Lokoja Journal of Information Science Research
Not a member yet
58 research outputs found
Sort by
OPEN SCIENCE: REDEFINING THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES AS HUBS FOR KNOWLEDGE JUSTICE AND INNOVATION IN THE 5TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
No full textThe 5th industrial revolution era focus on human-centered advancements driven by the unification of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Libraries are situated to lead this transformation by promoting equitable access to information and support the innovation and open knowledge. There are extant literature on the benefit of open science but no much attention on the disparity among the underrepresented communities in accessing and contribution to scholarly communication. Libraries as the custodian of knowledge are expected to redefine their roles in this era for proper positioning in ensuring inclusion, fair use, technology, service oriented, and dismantle knowledge supremacy through open science. The study explored how libraries can transform and adapt their roles in this era by ensuring human-centered innovation and technology integration, targeting the principle of knowledge, justice and equitable participation into their operations. Bridging the gaps and guaranteeing equitable access to open science, the study aimed at exploring how open science would be empowered in the 5IR through librarians in ensuring knowledge, justice and innovation. The study used qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews were used as the instrument to gather data from respondents. The population for this study were heads of library in universities in south-west Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 heads of library with direct experience or expertise in open science practices, knowledge equity initiatives, and library innovation strategies. The result showed that there are benefits of open science but the disparity between the developed and under-represented can better be bridged by innovative approach of the library. It was suggested that there should be collaboration among stakeholders and supportive policies to ensure knowledge justice
AVAILABILITY AND USE OF ICT IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES FOR EDUCATIONAL GROWTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE OF NIGERIA - KOREA FRIENDSHIP INSTITUTE OF VOCATIONAL AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY, LOKOJA
Get PDFThis research explored Availability and Use of ICT in Academic Libraries for Education growth and National development, Evidence of Nigeria- Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology Library, Lokoja. It also x-rays the potential of ICT on the services of academic libraries if it can enhance education growth and National development. Literatures of scholars and authors in the field were reviewed, and Descriptive Survey method was employed, In order to achieve the purpose and objectives of this study, questionnaire was designed to elicit information from the respondents. The sample size for the study was twenty (20) of library staff(professional=8 and para-professional=12) which is 20 (100%) of the total population. Critical analysis of the study was carried out using four point Likert rating and the major findings revealed that ICT were available in Nigeria- Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology Library, Lokoja; it’s very effective in enhancing library services, but the challenges facing ICT processes in academic libraries makes it a discouraging process. Therefore, the study recommended that adequate funds should be provided on a regular basis to make ICT library resources available and effective in use. In addition, Library staff should be trained on the utilization of these digitized resources to improve their level of ICT literacy and Management of NKFI library should encourage the constant training of such Library staff so as to be kept abreast of changes in the digital world
Influence of Public Relations Practice on Job Performance of Library Staff in Federal Universities in Plateau and Nasarawa State
No full textThe study investigated the “Influence of Public Relations Practice on Job Performance of Library Staff in Federal Universities in Plateau and Nasarawa States, Nigeria”. The study adopted descriptive survey research design anchored on one objective and one hypothesis. The objective of the study was to find out how public relations practice influences job performance of library staff in Federal Universities in Plateau and Nasarawa States, Nigeria. The population of the study was 168 library staff drawn from the universities under study. The entire population was adopted as sample because it was manageable. Questionnaire tagged Influence of Public Relations Practice on Job Performance (IPRPJPQ) was used for data collection while descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data and answer research question while chi-square was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that, the public relations practices influence job performance in university libraries and that public relations practices in these federal universities have significant influence on job performance of library staff in the university libraries. The study recommended that all library staff in higher institutions of learning should embrace public relations so that information resources stored in the libraries can be easily accessed and used by users, there should be an outlined policy which could be a guide to make library staff inform of their role in reference and public relations activities
Adoption of Information and Communication Technology for Knowledge Sharing in the Midst of Covid-19 Pandemic among Academics in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
