Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Category Archives: Journal of Librarianship and Information Science
Librarians’ attitudes toward library’s roles in environmental sustainability
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The library community has been committed to environmental sustainability. The Green Library Movement calls for libraries to green their building, operation, and services. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) calls for libraries to actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which environmental sustainability was one of the three aspects of sustainability in addition to social and economic sustainability. The American Library Association (ALA) has also added sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship. However, previous research identified a gap between librarians’ perceived importance of environmental sustainability and the actual practices adopted in their libraries that contribute to environmental sustainability. This current study focuses on examining librarians’ attitudes toward the roles of libraries in environmental sustainability advocated by IFLA and ALA by surveying librarians from California, Florida, and Georgia identified from the state library association listservs and the individual library websites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. Findings from this study will add to the understanding of the previously identified gap by comprehending the roles that librarians identify with regarding libraries’ contribution to environmental sustainability. The findings will also inform professional organizations on what support their members might need the most in promoting environmental sustainability in society and community. Lastly, the findings could inform curricular development for Library and Information Studies programs interested in preparing librarians with environmental awareness.
The library community has been committed to environmental sustainability. The Green Library Movement calls for libraries to green their building, operation, and services. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) calls for libraries to actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which environmental sustainability was one of the three aspects of sustainability in addition to social and economic sustainability. The American Library Association (ALA) has also added sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship. However, previous research identified a gap between librarians’ perceived importance of environmental sustainability and the actual practices adopted in their libraries that contribute to environmental sustainability. This current study focuses on examining librarians’ attitudes toward the roles of libraries in environmental sustainability advocated by IFLA and ALA by surveying librarians from California, Florida, and Georgia identified from the state library association listservs and the individual library websites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. Findings from this study will add to the understanding of the previously identified gap by comprehending the roles that librarians identify with regarding libraries’ contribution to environmental sustainability. The findings will also inform professional organizations on what support their members might need the most in promoting environmental sustainability in society and community. Lastly, the findings could inform curricular development for Library and Information Studies programs interested in preparing librarians with environmental awareness.
Factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries: A systematic literature review (SLR)
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries, investigate the impact of robots on library services, and reveal challenges to adopt robotic applications in academic libraries. A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 16 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings displayed that the factors of innovation, advancements in artificial intelligence, library security, and personalized services influenced positively the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. The study also illustrated that robots had a significant positive impact on academic libraries by performing a variety of roles, solving space issues, and providing entertainment to library patrons. Results also revealed that loss of critical thinking, technical issues, lack of organizational planning, financial hurdles, fear of job loss, shortage of skilled manpower, and ethical considerations caused barriers to the successful implementation of robotic applications in academic libraries. The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It is the first systematic literature review on the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. It has provided practical solutions in light of evidence-based data for the effective adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries.
The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries, investigate the impact of robots on library services, and reveal challenges to adopt robotic applications in academic libraries. A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 16 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings displayed that the factors of innovation, advancements in artificial intelligence, library security, and personalized services influenced positively the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. The study also illustrated that robots had a significant positive impact on academic libraries by performing a variety of roles, solving space issues, and providing entertainment to library patrons. Results also revealed that loss of critical thinking, technical issues, lack of organizational planning, financial hurdles, fear of job loss, shortage of skilled manpower, and ethical considerations caused barriers to the successful implementation of robotic applications in academic libraries. The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It is the first systematic literature review on the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. It has provided practical solutions in light of evidence-based data for the effective adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries.
