R.A. Egunjobi and R.A. Awoyemi
Libraries in Nigeria have had to face several challenges and constraints in the development of library automation systems. These challenges include poor information and…
Abstract
Purpose
Libraries in Nigeria have had to face several challenges and constraints in the development of library automation systems. These challenges include poor information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, poor funding, and poor ICT skills among library staff, as well as choosing appropriate software solutions. The introduction of open source software such as Koha is therefore a positive revolution in Libraries across Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to make a strong case for the adoption of open source software in various libraries and information centres.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses Adeyemi College of Education Library automation processes using the Koha Library Management Software. It highlights the strategy adopted, major automation areas, and various factors to be considered by librarians when developing automation processes for their libraries.
Findings
This paper shows that automation can improve the library's relevance to the academic community. It further reveals that library staff enjoy working in an automated environment and the patrons enjoy services rendered using an OPAC instead of a card catalogue.
Practical implications
Library automation will address the problem of manual processing of materials. It will further mean less drudgery, easy generation of records, space conservation, improvement of information services, and easy retrievals.
Originality/value
The major obstacle to library automation in Nigeria has been poor funding. This paper is an eye opener. Libraries now have the opportunities to use open source software instead of waiting to acquire software that costs so much and may discourage management from granting the request.
Details
Keywords
Anna Marie Johnson, Claudene Sproles and Robert Detmering
The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.
Findings
Information about each source is provided. The paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.
Originality/value
The information in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Details
Keywords
Shana Rachel Ponelis and Philliam Adoma
Libraries globally automate their operations and services using integrated library systems (ILS) to increase operational efficiency and meet the ever-evolving demands of their…
Abstract
Purpose
Libraries globally automate their operations and services using integrated library systems (ILS) to increase operational efficiency and meet the ever-evolving demands of their users. Open source ILS (OS ILS) has become more popular globally. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the diffusion of OS ILS in academic libraries in Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
Rogers’ diffusion of innovation (DoI) supplemented by the fit-viability theory was used as a theoretical framework. A questionnaire was developed based on extant literature and distributed electronically to representative members of a Ugandan university library association.
Findings
The diffusion of OS ILS in Ugandan academic libraries approximates the S-curve expected based on DoI. Ugandan academic libraries are adopting OS ILS for more flexibility to meet changing needs at what is perceived as an affordable cost but not all are fully satisfied. Koha is the most adopted OS ILS and is also being considered by all libraries without any ILS or a proprietary ILS. The information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, organizational procurement policies and national procurement legislation, human resource capacity and limited finances are barriers to diffusion. The total cost of ownership and technical skills required are of particular concern for OS ILS.
Research limitations/implications
The research was limited to a single African country and the recommendations may not be transferable to other African countries. Future research can expand the survey, the countries studied and/or address the methodological limitations of this study.
Practical implications
When embarking upon library automation using OS ILS or migrating to an OS ILS solution libraries should consider their ICT infrastructure, local support community, available training and be realistic about the costs. Local library associations should provide guidance on OS ILS selection, ongoing training, and opportunities for knowledge sharing. LIS schools should consider expanding their curriculum to include library automation and, in Uganda incorporate training on Koha as OS ILS. Libraries and library associations should advocate to reduce restrictive organizational procurement policies and national procurement legislation.
Originality/value
Studies on country-level diffusion of ILS are comparatively few, particularly in African countries. This is the first country-level study of OS ILS diffusion in Uganda. This study can positively impact future patterns of diffusion for optimal deployment of OS ILS software by informing academic libraries, university management, library association, LIS schools, and policymakers in Uganda and across the African continent, and encouraging academics and researchers to teach and study library automation using OS ILS.
Details
Keywords
Elisha Ondieki Makori and Norak Mauti Osebe
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Koha enterprise resource planning system and its potential impact on information management organizations in Kenya against the risks and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Koha enterprise resource planning system and its potential impact on information management organizations in Kenya against the risks and myths associated with the solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focused on selected scan and analysis of information management organizations using Koha enterprise resource planning system in addition to document or desk review analysis. Expert opinions and ideas of information professionals, especially information systems and information leaders, also provided vital knowledge.
Findings
Koha enterprise resource planning system as the premier and leading free and open-source software is transforming and integrating information services in knowledge-based organizations. Driving significant forces include economical benefits, global customer base, free use and distribution, technical and online support, compatibility and integration with other technologies and global access to information and organization of knowledge. The study also established that the risks and myths associated with the system such as compatibility and integration with other technological solutions are no longer possible challenges. Koha provides business intelligence and cloud computing solutions over proprietary or commercial systems for managing and supporting information in organizations.
Research limitations/implications
This study purposively focused on selected information and knowledge management organizations using the Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system in addition to expert opinions and ideas of stakeholders in the information industry.
