Access: An International Journal of Nepal Library Association

Using megatrends as a navigation tool for the future library

2023-09-24T06:58:44+00:00

The author first discusses the informative value of forecasts and then focuses on12 so-called megatrends developed by the German Zukunftsinstitut in Frankfurt/Main (“Future Institute”), which claim long-term informative value for themselves: Knowledge Culture, Connectivity, Neo-Ecology, Urbanization, Mobility, Globalization, New Work, Individualization, Silver Society, Health, Security and Gender Shift are presented with their various facets and the respective relevance for libraries is discussed in bullet points. In addition, the 20 topics of the IFLA Trend Report 2021, updates are assigned to the respective megatrends to round them off. The original version of this article appeared in issue 25 (2022) No. 6 of the German library journal b. i. t. online.

Library user education and use of information resources by students of Federal College of Agriculture Ibadan, Oyo State

2023-09-27T09:07:30+00:00

In spite of provision of information resources to suit the educational needs of students and scholars, use of information resources (IR) by students of higher institution of learning can largely be under-utilized. Hence, this study investigated the influence of library user education on use of information resources by students of Federal Colleges of Agriculture Ibadan, Oyo State. Descriptive research design was adopted. Population consists of eight hundred and ten (810) ND 1 and ND 2 students of Federal Colleges of Agriculture Oyo State. Proportionate Sampling technique was adopted as the sampling technique for this study as well. 265 respondents served as the sample size for this study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that LUE had significant influence on use of IR (Adj. R2 =0.027; p = 0.009). It was recommended that Librarians have to adopt library orientation, on-line instruction and course-related instruction as form of library user education to promote massive use of their information resources.

Role of Nigerian Public Libraries in Reaching Rural Communities with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

2023-09-29T05:35:34+00:00

Libraries and information centers occupy a central place in the provision of information services to urban and rural dwellers. The public library provides information, inculcates ideas, and develops knowledge that is so essential to functioning successfully in today’s information and knowledge-based society. The presence of libraries in different environments and the target they serve indicates that libraries have significant roles to play in supporting sustainable development goals whose actors and targets are also diversified. Libraries can support SDGs through the following activities: supporting the research process, ensuring research visibility, and reducing research anxiety of patrons among others. The activities of librarians go beyond listing to that of taking charge and delivering to the patron’s relevant information to drive and actualize the sustainable developmental goals this is also viewed as library inclusiveness. This paper articulated some roles that public libraries can play in reaching rural communities with sustainable development goal. Also, some factors that pose a challenge to rural communities with sustainable development goals were also identified.

Use pattern of social networks among undergraduate students and its implications on library use and usefulness in higher learning institutions

2023-09-29T05:48:05+00:00

This study used a mixed method approach design which included quantitative and qualitative study to explore use pattern of social by undergraduate students SUA. The target population of this study was 3000 undergraduate students in their first, secondhand third year at SUA stationed at Solomon Mahlangu Campus (SMC) available during the year 2021. Stratified random sampling was used to get three strata: first, second and third year undergraduates. From each stratum, 30 students were selected systematically by picking their names from the student registers of classes available from admissions office. Thus, a total of 90 students were given a questionnaire to fill in. The results have indicated that, undergraduate students are using social networks in their everyday life and it is having a positive impact on them by providing them with reliable information on the day-to-day activities. The common social networks have been found to be Whats App, Facebook, Google docs. None of the respondents were found to be using LinkedIn; asocial network very important especially for the students since it helps them in creating good connections and an easier job seeking option once the schooling days are done. The students have reported their preference of social networks over the traditional library, something that results in declining trend in the use of traditional library in the institutions. It can therefore be concluded that social media have become inevitable technologies that help students in accessing information, let alone other services like entertainment and so on. The students have an understanding on social networks but there is a need for libraries to utilize these networks to promote information access. Social Network Entrepreneurship skills should also be taught to students so as to put into good use the social networks students are already using beneficially. When students are encouraged to use social media available or linked to library websites, the use of traditional library will continue as it used to be in the past.