A systematic review of IDEAs in librarianship: Working together move toward greater ideas
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Dramatic demographic shifts that is now more racially and ethnically diverse, as well as the abundance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) topics, are discussed in the literature and found within conference themes and professional organizations. This systematic review demonstrates the status and identifies the main common views, changes, and notable gaps in the research on IDEA, and social justice; anti-racism; and cultural humility presented and interconnected, particularly in the LIS literature from 2018 to 2022. A framework for LIS professionals was developed to provide a broad LIS vision regarding IDEA-related aspects. This review extends previous work by providing a more comprehensive treatment of relevant terms and presenting additional elements not previously examined. We hope that this review will motivate the LIS community specific to the United States to address issues of systemic/structural racism and to work together toward ensuring more IDEA in all communities, especially underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Dramatic demographic shifts that is now more racially and ethnically diverse, as well as the abundance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) topics, are discussed in the literature and found within conference themes and professional organizations. This systematic review demonstrates the status and identifies the main common views, changes, and notable gaps in the research on IDEA, and social justice; anti-racism; and cultural humility presented and interconnected, particularly in the LIS literature from 2018 to 2022. A framework for LIS professionals was developed to provide a broad LIS vision regarding IDEA-related aspects. This review extends previous work by providing a more comprehensive treatment of relevant terms and presenting additional elements not previously examined. We hope that this review will motivate the LIS community specific to the United States to address issues of systemic/structural racism and to work together toward ensuring more IDEA in all communities, especially underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Beyond books: High school librarians as champions of pupil inclusivity, autonomy, and reader development
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
School librarians can support and enhance pupils’ reading and personal development. However, there is very little research which has sought high school librarians’ perspectives of the diverse ways in which they do this. In this study, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 18 practitioners responsible for school library services from 18 geographically dispersed high schools in Scotland to gain in-depth insights into the practices they use to support pupil development. Inductive data-driven thematic analysis identified two themes. The first concerned reader development beyond reading for attainment. Within this theme it was identified that those with library responsibilities (a) cultivate a love of reading; (b) support diverse reading activities; (c) ensure book provision reflects the school community and (d) align reading with pupils’ contemporary lives. The second concerned pupils’ personal development. Within this theme it was identified that those with library responsibilities (a) support personal development; (b) expand pupils’ worldview through books; (c) support aspects of pupils’ lives; (d) provide support for minority pupils; (e) create a safe and social space and (f) support pupil autonomy. It is hoped that these findings will be of use to librarians and schools seeking to promote the vital role of libraries in supporting pupils beyond their academic attainment, as well as providing recommendations to researchers and practitioners seeking to support pupil inclusivity, autonomy, and individuality through school library services.
School librarians can support and enhance pupils’ reading and personal development. However, there is very little research which has sought high school librarians’ perspectives of the diverse ways in which they do this. In this study, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 18 practitioners responsible for school library services from 18 geographically dispersed high schools in Scotland to gain in-depth insights into the practices they use to support pupil development. Inductive data-driven thematic analysis identified two themes. The first concerned reader development beyond reading for attainment. Within this theme it was identified that those with library responsibilities (a) cultivate a love of reading; (b) support diverse reading activities; (c) ensure book provision reflects the school community and (d) align reading with pupils’ contemporary lives. The second concerned pupils’ personal development. Within this theme it was identified that those with library responsibilities (a) support personal development; (b) expand pupils’ worldview through books; (c) support aspects of pupils’ lives; (d) provide support for minority pupils; (e) create a safe and social space and (f) support pupil autonomy. It is hoped that these findings will be of use to librarians and schools seeking to promote the vital role of libraries in supporting pupils beyond their academic attainment, as well as providing recommendations to researchers and practitioners seeking to support pupil inclusivity, autonomy, and individuality through school library services.
Moderating the role of trust toward intention to adopt cloud computing by academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigerian
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Cloud computing has since been recognized as a robust technology that speeds and simplifies organizational service delivery. But its adoption especially in African countries and academic libraries is still at the nascent stage. This study aims to find the contributing determinants of cloud computing adoption in North-Eastern Nigerian academic libraries using Technological and Organizational variables of Technology-Organization-Environment theory(TOE) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI). A quantitative approach using a survey research design was employed. Seventy-eight academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria formed the population of the study and census enumeration is used which indicates that all the academic libraries are considered. Results revealed that five out of six determinants are significant for the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. While moderation effect results revealed that only one determinant is moderated by the adopted moderator. This implies that the significant determinants should be given more consideration when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Equally, the study’s results will guide academic libraries’ decision-makers that include the Chief Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Head of ICT unit who are responsible for deciding on the rejection or accepting innovative technology in the library to make fruitful and realistic decisions when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Theoretically, the results will contribute to the body of knowledge especially in the librarianship field. Finally, the study recommends among others that special attention should be given to those significant determinants when deciding to adopt cloud computing in academic libraries. Future studies should employ more variables and use another factor as a moderator. Equally future studies should cover more areas beyond North-Eastern Nigeria.
