Usage of social media tools by library and information science (LIS) students in Nigerian library schools

This study investigated the use of social media tools by LIS students in Nigerian library schools. In so doing, the study examines the types of social media platforms utilized by Library and Information Science (LIS) students, the most commonly visited sites, and the challenges associated with social media use. A descriptive survey design was employed, and convenient sampling was used to select 248 LIS undergraduate students from five Nigerian universities. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts, was the primary instrument for data collection. The findings reveal that WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube are the most frequently utilized platforms for communication, content consumption, and interaction, while professional and educational tools like LinkedIn and Microsoft Teams are less commonly used. The most significant challenge faced by students is the high cost of internet access, which limits their engagement with social media. Other challenges include misinformation, poor connectivity, and lack of computer literacy.The study recommends that educational institutions integrate both socially engaging and professional platforms into the academic process and develop policies to make internet access more affordable. Further, promoting digital literacy and responsible social media use is essential for improving student engagement and academic performance

The Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Southern African Higher Education

This study examined the impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) on higher education in Southern Africa. Results from the study suggest that the impact of 4IR on higher education can be encapsulated by its potentials in revolutionizing the way knowledge is produced, accessed, and disseminated through innovative pedagogical approaches and cutting-edge research activities, and the way higher education institutions are governed and operated, commonly known as the digitalization of higher education. The study recommended that policy makers need to actively advocate for the provision of resources and development programmes to support technological capacity among academics and students within the Southern African higher education sector

Virtual libraries in the new metaverse: An exploratory study on community libraries in Meta Horizon Worlds

To explore the presence and status of libraries in the metaverse, focusing on the social virtual reality (VR) platform Meta Horizon Worlds. This study employs unobtrusive observation by collecting data within public VR library worlds and from their listings on the platform. Data was interpreted using qualitative data analysis and open coding. Forty-four virtual libraries were identified in Meta Horizon Worlds, serving as art and asset libraries, community libraries, personal libraries, or other library-themed spaces for games and socialization. Few virtual libraries seem to be associated with “real-world” libraries, suggesting that there may be opportunities for growth if Meta Horizon Worlds remains a stable part of the metaverse. This study appears to be among the first to explore virtual libraries in Meta Horizon Worlds in situ via VR-based data collection

Digital Public Relations Tools For Effective Public Library Services

In this study, the researcher investigated Digital Public Relations Tools For effective Public Library Services in South-West, Nigeria. The study aims to know the nexus between public relations tools such as social media or electronic resources and effective services rendered by public librarians to meet users, especially in this era where by majority of users are moved into technology instead of the traditional ways of using print resources. The study adopted a correlation research design which used simple and multiple linear methods. The population are professional and para-professional library staff in public libraries in the six states of South West, Nigeria. The total number is one hundred forty-four library staff. The researcher involved the whole population as a sample by using census sampling techniques. The instruments (rating scales) were used to collect data in this study. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics were used to answer two research questions. The findings of the study are that; there is a moderate, positive and significant relationship between, electronic tools and public library services. There is a low, positive and significant relationship between social media tools and public library services. From the aforementioned findings the researcher that the library management should ensure that all the public relations tools identified in this study should be applied in public libraries to enhance service delivery. The study concluded that public relations tools social media & electronic media) are significantly related to effective public library services in South-West, Nigeria. The research was original work carried out by the researcher, it is a part of his PhD thesis

Preserving Digital Footprints: Strategies for Safeguarding Ephemeral Online Data

This paper discusses the issues related to ephemeral nature of online data and explores the strategies to safeguard digital heritage, particularly focusing on the nexus between ephemeral online data and web archiving. Document analysis was adopted to select peer-reviewed articles, reports, and publications from reputable academic databases and grey literature sources, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. The research reveals the ephemeral nature of online data, highlighting the challenges it poses for digital heritage preservation. Web archiving emerges as a crucial tool for preserving ephemeral online data, offering opportunities to capture and retain digital content for future generations. Recommendations are provided to address technical, legal, and ethical challenges facing web archiving, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, increased awareness, and the development of clear digital preservation frameworks that incorporates ephemeral online data. The findings have practical implications for stakeholders involved in digital preservation, including archivists, researchers, policymakers, and technology developers

Enhancing the Precision of Machine Learning in the Library Profession

Machine learning has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize library services by enhancing precision and efficiency in various operational aspects. This study explores into the significance of machine learning in libraries, exploring its applications, challenges, and opportunities for optimization. The integration of machine learning algorithms enables libraries to streamline resource management, personalize user experiences, and automate tasks to meet evolving user demands. However, implementing machine learning in library operations poses challenges related to data collection, pre-processing, and ethical considerations. Strategies for enhancing precision through data labelling, annotation, and improving recommendation systems using machine learning are essential for maximizing the impact of these technologies. Evaluating the performance of machine learning models in library settings is crucial for assessing their effectiveness and ensuring reliable outcomes. Furthermore, ethical considerations must be prioritized to safeguard user privacy and mitigate algorithmic biases. Looking ahead, future trends and opportunities for machine learning in libraries hold promise for advancing service delivery, promoting innovation, and creating more user-centric library experiences