No full textThis research was carried out to investigate Adoption of Information and Communication Technology for Knowledge Sharing in the Midst of Covid-19 Pandemic among Academics in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. The objectives of the study determined the type of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) academics adopted for knowledge sharing, level of ICT literacy competence among academics for knowledge sharing and the extent to which adoption Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by academics enhance knowledge sharing Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The study adopted quantitative research methods and specifically a survey research design. The population comprised academics in AhmaduBello University Zaria. A total number of 2,201 academics constituted the population out of which 10% which is 220 academics was used as sample. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data collected. The study established that Computers, printers, the Internet, projector, PowerPoint, email, CD-ROM, handheld devices are the ICTs facilities adopted for knowledge sharing among the academics, Lecturer I-Assistant lecturer cadre had the highest ICT competence literacy among all the three levels of academics. The study also revealed that adopting ICTs enhance on wide distribution and easy access to information, deepen enquiry among academics, wide distribution of research findings, enabling working together irrespective of locations among others. The study concluded that the most advanced ICT such as smart board, E-books, teleconferencing and video conferencing should be deployed to provide adequate training for the adoption of these facilities in knowledge sharing in the university. The study recommended amongst other that latest information and communication technology facilities like video conferencing, zoom technology and its related should be provided, academics should be equipped withinformation literacy skills with emphasis on knowledge sharing techniques, training, and retraining on the adoption of ICT facilities should be given
ASSESSING THE ROLE 0F LIBRARIANS IN COMBATING HEALTH MISINFORMATION DURING PANDEMICS IN MINNA METROPOLIS
Get PDFThe adverse effects of misinformation on societal progress, particularly in the realm of health, are well-known. Librarians, as guardians of information, have vital role in disseminating accurate information to the public. This research paper explores the potential of the field of librarianship in countering health misinformation. The study examines existing literature on the societal role of librarians in combating misinformation. Additionally, interviews were conducted with all librarians from tertiary institutions in Minna metropolis to investigate their roles in disseminating factual information during the Covid-19 outbreak. The research explores the strategiesemployed by librarians to combat misinformation, the challenges they faced in this endeavour, and assesses the impact of these strategies on mitigating Covid-19 misinformation. The study delves into both the misinformation encountered by the community and the persisting beliefs in misinformation. Furthermore, it investigates the channels through which communities receive health information. The paper outlines effective initiatives within the Library and Information Systems (LIS) profession, emphasising recommendations for librarians to enhance their role in the digital age and contribute successfully to the field of public health. Seven librarians from all tertiary libraries in the Minna metropolis were interviewed. Additionally, One Hundred (100) residents from ten communities were randomly selected to fill out questionnaires to ascertain the impact tertiary libraries have on misinformation in the communities. Only librarians from health institutions attempted to educate the communities, with little impact felt
RECORD RETENTION AND DISPOSITION: A CASE STUDY OF NUHU BAMALLI POLYTECHNIC KADUNA STATE NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study examined the Retention and Disposition Practices at the Registry of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Guided by three research questions, the study explored the procedures for records retention and disposal, as well as associated challenges. A quantitative design was adopted, targeting 69 Registry staff, with data analyzed using frequency and percentages. Findings revealed that records were retained and disposed of primarily through management directives, the duration records remained in the registry, and archiving. Challenges included poor storage facilities, insufficient resources, limited space, lack of an archival institution, absence of a comprehensive retention schedule, and inadequate staff training. The study concluded that, while records management exists, it does not meet international standards. To address these issues, the study recommends adopting a standardized retention and disposition schedule based on the legal, administrative, and historical value of records. Additionally, improving infrastructure, increasing budgetary support, recruiting trained records managers, and providing regular staff training will enhance efficiency and compliance. These findings highlight the importance of systematic records management to improve administrative efficiency, reduce storage costs, and ensure long-term preservation of vital records for decision-making and historical reference
From Hidden to Highlighted: Transforming Scholarly Visibility Through Metadata Practices in Nigeria
