Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This paper investigated professional skills for library and information science (LIS) professionals based on the American Library Association (ALA) job website. The study identified job categories and library types, examined required soft skills and professional skills, and analyzed the relationships between professional skills and job categories, and the relationships between professional skills and library types as well. Data mining, subject analysis, and information visualization methods were used in the study. The findings of this study show that the LIS field demands a wide range of comprehensive professional skills. In total, over 160 distinct professional skill requirements and 24 skill themes were uncovered. Across various LIS job categories, an average of 8.84 professional skill themes per job category was found to be necessary for success. Among these skill themes, certain ones stood out as particularly in-demand, including: Productivity Software, MARC Standards and Guidance, Integrated Library Automation, Programming, and Data Analysis. Furthermore, it was observed that the specific professional skill requirements varied across different types of libraries. Notably, Academic/Research (College/University) libraries and Public Libraries stood out as two types that demanded a broader range of professional skill themes compared to other types of libraries. The findings of this research study can inform library and information science researchers, educators, and professionals to better understand the LIS professional skill requirements, improve existing curricular systems, and develop new courses to meet the job market needs.
Category Archives: Journal of Librarianship and Information Science
Continuing professional development strategies for digital transformation among academic librarians in Africa: A systematic review
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This study aimed to review evidence on the continuing professional development (CPD) strategies that have been implemented for academic librarians and the CPD strategies that have enabled the implementation of digital transformation within academic libraries in Africa. A literature search in six databases was performed, which included Academic Search Premier (searched through EbscoHost), Emerald, Eric (searched through EbscoHost), Proquest Thesis, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 3716 studies were retrieved from the six databases and exported into EndNote Referencing Manager. After removing duplicates and screening, 60 records were retained. Subsequently, full-text reading was done, and 15 records did not meet the criteria thereby leaving 45 records that were included in the review. The findings showed that the CPD strategies implemented in academic libraries included mentorship, availing librarians with protected time to engage in learning, and collaborating with external environments among others. However, academic libraries in Africa are yet to embrace the need to recruit a staff specifically designed for CPD activities, many do not have allocations within their budgets for Librarians’ training, and have no library staff training policies, The review established that few studies had reported on the CPD strategies that had led to the implementation of digital transformation in Africa. This included collaboration, attending short courses, and mentorship. Libraries need to designate staff in charge of librarians’ CPD activities, develop librarians’ training policies, and allocate funds for librarians’ training within their budgets.
This study aimed to review evidence on the continuing professional development (CPD) strategies that have been implemented for academic librarians and the CPD strategies that have enabled the implementation of digital transformation within academic libraries in Africa. A literature search in six databases was performed, which included Academic Search Premier (searched through EbscoHost), Emerald, Eric (searched through EbscoHost), Proquest Thesis, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 3716 studies were retrieved from the six databases and exported into EndNote Referencing Manager. After removing duplicates and screening, 60 records were retained. Subsequently, full-text reading was done, and 15 records did not meet the criteria thereby leaving 45 records that were included in the review. The findings showed that the CPD strategies implemented in academic libraries included mentorship, availing librarians with protected time to engage in learning, and collaborating with external environments among others. However, academic libraries in Africa are yet to embrace the need to recruit a staff specifically designed for CPD activities, many do not have allocations within their budgets for Librarians’ training, and have no library staff training policies, The review established that few studies had reported on the CPD strategies that had led to the implementation of digital transformation in Africa. This included collaboration, attending short courses, and mentorship. Libraries need to designate staff in charge of librarians’ CPD activities, develop librarians’ training policies, and allocate funds for librarians’ training within their budgets.
Exploring factors influencing the use of open access resources in India: A novel perspective on Indian researchers
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This study investigates the use of OA resources among faculty members and research scholars at IITs in North India and explores the factors influencing their engagement with OA resources. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to participants from selected departments across four IITs in North India, resulting in 814 respondents. The study’s conceptual framework is based on the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The findings indicate that while the majority of participants were aware of OA resources, their actual use was limited. Critical determinants for using OA resources were identified, including internet self-efficacy, awareness and attitude toward OA, accessibility, trustworthiness, professional recognition, academic reward, altruism, mandates and culture, and individual traits. Copyright concerns were found to negatively influence OA resource use, while additional time, effort and cost had no significant impact. The study emphasizes the importance of formulating OA policies, promoting awareness and understanding, and addressing copyright concerns to facilitate the effective use of OA resources, thereby benefiting knowledge dissemination and scholarly communication.
This study investigates the use of OA resources among faculty members and research scholars at IITs in North India and explores the factors influencing their engagement with OA resources. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to participants from selected departments across four IITs in North India, resulting in 814 respondents. The study’s conceptual framework is based on the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The findings indicate that while the majority of participants were aware of OA resources, their actual use was limited. Critical determinants for using OA resources were identified, including internet self-efficacy, awareness and attitude toward OA, accessibility, trustworthiness, professional recognition, academic reward, altruism, mandates and culture, and individual traits. Copyright concerns were found to negatively influence OA resource use, while additional time, effort and cost had no significant impact. The study emphasizes the importance of formulating OA policies, promoting awareness and understanding, and addressing copyright concerns to facilitate the effective use of OA resources, thereby benefiting knowledge dissemination and scholarly communication.
Assessing information literacy training of postgraduate students from input-process-output perspectives: A case of the University of Dodoma
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the way information resources are accessed, evaluated, and used. The changes have necessitated new capabilities to utilise information resources effectively. Information Literacy (IL) programmes facilitate the acquisition of the necessary skills for accessing, evaluating, and using information resources in the digital era. Most of the studies on IL in Tanzania have focused on traditional practices with little or no consideration of contributing factors to the IL training outcomes in the digital era. This study assessed the IL training of postgraduate students at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) from an input-process-output perspective to ascertain the factors contributing to IL training outcomes. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches within input-process-output perspectives. Primary data (Qualitative) were collected using key informants’ interviews with postgraduate IL training organisers and facilitators working at UDOM. Secondary data (Quantitative) were collected from IL training reports from 2018 to 2022. The study findings show that most of the aspects of IL training from an input-process-output perspective were considered. The participants viewed the training input and processes as effective enough to transform their IL practices. However, the findings indicated that there were aspects that needed improvement. These included the training schedule and time allocation. The study recommends continuous review of the IL training programmes to ensure the necessary components of IL are considered for successful training outcomes. It is essential to consider the stakeholders’ needs in planning, organising, and conducting the IL training programmes for effective learning.
The advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the way information resources are accessed, evaluated, and used. The changes have necessitated new capabilities to utilise information resources effectively. Information Literacy (IL) programmes facilitate the acquisition of the necessary skills for accessing, evaluating, and using information resources in the digital era. Most of the studies on IL in Tanzania have focused on traditional practices with little or no consideration of contributing factors to the IL training outcomes in the digital era. This study assessed the IL training of postgraduate students at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) from an input-process-output perspective to ascertain the factors contributing to IL training outcomes. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches within input-process-output perspectives. Primary data (Qualitative) were collected using key informants’ interviews with postgraduate IL training organisers and facilitators working at UDOM. Secondary data (Quantitative) were collected from IL training reports from 2018 to 2022. The study findings show that most of the aspects of IL training from an input-process-output perspective were considered. The participants viewed the training input and processes as effective enough to transform their IL practices. However, the findings indicated that there were aspects that needed improvement. These included the training schedule and time allocation. The study recommends continuous review of the IL training programmes to ensure the necessary components of IL are considered for successful training outcomes. It is essential to consider the stakeholders’ needs in planning, organising, and conducting the IL training programmes for effective learning.
