Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues最新文献

{"title":"Application of theories in Library and Information Science research in Tanzania: A content analysis","authors":"M. Kassim","doi":"10.1177/09557490241250297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241250297","url":null,"abstract":"Using a content analysis approach, this study assessed the application of theories in Library and Information Science (LIS) research in Tanzania. The study’s specific objectives encompassed the analysis of the utilization patterns of theories in LIS research conducted in Tanzania, the identification of predominant theories, the highlighting of specific areas within LIS research where theories have been extensively applied, and the assessment of the level of integration of theories into research. While Kalervo and Vakkari’s classification scheme of LIS research areas was used to identify specific research areas where theories have been applied most, seven categories of theory talk were utilized to evaluate the degree to which these theories have been incorporated into LIS research. The study’s findings reveal a growing inclination towards the use of theories among LIS researchers, albeit at a slow pace. The study has also shown that TAM and UTAUT theories are the most frequently utilized, with information-seeking research being the primary area incorporating theories among all identified research areas. The findings also suggest that while a significant portion of the analyzed articles fall under the major category of the Continuum of Theory Talk, implying substantial incorporation of theories, a small number of them encountered difficulties in effectively integrating theories. The study, therefore, suggests that LIS educators should also prioritize the theoretical aspect of research in their curriculum. This will help researchers improve their understanding of the subject matter, leading to more reliable and precise research.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"5 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141011443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness and adoption of anti-plagiarism software in India: A case study of ShodhShuddhi","authors":"Varsha Singh, A. K. Singh","doi":"10.1177/09557490241247208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241247208","url":null,"abstract":"Academic writing is essential for researchers to present the research output in a legitimate manner with a precise and clear representation of research data, but few have mastered the art of writing well. Research and researchers are responsible for upholding academic honesty, integrity, and ethics. Needless to say, plagiarism has been around since antiquity, but it has never been as pervasive as it is now. Plagiarism is gradually ingraining itself into our educational system. Pupils are increasingly using the Internet and ICT-based tools to find quick “shortcuts” to the worthwhile but time-consuming task of preparing research papers. Being the third-largest publishing nation, it is the duty of the stakeholders to uphold and work for publication excellence with research ethics and honesty. Since there are so many research articles being published, it is important to understand publishing ethics and anti-plagiarism software in the research domain. If authors are taking ideas from previously published documents or other authors’ works, it is important to ensure acknowledgment and credit in terms of citations, bibliographical references, providing in-text citations, footnotes, and quoting them in any standard citation style. Plagiarism can also be defined as the paraphrasing and text recycling of documents. The challenges in research, which compromise ethics, are also from different stages of research, which include fabrication and falsification of data, AI-based text-generating tools, test recycling, ghostwriting, image plagiarism, audio-to-text-converting tools, etc. A one-stop solution to address all these issues on a single platform is not feasible as it involves multi-level checks and proper policy blended to be implemented at many levels. In this paper, analysis and study examine the national awareness of anti-plagiarism software. The primary objectives of the study are to raise awareness and investigate the current state and status of the use of anti-plagiarism software in Bharat (PDS). The data was collected through the portals and websites of ShodhShuddhi, Shodhganga, and the INFLIBNET Centre. Initiated with 200 universities in the year 2015, about 1086 higher education institutions (HEIs) are provided with PDS under ShodhShuddhi, out of which 894 institutions are active in using software for checking similarities. Three years of usage by active institutions are taken for analysis and study by 1.3 lakh faculty members and research scholars. The increase in usage, even during COVID time, shows that awareness is created in the nation, and the percentage of similarity in first document submission is also coming down gradually in the nation. Character building in academic matters and innovations are key outcomes that can be achieved by addressing plagiarism to strive for a knowledge-based nation.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"23 30","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Access to electronic information resources in law libraries during covid-19 period: The case of office of the director of public prosecutions library, Kenya","authors":"Joseph Abiero, Helen Amunga","doi":"10.1177/09557490241244696","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241244696","url":null,"abstract":"The study examined the level of access of electronic resources among library users during the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Document review were further used to strengthen the findings of the study. On the use of electronic resources, the findings revealed there was increased use of electronic resources during Covid-19 pandemic, confirming that electronic resources were essential in sustaining library services during the pandemic. The results indicated that effective use of electronic resources requires library users possess skills to use the access equipment such as computers and Internet facilities. The findings further indicated that there is need for the library staff to create awareness of the available resources among library users. At the same time the study revealed that some of the challenges to the use of electronic resources were lack of computers, poor Internet connectivity and inadequate search skills which was linked to lack of elaborate training.