Developing Communication Competencies of Library Professionals Through Semiotics Theory Approach in the Contemporary Information System

2023-09-29T07:05:24+00:00

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between semiotics theory and communication theory and focus on how semiotics could act as a useful tool to play a big role in the development of communication competencies of library professionals in the contemporary information system.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The study is fundamentally analytical and qualitative in nature. The analysis of semiotic theory and communication theory is done one by one. In this paper, we use the semiotics theory approach in library services and propose an illustrative library classification list based on Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) for the development of an effective communication competency as well as improve the visual literacy skills of library professionals.

Findings: After the study, we find out that the semiotic theory is a general and unrestricted model of sign whereas communication theory is also a general and unrestricted model of communication which is useful for every field of study including the LIS field. Semiotics theory and Communication theory both are very similar and Semiotics build a strong communication competency and improve the visual literacy skills of library professionals.

Practical implications: This study will be helpful for library professionals to develop their competencies according to the needs of the hour. Users will be more beneficial and attracted to the library than the formal mode of communication. Those people who cannot communicate in an unknown language and are unable to articulate language can also communicate easily through the visual mode of communication with the help of semiotics.

Originality: This paper is the first to combine the theories of communication and semiotics within the context of the competency development of library professionals.

Quantitative Research Approach and its Applications in Library and Information Science Research

2023-09-29T07:43:32+00:00

This paper discusses the quantitative research approach and how it applies to Library and Information Science (LIS). Although many different research methodologies are used in the diverse subject of LIS to analyze data, the quantitative approach infrequently preferred. Quantitative research is most appropriate for phenomena stated in numbers since it requires numerical measurements and the analysis of variables to get results. The most common quantitative research techniques employed in LIS nowadays are survey studies, correlation research, descriptive research, and experimental research. To assess many facets of library activities and user satisfaction, the current study scientifically examines numerous quantitative research methods, including checklists, structured interviews, and questionnaires. Researchers can examine the effect factors of scholarly communications thanks to the study's insights into biblio metrics, sciento metrics, info metrics, web metrics, and altmetrics for research trends in metric studies. The study also highlighted the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of quantitative research methodologies when researchers use this strategy.

An assessment of Archives and Record Assortment in selected University Libraries of Bangladesh: a Study

2023-09-29T07:56:19+00:00

It was intended to analyze and assess the current state of archives and records management in some selected university libraries of Bangladesh as well as to evaluate present status of implementation of IR in these selected libraries. To draw inferences and make recommendations, a survey was conducted in selected public and private university libraries of Bangladesh. The universities were selected for this study on the basis of their position within 10th in the 2020 Uni Rank list published in Bangladesh. The primary data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation methods and secondary data were derived from literature search. The findings of the study show that 50% public university library use digital repository as archives whereas 90% private university libraries preserve the archives digitally as well as manually. The study also reveals that maximum (90%) private university libraries use archival repository though the number of repositories are increasing slowly. On the other hand, 50% public university libraries use the repository but the number of manual collection of these university library are much higher than others libraries. The study also clearly indicates that public libraries are ahead of private university libraries in preserving the number of manual collection. The findings of the study show that fifty percent public university libraries use digital repository as archives whereas near almost all private university libraries preserve the archives digitally along with manual system. The study revealed that the difference between manual collection of public and private university libraries was significant(p=0.0384), on contrast, the difference between public and private university library collection regarding IR collection is not significant (p=0.9937). The study clearly indicates that public libraries are ahead of private university libraries in preserving the number of manual collection whereas private university is ahead of public university in the implementation of IR system and its collections.

Correlation of Social Media Metrics and Citations: A Case of Physical Review Letters

2023-09-29T08:09:25+00:00

Scholarly literature is increasingly shared and discussed through the social web by researchers and academicians. The objective of the study is to investigate and measure the relationship of the citations with Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) for the selected articles in the physical review letter journal. Data extracted from Altmetric.com, Google Metrics, and from PlumXmetrics. Spearman correlation method was used to find the correlation between the Dimension and Scopus citations with AAS for selected articles, results show that the “p-value” stood as .009 and .002 which comes less than the significant level shows that high cited papers have a high AAS and the value of r stood as .772 and .851 which shows a high positive correlation between citations and AAS. US and Japan hold the top position countries with 816 and 326 tweets respectively. Mendeley and Twitter are contributing more to altmetrics scores. It is suggested that the Indian research community should also look forward to utilizing the social media platforms effectively to attract more audiences.