Perceptions of academic librarians regarding their interpersonal competencies: A case of Pakistani universities
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This investigation aimed to assess the perceived level of interpersonal competencies possessed by academic librarians working in public and private sector universities across Pakistan. The study also examined differences in perceived interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on demographic characteristics. A quantitative survey method was opted to collect data from 276 academic librarians selected through proportionate stratified simple random sampling technique. A total of 257 (92.4%) responses were received back that were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-23). The findings showed that academic librarians’ perceived collaboration, communication, customer service, ethics & values, leadership, and learning & innovation were at very skilled level. On the basis of age and professional experience, there were no significant differences in respondents’ opinions; however academic librarians from private universities were found to be more skillful about interpersonal competencies than those from public universities. Female respondents thought they were more adept at interpersonal skills than male respondents. Further, the respondents having MS/MPhil degrees were more interpersonal competent than those having BS (Hons.)/MLIS/MA degrees. Strong interpersonal abilities enable university librarians to play a significant role that support social and political well-being of the university. In local scenario, they could organize lectures and training sessions to help other academic librarians develop their skills. They could join statutory groups that develop laws to advance the field of librarianship. Moreover, the present study suggested the development a comprehensive instrument in assessing the interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on the competency index for the library field prepared by OCLC web junction in 2014.
This investigation aimed to assess the perceived level of interpersonal competencies possessed by academic librarians working in public and private sector universities across Pakistan. The study also examined differences in perceived interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on demographic characteristics. A quantitative survey method was opted to collect data from 276 academic librarians selected through proportionate stratified simple random sampling technique. A total of 257 (92.4%) responses were received back that were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-23). The findings showed that academic librarians’ perceived collaboration, communication, customer service, ethics & values, leadership, and learning & innovation were at very skilled level. On the basis of age and professional experience, there were no significant differences in respondents’ opinions; however academic librarians from private universities were found to be more skillful about interpersonal competencies than those from public universities. Female respondents thought they were more adept at interpersonal skills than male respondents. Further, the respondents having MS/MPhil degrees were more interpersonal competent than those having BS (Hons.)/MLIS/MA degrees. Strong interpersonal abilities enable university librarians to play a significant role that support social and political well-being of the university. In local scenario, they could organize lectures and training sessions to help other academic librarians develop their skills. They could join statutory groups that develop laws to advance the field of librarianship. Moreover, the present study suggested the development a comprehensive instrument in assessing the interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on the competency index for the library field prepared by OCLC web junction in 2014.
The resilient public library: Understand and reflect on own practice
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This article describes, discusses, and evaluates an educational program aimed at building resilience in public libraries. The program focuses on personal and organizational resilience and builds upon four themes: trust, stress and uncertainty, group identity, and character strenghts. Eighty-seven Swedish public library professionals participated in it. A mixed-method approach was used to study how the program supported employees in discussing and reflecting on resilience, as well as how they experienced what the program had given them in terms of knowledge and insights. Two main results are addressed; (i) the value of an educational program lies both in its power to make employees jointly discuss and reflect on their own roles and situations and in library-management using this information to change the organization, and (ii) staff gaining new insight and knowledge from the program experienced improvements in a number of outcomes related to the content of the program. Overall, this study implies that locally designed educational programs facilitate both personal and organizational resilience at public libraries.
This article describes, discusses, and evaluates an educational program aimed at building resilience in public libraries. The program focuses on personal and organizational resilience and builds upon four themes: trust, stress and uncertainty, group identity, and character strenghts. Eighty-seven Swedish public library professionals participated in it. A mixed-method approach was used to study how the program supported employees in discussing and reflecting on resilience, as well as how they experienced what the program had given them in terms of knowledge and insights. Two main results are addressed; (i) the value of an educational program lies both in its power to make employees jointly discuss and reflect on their own roles and situations and in library-management using this information to change the organization, and (ii) staff gaining new insight and knowledge from the program experienced improvements in a number of outcomes related to the content of the program. Overall, this study implies that locally designed educational programs facilitate both personal and organizational resilience at public libraries.
