{"title":"A survey of transformational leadership traits for South African academic libraries in Gauteng province, South Africa","authors":"Nokuphiwa Kunene, Patrick Mapulanga","doi":"10.1108/lm-04-2022-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-04-2022-0025","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of the paper was to survey transformational leadership traits in three academic libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa. The three academic libraries were chosen based on the fact that two of the universities were residential research-intensive universities and the third was an academic library of a distance learning university.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach with a survey design in three academic libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa in which a close-ended questionnaire yielded quantitative data. The study included 29 academic staff from the rank of assistant librarian to the director from the three academic libraries, as these are the personnel in leadership positions. To code and analyse, quantitative data from a Likert scale, SPSS version 25 was used. Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the instrument's reliability on the five constructs used in this study to determine readiness to adopt a transformational leadership style. The overall level of internal consistency exceeded the theoretical minimum of 70 percent. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normality of the data and the p values were greater than 0.05 (p > 0.05). Tables have been used to present descriptive and inferential statistics based on data.FindingsParticipants expressed favourable opinions about academic libraries' ability to learn from the best practices of others in the profession, with mean scores greater than 3.5 on a 5.0 scale. Participants' perceptions of transformative versus traditional management styles yielded a moderate mean score of 3.0, with moderate mean scores ranging from 2.8 to 3.3. The average score for talent identification and succession planning in academic libraries was 3.5. Perceptions of leadership responsibilities had a mean score of 4.1, with attributes on leadership responsibilities scoring at least 3.5. Perceptions of problems for the next generation of leaders in academic libraries were moderate, with a mean score of 3.2 on a scale of 5.0.Research limitations/implicationsOnly three of the seven public university libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa were surveyed in this study. The sample size was reasonably small for generalizations beyond the South African Gauteng province academic libraries. However, it was felt useful for this particular case. A survey of all 26 South African public universities is required to assess transformational leadership traits in academic libraries.Practical implicationsNext-generation leaders in South African academic libraries are perceived as not being aggressive in terms of team building, coaching and motivating others.Social implicationsIn the wake of COVID-19, new leadership traits such as scenario planning are needed for academic libraries.Originality/valueLeadership studies abound in the library and information studies (LIS) profession and they are not new. However, research on transformational leadership in So","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43158457","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}
Zainab Ajab Mohideen, Arslan Sheikh, K. Kaur, M. Sukmawatid
{"title":"Fourth industrial revolution (4IR): librarians' perceptions encompass the art of thinking skill","authors":"Zainab Ajab Mohideen, Arslan Sheikh, K. Kaur, M. Sukmawatid","doi":"10.1108/lm-06-2022-0055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-06-2022-0055","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe world is moving toward a new industrial revolution period where digital technology has achieved unprecedented developments. The industrial revolution (IR) is a subcategory of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This paper aims to discuss the 4IR technologies from the perspective of librarians. It investigates the perceptions of librarians about the 4IR.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in the Malaysian academic libraries. A set of eight open-ended questions were designed to investigate the challenges, barriers and business case to encompass the art of thinking skills in information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). The participants were a group of librarians' working in the 4IR with a glimpse of the transformation toward smart libraries. Four librarians' answered the blurred line and fill the gap between life as a librarian and technology as the cutting edge of industry development.FindingsThe findings of this study on the 4IR as a global business–library industry exposed that the technological advancements and development process of information system (IS) has incorporated the most advanced and innovative technologies which have influenced librarians' perceptions, thinking skill and mindset. This study proposes IS enablers and librarians to take measures to cope with the 4IR.Originality/valueThis study is unique in the sense that it is the foremost research on 4IR from the perspective of Malaysian librarians'.