Cloud computing has since been recognized as a robust technology that speeds and simplifies organizational service delivery. But its adoption especially in African countries and academic libraries is still at the nascent stage. This study aims to find the contributing determinants of cloud computing adoption in North-Eastern Nigerian academic libraries using Technological and Organizational variables of Technology-Organization-Environment theory(TOE) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI). A quantitative approach using a survey research design was employed. Seventy-eight academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria formed the population of the study and census enumeration is used which indicates that all the academic libraries are considered. Results revealed that five out of six determinants are significant for the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. While moderation effect results revealed that only one determinant is moderated by the adopted moderator. This implies that the significant determinants should be given more consideration when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Equally, the study’s results will guide academic libraries’ decision-makers that include the Chief Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Head of ICT unit who are responsible for deciding on the rejection or accepting innovative technology in the library to make fruitful and realistic decisions when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Theoretically, the results will contribute to the body of knowledge especially in the librarianship field. Finally, the study recommends among others that special attention should be given to those significant determinants when deciding to adopt cloud computing in academic libraries. Future studies should employ more variables and use another factor as a moderator. Equally future studies should cover more areas beyond North-Eastern Nigeria.
Information literacy of higher vocational college students in digital age
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The digital age presents greater challenges to information literacy. However, the level of information literacy in different regions and populations is still controversial, especially for students in college or university. To investigate the information literacy level of college students in Guangzhou area of Guangdong Province, China, and provide a basis for guiding students to improve information literacy. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023. The information literacy questionnaire was used to evaluate student’s information literacy, which included basic information and information literacy scale. Statistical description, non-parametric testing, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. A total of 1700 participants, 57.6% of the students had medium information literacy, and average score of information literacy was 226.84 ± 39.83. The number of students using laptops and mobile phones reached 83.8 and 86.5%, respectively. 45.7% of the students had their first contact with mobile phones in junior high school, 49.9% in primary school, but their information literacy is not ideal. The lowest score was 3.74 for information management and communication, followed by 3.75 for information retrieval and acquisition. The results of regression analysis demonstrated that grade, place of high school study, information literacy course, the time of first contact with mobile phones and the type of using electronic information equipment affected students' information literacy (p < 0.05). The information literacy of students in higher vocational colleges is in the middle level. Although the use of electronic information equipment is popular, the overall level of information literacy still needs to be strengthened, especially for attach importance to information retrieval and acquisition, management and communication literacy. Students’ systematic learning process requires colleges to provide systematic and professional information literacy curriculum teaching.
The digital age presents greater challenges to information literacy. However, the level of information literacy in different regions and populations is still controversial, especially for students in college or university. To investigate the information literacy level of college students in Guangzhou area of Guangdong Province, China, and provide a basis for guiding students to improve information literacy. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023. The information literacy questionnaire was used to evaluate student’s information literacy, which included basic information and information literacy scale. Statistical description, non-parametric testing, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. A total of 1700 participants, 57.6% of the students had medium information literacy, and average score of information literacy was 226.84 ± 39.83. The number of students using laptops and mobile phones reached 83.8 and 86.5%, respectively. 45.7% of the students had their first contact with mobile phones in junior high school, 49.9% in primary school, but their information literacy is not ideal. The lowest score was 3.74 for information management and communication, followed by 3.75 for information retrieval and acquisition. The results of regression analysis demonstrated that grade, place of high school study, information literacy course, the time of first contact with mobile phones and the type of using electronic information equipment affected students' information literacy (p < 0.05). The information literacy of students in higher vocational colleges is in the middle level. Although the use of electronic information equipment is popular, the overall level of information literacy still needs to be strengthened, especially for attach importance to information retrieval and acquisition, management and communication literacy. Students’ systematic learning process requires colleges to provide systematic and professional information literacy curriculum teaching.