How the EndNote Gives Accurate In-Text Citations in Academic Writing

2023-09-29T08:52:05+00:00

End Note is a reference management software programme among many others—such as Mendeley, Ref Works, and Zotero—for storing, managing, retrieving, and using sources for citation in an academic writing. This phenomenological study deals with how the use of the software gives accurate in-text citations of all types of references, such as, books, book sections, theses, journal articles, WebPages, and newspaper articles with reference to APA 7th style of academic writing. For this, I draw reflections on my own direct experience of using End Note for the purpose of citation as a practitioner, tutor, and trainer during the last four years. I categorize the in-text citations into themes on the basis of the way they can be accurately managed in MS (Microsoft) word file, and describe how to enter the input so that the resultant output gives accurate in-text citation with special reference to APA 7th. Drawing on the findings, I have concluded that the use of End Note helps to accurately and systematically manage the citation with very little manual adjustment, and thereby to accelerate and systematize the academic writing as a whole.

Usability Test of DSpace on Nepalese Librarians

2023-09-29T09:46:03+00:00

In Nepal, the use of DSpace is increasing for building digital institutional repositories; however, its usability for Nepalese librarians was yet to be evaluated. The usability test of DSpace on Nepalese librarians assisted in evaluating DSpace from their perspective and experience. This study aimed to assess the usability of DSpace on them, examine usability factors, and identify required intervention on DSpace and the skill of Nepalese librarians to increase usability of DSpace. The study also identified the impact of training on the usability of DSpace. The pre-test questionnaire and post-test questionnaire were applied to assess the impact of training. The training on DSpace increased usability significantly (p-value = 0.0001). The task performance usability test on them resulted infectivity and efficiency of DSpace. However, there was low relation between the number of errors and time consumption during their task performance. The increased usability of DSpace on Nepalese librarians indicated the hopeful sign of increasing digital content from Nepal in coming days.

A Comparative Study of University Library Websites of Nepal

2023-09-29T09:57:20+00:00

Universities bear the responsibility of delivering higher education and research work. To achieve this goal, well-facilitated libraries are required. In the present scenario, the daily work of people is becoming easier with the use of internet. Hence, libraries and their services also need to show their presence on the web. The websites of Universities of Nepal have been explored using a checklist prepared for the purpose, of finding the status of central library websites and their services available via websites. The result showed that there is no uniformity in managing information in websites and available IT facilities are not being used properly in such an important sector of education. Library professionals now should make an effort to maintain uniformity in library websites which is now as much essential as the uniformity of cataloguing and classification work of libraries.

Use of E-resources by Faculty Members and Students in Pokhara University

2023-09-29T10:20:38+00:00

Objectives: Online resources are widely used in universities but their use and types of resources may vary in different countries and universities across the globe. The study aims to find out the type of online resources accessed by faculties, members and students of constituent colleges of Pokhara University.

Methodology: The study selected 80 samples among the faculty members and students of constituent colleges of Pokhara University using stratified, purposive, and quota sampling methods. Opinion was collected through a structured questionnaire and data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Conclusion: The intentions of the use of online resources are mostly to search the articles, books, theses, indexing and abstract which is used for writing articles and books, theses, project works and term papers, preparing materials for the training, seminars, and conferences and also preferred to update knowledge. Large number of respondents spent an average of three hours getting and study of online resources. Almost half of the online resource users have already published some works that indicates online resources are instrumental to enhance the academic excellence and knowledge generation. Practical implications: However, the student got oriented about library resources before their class started; still, there is somehow a lack of information-searching skills. The study provides input to university authorities to improve the existing online resources facilities and gives insight into the users’ behaviors.

