Application and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Library Services Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

The application and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in library services delivery and operations has modernized traditional practices, enabling libraries to adapt to the evolving information needs of patrons in the digital era. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the application and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies for Library Services Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study used a descriptive survey approach. The population was the 108 librarians in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total enumeration technique was employed, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from the library staff. The study answered three research questions. The study revealed that AI cataloguing, AI classification, AI indexing, information retrieval tools, and robotics referencing, among others, are the purposes of AI applications for library service delivery. It was found out by the study that the use of AI makes it easy for library staff to do complex work without stress, and the use of AI prevents repetitive tasks, which is one of the benefits of AI applications and for library services delivery. The study also revealed that lack of technical skills by library staff and a limited number of AI experts among library automation vendors, among other challenges, are associated with the application and use of AI for library services delivery. The study concluded that the application and use of AI technology in academic libraries is setting a new level of accuracy and effectiveness in library services delivery. The study also concluded that the use of AI enhances the security of library resources and enables access to information from any geographical location. It is also concluded that lack of funding, among others, is a major challenge in the application and use of AI for library services delivery. The study recommends that the library should provide alternative and reliable power supplies and the train library staff how to stay relevant in this technology driven era

Robots and Reference Services

Abstract This paper explores the integration of robots into reference services in various library and information settings. The use of robots in these contexts has gained momentum in recent years, offering innovative solutions to enhance user experiences, improve access to information, and expand the capabilities of reference librarians. This paper reviews the current state of robots in reference services, discusses their potential benefits and challenges, and examines case studies to illustrate their practical applications. Furthermore, it offers insights into the future prospects and ethical considerations associated with the integration of robots in this domain. This paper delves into the fascinating world of robots and their role in reference services. It is motivated by the growing trend of automation and artificial intelligence in libraries, aimed at improving user experiences, increasing efficiency, and expanding access to information. Robots offer an intriguing blend of innovation and practicality, positioning them as valuable assets in the contemporary library landscape

Student\u27s Perceptions on the Use of Search Engines as Information Retrieval Tools: Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper examined the Students’ Perceptions on the use of Search Engines as Information Retrieval Tools: Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A survey conducted using questionnaire as the instruments for data collection. Data was obtained from 120 undergraduate students of the faculty of the institution and were analyze for this study. The study revealed that majority of the faculty students purposely used search engines for research and assignment work. The results also showed that Google search engine is the most popularly used. It has been observed from this study that major reason of using search engines as information retrieval is to download relevant information materials from the Internet. It also revealed that majority of the students were Internet literate because they use the Internet search engines several times. It further revealed that the most used Internet search engines by the respondents are Google (92.5%), Yahoo (50%) and (40%) for Bing. Thus, this study concluded that it seems hard to evaluate which search engine is the best because it is really just a matter of preference. Tables and percentage were used for data presentation thereby enabling for easy discussion and interpretation of data. The results of this paper recommends that students should endeavor to use several search engines for a particular search query and compare the search results

Student\u27s Perceptions on the Use of Search Engines as Information Retrieval Tools: Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper examined the Students’ Perceptions on the use of Search Engines as Information Retrieval Tools: Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A survey conducted using questionnaire as the instruments for data collection. Data was obtained from 120 undergraduate students of the faculty of the institution and were analyze for this study. The study revealed that majority of the faculty students purposely used search engines for research and assignment work. The results also showed that Google search engine is the most popularly used. It has been observed from this study that major reason of using search engines as information retrieval is to download relevant information materials from the Internet. It also revealed that majority of the students were Internet literate because they use the Internet search engines several times. It further revealed that the most used Internet search engines by the respondents are Google (92.5%), Yahoo (50%) and (40%) for Bing. Thus, this study concluded that it seems hard to evaluate which search engine is the best because it is really just a matter of preference. Tables and percentage were used for data presentation thereby enabling for easy discussion and interpretation of data. The results of this paper recommends that students should endeavor to use several search engines for a particular search query and compare the search results

Adaptation of the Wound Healing Questionnaire universal-reporter outcome measure for use in global surgery trials (TALON-1 study): mixed-methods study and Rasch analysis

BackgroundThe Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) is a universal-reporter outcome measure developed in the UK for remote detection of surgical-site infection after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to explore cross-cultural equivalence, acceptability, and content validity of the WHQ for use across low- and middle-income countries, and to make recommendations for its adaptation.MethodsThis was a mixed-methods study within a trial (SWAT) embedded in an international randomized trial, conducted according to best practice guidelines, and co-produced with community and patient partners (TALON-1). Structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather data regarding cross-cultural, cross-contextual equivalence of the individual items and scale, and conduct a translatability assessment. Translation was completed into five languages in accordance with Mapi recommendations. Next, data from a prospective cohort (SWAT) were interpreted using Rasch analysis to explore scaling and measurement properties of the WHQ. Finally, qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated using a modified, exploratory, instrumental design model.ResultsIn the qualitative phase, 10 structured interviews and six focus groups took place with a total of 47 investigators across six countries. Themes related to comprehension, response mapping, retrieval, and judgement were identified with rich cross-cultural insights. In the quantitative phase, an exploratory Rasch model was fitted to data from 537 patients (369 excluding extremes). Owing to the number of extreme (floor) values, the overall level of power was low. The single WHQ scale satisfied tests of unidimensionality, indicating validity of the ordinal total WHQ score. There was significant overall model misfit of five items (5, 9, 14, 15, 16) and local dependency in 11 item pairs. The person separation index was estimated as 0.48 suggesting weak discrimination between classes, whereas Cronbach's α was high at 0.86. Triangulation of qualitative data with the Rasch analysis supported recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ items 1 (redness), 3 (clear fluid), 7 (deep wound opening), 10 (pain), 11 (fever), 15 (antibiotics), 16 (debridement), 18 (drainage), and 19 (reoperation). Changes to three item response categories (1, not at all; 2, a little; 3, a lot) were adopted for symptom items 1 to 10, and two categories (0, no; 1, yes) for item 11 (fever).ConclusionThis study made recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ for use in global surgical research and practice, using co-produced mixed-methods data from three continents. Translations are now available for implementation into remote wound assessment pathways