Conversational AI Chatbots in library research: An integrative review and future research agenda
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The growing role of conversational AI Chatbots continues to change the library and information service landscape. Chatbots are replacing some of the library services that humans conventionally perform. In the era of instant evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of Chatbots in libraries keeps expanding and acquiring more experience. This paper aims to examine the extant research on library Chatbots using an integrative literature review (ILR) approach. Empirical and non-empirical papers from the Scopus database to ascertain what is already known about the topic. Forty papers (articles and conference papers) were scrutinized for further analysis. The leading emergent themes in the literature were (1) The evolution of Chatbots technology in libraries, (2) Antecedents for Chatbot use in libraries, (3) User experience with Chatbot use in libraries, (4) Chatbot use in libraries amidst COVID-19, and (5) Challenges facing Chatbot use in libraries. Research on Chatbots in library services is still embryonic and has only begun to flourish. Nevertheless, there is still a significant research gap despite its surging curve. The findings of this integrative review contribute to the body of knowledge on the nexus between artificial intelligence and library operations. It also furnishes academics and practitioners with six potential directions for future research opportunities.
The growing role of conversational AI Chatbots continues to change the library and information service landscape. Chatbots are replacing some of the library services that humans conventionally perform. In the era of instant evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of Chatbots in libraries keeps expanding and acquiring more experience. This paper aims to examine the extant research on library Chatbots using an integrative literature review (ILR) approach. Empirical and non-empirical papers from the Scopus database to ascertain what is already known about the topic. Forty papers (articles and conference papers) were scrutinized for further analysis. The leading emergent themes in the literature were (1) The evolution of Chatbots technology in libraries, (2) Antecedents for Chatbot use in libraries, (3) User experience with Chatbot use in libraries, (4) Chatbot use in libraries amidst COVID-19, and (5) Challenges facing Chatbot use in libraries. Research on Chatbots in library services is still embryonic and has only begun to flourish. Nevertheless, there is still a significant research gap despite its surging curve. The findings of this integrative review contribute to the body of knowledge on the nexus between artificial intelligence and library operations. It also furnishes academics and practitioners with six potential directions for future research opportunities.
Development of intelligent system of global bibliographic search
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The paper presents scientifically grounded principles of formation and algorithms of a global bibliographic retrieval system based on modern intelligent technologies (intelligent linguistic analysis of texts and database management) and Internet search methods. Within the framework of theoretical bibliography, for the first time taking into account the specifics of modern intelligent software, a new algorithm of an integrated automated system for global bibliographic retrieval as well as search for specialized publications to publish research papers was developed. The developed methods include the formation of a normalized database of keywords based on the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) categories and the automatic assignment of keywords from this normalized database to research papers by an intelligent system for linguistic analysis of texts. The proposed use of keywords as data labels in the form of UDC categories, covering all branches of knowledge, makes it possible to precisely label and describe research papers and scientific publications (journals, proceedings of scientific conferences) to the fullest extent possible. The search for research papers by the proposed bibliographic retrieval system as well as the search for specialized publications to publish those research papers is carried out automatically by normalized keywords assigned to research papers and scientific journals based on intelligent linguistic analysis of the content of those research papers. The study makes a social contribution and shows how it is important to create and utilize best practices, processes and strategies of bibliographic retrieval, which are essential in the development of science in modern society. Besides, in social terms, the search for bibliographic information is one of the methods to solve the problem of finding a relation between personal and public knowledge. The implementation of the study results in accordance with the presented algorithms consists in designing a special global public Internet search resource.