Get PDFThis study explores the relationship between metadata practices and scholarly visibility within Nigerian institutional repositories between 2020 and 2024. Recognizing metadata as the backbone of digital resource discoverability, the research investigates how metadata quality influences citation metrics and overall accessibility of scholarly outputs. Employing a quantitative methodology, data was sourced from the Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR) to evaluate 27 functional repositories across Nigeria. Key descriptive metadata elements, including titles, authors, abstracts, and keywords, were assessed for completeness and adherence to international standards. The findings reveal significant gaps in metadata practices, with repositories displaying varying levels of completeness and citation impact. Notably, repositories with comprehensive metadata fields exhibited higher citation levels, highlighting the importance of metadata in enhancing scholarly visibility. The study emphasizes the urgent need for skilled personnel, adherence to global metadata standards, and institutional support to optimize Nigeria\u27s repository infrastructure. A strategic framework is proposed to address these gaps, focusing on repository functionality, metadata completeness, and user engagement, to improve the discoverability and impact of Nigerian academic outputs
Empowering Librarians in the Fifth Industrial Revolution: Navigating Skills, Challenges, and Strategies for Effective Library Services in Open and Distance Learning
No full textThe study aimed at investigating librarians and the fifth industrial revolution skills, challenges, and strategies for effective library services delivery in an Open and Distance Learning. The research employed the descriptive survey design, and the entire population of sixty (60) librarians in National Open University of Nigeria was used. The Google Form questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The Google Form questionnaire was sent to all the librarians’ email and in their WhatsApp group account. Forty-five (45) out of sixty (60) respondents filled the form correctly and submitted. The study utilized Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the responses, which were coded in a spread sheet. Many surveyed librarians affirmed their possession of the necessary skills and competencies to implement the 5th Industrial Revolution in library services provision, with mean scores and Standard Deviation (SD ranging from 3.64:0.484 to 3.00:0.798. Findings revealed that librarians exhibit collaborative and digital skills essential for working with both people and machines in delivering library services to learners. However, many respondents acknowledged that there are challenges associated with the implementation but agreed that improved power supply, continuous learning, training and retraining of librarians in conference and workshops to acquire necessary skills could be strategic factors for libraries to effectively implement the 5th Industrial Revolution and enhance library services delivery for their learners
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION, NEEDS AND IT’S SOURCES AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN COLLEGES OF MEDICINE, NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA
Get PDFThe study examined the reproductive health information, needs, and its sources among female undergraduate students in colleges of medicine, North central zone of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of this study was 1,339 registered female undergraduate students of colleges of medicine, North Central, Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 549 female undergraduates’ students representing 41% of the population. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaire and observation checklist. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that, female undergraduate students have health information needs on sexual management, antenatal and postnatal care, stress and emotional well-being which motivates them to source for health information resources from different sources to meet the needs. However, the lack of adequate health information resources in colleges of medicine libraries have exposed female undergraduate students to source for health information resources from authentic and unauthentic sources which exposes them to health consequences if not. Seminar should be organize for female undergraduates on the information need to manage unplanned pregnancy, the implications of female genital mutilation, and information on safe abortion and post abortion complications. The female undergraduate students should be enlightened on the advantages of sourcing health information from the library databases, institutional repository, textbooks and printed materials
SCHOOL LIBRARY SERVICES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD READING HABITS IN CHILDREN: THE CASE OF SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OFUTOP - IKOM CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA
Get PDFThe study was conducted to examine the impact of school library services on the development of good reading habits in children in selected primary schools in Ofutop-Ikom, Cross River state, Nigeria.Three purposes and three research questions were raised to answer the research issues raised in the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey method with a total population of 500 primary school pupils. Out of the total population of 500, 125 pupils were purposively selected as samples after being stratified based on locations. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using simple linear regression, mean scores and standard deviation. The findings of the research revealed among others that, students who regularly use the library are exposed to a broader range of reading experiences, which helps them build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop critical thinking skills. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that, Allocate More Library Time: Schools need to evaluate their schedules to provide adequate library time for independent reading. Dedicating time specifically for reading during school hours can give students the opportunity to explore books and develop their reading skills