Systems' Librarians: Unidentified but Essential in Nepalese Libraries

2023-09-29T10:32:03+00:00

Digital library dealt with information communication technology (ICT) infrastructures that is different from manual library infrastructure. Digital library is the growing demand in contrast to manual library, which demanded for systems' librarians or digital librarians. The collected data from seven libraries in Nepal to examine the availability of Systems' librarian manpower provided no light of hope. Those libraries were selected using convenient judgmental sampling through a short interview with currently available librarians about the concept of a Systems' librarian. Digitally skilled and responsible for digital data management personnel was defined as systems' librarians who have the necessary knowledge and skills in library software, networking, data entry, and troubleshooting of ICT-related issues. The study found that out of the seven libraries, only two had systems' librarians, yet their designation was not pin-pointedly named as' systems' librarian'. While others lacked the required manpower. The study also revealed that there were no Systems' Librarians in any of the libraries. The respondents' attitudes and perceptions towards the Systems' Librarian concept varied, with some accepting it as adaptable, acceptable, and appreciable. The study recommended for the recruitment of Systems' Librarians in Nepal as the library’s resources adopted the concept of paperless and library-without-wall. The lack of concerned manpower to look after electronic resources could lead to serious problems, and it's time for the Nepal Library Association and stake holders to advocate for the specialized manpower for the post of Systems' Librarian (also called digital librarian) and generate skilled manpower.

Libraries and the SDGs - a powerful advocacy opportunity

2023-09-29T10:44:08+00:00

2023 marks the mid-way mark of the ambitious and transformational 2030Development Agenda. IFLA has strongly advocated for libraries – the role that they can play in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but that libraries are already doing so much to support the SDGs. At this critical time in the achievement of the Agenda, it is important that all libraries continue to advocate for their work and actively seek collaborators. Whilst Nepal is represented in the IFLA Library Map of the World, there are opportunities to extend the visibility and reach of the work of the libraries of Nepal.

The ISSN International Centre and its Network: A brief Introduction

2023-10-02T04:38:48+00:00

The article recalls the rationale behind the creation of the ISSN international center placed under the dual auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).It describes the recent progress achieved by the ISSN International Centre, particularly regarding the openness and quality of ISSN data. The objectives of the Centre's current strategic plan are detailed.

Quality and Evaluation of Information Systems in Institutional Organizations: Archives and Libraries

2023-10-02T07:08:48+00:00

The factors affecting the success and efficiency of information systems are always an important and critical aspect for the structure, proper operation, and improvement of the produced services and products of an organization for its end users-both for the internal ones (employees) and for the external ones (public). At the present, the need to create suitable parameters, assisting in evaluating and measuring the successful operation of an information system in an organization is constantly growing. The purpose of the specific thesis is, firstly, to introduce us to the environment of the organizations’ information systems, while also providing us with a complete and extended presentation of their operations, processes, infrastructures, and factors of success. Through Systems Theory, we shall examine the analysis and design for an information system, while identifying the quality parameters necessary for measuring its success. In addition, we shall employ the model for measuring quality for an information system called: “DeLone & McLean Information Systems success model”. We shall see what each parameter of the above model examines by investigating concepts such as system quality, information quality, user satisfaction, effect of quality onuses and organization. At the same time, we shall develop an application for evaluating the quality of an information system, the so-called: "Organizational Memory Information Systems Quality" which builds on the success model of DeLone & McLean. The main objective of this thesis is to reach into a fruitful discussion regarding quality in the operation, infrastructure, and provided services of institutional organizations. Moreover, we shall focus on the usefulness and importance of measuring factors regarding efficiency for an information system, as this procedure is used by modern Society of Information, in order to be transformed to Society of Knowledge.

Libraries for Refugees: The case of Myanmar Refugees along Thailand Border

2023-10-02T07:20:18+00:00

This article illustrates the roles of community library in the care and maintenance phase of refugee population with the case of Myanmar refugees fled to Thailand border since mid-1980s. The author argues that refugees’ access to library services needs to be ensured as well as provision of water and sanitation, food, shelter, and medical service since the library preserves cultural identity and self-esteem of refugee populations who experience traumatic incidents.

Perspectives of the Latin American Non-commercial Journal Publishing and South-South Collaboration before Commercial Business Models for Open Access

2023-10-02T07:26:23+00:00

Currently, the polysemic concept of Open Access is broad enough to encompass different meanings, paths, principles and outcomes. In that spectrum, there are approaches more in favor of values such as equity, inclusion, democratization and participation. On the contrary, some others reproduce schemes of epistemic injustice and structural exclusion. In Latin America, scholarly communication has taken science as a public good. This model is collectively sustained and it provides universal benefit. Conversely, the Open Access business models offered by the commercial sector of scientific journals perpetuate exclusion, since they continue to be based on the paradigm of commodification of science. Both, access and knowledge generation are compromised when knowledge is privatized and commoditized. It is important to reflect on the evolution of the Open Access movement, its effects, the beneficiaries and the excluded. Latin America is proud to showcase an academy-owned publishing paradigm which is worthy to be understood, recognized and strengthened, and that is particularly beneficial for the Global South.