The paper presents scientifically grounded principles of formation and algorithms of a global bibliographic retrieval system based on modern intelligent technologies (intelligent linguistic analysis of texts and database management) and Internet search methods. Within the framework of theoretical bibliography, for the first time taking into account the specifics of modern intelligent software, a new algorithm of an integrated automated system for global bibliographic retrieval as well as search for specialized publications to publish research papers was developed. The developed methods include the formation of a normalized database of keywords based on the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) categories and the automatic assignment of keywords from this normalized database to research papers by an intelligent system for linguistic analysis of texts. The proposed use of keywords as data labels in the form of UDC categories, covering all branches of knowledge, makes it possible to precisely label and describe research papers and scientific publications (journals, proceedings of scientific conferences) to the fullest extent possible. The search for research papers by the proposed bibliographic retrieval system as well as the search for specialized publications to publish those research papers is carried out automatically by normalized keywords assigned to research papers and scientific journals based on intelligent linguistic analysis of the content of those research papers. The study makes a social contribution and shows how it is important to create and utilize best practices, processes and strategies of bibliographic retrieval, which are essential in the development of science in modern society. Besides, in social terms, the search for bibliographic information is one of the methods to solve the problem of finding a relation between personal and public knowledge. The implementation of the study results in accordance with the presented algorithms consists in designing a special global public Internet search resource.
An understanding of school libraries within the technical vocational education and training system: Chile’s CRA school libraries
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Our study seeks to explore how official Chilean governmental normative documents envision school libraries within its Technical Vocational Education and Training system. This system has not been exempted from the discursive rhetoric that maintains that for today’s society being able to engage with information is indispensable. While the library has been argued to be a model space for developing such practices, this need not be the case. The role of the library and librarians is not fixed but rather runs within a continuum. Given that libraries’ roles are not fixed, exploring the underlying assumptions of documents that set out standards for libraries is important. Failing to question such assumptions can lead to problematic implementations where discrepancies between rhetoric and practice become common. Within the Chilean context, normative documents as well as teachers explicitly assign the school library responsibility for the development of practices to engage with information. Additionally, in Chile, the enactment of public policy concomitant to school libraries originated from the idea that they were fundamental for developing literacy and practices to purposefully engage with information. Methodologically, we have conducted a post-foundational discourse analysis. Two documents central to the detailing of school library standards underwent a synchronic heuristic discourse analysis as understood by relational-ontology. Findings indicate that the understandings of school libraries are closer to that of a passive annex, or resource, of a school and not as a site for instruction and learning. Our findings indicate that such an understanding slants toward an understanding of libraries mainly conceived in quantitative terms, ultimately leading to the potential thwarting of practices to engage with information.
Our study seeks to explore how official Chilean governmental normative documents envision school libraries within its Technical Vocational Education and Training system. This system has not been exempted from the discursive rhetoric that maintains that for today’s society being able to engage with information is indispensable. While the library has been argued to be a model space for developing such practices, this need not be the case. The role of the library and librarians is not fixed but rather runs within a continuum. Given that libraries’ roles are not fixed, exploring the underlying assumptions of documents that set out standards for libraries is important. Failing to question such assumptions can lead to problematic implementations where discrepancies between rhetoric and practice become common. Within the Chilean context, normative documents as well as teachers explicitly assign the school library responsibility for the development of practices to engage with information. Additionally, in Chile, the enactment of public policy concomitant to school libraries originated from the idea that they were fundamental for developing literacy and practices to purposefully engage with information. Methodologically, we have conducted a post-foundational discourse analysis. Two documents central to the detailing of school library standards underwent a synchronic heuristic discourse analysis as understood by relational-ontology. Findings indicate that the understandings of school libraries are closer to that of a passive annex, or resource, of a school and not as a site for instruction and learning. Our findings indicate that such an understanding slants toward an understanding of libraries mainly conceived in quantitative terms, ultimately leading to the potential thwarting of practices to engage with information.