International Journal of Librarianship
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254 research outputs found
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Visualizing Impact: Assessing Engagement and Outcomes through the Map It! Data Visualization Service
Full text linkThis project report examines how Kent State University Libraries’ Map It! service integrates data visualization and assessment to enhance research support, learning, and community engagement. Established in 2019 within the Map Library, Map It! provides consultation, instruction, and project collaboration for students, faculty, staff, and community partners seeking to communicate data through maps, dashboards, and visual narratives. Assessment is embedded throughout the service workflow, combining quantitative metrics, such as project volume, disciplinary reach, and tool usage; with qualitative feedback that captures learning and engagement outcomes. Over five years, Map It! has completed more than 150 projects, expanded across 20 academic departments, and developed partnerships with local organizations. Findings demonstrate how visualization functions as both a library service and a framework for assessment, making institutional and community impact both measurable and visible. The report concludes with lessons learned and future directions for sustaining evidence-based, data-informed, and community-centered library services
Applying SERVQUAL Model in Library Service Delivery to Attain Students Satisfaction at a Private University in Kenya
Full text linkThis study examined the extent to which application of SERVQUAL model in delivery of services attains student satisfaction with library services at Gretsa University, a private university in Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive and qualitative research design. A self-administered questionnaire with a five-point Likert-type scale was used to collect data from 100 final-year bachelor’s degree students. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression and partial correlation. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 confidence level. Study findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between SERVQUAL guided library service delivery and student satisfaction with library services. An increase in service delivery results in an increase in customer satisfaction. The findings also revealed that student factors do not moderate the relationship between SERVQUAL guided library service delivery and student satisfaction with library services. In addition, there is a significant relationship between students' factors and customer satisfaction. Students who reside in university hostels were more satisfied with the quality of library services compared to those residing outside the university. The study focused on final year bachelor degree students. The study recommends improvement of physical facilities in the Gretsa University Library so as to increase customer satisfaction levels
Bridging The Gap: Assessing the Skills and Knowledge of Academic Librarians in Zimbabwe in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Full text linkThe advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is challenging the skills, expertise, and knowledge of librarians. The growing interest in disruptive technologies among library patrons, coupled with the limited adoption of these technologies by Zimbabwean libraries, has highlighted a significant skills gap among library personnel. This study investigated the skills and knowledge of academic librarians in Zimbabwe in the context of the 4IR. A sample of academic librarians affiliated with the Zimbabwe Library Association was selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected through online questionnaires and analysed using frequency counts. Results show that while academic librarians in Zimbabwe exhibit strong competencies in several key areas, particularly in IT, leadership, and information management, there are notable gaps in specific skills such as website designing and grant writing. Moreover, the study reveals that librarians exhibit a relatively high awareness of 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things and 3D printing. The findings of this study also highlight the complexities and challenges associated with the adoption of 4IR technologies in academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The adoption of these technologies is hindered by a lack of skills, knowledge, and expertise, as well as inadequate funding. Additionally, librarians' attitudes towards embracing 4IR technologies significantly impact their adoption. This study recommends that librarians develop a keen interest in technological innovations and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies through training, seminars, and conferences. Lastly, librarians should acquire and update their ICT skills to remain relevant in the 4IR era
Librarians’ Awareness, ICT Skills and Marketing of University Library Services in the 21st Century in Delta State, Nigeria
Full text linkThe study examined librarians’ awareness, ICT skills and marketing of academic library services in the 21st century in Delta State. It adopted the descriptive survey research design with a population of 112, comprising all librarians in the university libraries in Delta State using the total enumeration sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument to gather data of which only 87 were completed and found usable, giving a 78% response rate. The data generated were analyzed using simple percentages, frequency counts and weighted mean. The findings revealed among others that university libraries market mostly reprographic, serials, e-library, reference, circulation, current awareness, technical, selective dissemination of information and webliography services. It identified the use of library websites and social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, etc. as the major marketing strategies. Librarians in university libraries are aware of marketing library services to a high level. They also possess ICT skills such as Microsoft Office skills, information retrieval and social media skills for marketing library services to a large extent. Funding, inadequate technological infrastructure and lack of adequate support from management were identified as the major factors inhibiting effective marketing of library services. It recommended training on modern marketing strategies such as content creation tools and other digital technologies for librarians
Analyzing Public Library Cardholder Signup to Increase Access
Full text linkAs attempts to restrict or remove books in libraries continue to proliferate across the United States, Brooklyn Public Library has taken steps to bring attention to a crucial set of policies that libraries can use to protect access and advance the right to read: how patrons get library cards. In 2023, BPL undertook a national research project to study the practice of cardholder registration in American public libraries, with findings and analysis published in spring 2024. This is the first known national dataset collected and shared in this area of practice. The research findings further informed the development of a set of guiding principles developed for public libraries to consider when restructuring policy and process in the area of cardholder signup in order to reduce barriers and increase access to their collections and services. 