Practical implications
Koha enterprise resource planning system provides alternative solutions to information organizations already burdened with limited financial resources. In addition, it proves to the entire world that the solution that was developed for rural and small-based information organizations has developed into a leading knowledge enterprise resource planning solution. In information management organizations, Koha enterprise resource planning system is the strategic asset whose growth and use has increased tremendously across the globe.
Social implications
Potential widespread application and usage of the Koha enterprise resource system that was initially developed for rural and small information organizations is proof enough that the free and open-source software movement can produce best solutions that are economically viable over proprietary systems. Significant impact of the enterprise system across the globe indicates that information management organizations, information professionals and leaders are satisfied with the system.
Originality/value
In the knowledge-based economy, where technological systems and solutions are fundamental for quality delivery of services to the customers, information professionals must and as always provide the necessary technology, leadership and management qualities. Across the world, Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system is increasingly gaining momentum in information management organizations, and Kenyan information professionals are no exception.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Asim and Muhammad Ijaz Mairaj
This study aims to find out the reasons of adopting Koha integrated library software, discovers the problems faced by librarians during its implementation, and gets the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to find out the reasons of adopting Koha integrated library software, discovers the problems faced by librarians during its implementation, and gets the perceptions of librarians about the performances of Koha in Punjab, a province of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey method was used to collect the data through questionnaire from the purposefully selected sample (N = 66) of university librarians of Punjab, a province of Pakistan.
Findings
The librarians adopted Koha due to the availability of Web online public access catalog (OPAC), provision of MARC21 standards for cataloging and its free availability. During implementation, the librarians were faced with the problems of lack of technical skills, lack of knowledge about the Linux operating system, shortage of skilled manpower, slow internet speeds and approval from their organization. They highly rated the performance of the cataloguing, circulation, patron and OPAC modules of Koha.
Originality/value
This research provides a brief picture of librarians’ perceptions about Koha adoption and satisfaction levels. The findings highlighted the issues and problems faced during the implementation of Koha. This study will be helpful for librarians in the selection, implementation and usage of the Koha software in their libraries.
Details
Keywords
Christian Nnaemeka Egwim, Hafiz Alaka, Oluwapelumi Oluwaseun Egunjobi, Alvaro Gomes and Iosif Mporas
This study aims to compare and evaluate the application of commonly used machine learning (ML) algorithms used to develop models for assessing energy efficiency of buildings.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare and evaluate the application of commonly used machine learning (ML) algorithms used to develop models for assessing energy efficiency of buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This study foremostly combined building energy efficiency ratings from several data sources and used them to create predictive models using a variety of ML methods. Secondly, to test the hypothesis of ensemble techniques, this study designed a hybrid stacking ensemble approach based on the best performing bagging and boosting ensemble methods generated from its predictive analytics.
Findings
Based on performance evaluation metrics scores, the extra trees model was shown to be the best predictive model. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method. Finally, it was discovered that stacking is a superior ensemble approach for analysing building energy efficiency than bagging and boosting.
Research limitations/implications
While the proposed contemporary method of analysis is assumed to be applicable in assessing energy efficiency of buildings within the sector, the unique data transformation used in this study may not, as typical of any data driven model, be transferable to the data from other regions other than the UK.
Practical implications
This study aids in the initial selection of appropriate and high-performing ML algorithms for future analysis. This study also assists building managers, residents, government agencies and other stakeholders in better understanding contributing factors and making better decisions about building energy performance. Furthermore, this study will assist the general public in proactively identifying buildings with high energy demands, potentially lowering energy costs by promoting avoidance behaviour and assisting government agencies in making informed decisions about energy tariffs when this novel model is integrated into an energy monitoring system.
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in the lack of a reason for selecting appropriate ML algorithms for assessing building energy efficiency. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method.
Details
Keywords
Md. Habibur Rahman and Md. Zillur Rahman
The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), stated the implementation of integrated library system (ILS) in a library and encouraged library professionals by sharing practical experience to implement modernization project in their libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the authors’ practical experiences regarding implementation of the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at CVASU using open-source ILS and library management systems (LMSs).
Findings
The study reveals practical and systematic approach toward implementation of the modernization project starting from the project proposals, fund release, vendor selection, mode of procurement, manpower selection, selection of ILS and LMS solution to the library’s day-to-day activities and a series of communication with the funding organization.
Practical implications
This paper will help librarians implement the modernization project in a practical way to their libraries. This paper stands as a unique case study for the new applicant and for those who have got University Grants Commission funding for library modernization.
Originality/value
The paper provides a practical experience in the implementation of a library modernization project complying all the procedures of funding agencies. The content of the paper was not published before in any form other than the internal workshop and presentation.
