Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
Author Archives: Muhammad Safdar
A systematic review of literature on human libraries: Objectives, benefits, and challenges
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
A mapping review of literature on Blockchain usage by libraries: Challenges and opportunities
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 848-858, September 2023.
The Library and Information Science (LIS) community has started discussing some possible uses of Blockchain (BC) technologies in solving library-related problems and increasing the overall efficiency of libraries. This study aimed to systematically collect and review the relevant literature to comprehend the scope of BC for libraries, its benefits, as well as the challenges, and implications related to its use. The authors explored six reputed databases (Web of Science, Scopus, LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts), LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and Google Scholar) to conduct this review. This study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After the final data extraction, 21 documents were considered eligible for the systematic review. A systematic review of the selected works indicated that the usage of BC in libraries ranged from record-keeping to processing payments and ensuring security and transparency. Some of the opportunities that can be hunted from BC were the elimination of corruption, enhanced security, improved efficiency of services, and better time management. Literature also indicated that a lack of awareness of technology, unskilled staff, and financial constraints could impede the adoption of BC by libraries. It is hoped that this study would provide a holistic overview of BC technologies for libraries, thus improving the effectiveness of the decision-makers. This study is first that collected (systematically) and reviewed the literature on BC usage in libraries. The review will help educational institutions and library professionals understand the usage, challenges, and benefits of BC for libraries.
The Library and Information Science (LIS) community has started discussing some possible uses of Blockchain (BC) technologies in solving library-related problems and increasing the overall efficiency of libraries. This study aimed to systematically collect and review the relevant literature to comprehend the scope of BC for libraries, its benefits, as well as the challenges, and implications related to its use. The authors explored six reputed databases (Web of Science, Scopus, LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts), LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and Google Scholar) to conduct this review. This study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After the final data extraction, 21 documents were considered eligible for the systematic review. A systematic review of the selected works indicated that the usage of BC in libraries ranged from record-keeping to processing payments and ensuring security and transparency. Some of the opportunities that can be hunted from BC were the elimination of corruption, enhanced security, improved efficiency of services, and better time management. Literature also indicated that a lack of awareness of technology, unskilled staff, and financial constraints could impede the adoption of BC by libraries. It is hoped that this study would provide a holistic overview of BC technologies for libraries, thus improving the effectiveness of the decision-makers. This study is first that collected (systematically) and reviewed the literature on BC usage in libraries. The review will help educational institutions and library professionals understand the usage, challenges, and benefits of BC for libraries.