University of Ibadan Journal of Library and Information Science

Impact of Mentoring on Research Productivity of Young Librarians in Selected Academic Libraries

2024-04-26T08:20:24+00:00

The research productivity of young librarians in academic libraries is very germane to their academic status, promotion and contribution to knowledge among others. Nevertheless, earlier surveys have indicated that the research productivity of some young academics seems to be low. This might be ascribed to mentoring. Thus, the survey investigated the connection between mentoring and research productivity of young librarians in some selected academic libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. The descriptive research pattern and the census technique were used. Also, 23 out of the 25 young librarians in six universities in the selected academic libraries took part in the study. Findings indicated that out of the four major factors promoting research productivity, research funding/grant (x = 3.78) and mentoring (x = 3.61) were the most prominent. Result also showed the presence of statistical significant relationship between mentoring and research productivity of Young Librarians (r=.488, n=23, p(.018)<.05). Therefore, in a bid to ease the research productivity of young librarians, mentoring programmes should be put in place.

Motivational Factors and Perception towards Modern Cataloguing and Classification Practical in Library Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

2024-04-26T09:15:30+00:00

This study examined the motivational factors and perception towards modern Cataloguing and Classification practical in Library Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted while the target population were undergraduate students from Library Schools in University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Federal Polytechnic Offa. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Purposive Sampling Technique was used to draw 112 Librarianship trainees from population of 1,125 undergraduates. Simple percentage and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. Questionnaire was developed to elicit responses from the respondents. The findings revealed that the perceptions of LIS students towards Modern Cataloguing and Classification practical are not tedious but easy and “modern cataloguing work makes one busy throughout the working hours” The finding further revealed that LIS trainees were motivated when they scored good grades and learning cataloguing and classification in a conducive environment. The challenges of the LIS trainees were inadequate computer training, inadequate classification scheme, insufficient open, closed access database and lack of adequate knowledge of different application software as revealed by the study. It was concluded that undergraduates of LIS students have positive perception towards modern cataloguing and classification. The study recommended that Library Schools administrators should provide adequate tools that can enhance modern cataloguing and classification practical and should also ensure that all the students are trained to handle digitised devices and software.

PERCEIVED USEFULNESS AND EASE OF USE AS DETERMINANTS OF E-DATABASE UTILISATION BY UNDERGRADUATES OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-26T08:39:45+00:00

This paper explores perceived usefulness and ease of use as a determinant of edatabase utilisation by undergraduates of private universities in Osun State, Nigeria. It examines the influence of electronic databases as an advancement over the traditional print media and reiterates its relevance and essentiality in our world today, especially in the academic community, and how e-databases can be successfully used and accessed by undergraduate students. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design of correlational type. Finally, one of the recommendations of the study is that undergraduate students should be encouraged to make use of e-databases as they update their knowledge for academic purposes. The paper concludes on the fact that the benefits of e-database cannot be overemphasized and its perceived usefulness cannot be jettisoned as it deals with teaching, learning, research, and knowledge gathering.

THE IMPACT OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES ON LIBRARY EDUCATION: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

2024-04-26T08:48:22+00:00

This abstract provides an overview of a desk study examining the impact of emerging technologies on library education from a global perspective. The study explores how advancements in technology have influenced the field of library education and the implications for librarians and libraries worldwide. It also highlighted the implication of emerging technologies for library and information science education in Nigeria. The desk study reveals that emerging technologies have significantly transformed library education. One key finding is the digitization of resources, which has expanded the scope of library collections beyond physical materials. Online databases, e-books, and digital archives have become integral components of library education, necessitating the inclusion of digital literacy skills in curricula. The study also highlights the global perspectives facilitated by emerging technologies in library education. Virtual platforms, video conferencing, and social media have enabled librarians and library students from different parts of the world to connect, collaborate, and exchange knowledge. This has enriched the learning experience by providing diverse perspectives and cultural insights. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of innovative technologies on information organization and retrieval. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning have revolutionized cataloging, indexing, and searching processes. Library education programs must incorporate training on these technologies to equip librarians with the necessary skills to effectively utilize these tools and provide enhanced services to library users. However, the desk study acknowledges challenges that arise with the integration of emerging technologies in library education. These include the need for continuous professional development to keep up with technological advancements, ensuring equitable access to technology across different regions, and addressing concerns related to privacy and security. In conclusion, the desk study highlights the transformative impact of emerging technologies on library education globally. The digitization of resources, global collaboration opportunities, and innovative tools have reshaped the field, requiring librarians to adapt and acquire new skills. By addressing challenges and embracing these technologies, library education can effectively prepare librarians to meet the evolving needs of the digital era.

ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS, INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND LIBRARY USE OF TEACHERS IN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION-BASED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

2024-04-26T08:04:30+00:00

This study examined the organisational factors and information seeking behaviour on the use of library by teachers at College of Education-based Secondary Schools in South west, Nigeria. A correlational survey was adopted as the research design and method. The total enumeration was used, and questionnaire was the main instrument for the study. A pre-test of the instruments, organisational factors affecting college of education-based secondary school teachers (á = 0.77), information seeking behaviour of college of education-based secondary school teachers (á = 0.83), purpose and frequency of library use (á = 0.81) and factors against use of library (á= 0.89) showed the instrument was reliable. A total number of 208 copies of the questionnaire was administered and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation method and multiple regression. Findings showed that there was a significant positive correlation between organisational factors and use of library of the respondents r (194) = 0.616; df = 194; p < 0.05), a significant positive weak correlation between information seeking behaviour and use of library of the respondents r (194) = 0.259; p < 0.001), and a multiple correlations (R) of

0.639, and a multiple R square of 0.409, df = 2, 193, F-ratio of 66.648 (significant at 0.05 level) showed there is a joint contribution of organizational factors and information seeking behaviour on the use of library by teachers in college of education-based secondary schools. There was significant contribution of organisational factors and information seeking behaviour on use of the library: organisational factors (â = 0.591, t= 10.557, P<0.05) and information seeking behaviour (â = .172, t= 3.065, P< 0.05). This study concluded that there is individual and joint positive influence of organisational factors and information seeking behaviour on use of library by college of education-based secondary school teachers. Consequent upon the findings of this study, it was recommended efforts should be made by the college of education-based secondary school administrators to ensure that fast Internet services are provided within the library for ease of use for the teachers.

User Experience with ChatGPT in a Nigerian University Library: Exploring Users' Satisfaction and Feedback

2024-04-26T09:05:51+00:00

Given the integration of ChatGPT and similar AI-based solutions in academic libraries and the increasing emphasis on user-centred services, it is crucial to evaluate the user experience with ChatGPT. Given this, this study investigated users' satisfaction levels and gather feedback from library patrons who have interacted with ChatGPT at the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom. Three objectives guided the conduct of this study while a descriptive research design was employed. The population for this study was 107 registered students who are active users of the FUTIA Library and have interacted with ChatGPT for information retrieval and support. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to calculate means and standard deviations. Findings show that ChatGPT offers a range of benefits, including accurate responses to user queries (x¯ = 3.54), instant and roundthe-clock availability (x¯ = 3.28), assistance with resource discovery (x¯ = 3.04), and research guidance (x¯ = 2.91). Moreover, the availability of ChatGPT as a virtual assistant for answering queries has proven to be highly advantageous. One of the key strengths of ChatGPT, as revealed by the study, is its ability to save time by providing quick responses. However, the study has also highlighted certain challenges and concerns related to ChatGPT which include: it can sometimes be unreliable (x¯ = 3.51), lacks the emotional intelligence of human librarians (x¯ = 3.41), and, in some cases, may provide deceptive responses (x¯ = 3.14). The study, recommends that libraries should invest in developing more robust personalization features for ChatGPT, strengthen their data privacy and security measures to ensure that interactions with ChatGPT are confidential and protected.