Fredrick Otike and Ágnes Hajdu Barát
Due to globalization, digitization and advanced technology, academic libraries are experiencing a tremendous change in their role and operations. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to globalization, digitization and advanced technology, academic libraries are experiencing a tremendous change in their role and operations. The purpose of this study is to critically examine and establish the emerging trends of academic libraries in Kenya; this study also highlights some of the critical roles of the academic libraries in relation to the emerging trends.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted the literature review method to critically analyse and establish the various roles and emerging trends and issues in academic libraries in Kenya.
Findings
This study established that change is inevitable and that academic libraries are supposed to adapt to the emerging trending trends and roles, lest their function and service become redundant. Due to the fact that library users’ information needs and information-seeking behaviour are changing, academic libraries are supposed to devise new and innovative ways of reaching out to their clients.
Originality/value
This study has been able to comprehensively create a new viewpoint of the role and emerging trends of academic libraries in Kenya in regards to the changing and advancement of new technology.
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Fredrick Otike, Ágnes Hajdu Barát and Péter Kiszl
The advancement of technology has brought much uncertainty in the access and utilization of information resources in academic libraries. This research sought to determine the…
Abstract
Purpose
The advancement of technology has brought much uncertainty in the access and utilization of information resources in academic libraries. This research sought to determine the extent to which academic libraries in Kenya engage in innovation and use innovative strategies. In addition, this study aims to identify the specific innovation practices and strategies used by these libraries to ensure they effectively address users’ information needs and remain relevant within the Kenyan context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative research design. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews that targeted key personnel in the academic library system, including the university librarian, the circulation librarian and the digital/systems librarian. In total, 21 respondents were interviewed in this study. Additional data was gathered by examining primary documents such as academic library policies, university websites and library brochures, among other sources. The study used purposive sampling techniques to select the population sample and the theoretical saturation to determine the sample size.
Findings
The study revealed a pressing need for change in the academic library landscape in Kenya. It established that the concept of innovation and innovation strategies is still new in academic libraries in Kenya, and libraries are still confined to traditional and routine duties. There is a lack of appropriate strategies for enhancing innovation practices/strategies in academic libraries. The paper, therefore, strongly recommends the reorganization of academic libraries in Kenya.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to analyze innovation strategies and practices in academic libraries in Kenya. This study sheds light on the puzzles facing most academic libraries in Kenya regarding innovation and innovation strategies. It introduces the importance of academic libraries to embrace innovation as a strategy to avoid disruptive innovation.
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Asmaa Bouaamri and Ágnes Hajdu Barat
This article discusses the public library system in Morocco, compiling the available information tackling the historical background of public libraries and their early work and…
Abstract
Purpose
This article discusses the public library system in Morocco, compiling the available information tackling the historical background of public libraries and their early work and the system that has been adopted during and after colonial periods. The main purpose of the study is to shed light on the present situation of the public library system in Morocco and also to further identify some of the recurrent issues in the public library system in Morocco.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors relied on a literature review as a theoretical reference in order to study and extract the available studies done previously on the Moroccan system for public libraries.
Findings
Public libraries in Morocco face various issues such as lack of available data and research, lack of appropriate funds, education in the field of library and information sciences, low rate of reading culture within the country and the high rate of illiteracy, all of which obstruct the development of Moroccan librarianship. There is a necessary reform need and action in order to help in the development of libraries in the country.
Originality/value
This paper is the first paper that discussed the state of public libraries in Morocco and that draws and highlights the importance of public libraries in relation with the country's development.
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Fredrick Otike, Asmaa Bouaamri and Ágnes Hajdu Barát
This research study investigated the perception of the international students on the role of the university libraries in Hungary during the COVID-19 online learning period, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research study investigated the perception of the international students on the role of the university libraries in Hungary during the COVID-19 online learning period, the research study sought to establish the level of fulfillment the university libraries had on international students’ information needs. This study was necessitated by the fact that most of the international students came from different backgrounds and cultures.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative research approach; the study used the online survey tool Google Forms, data were collected from three universities in Hungary that hosts most international students, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest University of Technology, and Economics (BME) and Budapest Business School Faculty of Finance and Accountancy (BGE). The targeted sampling population was 60 international students comprising 30 postgraduate and 30 undergraduate international students; a simple stratified random sampling method was used to collect the data. The findings were analyzed using the descriptive statistics method.
