services

Jimson Napoleon Mariano — 2024-09-20

This study examined key findings relevant to library practitioners' experiences with virtual reference services, or VRS. It did this by examining skills, training experiences, perspectives, and challenges encountered during VRS implementation. Data was gathered through interviews with a group of library practitioners employed by academic libraries in the province of Isabela, Philippines, using a qualitative research methodology. The participants' training experiences and skill sets are restricted to limited virtual reference service training events as well as fundamental technical and communication abilities. The results of the study showed that participants had a positive opinion of virtual reference services' utility since they serve as a platform for communication that bridges the digital divide caused by physical distance. To help librarians adopt virtual reference services and maximize their anticipated benefits, specialized trainings are recommended. In order to meet the necessary operational needs for the effective delivery of virtual reference services, institutional support through sufficient funding is sought.

Who are the Culprits? Evaluation of Theft and Mutilation of Academic Library Materials: Experience from the Walton Whaley Library

Samuel Ameyaw — 2024-09-20

This study assesses the theft and mutilation of library resources at Walton Whaley Library (WWL) at Valley View University, in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach; thus, copies of questionnaire and interviews were used to gather data for the study.

The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed with the help of Nvivo version 11 and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS version 21.0). The study found that most of the users were aware of the security policies in the library. The prominent factors influencing theft and mutilation are a weak security system, the absence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, inadequate staff, the selfish interests of the perpetrators, and a lack of security personnel at the main entrance. To curb this phenomenon, certain security measures, such as the installation of electronic security devices, security personnel at the main entrance, physical body checks on users entering and exiting the Library, as well as staff surveillance are needed. The study recommended an effective and efficient security system, the vigilance of library staff, the acquisition of multiple books in high demand, availability and accessibility of photocopying services. The study suggested harsh punishment for perpetrators who breach library rules.

Perception and Use of Large Language Models by Library and Information Science Students

Josiline Chigwada — 2024-09-20

Large language models (LLMs) have ushered in transformative information retrieval, organisation, and dissemination possibilities. The study investigates the utilisation of LLMs by library and information science (LIS) students. A survey through a case study was done to unveil the evolving role of LLMs in LIS education and practice. Stratified and purposive sampling was used to select 59 students doing a degree in LIS at a public university in Zimbabwe. An online questionnaire was used to collect data which was analysed using content analysis. The findings showed that the students were aware of ChatGPT which they used for content generation. The major challenge was misinformation, bias, and the ethical considerations in using ChatGPT. The authors recommend the importance of training both students and educators on the ethical use of LLMs and the introduction of artificial intelligence literacy programmes. No study was done on the perception and use of LLMs by LIS students in Zimbabwe. The study contributes to a better understanding of how emerging technologies are reshaping the field and how students are at the forefront of navigating their opportunities and challenges. The results can inform curriculum development, training programs, and policy formulation for incorporating LLMs into library and information services.

Virtual Campus Libraries’ Role in Community Colleges: Benefit, Challenge and Future

Jane Jiang — 2024-09-20

This paper explores the role of virtual libraries in community college settings, focusing on strategies to enhance access, inclusivity, and collaboration. Drawing upon examples from UCNJ Libraries, the paper examines how virtual libraries can address challenges such as digital literacy gaps, collaboration with academic departments, and technology infrastructure limitations. It also highlights opportunities for virtual libraries to expand their reach globally, foster collaborative partnerships, and leverage emerging technologies to innovate service delivery. Through initiatives such as live chat support, screen-sharing features, and strategic collaborations with academic institutions and industry stakeholders, virtual libraries can enhance user experiences, promote knowledge sharing, and advance academic excellence. By embracing these opportunities, virtual libraries can effectively support the diverse needs of community college students and faculty, ultimately enriching the educational landscape and fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Breaking Boundaries

Alison Wang — 2024-09-20

This article explores the evolving role of librarians in small to medium-sized academic libraries, using the Everett I.L. Baker Library at Norwalk Campus, Connecticut State Community College, as a case study. As academic libraries transition from traditional, specialized roles to more versatile staffing models, the importance of cross-training among library staff becomes increasingly apparent. In environments dominated by electronic resources and constrained by limited budgets, libraries must adapt by developing a workforce capable of handling diverse tasks, from cataloging to providing research assistance. This article details the Norwalk campus library's implementation of a cross-training program designed to enhance staff flexibility, professional growth, and service delivery. Through comprehensive training in circulation, reference services, cataloging, and technical support, the library has successfully created a more cohesive and responsive team, better equipped to meet the dynamic needs of its academic community. The findings underscore the critical role of continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability in modern academic librarianship, positioning cross-training as a key strategy for ensuring the sustainability and relevance of academic libraries in today's rapidly changing educational landscape.

