{"title":"University library leaders' technological initiatives for reshaping reading habits in the digital era: A twin cities case study","authors":"Khalid Bashir Mirza , Munazza Jabeen","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of digital technologies has profoundly reshaped reading habits in the digital era. This study examines the current initiative of university library leaders in Pakistan's Twin Cities, assessing specific initiatives, challenges and future strategies to adapt to the evolving reading habits of students. The study adopted mixed method research approach, integrating a descriptive survey with follow-up interviews to gather in-depth qualitative insights from library leaders. Results revealed that libraries offer essential digital services like Wi-Fi and automated lending, while advanced technologies such as AI and virtual platforms are less common. The result on innovative devices reflects that these libraries are less likely to offer advanced technologies. The correlation analysis underscores the importance of integrating smart facilities, personalized services, and advanced technologies with forward-looking strategies to promote digital reading habits effectively. This study depicts a comprehensive account of innovative initiatives adopted by university library leaders adopted to promote the digital reading habits of students. This study will help to raise awareness among library professionals in Pakistan's Twin cities regarding the integration of innovative initiatives and emerging technologies. It will pay attention to concerned institutions and leadership towards the increasing need to adopt the latest technologies and applications in library services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 3","pages":"Article 103038"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Summer of writing: Supporting the research and publishing needs of academic librarians","authors":"Ethel Gamache , Helen Power , Rhiannon Jones","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Academic librarians are often expected to publish within the field of library and information sciences (LIS). This pursuit can be challenging, given the lack of research support both in the workplace and incorporated into the Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) degree. To address this research skills gap for LIS professionals, we developed a workshop series which we led in the summer of 2023, based on Belcher's book <em>Writing your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks</em>. This program was tailored to LIS research. For our program, each week, we focused on different goals, from working on arguments to editing our manuscripts. Week by week, participants built and assessed their manuscripts, relying on a collaborative approach to offer support.</div><div>This paper takes an autoethnographic approach to the case study method, incorporating reflections of the researchers along with a robust literature review. This literature review shows a portrait of the needs, challenges, and supports offered to academic librarians. In this case study, we explore how Belcher's book can be adapted to the LIS context, examining the strengths and weaknesses of applying this resource to this discipline. The paper offers practical and theoretical takeaways from this program for others seeking to run similar, LIS-specific programming, drawing from the literature review and the case study to identify key areas of focus for supporting new LIS researchers. This paper demonstrates that there is a significant need for research and writing support, as well as fostering a sense of community among academic librarians.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 3","pages":"Article 103028"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto”: A qualitative content analysis of AI music in WorldCat","authors":"Adam Eric Berkowitz","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used for experimentation in generating music for the last seventy years, but recent advances in generative AI (genAI) have led to novel, creative, and even surprising results. Issues arise when genAI and human efforts are simultaneously recognized in a creative work, constituting the uncanny valley and leading to discomfort among listeners. Additionally, the lack of transparency required of media producers regarding genAI use robs audiences of their right to choose whether to engage or avoid genAI content. This has sparked discussions among researchers, industry leaders, and lawmakers about regulating genAI use with priority given to enforcing transparency. Libraries can play a role in this by curating metadata when cataloging genAI materials, but current cataloging practices and policies inhibit the cataloger's ability to maximize accuracy and transparency when describing genAI items. This study features a content analysis that examines WorldCat item records belonging to genAI songs and music albums and finds inconsistent item record descriptions, often vaguely referring to or omitting genAI use. Supported by epidata theory, this study recommends adopting Resource Description and Access (RDA) standards to improve accuracy and transparency in cataloging genAI music.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103026"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143552969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Academic librarian schedules and workspaces","authors":"Katherine Hanz, Dawn McKinnon","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Libraries around the world are exploring new models for operating and providing services post-pandemic. Many case studies have been written about individual programs and services, alongside articles about libraries pivoting as a response to COVID-19; however, this study is a large-scale, national study on library work. As academic libraries have been playing with flexible schedules and different types of workspaces, there are major implications for how librarians work and their level of satisfaction with their jobs.