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45007556","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":"Deriving factors for library corporate social responsibility using thematic and weighting analysis","authors":"Emad Abu Eid, Ab Razak Che Hussin","doi":"10.1108/lm-05-2022-0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-05-2022-0048","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to derive factors in the context of library corporate social responsibility. Interest in implementing corporate social responsibility has also increased over time because of its association with core issues of fundamental value, especially in societal, environmental and ethical practices. Therefore, corporate social responsibility can help libraries accomplish their missions and goals.Design/methodology/approachThe study used data from 80 studies from the literature between 2010 and 2020 analysed and reviewed to identify the components of library corporate social responsibility. To establish library corporate social responsibility factors, thematic and weighting analyses were adopted and implemented.FindingsThe study established that library corporate social responsibility comprises four main themes: community, workplace and employees, environment, and stakeholders, which include the nine best predicted factors that play a significant role in library corporate social responsibility.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide implications for librarians and academics about libraries' social responsibility and its themes and factors.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to derive the factors of library corporate social responsibility. Hence, the importance of identifying library corporate social responsibility factors and component will help libraries implement the best practices of the modern concept of corporate social responsibility.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45554259","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":"Exploring the reviews of Google Maps to assess the user opinions about public libraries","authors":"A. Khan, Fayaz Ahmad Loan","doi":"10.1108/lm-05-2022-0053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-05-2022-0053","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn present networked society, almost all the entities are present on Google Maps. Google Maps has become the first preference for the users for searching and retrieving information about any place. Google Maps provides an opportunity for a user to post ratings and reviews for an entity, including public libraries about their facilities and services, etc. This study explores how users of public libraries in Delhi (India) use Google Maps to share their opinions on library facilities and services and to assess whether Google Maps have the potential to act as an interactive feedback system between users and the authorities.Design/methodology/approachThe Google Maps platform was used as a data source. To classify reviews into distinct categories, a content analysis was performed. Further Sentiment analysis of reviews was executed to highlight the positive, negative and neutral aspects of selected libraries. Moreover, reviews, endorsements and ratings of library products and services were also checked.FindingsThe research reveals that the culture of posting online reviews is increasing day by day and most of the reviews are posted in the English language, with Non Local Guides as the most prolific reviewers. In the reviews, the total number of topics discussed were 685, of which (70.51%) contained positive sentiments, (15.32%) were negative and (14.1%) were neutral reviews. The majority of the negative topics were discussed among the staff category, followed by facilities. Environment and children's areas received positive feedback with five-star ratings and most of them were marked helpful by other users. Users also loved technology, location and collection. The study concluded that Google Maps can be used as a new interactive feedback tool that library authorities can use to connect with users, replacing traditional suggestion boxes and online forms.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to a single platform (Google Maps) and the capital city of India (Delhi) and cannot be generalized across platforms and regions. Moreover, such libraries were taken under the scanner of this study which possessed more than 50 reviews.Originality/valueThe study will help to identify the shortcomings of the Delhi public libraries through Google Maps platform and help them to devise effective strategies to improve their management in view of suggestions and complaints.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45279707","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":"Knowledge, skills and attitudes required for Japanese library staff based on job advertisements","authors":"Naoki Matsumoto","doi":"10.1108/lm-04-2022-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-04-2022-0036","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn relation to institution type and employment status, this study aims to identify the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes (SKAs) listed in job advertisements for Japanese library staff.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data on 545 posts advertised on major Japanese librarian job advertisement websites from March 2019 to January 2021. The data included institution type, employment length, application requirements and job descriptions. Job descriptions were classified into 16 categories based on required SKAs. Data were analyzed using content, cross-tabulation and cluster analyses.FindingsThe results demonstrate that 82.2% of job advertisements targeted nonregular employees. The essential SKAs are the client and technical services. The job advertisements for nonregular employees had detailed descriptions of the requisite generic and soft skills and knowledge, whereas these competencies were not specified in the advertisements for regular employees.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on job advertisements in Japanese libraries. This serves as a benchmark for the content and methods of continuing education for librarians. It also demonstrates the impact of Japan's social and historical environment on job advertisements and related research.