Impact of Information Media on Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Tricycle Riders in Osubi Axis, Delta State, Nigeria

Emuejevoke Paul Ogo — 2024-09-20

This study assessed the impact of information media on information needs and seeking behavior of tricycle riders in Osubi Axis, Delta State, Nigeria. It employed the use of descriptive survey design. The total population for this study is 87 comprising the commercial tricycle riders in Osubi Axis. The entire 87 commercial tricycle riders were selected using the total enumeration sampling technique due to the small size of the population A questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents, and simple percentage and frequency counts used to analyze data generated. The findings reveal that the major information sought by tricycle riders in Osubi Axis include information about more lucrative and safe routes; spare parts and repairs and, traffic regulations using majorly phones, radio, and social media. They also sought information to avoid harassment from policemen, keep abreast with lucrative routes/opportunities, be conversant with traffic situations and road safety practices. Through the use of information media, tricycle riders get authentic and cheaper mechanical parts, keeping abreast with current information among others. The study identifies inadequate knowledge of computers/internet, inability to access newspapers/magazines as major challenges encountered by tricycle riders in the course of using different information media in meeting their information needs. It is imperative that tricycle riders make use of the different information media available to keep them abreast with the necessary information needed to function effectively in their business, and keep them out of trouble with the authorities. This study, therefore, recommends that government should collaborate with tricycle riders' associations to provide them with timely and accurate information on government policies, traffic regulations, and road safety practices.

Information Seeking Behavior Of The Clergy

Angela Chiwendu Nweke — 2024-09-20

This study examines the information-seeking behavior of the clergy using parish pastors in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Agbarho community in Delta State as a case study. The study seeks to identify the information needs, the sources of information, the purpose of the use of information, and the challenges to information seeking among RCCG parish pastors in Agbarho. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The total population for the study comprises 44 parish pastors of the RCCG in two Zones of RCCG Delta Province 4 in Agbarho Community. The entire population was used as a sample using the total enumeration sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The data collected for this study were analyzed using simple percentage/frequency counts. The study found that RCCG pastors in Agbarho need and use the information for several issues such as sermon preparation, personal and church growth, church administration, evangelism, conflict resolution, meetings/programs, and personal/members’ welfare among others. They get the information they need from formal sources such as the Bible, books including all RCCG publications such as Open Heavens and Sunday school manuals, magazines (RCCG Bulletins), etc. Also, RCCG pastors in Agbarho community, Delta State, Nigeria also gets information from informal sources such as senior pastors, colleagues, friends in the ministry, church members, and family among others. In their effort to seek information, RCCG pastors in Agbarho community, Delta State, Nigeria faces some challenges such as limited financial resources, lack of access to ICT facilities, language barriers, information overload, time factor, and poor awareness of information sources. The study recommends that the RCCG authorities in conjunction with other churches and community leaders should establish and equip a library in every community where they are present as a way of advancing their Christian Social Responsibilities (CSR) as this will allow their pastors to have access to free and timely information among others.

Position of Librarians in Fostering Information Literate Society for Inclusive Education, Entrepreneurship and Nationwide Development

Lawrence Arumuru — 2024-09-20

This study explores the role of librarians in promoting information literacy for inclusive education, entrepreneurship, and national development in today's knowledge-driven society. The researcher conducted a literature review to investigate the responsibilities of librarians in fostering an information-literate society, the impact of such a society on inclusive education, entrepreneurship, and national development, and the challenges faced by librarians in this endeavour. The study concludes that librarians should advocate for the inclusion of knowledge literacy as a course in higher education curricula. It emphasizes the importance of information literacy in promoting inclusiveness, entrepreneurship, and national growth, including the development of individuals with diverse skills who can navigate technology-rich environments for societal benefit. As part of the recommendations, the study suggests that librarians collaborate and submit a position paper to the National University's Commission (NUC) to underscore the necessity of incorporating knowledge literacy into higher education programs, aiming to empower students as independent lifelong learners.