Findings
The study established that most international students never relied on their university library electronic resources, when accessing electronic resources they mainly accessed using Google search engine, this feedback can be associated with the fact that most students never attended library orientation and neither did they have information literacy training during the lockdown. Students experienced the following challenges, lack of adequate study literature, the language barrier in accessing some information, digital information illiteracy, etc. The recommendation of this study is that there is a need to offer frequent literacy studies, provide more digital resources and enhance more and easy accessibility of information resources.
Research limitations/implications
The research was confined to strictly using online survey tools due to the fact that students were isolated everywhere in Budapest, and the COVID-19 guidelines of 1.5-meter rule and social distance were still in force during the time these data were collected.
Originality/value
The study brings new limelight on the struggles international students in Hungary endured during the COVID-19 lockdown, and their perception of the role of university libraries, it equally establishes significant roles of the universities library in supporting international students.
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This paper aims to explore the theory and practice of knowledge organization and its necessary connection to human perception, and shows a solution of the potential ones.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the theory and practice of knowledge organization and its necessary connection to human perception, and shows a solution of the potential ones.
Design/methodology/approach
The author attempts to survey the problem of concept‐building and extension, as well as the determination of semantics in different aspects. The purpose is to find criteria for the choice of the solution that best incorporates users into the design cycles of knowledge organization systems.
Findings
It is widely agreed that cognition provides the basis for concept‐building; however, at the next stage of processing there is a debate. Fundamentally, what is the connection between perception and the superior cognitive processes? The perceptual method does not separate these two but rather considers them united, with perception permeating cognition. By contrast, the linguistic method considers perception as an information‐receiving system. Separate from, and following, perception, the cognitive subsystems then perform information and data processing, leading to both knowledge organization and representation. We assume by that model that top‐level concepts emerge from knowledge organization and representation. This paper points obvious connection of visual imagery and the internet; perceptual access of knowledge organization and information retrieval. There are some practical and characteristic solutions for the visualization of information without demand of completeness.
Research limitations/implications
Librarians need to identify those semantic characteristics which stimulate a similar conceptual image both in the mind of the librarian and in the mind of the user.
Originality/value
For a fresh perspective, an understanding of perception is required as well.
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Joseph Marmol Yap, Ágnes Barátné Hajdu and Péter Kiszl
The library and information science profession finds itself grappling with substantial difficulties and hurdles when addressing the trustworthiness and accuracy of information…
Abstract
Purpose
The library and information science profession finds itself grappling with substantial difficulties and hurdles when addressing the trustworthiness and accuracy of information disseminated through social media platforms. This study aims to highlight the educational authority of librarians and propose a framework for librarians to establish their identity, understand the meaning behind their practice and integrate their expertise through knowledge practices, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in the social media environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study delves into a conceptual framework rooted in philosophical inquiry, seeking to establish a harmonious connection between interrelated concepts of civic roles, professional identity and knowledge practices. It draws upon both original research findings and a review of existing literature in the field.
Findings
Civic responsibilities reflect the professional identities of librarians. Evidence of knowledge practices collected from scientific literature emerged to be the important characterization of how librarians uphold their image as educational authorities. It describes the meaning of civic roles and professional practice.
Practical implications
The study sheds light on how librarians maintain their reputation as educators and the knowledge practices that underpin their civic responsibilities amidst the pervasiveness of information disorders.
Originality/value
The framework presented in the study offers a timely and relevant contribution to the complex realm of social media information disorders, a challenge that librarians grapple with regularly. It highlights the emerging role of librarians in society to assert their identity and recognize their civic responsibility in addressing this pressing issue that society faces.