The Lankes Corollaries

2023-10-02T09:02:51+00:00

This piece explores a series of corollaries to Ranganathan’s five laws of librarianship. These corollaries talk about how librarians work with community’s to ensure that service is shaped throughout the community. Such shaping moves libraries away from some pre-determined standard model, and into hyper local organizations ultimately facilitating knowledge creation.

Symbiotic Relation between a Library and an Academic Institution

2023-10-02T09:22:21+00:00

Academic libraries and academic institutions are always interlinked and dependent on the purpose of serving educational activities and the well-designed curriculum of the formal education system. Academic institutions without a library have no significance and an academic library without its parent institution has no origin. But it is rarely found that these are named, discussed, analyzed, and worked together as a whole. This study aimed to find out the academicians’ perceptions of the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions and libraries. For the study, the Central Departments of the University Campus Tribhuvan University, Nepal were chosen. The study followed the quantitative method using a survey research design through a questionnaire tool eleven responses were received. Data were analyzed descriptively. Academicians have a keen interest in the establishment of libraries within the department and arrange the library scientifically to enhance research and teaching learning activities. In most of the departmental libraries the post of librarian was found vacant. The praiseworthy dedication of the academicians to the development of libraries for their collaborative partnership was found. They are very much sure about the impact of libraries in teaching learning and research activities. The service delivered by the libraries as the first door to the search for information bystudents and faculties is recommended undoubtedly.

Cyber-Attack Issues: Laws & Policies and the Role of Librarians

2023-10-02T09:32:43+00:00

Cyber security is the practice of deploying people, policies, processes and technologies to protect organizations, their critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks. Organizations have become far more vulnerable to cyber threats because digital information and technology are now so heavily integrated into day-to-day work. But the attacks themselves, which target both information and critical infrastructure, are also becoming far more sophisticated. In this scenario, this paper especially tries to trace out major attribute of cyber-attack, common cyber-attacks that are usually seen in Nepal and periphery, laws and policies related to cyber security in Nepal, how we can make the academic environment cyber safe. To cover these issues the study reviews the academic literature dealt with cyber security, cyber security policy, and role of libraries and librarian on the cyber security. Most of the research data are the primary sources of information i.e. articles of the research journals which have been published in the last few years either in hard copy or electronically. Qualitative research method has been applied for the study.

Samshodhana Mandala: An Important 'Private Library' in Nepal

2023-10-02T09:40:24+00:00

The paper deals with the private library of Dr. Mahes Raj Pant. This study aims to explore his private library status and the reasons behind his enormous collections. Some reports have shown that private libraries in Nepal are expanding and this paper explain son what kinds of collections they have in their collections, how they are organized, the future aim for their library and etc. In Nepalese history, private collectors have greatly aided in the growth of national collections. So, if the government is interested in preserving valuable documents of this library or allowing the authority to run it, this study gives light to such a potentiality.

Customization of KOHA Integrated Library System (ILS) Interface for Better Usability

2023-10-02T09:49:46+00:00

This study describes the usability of KOHA Integrated Library System (ILS).KOHA is an integrated library system widely used in Nepal. The main objective of this paper is to compare the usability of KOHA ILS before and after the customization of the interface. For this, five military libraries in Nepal have been purposively surveyed which are currently using customized version of KOHA ILS. The questionnaire was developed to address the eight usability matrices. The study found that all of the military libraries surveyed have been using KOHA ILS. Before customization and update to the latest version of KOHA the librarians and the users were unable to utilize the full features of the software. It is also found that the customization of interfaces has improved the usability of KOHA ILS. Hence it is concluded that the customization of interface is required for the better usability.

From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief - Vol.2(1)

2023-10-02T10:02:42+00:00

Not available.