Library Science

The ability to access, evaluate and use information is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirement for the information society.Information literacy (IL) program in academic libraries involves the process of imparting library users with the information skills that can help them identify their information needs, locate, retrieve, evaluate and effectively use that information for problem solving. This study investigatedthe effects information literacy programs in academic libraries.The specific objectives of the study were to: find out the levels of information literacy skills among students; identify the role of libraries in the integration of information literacy programs; establish the methods used in the provision of an information literacy programs; and to find out the students’ perceptions on information literacy programs. The study adopted the seven ways orfaces of information literacy model by Bruce (1997). This study employed the descriptive and explanatory research designs. The study employed both non probability and probability sampling techniques. The study sample was stratified according to the level of education of the respondents and convenience sampling was used in administering the questionnaires. The study sample comprised 335 users and 2 librarians who were selected using purposive sampling.Data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS 23 and presented in form of tables and figures. The findings of the study showed that the majority of the respondents understood the meaning of information literacy, they used the OPAC system and E-resources to locate, access, retrieve and effectively use the information acquired. The methods employed in the teaching information literacy skills included carrying out annual orientation programs for new students, organizing library workshops and demonstrations. However, it is evident that majority of library users lacked information searching and retrieval skills and this is due to the fact that they did not undergo a well-organized information literacy program, and that university students rely heavily on the internet for their academic work or research. The study concluded that although there have been efforts to ensure information literacy among university students, there is need to build on these efforts through collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty members particularly through joint curriculum design and implementation. There are some forms of information literacy training in the institution, however the training offered is not adequate to promote lifelong learning due to lack of standardized information literacy programs and lack of information literacy policies. The findings of the study will be significant to the policy makers by helping them to make sound policies that will enhance the development of information literacy skills among university students. Various methods should be used for teaching and assessing the information literacy skills of the students, which includes: one-on-one instruction, interactive classes, online tutorials, as well as building assignments around research situations.Lecturers should also be encouraged to use e-library resources and computers as well as the Internet and online searching skills as part of the students’ assignments.

Cloud computing is a web based computing where shared resources, applications and information are provided to the set of computers and other devices on demand using web technology. Cloud computing is based on internet; generally the internet is commonly visualized as a cloud. This chapter defines cloud computing basics and shows how it is different from other types of computing. This paper overviews the basic concept of cloud computing and the use of cloud computing in libraries and how cloud computing actually works is illustrated in this communication. This paper attempts to demystify the intricacies involved in cloud computing. Benefits of cloud computing and its effective implementation for higher education is emphasized. This paper has been attempted to explore how cloud computing can extend Library services for better sustainability. Finally, the paper concludes with a set of useful links about cloud libraries and additional links for future work.

Innovation of technology changes the way of information delivery and information behavior. Thus, academic libraries are challenged to adapt to the changes in their working environment and take proactive actions to prove their value through excellent quality service delivery. The emergence of technology makes information available for all people. Academic libraries are no longer in their dominant position as information provider in higher institutions. Academic libraries are challenged by the impact of technology to shift their traditional role as information provider to new role as services provider supporting teaching, learning and research. The shift of role of academic libraries brings a great number of challenges and problems to academic libraries in various ways. This paper investigates the challenges that influence service delivery in library and knowledge management centres: A case Study of Technical University of Mombasa. The specific objectives of the study will be: To identify innovations adopted by the university in enhancing service delivery, To determine the effect of librarians' competence on service delivery and to establish the effect innovation based challenges on service delivery in Technical University of Mombasa.The study employed qualitative and quantitative research designs. The target population of this study comprised of library staff of Technical University of Mombasa. The study census and purposive sampling techniques. The sample size for the study comprised of ten respondents. The main data collection tool was questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) and presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. The study findings showed that library innovation at Technical University of Mombasa Library included: online library, use of social media, institutional repository, home page and examination bank among others. These library innovations created a feedback platform from the library users on fines, book requests and renewals, ensured faster dissemination of information on any upcoming library events like orientation for new students, 24 hour access to library resources thus enhancing service delivery and improving customer satisfaction. The study concluded that library innovations affected service delivery. Majority of the respondents experienced innovation based challenges namely: poor internet connectivity which causes low response rate during day time due to higher access rate of internet and low usage of electronic resources due to love of social sites, occasional system failures and computer illiteracy among the librarians as well as the students. The effects of innovative based challenges on service delivery were: slow down library operations, lower user confidence in the effectiveness of library innovations, user dissatisfaction and low staff morale. Librarians were competent in using library innovations to enhance service delivery since they had adequate and prerequisite professional training and education as well as relevant work experience. Technical University of Mombasa ensured innovation competence among librarians through in-job training when necessary, spirit of teamwork among others. The study concluded that librarians' competence affected service delivery in Technical University of Mombasa. In order to improve service delivery using the library innovations, the study recommended: Training users and librarians on the use of the current innovations as well as other internet and computer based applications.