Details
Keywords
Mazhar Iqbal, Muhammad Kabir Khan and Arslan Sheikh
The aim of this study was to investigate the use of software for the automation of academic libraries in Sialkot. This study consisted of three objectives, including recognizing…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the use of software for the automation of academic libraries in Sialkot. This study consisted of three objectives, including recognizing the reasons to adopt the software for library automation, investigating the problems faced by librarians while using library software and identifying the satisfaction level with the attributes of library software.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was used to achieve the objectives of this study. A survey was conducted to collect data from the library information science professionals working in the academic libraries of Sialkot. The data was collected from 46 library professionals through a structured questionnaire.
Findings
The findings showed that the economic cost of implementation, maintenance and the software providing multilingual support were the major reasons for adoption of software for the purpose of automation. In this study, compliance with the internet, noncooperation in library automation by university/institution, availability of training facilities, insufficient library budget, a lack of financial/economic resources, staff transfer and a lack of consultancy and technical service were identified as major issues when using library automation software. However, the respondents were quite satisfied with the performance of software attributes including circulation modules, easy to use cataloguing modules, reports’ modules, software attributes of administration modules and multilingual facility.
Originality/value
This study persuades library and information science professionals to automate their libraries through the adoption of library software.
Details
Keywords
Christian Nnaemeka Egwim, Hafiz Alaka, Youlu Pan, Habeeb Balogun, Saheed Ajayi, Abdul Hye and Oluwapelumi Oluwaseun Egunjobi
The study aims to develop a multilayer high-effective ensemble of ensembles predictive model (stacking ensemble) using several hyperparameter optimized ensemble machine learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to develop a multilayer high-effective ensemble of ensembles predictive model (stacking ensemble) using several hyperparameter optimized ensemble machine learning (ML) methods (bagging and boosting ensembles) trained with high-volume data points retrieved from Internet of Things (IoT) emission sensors, time-corresponding meteorology and traffic data.
Design/methodology/approach
For a start, the study experimented big data hypothesis theory by developing sample ensemble predictive models on different data sample sizes and compared their results. Second, it developed a standalone model and several bagging and boosting ensemble models and compared their results. Finally, it used the best performing bagging and boosting predictive models as input estimators to develop a novel multilayer high-effective stacking ensemble predictive model.
Findings
Results proved data size to be one of the main determinants to ensemble ML predictive power. Second, it proved that, as compared to using a single algorithm, the cumulative result from ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy. Finally, it proved stacking ensemble to be a better model for predicting PM2.5 concentration level than bagging and boosting ensemble models.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of this study is the trade-off between performance of this novel model and the computational time required to train it. Whether this gap can be closed remains an open research question. As a result, future research should attempt to close this gap. Also, future studies can integrate this novel model to a personal air quality messaging system to inform public of pollution levels and improve public access to air quality forecast.
Practical implications
The outcome of this study will aid the public to proactively identify highly polluted areas thus potentially reducing pollution-associated/ triggered COVID-19 (and other lung diseases) deaths/ complications/ transmission by encouraging avoidance behavior and support informed decision to lock down by government bodies when integrated into an air pollution monitoring system
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in literature by providing a justification for selecting appropriate ensemble ML algorithms for PM2.5 concentration level predictive modeling. Second, it contributes to the big data hypothesis theory, which suggests that data size is one of the most important factors of ML predictive capability. Third, it supports the premise that when using ensemble ML algorithms, the cumulative output is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than using a single algorithm. Finally developing a novel multilayer high-performant hyperparameter optimized ensemble of ensembles predictive model that can accurately predict PM2.5 concentration levels with improved model interpretability and enhanced generalizability, as well as the provision of a novel databank of historic pollution data from IoT emission sensors that can be purchased for research, consultancy and policymaking.
Details
Keywords
This paper adds to the emerging knowledge base in the Nigeria and is of relevance to all residential property stakeholders. A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper adds to the emerging knowledge base in the Nigeria and is of relevance to all residential property stakeholders. A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that several factors influence residential property values. However, there is a paucity of empirical research on critical factors influencing rental value of residential property in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to serve to address this gap by examining critical factors influencing rental value of residential property in the three densities area of Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used random sampling to select 624 residential properties out of 3,120 residential properties in the portfolio of 52 Estate Surveying and Valuation firms located within Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using a hedonic pricing specification.
Findings
The results show that different critical factors influences rental values of different types of building in different residential densities. Number of bathroom (NOB), number of living room (NOL) and existence of burglar alarm (EOBA) were critical to bungalow in the whole area of Ibadan while number of toilet (NOT) was critical to duplex. In low-density area; residential location and EOBA have a significant positive impact on rental value of bungalow while NOT, NOBs (NOR), NOL and EOBA have a significant positive impact on detached house. However, it was NOR and EOBA that were critical in the medium density to bungalow.
Practical implications
The study concluded that each of the residential densities is homogenous and, therefore, every residential property stakeholders should recognise the importance of each factor on rental values so that their valuation estimates will be useful and reliable.
Originality/value
The study is one of the few attempts at examining factors affecting residential property value. This paper examined critical factors influencing rental value of residential property in the three densities area of Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria.