The state of embedded librarianship in the university research processes in selected African academic libraries

IF 1.3 Q2 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE

Library Management Pub Date : 2023-08-25 DOI:10.1108/lm-06-2023-0045

A. Leonard, Josiline Phiri Chigwada, Gilbert Mushi

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Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to examine the state of embedded librarianship in African academic libraries by exploring the extent of librarian embedment in research processes in selected academic libraries in Africa.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to collect data using an online questionnaire. The study population was comprised of librarians who directly support researchers throughout the research process in the scholarly communication and information services sections. Purposive sampling was used to select librarians, and 63 responses were received from the target of 100. The collected data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, and content analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions.FindingsThe study results showed that the extent and nature of librarians' embeddedness in the research process vary across different university contexts in Africa. Challenges and areas of research skill gaps among librarians were identified, and propositions to address the research skill gaps were provided.Practical implicationsThe study findings can be used as a framework for libraries to embed librarians in the research process. The study made recommendations with practical implications for library practitioners in academia, and institutions offering library and information science education, and the library management responsible for the research process.Originality/valueA study brings a novel perspective by examining the state of embedded librarianship in the African context. Its contribution generates knowledge and insights that inform the development of effective embedded librarianship practices in African academic libraries to enhance research support services and advancement of scholarly research in the region.

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嵌入式图书馆事业在大学研究过程中的现状，以选定的非洲学术图书馆为例

目的本研究旨在探讨非洲高校图书馆馆员在研究过程中的嵌入程度，以考察非洲高校图书馆嵌入式图书馆事业的现状。设计/方法/方法进行了一项调查，使用在线问卷收集数据。研究人群由图书馆馆员组成，他们在学术交流和信息服务部门的整个研究过程中直接支持研究人员。我们采用有目的抽样的方法来选择图书馆员，从100个目标中收到了63个回复。收集的数据使用社会科学统计软件包(SPSS)软件进行分析，并使用内容分析对开放式问题进行分析。研究结果表明，在非洲不同的大学背景下，图书馆员在研究过程中的嵌入程度和性质有所不同。确定了图书馆员面临的挑战和研究技能差距领域，并提出了解决研究技能差距的建议。实践启示研究结果可作为图书馆将馆员嵌入研究过程的框架。本研究为学术界的图书馆从业人员、提供图书馆情报学教育的机构以及负责研究过程的图书馆管理人员提出了具有实际意义的建议。原创性/价值一项研究通过检查非洲背景下嵌入式图书馆的状态，带来了一个新颖的视角。它的贡献产生了知识和见解，为非洲学术图书馆有效的嵌入式图书馆实践的发展提供了信息，以加强该地区的研究支持服务和学术研究的进步。

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来源期刊

Library Management INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

15.40%

发文量

期刊介绍： ■strategic management ■HRM/HRO ■cultural diversity ■information use ■managing change ■quality management ■leadership ■teamwork ■marketing ■outsourcing ■automation ■library finance ■charging ■performance measurement ■data protection and copyright As information services become more complex in nature and more technologically sophisticated, managers need to keep pace with innovations and thinking in the field to offer the most professional service with the resources they have.