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47755181","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":"Teaching research data management courses in higher learning institutions in Tanzania","authors":"N. Mosha, P. Ngulube","doi":"10.1108/lm-04-2022-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-04-2022-0033","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study investigated teaching research data management (RDM) courses in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania to enable postgraduate students to work with their research data.Design/methodology/approachThe study triangulated research methods. Postgraduate students were investigated using survey questionnaires to learn about their needs and perceptions of the teaching RDM courses in HLIs. Key informants (academicians, information and communication technologists and library staff) were also investigated using in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and knowledge of teaching RDM courses. SPSS statistical software was used for analysing quantitative data; qualitative data were analysed thematically.FindingsA total of 70 questionnaires were distributed to postgraduate students with a returning rate of 44 (69%). On the other hand, 12 key informants were interviewed. A low level of RDM literacy was revealed among 38 (86%) respondents. Most respondents 40 (91%) reported the need for HLIs to start teaching RDM courses. A lack of skills and knowledge in teaching RDM courses was revealed among key informants. The competency-based, adaptive and constructive teaching techniques were selected for teaching RDM courses, whereas intensive training and online tutorials were revealed as teaching formats.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on teaching RDM courses in HLIs. The survey questionnaires were distributed to all 2nd year postgraduate students, however, the findings cannot be generalised to all postgraduate students due to the response rate obtained. The findings obtained from key informants can also not be used as a basis for generalization across HLIs.Practical implicationsThis study concluded that postgraduate students need to be well equipped with skills and knowledge on RDM and its related concepts; teaching RDM courses should be regarded as a continuous programme for benefit of students, researchers and the community at large.Social implicationsAppropriate teaching of RDM courses among students not only ensures that students meet the funders’ and publishers’ requirements, but also encourages students to store and share their research among researchers worldwide; thus increasing collaboration and visibility of the datasets and data owners through data citations and acknowledgements.Originality/valueThis is a comprehensive study that provides findings for HLIs to teach RDM courses in HLIs, especially for postgraduate students. The findings revealed the need for teaching RDM courses in HLIs. The study provides the basis for further RDM research in HLIs and research institutions.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43049667","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, use and attitudes of the Indian higher educational institutions students about scholarly open access: an empirical analysis","authors":"Ishfaq Ahmad Palla, Arslan Sheikh, Abdul Baquee","doi":"10.1108/lm-12-2021-0107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-12-2021-0107","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeOpen access is a new scholarly publishing model that has appeared in place of the commercial publishing model. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of awareness, use and attitudes of the Indian students in higher educational institutions about scholarly open access.Design/methodology/approachSurvey method was used in the study. The sample population of the study was 212 Indian students belonging to different higher educational institutions in India.FindingsThe results of the study reveal a gloomy picture about the open access (OA) awareness and use among Indian students. Unfamiliarity with the OA journals and high publication fee were the main obstacles for the students not to publish in OA journals. However, a majority of the students reported their willingness to publish in OA journals in future if the obstacles are removed. A very meager ratio of the respondents had published in OA journals so far. In addition, motivational factors for publishing in OA journals were also taken into consideration, and respondent's indicated winning research grants, great impact and higher citations as main factors to publish in OA journals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is geographically limited to the students of the higher educational institutions located in India.Practical implicationsThis study will help to understand the involvement and behavior of the Indian students toward scholarly open access. The study will also guide what measures need to be taken in the take up of open access movement.Originality/valueInstitutional repositories appeared to be relatively a novel term for the respondents, and in order to get the citation advantages and higher visibility, librarians can make an effort to persuade students to publish their research work in open access journals and institutional/subject repositories. The study recommends that institutions need to take appropriate measures to inform students about the importance and overall benefits associated with using of OA platforms in their scholarly work.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45715343","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":"Embedded librarianship and Greek academic libraries","authors":"Konstantinos Kyprianos","doi":"10.1108/lm-05-2022-0052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-05-2022-0052","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a detailed overview of the role and participation of embedded librarians in the academic e-classroom. More specifically, this paper reflects the perceptions of Greek academic librarians regarding the use of learning management systems (LMSs). Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the most popular software, to list the services provided through LMSs and to determine the level of librarians’ engagement with LMSs. Finally, it investigates the challenges and benefits of their use.Design/methodology/approachSurvey research was used as the methodological design. An adequate questionnaire was created for the collection of quantitative data to study the activities and experiences of academic embedded librarians.FindingsAccording to the study findings, a considerable percentage of academic librarians use the potential of LMSs, indicating that embedded librarianship is the future for Greek academic libraries. However, it seems that LMSs are not fully exploited even during the pandemic when the libraries remained closed.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was exploratory in nature and thus its scope was limited. It was limited to embedded librarianship in academic libraries.Practical implicationsEmbedded librarianship comes with many challenges for its practitioners; yet, it also has the potential to connect libraries and librarians directly to the overall institutional aims and enhance their positions in the academy.Originality/valueThe role and participation of embedded librarians in Greek academic institutions is a research area that has not been fully investigated. Therefore, this paper can give insights into this critical issue, especially during a pandemic.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43059646","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}
J. Garner, S. Wakeling, P. Hider, H. Jamali, M. Kennan, Yazdan Mansourian, H. Randell-Moon
{"title":"The lived experience of Australian public library staff during the COVID-19 library closures","authors":"J. Garner, S. Wakeling, P. Hider, H. Jamali, M. Kennan, Yazdan Mansourian, H. Randell-Moon","doi":"10.1108/lm-04-2022-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-04-2022-0028","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of Australian public library staff during the COVID-19 library closures. The study examines the effect of mandated physical library closures on staff well-being, along with the challenges they faced as library operations moved to a remotely delivered model. The paper includes an examination of staff perceptions of their library's value in the lives of their users.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 Australian library staff from three library networks. A process of inductive coding resulted in a thematic description of the participants' experiences of continuing to work during a period of where their libraries were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.FindingsAustralian public library workers experienced many challenges that affected their well-being during the period of library closures. These included challenges relating to moving library programming to a virtual delivery model, managing significant change in their work lives, managing the emotions of self and others, and concern for the well-being of library users. Positive outcomes relating to skill development and innovative thinking were also reported.Originality/valueThe operational responses to the COVID-19 library closures in Australia and elsewhere have been well reported. This paper takes a different approach by examining the emotional and well-being outcomes for public library staff during these periods of closure.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43054071","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":"Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal","authors":"D. Dei, Francisca Yaba Asante","doi":"10.1108/lm-02-2022-0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-02-2022-0013","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research approach and descriptive case study design. This study focuses on academic libraries from four universities in Ghana. From each university, the researchers purposely selected four respondents, comprising the heads of the libraries, deputies, and two assistant librarians or library assistants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and document reviews. The results were analyzed and presented in descriptive and interpretive forms.FindingsThe study established that the majority of the library staff were aware of the sustainable development goal, SDG 4. The libraries provided relevant materials to support students’ learning, organize training on information literacy and engage library patrons in periodic information literacy programs to create awareness of the SDG 4. Since the libraries do not have their own internally developed policies on the SDG 4, they depend on the general United Nations (UN) document on the SDG and SDG 4 as a guide in information delivery; and the general policies on information delivery, teaching and quality assurance of the universities in general and the libraries in particular. The study concluded with a framework to guide the successful accomplishment of the SDG 4 in libraries.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on academic libraries in Ghana and adopted the purposive sampling technique which makes it assume a weak power of generalization.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for academic libraries and librarians in Ghana in achieving the SDG 4. It will guide librarians and academic libraries in formulating policies to guide them in their activities. The framework developed as a result of the findings will equally guide the librarians in their quest to provide information to achieve the SDG 4.Originality/valueThis study's originality lies in its articulation of academic libraries' initiatives in the actualization of the SDG 4 in Ghana with a developed framework to guide librarians and academic libraries. Academic libraries and librarians who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of the SDG 4 will find this study useful.","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48169011","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}