Personality Traits, Demographic Factors and Knowledge-sharing Practices of Academics in University of Ilorin, Nigeria

The present study investigates personality traits, demographic factors and knowledge-sharing practices of academics in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Based on quantitative design, this study employs survey research method. The empirical data consisted of 181 responses from the academic staff of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between the Big Five personality traits of conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness and knowledge-sharing practices of the respondents. Also, designation has a positive relationship with knowledge- sharing practices However, there was no relationship between openness to experience and knowledge-sharing practices of the respondents. One possible limitation is that data was collected from only one university. Besides, the study could not include private universities that are also a significant part of university education in Nigeria. Hence, if more universities (private and public) were taken into consideration to collect data, the results might be different. Therefore, usual cautions overgeneralising findings from this sample, to populations for which it is not strictly representative apply. From a practical perspective, human resource managers, university administrators and policymakers in the education sector should take into consideration personality traits when recruiting graduates into the teaching cadre to ensure candidates with diverse range of skills and attributes that will promote knowledge-sharing practices are hired. The findings highlight personality traits that contributes to knowledge-sharing practices of academics from a developing country’s perspective thereby enriching personality cum knowledge sharing literature in general and Library and Information Science in particular. The social implication is that university administrators and policy makers in the public universities could improve on the recruitment procedures of employees and new graduates to fit into career jobs and to ensure a diverse range of skills and attributes in the university settings as well as carrying out various organisational activities and to promote knowledge-sharing practices among lecturers. The study highlights the significant personality traits and demographic factor contributing towards knowledge-sharing practices of academics in a public university setting

A Study on the Development of a Classification System for Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation Information

Purpose: This study aims to develop a systematic classification system for efficiently managing and utilizing information related to industry-academia-research cooperation, addressing the gaps in structured data management. Methodology: The study employs literature review, case studies, expert interviews (FGI), and integrated analysis. A hierarchical decimal coding system was designed to ensure logical organization and accessibility of data. Findings: The proposed classification system comprises six major categories—organization, infrastructure, workforce development, entrepreneurship and employment, research and development, and commercialization—enhancing data usability, ㅊ, and policy support. Implication: This study provides a foundational framework for managing industry-academia-research cooperation information, contributing to ecosystem sustainability. Future work should focus on governance policies for data protection, quality control, and institutional accountability

Exploring the Architecture of Research Data Management

The study focused on model for effective research data management practices including metadata creation, design, storage, security, preservation, retrieval, sharing, and reuse. Data storage in a format that can be easily accessed, processed, and analyzed requires a functional architecture as datasets are often fragile and susceptible to storage malfunctions and advancing technology. The study used descriptive quantitative research design. Closed-ended questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. A total of 35 participants selected purposively were engaged to provide insight on study topic. The study used content validity to establish the degree to which the measure represented the paradigm of interest. Test retesting was done to establish questionnaire’s reliability which yielded a Cronbach Alpha result of 0.78 ascertaining reliability before questionnaires administering. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis for social sciences and result presented in pie-chart. The finding informs of widespread use or plan to adopt the “Repository” data architecture model reflecting a widespread understanding among participants of its applicability for enabling research data management practices in academic libraries. However, the study recommends for further studies on repository model standards in academic libraries and blackboard functionality and effectiveness in research data management

Identification of Research Growth and Decline in Countries Based on the Growth Rate of SCI Paper Citation Frequency

This study examines global research productivity, international collaboration, and citation growth trends from 1980 to 2023 using Web of Science data. Bibliometric analysis assessed national publication shares, collaboration rates, and five-year average citations per paper. Regression and correlation analyses explored relationships between these variables, while publication trends across 22 fields identified significant national research growth or decline. Findings reveal a weak negative correlation (-0.3937 to -0.0935) between research productivity and collaboration. China, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia showed increased publication shares, while the United States and Japan declined. Singapore and Estonia exhibited strong citation growth, whereas the United States maintained high citation counts despite slower growth. Russia excelled in microbiology and engineering, while the United States and Luxembourg saw declines in multiple fields. The study’s reliance on Web of Science data may underrepresent certain regions or disciplines, and qualitative aspects of collaboration were not assessed. Future research should integrate broader data sources. This research informs national strategies, investment decisions, and global partnerships. By identifying research trends, it supports policy decisions influencing economic and technological progress, highlighting the role of science in national development