International Journal of Librarianship

Building Literacies: Best Practices for Academic Libraries in the Library 3.0 Era

Niklas Ferdinand Carlsson — 2025-03-31

This paper explores the evolving role of academic libraries as educational hubs through the lens of foundational literacies—Information Literacy (IL), Digital Literacy (DL), and AI Literacy (AIL). Based on observations of practices at Linköping University Library (LiUB), it synthesizes these initiatives into a proposed framework inspired by the principles of Library 3.0: Participation, Interactivity, and Adaptability. The framework offers a structured approach to integrating these literacies into library educational programming, emphasizing the library’s role in fostering critical competencies for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing digital environment. Key best practices from LiUB’s initiatives, such as the DigiMaker makerspace and AI literacy workshops, are highlighted, providing actionable insights for academic libraries seeking to remain relevant and impactful in their educational missions.

Investigating Ineffectiveness of Electronic Security Systems in Safeguarding Library Materials at Mzumbe University Library

Kotoroi Gladness — 2025-03-31

The study surveyed the challenges facing Mzumbe University Library in using ESSs with three specific objectives: to analyze the types of ESSs used at MU, evaluate the effectiveness of ESSs, and identify challenges facing MU Library in using ESSs. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches, and the questionnaire guide was disseminated to 41 library staff members. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22 program version 20 and Microsoft Excel. The result of the study shows that there are three types of ESSs used at MU library: Theft detection, smoke detection, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Also, the study identifies the challenges facing Mzumbe University Library in operating ESS which, are personal, technical, management, and financial factors. The study recommended that the university management should consider the allocation of enough funds for the system maintenance, repair, and facilitating training programs for library staff concerning ESSs. In addition, the study also recommended the enforcement of policies showing a clear penalty for anyone found guilty of theft or damage of any library material even if he/she is a library staff.

Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Farmers in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Omeiza Momoh — 2025-03-31

This study was undertaken to investigate the information needs and information seeking behavior of farmers in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study used questionnaire as the data collection instrument while simple statistics – frequency table and percentages were used for analyzing the data. 300 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to respondents across 10 communities (Ilesa-Baruba, Okuta, Yashikira, Sinawu, Kosubosu, Gure, Boriya, Kuburufu, Gwanara And Chikanda) making a total of 300 respondents. while 272 copies representing 91% were returned and found useful for the study. Findings from the study revealed that the greatest information need of farmers in Baruten Local Government was information on credit facilities which had a mean value of 3.61. this was followed by information on new farming methodologies and marketing of farm produce which had mean value of 3.59 respectively. When seeking for information, the respondents preferred to seek out information from the professional associations. The greatest challenge faced by the respondents when seeking for information was language barrier and financial challenges which had mean values of 3.84 and 3.74 respectively. Finally, appropriate recommendations such as provision of information resources in the local language an increase in the number of extension workers, as well as the provision of good internet facilities were suggested to solve the challenges highlighted by the study.

Applying SERVQUAL Model in Library Service Delivery to Attain Students Satisfaction at a Private University in Kenya

JOHNSON Mulongo MASINDE — 2025-03-31

This study examined the extent to which application of SERVQUAL model in delivery of services attains student satisfaction with library services at Gretsa University, a private university in Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive and qualitative research design. A self-administered questionnaire with a five-point Likert-type scale was used to collect data from 100 final-year bachelor’s degree students. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression and partial correlation. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 confidence level. Study findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between SERVQUAL guided library service delivery and student satisfaction with library services. An increase in service delivery results in an increase in customer satisfaction. The findings also revealed that student factors do not moderate the relationship between SERVQUAL guided library service delivery and student satisfaction with library services. In addition, there is a significant relationship between students' factors and customer satisfaction. Students who reside in university hostels were more satisfied with the quality of library services compared to those residing outside the university. The study focused on final year bachelor degree students. The study recommends improvement of physical facilities in the Gretsa University Library so as to increase customer satisfaction levels.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Productivity and Impact at the University of Dodoma:

Josephine Wilfred Ogondiek — 2025-03-31

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research publications from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) between 2007 and 2022, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the institution's scholarly output. By examining citation metrics and academic publications, the research reveals key patterns that shed light on the effectiveness and impact of UDOM's research initiatives. The study highlights significant authors and explores collaborative networks that contribute to enhancing research productivity. It also assesses how UDOM's research outputs contribute to its international ranking performance, serving as indicators of academic quality. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the university's commitment to both academic excellence and societal impact, demonstrating its alignment with global research standards and its broader role in advancing knowledge across diverse sectors.

Exploring the Information Literacy Skills Development Strategies of Senior High Schools in Tolon District of Ghana

DAWUDA ISSAH — 2025-03-31

This research paper delves into the Information Literacy (IL) skill development strategies implemented by Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Tolon District of Northern Ghana. The study employs a phenomenological approach and qualitative method to explore the perspectives of students, teaching staff, and management within these institutions. Through purposive sampling and focus group interviews, the research investigates both the institutional and individual efforts in enhancing IL skills of students. The findings illuminate the proactive measures taken by SHS management, including fresh students’ orientation programs and dedicated library time and creation of conducive learning environment. There is no IL course in the curriculum of the SHS. The findings further reveal that teaching staff, recognizing the significance of IL, employ varied strategies to enhance students' IL skills. Despite these efforts, a noteworthy challenge emerges: teaching staff lack the requisite IL skills. Finally, students of these institutions rely on Google, teachers, parents and colleagues for the needed information. The research recommends a holistic approach to IL education, incorporating policy reforms, teacher training programs, and targeted interventions to address the identified challenges.

Yuan Tongli: A Chronicle -- Book Review

Yuan Zhou — 2025-03-31

A Skill Gap Analysis among Librarians and Sustainable Energy in the Metaverse Future Libraries

Rexwhite Enakrire — 2025-03-31

This study investigates the potential integration of the metaverse into future library services, focusing on the skill gaps among librarians and the necessity of sustainable energy infrastructure, particularly in developing nations. It highlights the need for librarians to acquire technical and soft skills, such as digital literacy, data management, and critical thinking, to effectively operate in metaverse environments. The study reveals both enthusiasm and concerns among librarians regarding metaverse adoption, noting challenges like technology anxiety among senior staff. The authors advocate for continuous skill development and sustainable energy solutions to support the metaverse's implementation in libraries.

Editorial: Tenth Anniversary of Our Journal’s Publication

Yongming Wang — 2025-03-31