Social Media Usage Patterns from Dawn to Midnight: Impact on University Students' Library Visits
Full text linkThis study aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage patterns and library visits for reading among university students. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 519 university students. The study employed a structured questionnaire to assess social media usage across seven platforms, daily time investment, common activities performed on social media, and frequency of library visits for reading. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.WhatsApp emerged as the most frequently used platform, with 62.8% of students checking it often upon waking and 63.6% using it until midnight. 47.6% of respondents reported using WhatsApp for 5 or more hours daily. Despite high digital engagement, 74.2% of students still visit libraries to read either often (28.1%) or occasionally (46.1%). Multiple regression analysis (R = .373, R² = .139, p < .001) revealed that reading news on social media positively predicted library visits (β = .281, p < .001), while viewing pictures showed a negative association (β = -.139, p = .022). This study provides novel insights into the complex interplay between digital and traditional information-seeking behaviors among university students. It highlights how specific social media activities relate to traditional academic practices, offering valuable implications for educational strategies and library services in the digital age
What’s in an Address? Transforming ILLiad Data into Resource Sharing Insights
Full text linkInterlibrary loan (ILL) systems contain a wealth of data that can inform operations, assessment, and collection development. Yet, the capacity to analyze and interpret ILL activity often lags behind other library departments because of legacy software. ILLiad, one of the most widely used ILL management systems, contains numerous free text fields, including address records originally designed for mailing rather than for analysis. Inconsistent and incomplete entries limit the ability to extract meaningful statistics about resource sharing activity. To answer nuanced questions, including those required by the ALA RUSA STARS Quadrennial International Interlibrary Loan Survey, we developed a simple, replicable three part method: Clean, Create, and Group. By cleaning address data using a controlled vocabulary, creating internal-use addresses to represent local workflows, and grouping records by category, we transformed a static contact list into a dynamic data source. This project enhanced our ability to generate targeted statistics, improved collaboration across departments, and demonstrated how a modest data-cleaning initiative can yield lasting operational and analytical benefits
Beyond Shared Spaces: Preserving the Educational Mission of Academic Libraries
Full text linkAcademic libraries are vital to higher education, supporting critical thinking, information literacy, and lifelong learning. The mergers with Academic Learning Centers, tutoring services, or other departments have created confusion for students and marginalized librarians. This paper examines these changes, highlighting the essential role of librarians in research, source evaluation, citation, and ethical information use. Drawing on the ACRL Framework and recent studies, it shows how diminished librarian roles can compromise intellectual growth and civic engagement. Recommendations include clarifying roles, promoting librarian-led services, and integrating information literacy into curricula, ensuring libraries fulfill the broader purpose of education
You Say Hello and I Say Goodbye: Methodology and Findings from An Academic Library's Virtual Chat Service Assessment Program
Full text linkThis Report from the Field outlines the implementation of a formal, comprehensive assessment program for an academic library’s virtual chat service, designed to analyze quality and inform improvements to all reference interactions. The methodology features twice-yearly, team-based peer review among graduate student employees, utilizing an eight-metric rubric to generate quantitative and qualitative data. Initial sessions found that most interactions were Proficient or Excellent but highlighted the need for coaching on closing statements and providing updates during long searches. Recommendations include adding canned messages to the chat platform and refining training with tutorials and more reference documentation to reinforce consistent service quality