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"59 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140730223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences, purposes, satisfaction and missing library services as predictors of library information services provision: A case study","authors":"Christian Mubofu","doi":"10.1177/09557490241244747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241244747","url":null,"abstract":"This study examined the experiences, purposes, satisfaction and missing library services towards quality library information service provisions. The study adopted a quantitative approach and a case study research design. The study involved 80 respondents at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA) library. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and the descriptive analysis was performed with the aid of the SPSS version 20 computer program. Findings revealed that the majority, 61 (76.3%), had more than 1 year of experience. In comparison, 19 (23.8%) had less than 1 year of library services experience. Friendly infrastructures, looking for research support from librarians, reading books and looking for a quiet environment were the highly cited purposes of patrons visiting the library. The study further revealed that the majority, 87.5% of the respondents, are satisfied with the library services offered, while 12.5% are not satisfied. Regarding the missing services, the study revealed that Internet/Wi-Fi, Inadequate books and Computers are the critical services that need urgent improvement. Based on the study findings, the study recommends investment in the education and training of library staff members to enhance their capacities to welcome customers, conduct training sessions, and provide first-rate customer service.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"6 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140748423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An assessment on the applicability of selection and acquisition procedures at Unguja Public Library - Zanzibar","authors":"Juma Abeid Haji, E. Wema","doi":"10.1177/09557490241236950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241236950","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed the applicability of selection and acquisition procedures at Unguja Public Library in Zanzibar. The objectives of the study were to establish library material selection and acquisition procedures at Unguja Public Library; assess library users’ views on the relevance of library collections at Unguja Public Library; and identify challenges that selection and acquisition of library materials face at Unguja Public Library. A total of two hundred and twenty-five (225) respondents participated in this study. These consisted of conveniently selected two hundred and fifteen (215) library patrons and seven (10) library core staff. Questionnaire, interview, as well as obtrusive observation methods were used to collect data for the study. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft excel to generate frequency and percentages, presented in form of tables and figures; while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study’s key findings reveal that selection and acquisition procedures are not strictly applied and adhered to at Unguja Public Library. The results have also revealed that library users are not involved in the selection process. Finally, the study recommends a close working collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar and Unguja Public Library Management to improve the quality of selection and acquisition procedures at the Library so as to build a balanced library collection that meets users’ needs.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"138 S250","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140429263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delivering and utilising library services during the pandemic disease outbreak: challenges and coping strategies","authors":"Josephine Wilfred, Kelefa Mwantimwa","doi":"10.1177/09557490241233283","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241233283","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe shutdowns, quarantines, closures, cancellations, and other restrictive measures in different countries. Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools were not immune to the devastating effects caused by the pandemic. The present study intended to explore challenges and coping strategies in maintaining access to and use of resources and services in academic libraries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To gain familiarity and acquire new insight into how Tanzania academic libraries managed their services during the COVID-19 pandemic exploratory research design was employed. A qualitative approach was mainly used to explore library staff and users’ opinions and experiences on library service provision during the pandemic outbreak. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data collected through FGD and semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative data analysis. In particular, thematic analysis was employed in analysing data based on assigned themes. Generally, the study reveals multiple challenges in delivering library services and resources and their coping strategies. However, most of the coping strategies put forward mainly focused into preventing the pandemic, rather than enhancing access to and use of library services and resources among the users. The study exposes challenges that affected the delivery and use of library services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies were known. Proposal to digitize the library collections, invest in the application of digital library solutions and innovations, build capacity in digital competencies among the library staff and users, and increase access and use of open and freely available resources and services appear to be sustainable coping strategies when a pandemic occurs.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139847111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delivering and utilising library services during the pandemic disease outbreak: challenges and coping strategies","authors":"Josephine Wilfred, Kelefa Mwantimwa","doi":"10.1177/09557490241233283","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241233283","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe shutdowns, quarantines, closures, cancellations, and other restrictive measures in different countries. Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools were not immune to the devastating effects caused by the pandemic. The present study intended to explore challenges and coping strategies in maintaining access to and use of resources and services in academic libraries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To gain familiarity and acquire new insight into how Tanzania academic libraries managed their services during the COVID-19 pandemic exploratory research design was employed. A qualitative approach was mainly used to explore library staff and users’ opinions and experiences on library service provision during the pandemic outbreak. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data collected through FGD and semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative data analysis. In particular, thematic analysis was employed in analysing data based on assigned themes. Generally, the study reveals multiple challenges in delivering library services and resources and their coping strategies. However, most of the coping strategies put forward mainly focused into preventing the pandemic, rather than enhancing access to and use of library services and resources among the users. The study exposes challenges that affected the delivery and use of library services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies were known. Proposal to digitize the library collections, invest in the application of digital library solutions and innovations, build capacity in digital competencies among the library staff and users, and increase access and use of open and freely available resources and services appear to be sustainable coping strategies when a pandemic occurs.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":" 956","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139787152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contemporary Library and Artificial Intelligence Technology","authors":"Akinola Samson Adesina, A. N. Zubairu","doi":"10.1177/09557490241231483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241231483","url":null,"abstract":"Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in libraries as a means of enhancing services and improving performance. The implementation of AI aims to create computer systems and machines that can think and act like humans, thus presenting both challenges and opportunities for libraries. AI is already being utilized in various ways within libraries, such as expert systems for reference services, robots for book shelving, and virtual reality for immersive learning experiences. Despite concerns that AI may replace librarians, it is actually facilitating libraries to become more efficient and provide better services. As technology rapidly advances in today's digital age, AI is expected to play a significant role in transforming libraries and adapting to the changing needs of society. The role of libraries is evolving, and they are embracing AI to enhance their performance and services.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"3 44","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139803913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contemporary Library and Artificial Intelligence Technology","authors":"Akinola Samson Adesina, A. N. Zubairu","doi":"10.1177/09557490241231483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490241231483","url":null,"abstract":"Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in libraries as a means of enhancing services and improving performance. The implementation of AI aims to create computer systems and machines that can think and act like humans, thus presenting both challenges and opportunities for libraries. AI is already being utilized in various ways within libraries, such as expert systems for reference services, robots for book shelving, and virtual reality for immersive learning experiences. Despite concerns that AI may replace librarians, it is actually facilitating libraries to become more efficient and provide better services. As technology rapidly advances in today's digital age, AI is expected to play a significant role in transforming libraries and adapting to the changing needs of society. The role of libraries is evolving, and they are embracing AI to enhance their performance and services.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"45 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139864100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of academic library services in the 21st century digital dispensation","authors":"S. A. Akinola","doi":"10.1177/09557490231217714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490231217714","url":null,"abstract":"Academic library services have undergone significant change since the development of ICT. Thus, managing academic library service in the digital age requires a strategic approach that incorporates technology, user engagement, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers. This study therefore, explores the role of ICT in the modern management of academic library services. This study specifically centers on identifying the challenges of managing academic libraries in digital environment and suggests strategies for effective management of academic libraries in digital era. The desk research approach and brainstorming with professional colleagues were combined to elicit the facts for the study and adopted content analysis of various literatures relating to the subject was used to draw inferences. The empathy of the paper is on how academic libraries can leverage ICT to enhance various services, including lending, circulation, and cataloguing. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of social media platforms to address the technological needs of library users. Various aspects of library services, such as Library Management, e-Libraries, online cataloguing, and social media services, digitization, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) were examined in terms of how ICT has impacted them. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with managing library services in the 21st century. To address these challenges, the study suggests incorporating ICT skills into library curricula and increasing funding for ICT infrastructure. Ultimately, the paper emphasized the necessity of embracing and integrating technology to meet the evolving needs of library users.","PeriodicalId":431623,"journal":{"name":"Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139236327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}