Performance based assessment of LIS professionals toward digital data sets management in university libraries: A TAM model approach
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
In recent times, computer systems have acquired the capacity to gather, process and analyze massive quantities of data, as well as techniques for distributing, transmitting, and computing estimates. Therefore, the study is conducted with an objective to ascertain the performance-based assessment of LIS professionals toward digital data sets management DDSM in university libraries. A six-factor measurement model was tested based on the 28-valid items obtained from the literature. The hypothesized research model was validated through the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. LIS professionals in research-oriented organizations possess the necessary data analytical skills and technical expertise to extract insights from the data. The findings indicated that analytical skills have a significant positive impact on PEOU (β =246, SE = 0.54, p < 0.000). Perceived usefulness (PU) of digital data management practices is significantly influenced by analytical skills (AS) (β =0.443, SE = 0.077, p ⩽ 0.000), PEOU significantly influence the attitude of LIS professionals toward digital data management practices (β =0.215, SE = 0.214, p ⩽ 0.000), and attitude of LIS professionals has a positive impact on their performance in managing digital data sets in university libraries (β =0.584, SE = 0.178, p ⩽ 0.005). The study reports primary data gathered through survey on constructs given in technology acceptance (TAM) model. The study provides a valuable insight for organizational leaders, stakeholders, and planners to enhance and refine DDSM practices and methodologies in academic libraries. This will enable them to effectively utilize library resources and services through the implementation of DDSM techniques.
In recent times, computer systems have acquired the capacity to gather, process and analyze massive quantities of data, as well as techniques for distributing, transmitting, and computing estimates. Therefore, the study is conducted with an objective to ascertain the performance-based assessment of LIS professionals toward digital data sets management DDSM in university libraries. A six-factor measurement model was tested based on the 28-valid items obtained from the literature. The hypothesized research model was validated through the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. LIS professionals in research-oriented organizations possess the necessary data analytical skills and technical expertise to extract insights from the data. The findings indicated that analytical skills have a significant positive impact on PEOU (β =246, SE = 0.54, p < 0.000). Perceived usefulness (PU) of digital data management practices is significantly influenced by analytical skills (AS) (β =0.443, SE = 0.077, p ⩽ 0.000), PEOU significantly influence the attitude of LIS professionals toward digital data management practices (β =0.215, SE = 0.214, p ⩽ 0.000), and attitude of LIS professionals has a positive impact on their performance in managing digital data sets in university libraries (β =0.584, SE = 0.178, p ⩽ 0.005). The study reports primary data gathered through survey on constructs given in technology acceptance (TAM) model. The study provides a valuable insight for organizational leaders, stakeholders, and planners to enhance and refine DDSM practices and methodologies in academic libraries. This will enable them to effectively utilize library resources and services through the implementation of DDSM techniques.
