A case study investigation of academic library support for open educational resources in Scottish universities

The aim of the research was to investigate why and how Scottish university libraries support open educational resources and to assess their ability to provide support services for their development and use within higher education institutions. There has been little research on the role of academic libraries in supporting open educational resources in Scotland and previous research found that there is a lack of awareness of them in Scottish higher education institutions and few have open educational resources policies. The case study methodology therefore involved two Scottish academic libraries providing open educational resources services. The libraries’ motivation includes supporting teaching and learning and the development of educator digital skills and copyright knowledge. However, there are a number of barriers limiting the services the libraries are able to provide, particularly lack of human resources. The research confirmed the findings of previous research on the importance of institutional commitment, incentives for educator engagement, and understanding of copyright and licensing issues by educators and library staff

Analyzing the Awareness and Utilization of Digital Resources by the Library Users of Selected Medical Deemed Universities in Maharashtra

Digital Resource awareness was studied among Medical Deemed University Libraries students in Maharashtra. The study used a questionnaire to investigate four Medical Deemed University Libraries of Maharashtra. This study examines digital resource utilization, purpose, frequency, locality, and preference. The study indicated that Maharashtra Medical Deemed University Libraries users were moderately aware of digital medical resources and used them mainly for the education, Learning, and knowledge updating. Students use e-journals, standards, reports, patents, and trade reports. This survey explores how Maharashtra Medical Deemed University Libraries students use electronic resources. Customers of Medical Deemed University Libraries have difficulties using digital resources because of a lack of training or orientation, slow internet, an energy crisis or load shedding, a lack of printing facilities, the lack of full-text access to the majority of journals, a lack of awareness, information overload, and insufficient digital resource consumption. However, these factors are not statistically different from low levels of satisfaction and low internet speeds. The findings improve digital library services and resources. This research advanced medical e-resources and services. The results may enhance digital library services and virtual culture in designated medical Deemed University libraries, notably in Maharashtra. The author has considered medical students for this research survey. The structured questionnaire was randomly distributed among the four Medical Deemed Universities, which covered 200 UG and PG paradigms, with the scrutiny of the distributed questionnaire with speculation

Promotion of Information Resources and Services to Distance Learners in Nigeria: The Role of an Embedded Librarian

Awareness to Information resources and services in libraries should be created because information resources in the library is out of place if access to it is not provided. This Study examined the nature and need for distance learning to unprivileged. It particularly examined the nature and role of digital libraries, as it has a unique facilities suitable for the distance learners, how digital in libraries has made information resources and services easier for accessibility and delivery for both library patrons and professionals. The paper also discussed on how promotion in libraries became the act of informing the library users what is available in the library holdings. It also examined the services in the digital libraries that promotes usage as: lending services; user education. And also the strategies libraries need to achieve optimal goal in promotion of information resources was discussed. The paper discussed the great role of an embedded librarian in a digital library and his specialized skills for information dissemination as: Interpersonal skills, good communication skills. However, the paper highlighted some challenges to the effective marketing of services to patrons such as: inadequate fund, lack of facilities to promote library services and lack of access to information technology to work with. Among the recommendations include that professionals librarians should be skillfully trained on the area of promotion and marketing of information resources and services; distance learning universities should be conversant with the need for promoting library resources and services and as such assist libraries to accomplish its marketing mission

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

Purpose of research: To explore the potential of libraries as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing. Design: Cross-sectional online survey and interview-based study with community-dwelling adults and library staff. Methods: We analysed data from 605 respondents using a 14-item electronic survey and conducted interviews with 12 library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes. Results: Libraries remain popular and are considered a'safe place' by members of the community, irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. Library users' lack of awareness of community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries' services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identied to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing. Conclusion: Libraries already offer a variety of resources that either directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people, but public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate postpandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support, and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries' untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing

Organizing and Promoting Campus-Wide Workshops for Digital Badges

Academic libraries exist in large part to support learning experiences at the university. The range of services and resources available to graduate students continues to grow in number and in format as various departments on campus develop their graduate support activities. A growing trend at universities is to create programs such as digital badges to capture the “soft skills” students gain outside of the classroom. The digital badges can be offered from the school, a department like the graduate college, or through support services like the writing center, career services, or the library. Libraries, as a department already in contact with academic units and support services across campus, can support this trend and use the opportunity to become the campus leader in collecting, promoting, and even coordinating campus-wide workshops for a digital badge program. This session will discuss how the Oklahoma State University Libraries developed a graduate digital badges program for the graduate college in order to become a major resource of information on training activities for students, and to increase awareness of library programming. The OSU Libraries now coordinate and promote instructions sessions offered by the library, career services, and the writing center using existing library tools. The session will also discuss lessons learned from developing a digital badge program, hosting workshops by other services for the badge program, and why the library has worked to solidify its reputation as the hub of graduate workshops. Also presented will be how the library promotes workshops for graduate students by maintaining a web calendar and through a graduate learning listserv managed by the library. The goal is to encourage libraries to participate in and promote digital badges, and to facilitate access to campus workshops just as they do for other sources of information and learning

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries

Assessing the Impact of Traditional and Digital Marketing Practices on Library Services and Resources in University Libraries

Purpose / Aim of the study: Primarily, this research study aimed to identify how digital and traditional marketing methods create awareness among their users to utilize library services and resources better. To know about library staff\u27s role towards marketing practices and techniques in digital and traditional ways in university libraries. Research Design: This study is based on a quantitative research method, and a cross-sectional survey research approach is used for data collection. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire with the help of an online survey tool (Google Forms). Questionnaires were distributed through personal emails, WhatsApp messages, and the link was dropdown on LIS professional social media sites. One Hundred Ninety-seven responses were received in which three of the responses are unable to analyze and one hundred ninety-four responses were analyzed through SPSS software 23rd version. The Pearson correlation statistical test was applied using SPSS to know the variables\u27 typical relationship values to analyze the collected data. Findings: Findings of the study reveals that marketing through digital ways is more effective than traditional methods. Libraries create awareness among users about information resources and services by the latest digital and traditional marketing techniques. This study identifies the use or non-use and inadequacies of resources in the libraries under investigation. Research Implications: Furthermore, the findings will be a useful tool in the hands of higher authorities, planners, and other stakeholders to improve and develop resources and services in university libraries

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries

Evaluation of reference services in academic libraries: A comparative analysis of three universities in Nigeria

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria. In carry out this study, 4 research questions were posed. The population of the study consisted of 100 students. (60 students from University of Agriculture, Makurdi, 60 students from Benue State University and 40 students from the University of Mkar). One set of data collection instrument Evaluation of Reference Services in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (ERSAQ) was used. The major findings of the study revealed that reference services provided in the libraries include answering reference queries, provision of referral services and provision digital reference services. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations are presented: provision of adequate reference materials, regular re-training of reference librarians and provision of current awareness services for the library users

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries