T. Rexwhite Enakrire and O. George Onyenania
This paper sets to elicit the factors affecting the development of information infrastructure in africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets to elicit the factors affecting the development of information infrastructure in africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A Descriptive method was employed in looking at the various infrastructure that we have, based on the usefullness in accomplishing a task.
Findings
The findings revealed that there are some factors militating against the development/functionality of information infrastructure in the African context, but this research proves to a large extent that these inadequacies of information infrastructure in Africa are gradually being met. This leads to economic development and nation building in every area of our endeavours because infrastructure has the potential to improve and develop economic, social academic, moral and environmental background in our contemporary society. This is because information and communication infrastructure requires widespread technological resources for its operation.
Originality/value
This research and its findings will assist Africans and other nations on the needs of Africans' information infrastructureand how best to care for their information infrastructure in areas of improving on their software/infrastructure production and maintenance.
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T. Rexwhite Enakrire and O. George Onyenania
This paper aims to strengthen ways of improving the growth or development of information transfer in Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to strengthen ways of improving the growth or development of information transfer in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive method was used in the simplification of possibilities in exploding actions to be taken to unrest the development or growth of information transfer in Africa.
Findings
The findings revealed that though there are some causes inhibiting the growth of dissemination or transfer of information in the African context but measures were preferred which include: (i) harnessing/provision of full potentials of information resources, technology and communication channel, and organised capacity locally and regionally, (ii) access and utilization of diversities of information, (iii) training and sensitization of human resources, (iv) information and IT policy/copyright formulation, and (v) cultural awareness of information transfer and implementation to economic development and nation building, etc., has the potentials to foster an amazing information transfer in Africa in our economic, social, religion, academic, moral, and environmental society. This is because information transfer within and outside our context can no longer be seen as a luxury for the elites but as an absolute necessity for the masses since it offers great potentials to improve the quality of life to very many persons around the world.
Originality/value
This research will assist Africans and beyond, to value information transfer as an asset and a means to an end in life and in decision‐making and planning.
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Rexwhite Tega Enakrire and Joseph M. Ngoaketsi
The purpose of this paper is to investigate open access practices (OAPs): a roadmap to research paper publications in academic institutions. The rationale that necessitates this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate open access practices (OAPs): a roadmap to research paper publications in academic institutions. The rationale that necessitates this scenario was the dwindling nature of the inability of researchers and lecturers/academics in African academic institutions to access related materials in their subject areas, while also advancing effort to publish their research papers in open access.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied a qualitative research approach, in which literature was harvested from Web of Science for developing and writing the research paper.
Findings
This paper establishes that OAP, when embraced, could advance and transform research paper publication in higher education institutions because its practices are globally welcome. The authors reiterate that considering the benefits accrued to OAPs, knowledge gap in terms of literature and methodological approach still exists in academic institutions in Africa; hence, the authors promote OAPs as a roadmap for research paper publications in academic institutions. It is expected that by OAPs, researchers would no longer struggle to harvest literature, of theses, dissertations and other research papers, deposited in institutional repositories required for deepening their research activities because those literature studies or those documents have to be paid for through subscription fees of published papers and publishing in open access by journals. This is what most academics have experienced because, most times, the literature which academics harvest from the internet and different institutional repositories and databases is already paid for by the different institutions that housed the literature where it is domiciled. For instance, most academic library institutions in the world pay for subscription fees of research papers and documents. This is to advance and facilitate deepened research activities in their institutions, when researchers, academics and students want to harvest materials through their university library websites.
Originality/value
This paper, which considers OAP as a roadmap to research paper publications in academic institutions in Africa, is insightful and unique considering the wave of OAP globally.
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Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani, Adeyinka Tella and Rexwhite Tega Enakrire
Libraries are currently undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as dynamic advocates for environmental sustainability, surpassing their conventional roles as mere…
Abstract
Purpose
Libraries are currently undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as dynamic advocates for environmental sustainability, surpassing their conventional roles as mere repositories of knowledge. In today’s world, dominated by the growing climate crisis, these evolving institutions are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. However, they confront a range of challenges, including the need to establish sustainable operations, provide accessible climate information, engage diverse audiences and uphold ethical standards.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology used for this study involves an extensive review of literature. The authors analyze existing studies concerning green libraries and their role as catalysts for climate change action globally. This analysis draws from a variety of scholarly sources, encompassing articles, books and reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Findings
The findings indicate that despite the aforementioned challenges, libraries in developed countries worldwide have demonstrated noteworthy success through initiatives such as green building projects, community engagement programs, collaborative partnerships, expansion of digital resources, innovative climate literacy initiatives and a commitment to ethical stewardship. These achievements serve as a source of inspiration, fostering hope and spurring action as libraries empower communities to embrace environmental stewardship. They showcase the potential of libraries as catalysts for positive environmental change.
Originality/value
The originality and value of this research lie in its insights into the potential of green libraries initiative as a catalyst for climate change action. Ultimately, this study opens the door to untold literary exploration, revolutionizing the art of green library capacity in the ever-evolving technological landscape. To augment their impact, libraries are encouraged to broaden the scope of their climate education initiatives, expand their digital resources, cultivate strategic collaborations, prioritize ethical responsibility and implement thorough evaluation and communication practices.
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Rexwhite Tega Enakrire and Fasae Joseph Kehinde
The purpose of this study is to investigate WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs). The consideration for the use of the WhatsApp…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs). The consideration for the use of the WhatsApp is based on its usefulness, ease of use, low cost of data and maintenance practices for the functionality of the mobile device used for the WhatsApp.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied systematic literature review in conceptualizing how WhatsApp application could be used for enhanced teaching and learning in HEIs. Most of the articles used in carrying out this study were harvested from Google Scholar. This study was carried out within three weeks internal
Findings
This study established that WhatsApp has also served as a learning and teaching tool which has made majorities of university students, irrespective of their geographical locations, become tech-savvy, self-expressive and open to new ways of doing things, including the use of social network applications. The exposition of the authors based on the findings from this study indicates that through the use of WhatsApp, activity theory of mobile learning postulated by Vygotsky and theory of connectives by George Siemens gave them the understanding surrounding how humans interact with technology through continuous use of tools.
Research limitations/implications
This research carried out has a lot of implications to global HEI due to innovation and practices of teaching learning and research.
Social implications
WhatsApp application has become the avenue through which people learn and retain and share information and knowledge among themselves for a better quality live scenarios. It has brought a shift from traditional to virtual platform of user experience (UX) in the use of digital technologies.
Originality/value
WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in HEIs established that the impact of WhatsApp on teaching, learning and retention of collocation of knowledge among school students or learners cannot be undermined. The result revealed from this study indicates that there is a shift from traditional to virtual platform which has brought diverse opportunities of transformation the educational systems, enhance productivity and quality service delivery and challenges, where lecturers would have to learn and unlearn through UX of the use of digital technologies.
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Rexwhite Tega Enakrire and Bolaji David Oladokun
The purpose of this study is to investigate artificial intelligence (AI) as enabler of future library services, with consideration to how prepared are librarians in African…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate artificial intelligence (AI) as enabler of future library services, with consideration to how prepared are librarians in African university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied the interpretive content/document analysis of literature harvested from different databases of Scopus and Web of Science. AI could be used to perform daily routines in circulation, serial, reference and selective dissemination of information among others. It could also be applied to the provision of innovative services of recognition of library activities such as answering research quarries, cataloguing and classification of library materials and management of library system software of different databases within the library systems.
Findings
It could be deduced from the study that AI would continue to serve as a panacea to future library services irrespective of its geographical context. Due to the evolving nature of knowledge growth, AI having its roots in the field of engineering has been found useful to support future library services. The support accrued from library service delivery in the library profession has made librarians continue to interact with other intelligent machines that can demonstrate human behaviour even though they are not real human beings. The behaviour of machines and AI where human beings play a significant role has brought many renovations in the management of complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision making and suggestions, on potentials of diverse work operations.
Practical implications
The understanding that the present paper portrays in the context of future library services is that there is no way the AI could function without a human interaction perspective when drawing an analogy from computer science, information science and information systems fields of study.
Social implications
The interest of users across their background would be strengthen if AI advances transformed the handling complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision-making and giving suggestions, among other things. The possibilities of diverse work operations from empirical evidence of studies consulted in recent times gave the authors the impetus to consider AI as the enabler of future library services.
Originality/value
The increasing demands from library patrons have prompted librarians to adapt their methods of delivering services. These emerging technologies have also brought about shifts in approaches to teaching and learning. Consequently, the recent surge in digital technology-driven service innovations has ushered in a fresh paradigm for education and research. In response to these changes, librarians are actively seeking novel and innovative technologies to enhance user experiences within their libraries. They serve as catalysts for introducing modern and advanced technologies, consistently adapting to contemporary tools that enhance their offerings.
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Bolaji David Oladokun, Rexwhite Tega Enakrire, Ejiro Sandra Ukubeyinje, Diseiye Oyighan, Oluchi Cecilia Okeke and Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani
This study explores cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse, focusing on the opportunities, challenges and future trends for libraries. This study aims to assess the evolving…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse, focusing on the opportunities, challenges and future trends for libraries. This study aims to assess the evolving threats in virtual environments and the role libraries play in addressing cybersecurity in these immersive digital spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a narrative review approach, synthesizing existing literature on cybersecurity threats in the metaverse, vulnerabilities of metaverse platforms and user behavior risks. It also examines how libraries can mitigate these risks while leveraging metaverse technologies.
Findings
This study identifies significant cybersecurity risks in the metaverse, including data breaches, identity theft and virtual property theft. It also highlights the vulnerabilities of metaverse platforms, such as weak user authentication and system integration challenges. Moreover, user behavior – like weak passwords and susceptibility to social engineering – amplifies these risks. Libraries have an opportunity to enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity education but face technological and skill-based barriers.
Originality/value
This study provides a novel exploration of how libraries can address cybersecurity concerns in the metaverse. It highlights the importance of proactive measures and evolving technologies in ensuring a safe virtual experience.
Details
Keywords
Bolaji David Oladokun, Dauda Oseni Yahaya and Rexwhite Tega Enakrire
As traditional physical spaces grapple with evolving reading habits and information consumption patterns, the notion of libraries within the metaverse poses intriguing questions…
Abstract
Purpose
As traditional physical spaces grapple with evolving reading habits and information consumption patterns, the notion of libraries within the metaverse poses intriguing questions about accessibility, knowledge dissemination and the evolving role of librarians. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of metaverse in virtual libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes various literature relating to libraries and the metaverse in the virtual worlds through a review of the literature.
Findings
In the ever-evolving landscape of information and technology, the emergence of libraries in virtual worlds presents a transformative paradigm that brings forth both tremendous advantages and intricate challenges. These advantages are underscored by enhanced accessibility for a global audience, interactive engagements that cater to diverse learning styles and the unprecedented scalability that digital environments provide. Virtual libraries hold the potential to reshape the way people access, share and engage with knowledge, while also fostering a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the original idea that highlights the importance of metaverse in virtual libraries.
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Yusuf Ayodeji Ajani, Bolaji David Oladokun, Rexwhite Tega Enakrire, Ebenezer Sanya Ibironke, Lebogang Morodi, Mary Sunday Enidiok, Gafar Blessing Sulaiman and Balqees Abiodun Moshood
The study explores the transformative potential of the metaverse in libraries, highlighting opportunities for innovative patron engagement and challenges such as digital equity…
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the transformative potential of the metaverse in libraries, highlighting opportunities for innovative patron engagement and challenges such as digital equity, privacy concerns, and accessibility barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed an interpretive content/document analysis approach, drawing insights from diverse literature sources including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
Findings
The findings indicate that through the integration of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), libraries can enrich their offerings and reach a broader audience. However, addressing challenges in libraries requires proactive measures, including bridging the digital divide and implementing inclusive design practices. Furthermore, cultivating metaliteracy skills among librarians and information users is essential to navigating the complexities of the metaverse responsibly.
Originality/value
The study’s originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of the implications of the metaverse for libraries and information users. Thus, exploring the nexus of immersive technologies, digital equity, and the evolving role of libraries, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the metaverse. The value outlines the key strategies for libraries to thrive in the metaverse by emphasizing the integration of immersive technologies, enhancing digital literacy, fostering collaborative partnerships, prioritizing accessible design, investing in research and innovation, and advocating for inclusive policies, the study equips libraries with a roadmap to fulfill their mission of providing equitable access to information and fostering lifelong learning in the digital age. The insights from the study will inform the strategic planning and decision-making of library administrators, policymakers, and information professionals as they navigate the transformative potential of the metaverse.