</div><div>This study of English-speaking Canadian academic librarians is the first national overview of how and where librarians across the country are working, and levels of satisfaction with different working situations and conditions. The following research questions were considered:<ul><li><span>1.</span><span><div>What are librarian work schedules, and are they able to choose their schedules?</div></span></li><li><span>2.</span><span><div>What kinds of workspaces do they have?</div></span></li><li><span>3.</span><span><div>What do they like about their workspaces?</div></span></li><li><span>4.</span><span><div>What do they feel can be improved with their schedules and workspaces?</div></span></li></ul></div><div>Results show that the majority of academic librarians work in closed offices, and prefer this set up. Most work on campus between 3 and 5 days a week, and choose which days they work from home.</div><div>This study fills a gap in literature on the current working environment in academic libraries, providing comprehensive findings on how librarians feel about their working conditions and schedules. Results are easily adaptable to other library settings and to other academic units.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103027"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143526842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reviewing academic library policies for DEIAJ elements: Development and application of a policy review tool","authors":"Kawanna M. Bright , Yoko Okunishi","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Policies in academic libraries, whether formal or informal, external or internal, carry high levels of importance for the functioning of the library. But history and experience have shown that library policies are not always written for the benefit of everyone, and may negatively impact some library users and employees, especially those from marginalized or historically excluded populations. Until recently, very little focus has been given to review of academic library policies from a diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, or justice (DEIAJ) perspective. This case study focuses on the process utilized to develop, test, and apply a tool to reviewing academic library policies for DEIAJ elements. The process identified several insights, focusing on key elements of policy development either not fully addressed or in need of updates, including understanding who created and reviewed policies, when reviews were taking place, the need for a structured process, and awareness of subjectiveness. Recommended best practices in policy development and review are also shared. This case study supports academic libraries interested in engaging in policy review and identifying an approach and tool that will work for their contextual needs by thoroughly mapping out the process followed by the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) University Library and sharing the review tool for wider use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103024"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143465087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers to online library instruction in academic libraries: A qualitative study","authors":"Rebeca Peacock","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Online learning has greatly influenced higher education. In response many academic libraries have expanded their online instruction programs to improve information literacy in multiple learning environments. The barriers that limit the ability of academic librarians to deliver online instruction effectively are examined in this study, using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants who have considerable experience in academic librarianship and instructional design. Barriers are revealed, such as limited institutional support, resource constraints, pervasive negative attitudes toward both online learning as well as library instruction, insufficient student motivation, and inadequate professional preparation. These barriers signify longstanding issues—such as the undervaluation of librarians' educational roles and the lack of pedagogical training in library science curricula. However, changes in the higher education landscape, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, have raised the urgency for planned responses. This research draws attention to the fact that, if the barriers that limit effective delivery of online instruction by academic librarians are going to be reduced, institutional investment has a key role; professional development opportunities need to be increased, and important curriculum in library science programs need to be reformed. Active advocacy that legitimizes and advances online library instruction will be an essential component of academic librarianship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103021"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143394624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Estimating the quality of academic books from their descriptions with ChatGPT","authors":"Mike Thelwall, Andrew Cox","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although indicators based on scholarly citations are widely used to support the evaluation of academic journals, alternatives are needed for scholarly book acquisitions. This article assesses the value of research quality scores from ChatGPT 4o-mini for 9830 social sciences, arts, and humanities books from 2019 indexed in Scopus, based on their titles and descriptions but not their full texts. Although most books scored the same (3* on a 1* to 4* scale), the citation rates correlate positively but weakly with ChatGPT 4o-mini research quality scores in both the social sciences and the arts and humanities. Part of the reason for the differences was the inclusion of textbooks, short books, and edited collections, all of which tended to be less cited and lower scoring. Some topics also tend to attract many/few citations and/or high/low ChatGPT scores. Descriptions explicitly mentioning theory and/or some methods also associated with higher scores and more citations. Overall, the results provide some evidence that both ChatGPT scores and citation counts are weak indicators of the research quality of books. Whilst not strong enough to support individual book quality judgements, they may help academic librarians seeking to evaluate new book collections, series, or publishers for potential acquisition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103023"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143394623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The business of transformative agreements","authors":"Reece Steinberg","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>What can transformative agreements (TA) tell us about the future of Open Access (OA)? To investigate and analyze the business model of big publishers driving these agreements, this article uses a case study of the publisher Wiley, a business model canvas, and a decision matrix. The study uncovers motivations for moving to this model and effects to libraries and research spread unequally among institutions and globally.</div><div>This has implications for the work of liaison librarians – the frontline with researchers, as well as library leadership, university leadership and others concerned with equitable access to publishing, and diversity of research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103020"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Murtaza Ashiq , Shafiq Ur Rheman , Nosheen Fatima Warraich
{"title":"Examining diversity beyond gender: Addressing inclusion gaps in LIS education and academic libraries in Pakistan","authors":"Murtaza Ashiq , Shafiq Ur Rheman , Nosheen Fatima Warraich","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Librarianship is generally understood to be a feminized profession in the world. However, the situation is quite contrary in the developing world. This study is the first in Pakistan investigating the diversity gaps in the LIS education and academic libraries of Pakistan considering gender, differently abled, minorities, and socio-economic backgrounds. A qualitative research approach was applied to thoroughly explore gender diversity in the LIS profession in Pakistan. Interviews were conducted with the faculty members and chief librarians from various geographical locations of the country. The findings revealed a significant predominance of male on leadership positions (in library schools and academic libraries). There is a lack of professionals with disabilities, marginalized and minority groups being recruited. The enrollment pattern in library schools indicates a lack of a heterogeneous student body and academic libraries also lack diverse library users. Most of the well-established libraries are situated in Punjab province which further shows geographical imbalance and disparities. This situation urges concerns for improving and promoting gender diversity on leadership roles, addressing gender imbalances among the broader professional staff, and actively recruiting people from diverse communities (such as differently abled, marginalized, and minority groups) can improve the representation and equity of the library workforce.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103022"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Undergraduates' appraisal and coping responses to dis/misinformation issues on social media: Implications for information literacy education","authors":"Sei-Ching Joanna Sin , Kyung-Sun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Social media is increasingly recognized as a prominent stressor and source of societal problems (e.g., dis/misinformation) that impact students' growth and well-being. Academic libraries, as leaders in information literacy (IL), can play an important role in mitigating the problem. This includes advancing a holistic IL education, focusing not only on students' intellectual growth but also their affective responses to informational issues, as some affective reactions may lead to unproductive behaviors. To discover areas warranting IL interventions, the current study identified a typology of undergraduates' responses to dis/misinformation problems on social media. Applying the <em>Transactional Model of Stress and Coping</em> by Lazarus and Folkman, the study analyzed students' Twitter usage, cognitive appraisals, and coping responses (U-A-C) to dis/misinformation on Twitter. Two waves of survey were conducted, collecting a total of 1735 responses from undergraduates. The study identified five user profiles. The most prevalent profile (36 % of the sample) showed scant coping responses to dis/misinformation issues in all three categories (escape-avoidance, planful problem-solving, and seeking social support). Demographic differences (including gender and age) in U-A-C profiles were also found. The results revealed several patterns that IL education may need to address. For instance, one user profile showed low primary and secondary appraisals (i.e., low levels of perceived importance and self-efficacy related to addressing dis/misinformation problems) and high escape-avoidance coping, which would benefit from fine-tuned IL training that not only develops students' skills and self-confidence in IL, but also seeks to reduce avoidance behaviors. Implications for IL training and research are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47762,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Academic Librarianship","volume":"51 2","pages":"Article 103019"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}