The purpose of this study is to examine the information literacy of rural farmers. Today’s Information is vital requirement of every field of human life such as agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy, now a day’s total economic depends upon the agriculture. This is mainstay the rural villages of Bargarh District. The rice pot of odisha is called Bargarh District and 73% of peoples depend upon agriculture. Information is the vital for changing era. Information Technology is taking new outline day by day. Information literacy of rural farmers make capable to recognize when information is needed and how to be located, evaluated and use effectively. Besides the present study conducts and analysis a questionnaire-based survey 853 agricultural farmers in seven Blocks of Bargarh District. Due to this some farmers are not satisfied in the cultivation. This paper concluded the growth Information literacy in modern era of this district

Librarians are expected to ensure the availability of information to all categories of people without any form of hindrance that may be based on gender, race or any type of impairment. This paper examines library services as they are connected to impaired users. An impaired user here means an individual that has decreased strength or quality. This category of people could be the visually, hearing, speech impaired or any other form of impairment. The ability to be able to render services to individuals that are visually impaired, physically impaired, deaf and dumb through assistive technologies such as Screen reader, Braille translation software, Braille writing equipment, Closed–circuit television (CCTV), Wheel chair, large print, talking/audio books and Braille embosser and scanners has been faced with a number of challenges. It is recommended that libraries, special education teachers, university authorities and stakeholders should endeavour to provide adequate facilities for impaired users.

This study assessed the role of agricultural information dissemination and utilization in sustainable and improved agricultural productivity and development in Nigeria. Agricultural information dissemination and utilization is viewed as a transfer of messages by various media resources, systems and users. This is normally done through four channels; the individual, interpersonal, organization and the social system. This study was carried out by means of quantitative method which involved the design and administration of questionnaires to 480 rural farmers in Nigeria. Findings from the study revealed that major sources of agricultural information to rural farmers was media (radio, television and newspapers) with very rare contact with extension workers who were ordinarily in the best position to exchange agricultural information with rural farmers. The findings further showed that there are acute missing link between agricultural reformative information and sustainable farming in Nigeria. The study recommends the need for government increased efforts in Agricultural information dissemination to transforming the economy through continued investment in agricultural productivity and development.

This study investigated the importance of succession planning in Academic Libraries in some selected universities in the south west. The universities selected include Federal University Oye, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, University of Lagos, Lagos, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Osun state University, Osogbo, Lagos state University, Lagos, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Joseph Ayodele Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, and Caleb University, Lagos. The Study population was made up of all academic librarians working in the university libraries. The study made use of simple and random technique and sample size of 100 respondents were chosen to represent the academic librarians working in the library. The survey instrument was questionnaire and it consists of six questions for item to elicit information on succession planning. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed, 81 were returned while 73 were properly filled and could be analyzed giving a response rate of 81.11 %. The simple frequencies table and percentages were applied to analyze the generated data. The following recommendation were made for effective succession planning in academic libraries: succession planning must reflect in every assignment, committee; profession librarian must exposed to both academic and administrative duties that will form part of their experience on the long run and that librarians must be able to have an all round experience in all the sections of the library such that there will not be any gap peradventure there is long absence, resignation or retirement from service.

The National library and Archives of I.R. of Iran (NLAI) that began its computerized cataloguing in 1994 proposed a plan about “IRANMARC”. This new format was based on UNIMARC. In September 2006, the national library began to adopt the format for all library material by using “RASA” software. The aim of establishing the national comprehensive system is to automate the working processes of the deputy for the national library and to store the records related to all library material based on universal standards. The comprehensive system of the national library is based on UNIMARC and IRANMARC. Currently NLAI has presented this format for all library material but the findings of recent researches on IRANMARC format indicated the established MARC format by the NLAI is not totally correct. This article suggests in order to have a homogeneous catalogue for all library material nationally, it is best to take a cautious and more accurate to change. The organization and of course more important than it RASA Committee could regulate wherever was necessary and give throughput to the experts at different levels.

This study assessed information needs and dissemination of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study focused on the adequacy of existing holdings in the research institute determines the recency of materials in the library and evaluate the environmental condition of the library. The study was a descriptive survey which involved the design of questionnaire that was administered to staff and library clientele. The findings revealed that the highest percentage of the library clientele were researchers 45.8%, followed by the administrative and accounts staff 45.9% and planning officers accounted for 8.3% being the least among the library users. Also, majority 61% agreed that the materials were adequate. The study further showed that majority 64% of the materials were relatively recent. The study further revealed that 33.3% of the respondents described the environment as conducive for reading and learning. This study concluded that the agency is living up to its mandate as an institution for science, technology and innovation management (STI). However, the information needs of the agency needs to be explored to assist the management to provide current materials for the use of the staff and other users.

In recent times, the traditional methods of providing information services are changing, and also, the performance of library tasks is undergoing a major change process. Libraries are thus being transformed from book centered to information centered institutions, and emphasis is shifting from book collection and storage to access and provision of electronic information services. Therefore this paper examined the role of Library as a way to develop and maintain collections of materials in all formats and to make the materials available to all users. The integration of both print and non-print resources into the library system in the 21st century will go a long way in providing necessary information to users. Availability of various forms of print and non- print resources and their effects were discussed in this paper. This paper discussed the challenges associated with managing print and non-print information resources in colleges of education libraries in Nigeria. The study concluded that for academic library to function effectively, they should collaborate with relevant institutions and adopt the best strategies that will enhance the management of print and non-print information resources for sustainable national educational development in the country.