Gender difference in library and information science research
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The study aims to ascertain the gender differences in the research productivity, research impact, collaboration pattern, funding, and self-citations of male and female authors belonging to the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The top twenty-four (24) journals belonging to the LIS field ranked as per impact factors in Journal Citation Report (JCR) offered by Clarivate Analytics were analyzed. Only those journals that provided author biographies at the end of each article were selected. To ascertain the information regarding the gender of an author, biographical sketches provided at the end of each article were examined. Google Scholar was consulted to collect data on citations. For self-citations, references of each paper were thoroughly checked, and self-citation, if found, were tabulated for analysis. Collaboration pattern in terms of gender preference was studied under national and international categories. If collaborating authors belonged to the same country, the collaboration pattern was deemed national, and if the collaborating authors belonged to different countries, the pattern was deemed international. The acknowledgment section of each article was thoroughly checked to collect information on funding characteristics. Countries of origin belonging to authors were ascertained and were classified into three regions i.e. European, Non-European and Cross-Cultural. Then the relationship between the region and author productivity under various authorship patterns was studied. Later, Descriptive Statistics, ANOVA, T-test, and Chi-Square tests were applied to ascertain the significance of the results. Males and females on average are almost equally productive in the field of LIS. Males receive more citations for their manuscripts, creating more research impact than their female counterparts. It is further found that males and females prefer to collaborate with authors of the same gender. Moreover, males are more active and visible on the international collaboration side, while females are more active on the national side of collaboration. Regarding the research papers reporting on funding, it is found that the female gender has more likelihood of receiving funds for their research. Further, it is found that male authors are more involved in self-citations than females. Moreover, it is also revealed that female researchers are more research productive in Non-European countries while in European and Cross-Cultural regions men are still dominant in terms of research productivity. The study considers 24 prominent journals in the LIS. Since the journals are novel in the field, these provide a clearer view of the existence or absence of gender bias in the field. Only 24 prominent journals belonging to the LIS are considered, and the scope is limited to 5 years only. If more journals are considered and the study’s period is expanded, the results may vary from the present study’s findings. The study will let the stakeholders know whether there exists any gender disparity in LIS research. As the study focuses on the different areas and facets of research, it will enable professionals to identify the areas of gender bias and work toward resolving the issue. Further, the study will provide a bird’s eye view of the LIS field from the perspective of gender bias.
The study aims to ascertain the gender differences in the research productivity, research impact, collaboration pattern, funding, and self-citations of male and female authors belonging to the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The top twenty-four (24) journals belonging to the LIS field ranked as per impact factors in Journal Citation Report (JCR) offered by Clarivate Analytics were analyzed. Only those journals that provided author biographies at the end of each article were selected. To ascertain the information regarding the gender of an author, biographical sketches provided at the end of each article were examined. Google Scholar was consulted to collect data on citations. For self-citations, references of each paper were thoroughly checked, and self-citation, if found, were tabulated for analysis. Collaboration pattern in terms of gender preference was studied under national and international categories. If collaborating authors belonged to the same country, the collaboration pattern was deemed national, and if the collaborating authors belonged to different countries, the pattern was deemed international. The acknowledgment section of each article was thoroughly checked to collect information on funding characteristics. Countries of origin belonging to authors were ascertained and were classified into three regions i.e. European, Non-European and Cross-Cultural. Then the relationship between the region and author productivity under various authorship patterns was studied. Later, Descriptive Statistics, ANOVA, T-test, and Chi-Square tests were applied to ascertain the significance of the results. Males and females on average are almost equally productive in the field of LIS. Males receive more citations for their manuscripts, creating more research impact than their female counterparts. It is further found that males and females prefer to collaborate with authors of the same gender. Moreover, males are more active and visible on the international collaboration side, while females are more active on the national side of collaboration. Regarding the research papers reporting on funding, it is found that the female gender has more likelihood of receiving funds for their research. Further, it is found that male authors are more involved in self-citations than females. Moreover, it is also revealed that female researchers are more research productive in Non-European countries while in European and Cross-Cultural regions men are still dominant in terms of research productivity. The study considers 24 prominent journals in the LIS. Since the journals are novel in the field, these provide a clearer view of the existence or absence of gender bias in the field. Only 24 prominent journals belonging to the LIS are considered, and the scope is limited to 5 years only. If more journals are considered and the study’s period is expanded, the results may vary from the present study’s findings. The study will let the stakeholders know whether there exists any gender disparity in LIS research. As the study focuses on the different areas and facets of research, it will enable professionals to identify the areas of gender bias and work toward resolving the issue. Further, the study will provide a bird’s eye view of the LIS field from the perspective of gender bias.
Investigating and understanding library data services to support college student data literacy competencies: A conceptual framework
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Guided by a conceptual framework based on the baseline data literacy competencies (DLCs) mapped to the ACRL information literacy framework and the extended technology acceptance model, this study uses an online survey to investigate the factors related to student users’ potential acceptance of library data services supporting DLCs in a master’s college environment. With quantitative and qualitative data analyses, the study builds three conceptual models to demonstrate how students’ study-related data engagement and backgrounds may influence their attitudes toward multi-aspect library data services, including general data services, an institutional data repository, if available, as a data resource, and institutional data repository-based services. The study’s findings support library data services’ cross-disciplinary, multidimensional, and multilevel nature, addressing the value of institutional data repositories and repository-based data services in comprehensively promoting data literacy competencies of all groups in all disciplines. The contribution of this study, beyond being among the first to look at library data services from a holistic perspective to support college students’ DLCs, includes a call for further explorations of student data engagement practice and verifying and generalizing the current study findings by investigating more students’ data services need in more college communities.
Guided by a conceptual framework based on the baseline data literacy competencies (DLCs) mapped to the ACRL information literacy framework and the extended technology acceptance model, this study uses an online survey to investigate the factors related to student users’ potential acceptance of library data services supporting DLCs in a master’s college environment. With quantitative and qualitative data analyses, the study builds three conceptual models to demonstrate how students’ study-related data engagement and backgrounds may influence their attitudes toward multi-aspect library data services, including general data services, an institutional data repository, if available, as a data resource, and institutional data repository-based services. The study’s findings support library data services’ cross-disciplinary, multidimensional, and multilevel nature, addressing the value of institutional data repositories and repository-based data services in comprehensively promoting data literacy competencies of all groups in all disciplines. The contribution of this study, beyond being among the first to look at library data services from a holistic perspective to support college students’ DLCs, includes a call for further explorations of student data engagement practice and verifying and generalizing the current study findings by investigating more students’ data services need in more college communities.
Growth and aging study on literatures of information science & library science based on SSCI data
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Both in theory and in practice, Library and Information Science (LIS) are exhibiting a high trend of development. In this work, the growth and aging of literature are applied to make a historical and comprehensive statistical analysis of LIS. A total of 138,658 records spanning 122 years were taken from the SSCI database. The growth and aging curves of LIS have been drawn, supplementing with the driving forces of countries, institutions, and authors to explore the current production situation in the LIS field. According to the findings of this study, Price’s exponential development curve is followed by the increase of literature in LIS. The second phase mentioned by Price, constant exponential growth, is where LIS is right now. It is possible to forecast that LIS will continue to grow exponentially and will eventually become more mature. Based on the Price Index in the LIS discipline, which was roughly 0.348 in 2022, researchers frequently cite new literature. Since LIS is rapidly aging, knowledge updates happen more frequently, which is consistent with the development stage of the LIS discipline. Countries, institutions and authors all exhibit strong power-law distributions in terms of the driving forces. In the field of LIS, the United States is unquestionably the leader. Despite having a relatively late start, China has made rapid progress in the field of LIS, with Wuhan University gaining prominence in the last 3 years, which deserves attention.
Both in theory and in practice, Library and Information Science (LIS) are exhibiting a high trend of development. In this work, the growth and aging of literature are applied to make a historical and comprehensive statistical analysis of LIS. A total of 138,658 records spanning 122 years were taken from the SSCI database. The growth and aging curves of LIS have been drawn, supplementing with the driving forces of countries, institutions, and authors to explore the current production situation in the LIS field. According to the findings of this study, Price’s exponential development curve is followed by the increase of literature in LIS. The second phase mentioned by Price, constant exponential growth, is where LIS is right now. It is possible to forecast that LIS will continue to grow exponentially and will eventually become more mature. Based on the Price Index in the LIS discipline, which was roughly 0.348 in 2022, researchers frequently cite new literature. Since LIS is rapidly aging, knowledge updates happen more frequently, which is consistent with the development stage of the LIS discipline. Countries, institutions and authors all exhibit strong power-law distributions in terms of the driving forces. In the field of LIS, the United States is unquestionably the leader. Despite having a relatively late start, China has made rapid progress in the field of LIS, with Wuhan University gaining prominence in the last 3 years, which deserves attention.