Volume 19, Number 4, 2024

EN:

Objective – The accessibility of non-traditional resources presents ongoing challenges for users and librarians. This study investigates methods for optimizing metadata and the placement of search results to enhance the discoverability of these resources within library systems. Researchers conducted A/B testing to compare two features of Ex Libris Primo: the Resource Recommender and Discovery Import Profiles. The objective was to enhance user access to a broader range of informational assets beyond conventional collections. This study posed the research question: Is inclusion in the results list (Discovery Import Profiles) or are visually appealing advertisement-style cards above results (Resource Recommender) a more effective method for discovery of non-traditional library resources?

Methods – Researchers identified four key resource types for testing: librarians, frequently asked questions (FAQs), databases, and research guides. An A/B test was conducted with each resource presented in the Discovery Import Profiles and Resource Recommender formats. Following the A/B test, a combined C test was conducted to validate findings.

Results – The ad-style cards achieved higher engagement rates, particularly for databases and FAQs, while research guides performed better when embedded directly in search results. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of each method. Databases and FAQs benefited from the visual prominence of the ad-style cards, while research guides were more discoverable within search results. However, minimal engagement with librarians as a resource type across both methods suggests the need for improved tagging and metadata strategies.

Conclusion – Findings underscore the importance of institution-specific research and localized assessments to ensure effective implementation of discovery strategies. This study provides a useful method for libraries aiming to enhance the discoverability of their non-traditional resources, ultimately improving user access and satisfaction.

EN:

Objective – The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which evidence synthesis (ES) is incorporated into American Library Association (ALA)-accredited master’s level Library and Information Studies (LIS) programs. The study considered the depth of coverage, interest in additional curriculum content, and preferences for expanding existing coverage.

Methods – A cross-sectional survey was implemented. Program administrators and instructors currently involved with ALA-accredited master’s level LIS programs in Canada and the United States were eligible to participate. Recruitment emails targeted faculty and administrators from a directory of institutions offering ALA-accredited MLIS programs.

Results – 26 eligible responses from 20 unique institutions were obtained. Most respondents reported that ES is incorporated into the curriculum, albeit only briefly in most cases. Most of the respondents expressed interest in incorporating more ES content into the curriculum, specifically as a portion of a course. A greater number of respondents would prefer to bring in external guest speakers to teach the ES content, but a small percentage were interested in training for existing LIS instructors.

Conclusion – In-depth instruction on ES in LIS programs is currently limited. However, there appears to be interest in increasing ES content in curricula, primarily in the form of guest lecturers.

EN:

Objective – Citation analysis is becoming a popular means of analyzing and assessing library collections due to its relatively unobtrusive nature and the growing accessibility of citation data. The primary goal of this study was to assess whether the library at the University of Scranton is successfully meeting the research needs of faculty based on analysis of faculty publication and citation data from OpenAlex’s application programming interface. Secondarily, this study analyzed faculty publication and citation patterns to help identify opportunities for the library to better support faculty in their research and publishing.

Methods – This case study focused on a citation analysis of the University of Scranton’s faculty publications from 2013 to the present. Using OpenAlex and R computing language as non-proprietary sources of data and data analysis, faculty publications and citations were examined and compared to current library holdings.

Results – Overall, 16,786 unique citations from 1,045 unique faculty publications were examined and compared to a list of current library holdings. Findings concluded that approximately 65% of citations were available through library holdings. Further analysis of faculty publication practices suggested that there are a growing number of faculty publishing open access which indicates that there may be additional opportunities to support faculty in this area.

Conclusion – While this case study represented specific needs and use cases at the University of Scranton, the ultimate importance of this study is the process itself. The use of non-proprietary tools and data sources like OpenAlex and R create exciting new opportunities for others who wish to conduct similar studies at their own institutions without relying on proprietary tools and data sources or resorting to more labor-intensive methods.

EN:

Objective – This study examined librarians’ perceptions of tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices and the perceived effect on job satisfaction and service delivery in federal university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The study was aimed at observing whether or not librarians perceive that their senior library managers engage in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices; discerning the extent to which they are perceived to be engaging in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices; ascertaining how the perceived tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices can affect job satisfaction of librarians and service delivery by librarians in federal university libraries in Southern Nigeria.

Methods – This study used a descriptive survey research design. The total population for this study comprised 296 librarians who were below the rank of senior library manager from 18 federal university libraries in the southern region of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected for this study were analyzed using simple percentage/frequency counts and weighted mean.

Results – This study found that librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria believe that senior library managers engage in tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism practices and that the extent of these practices is very high. These librarians clearly have strong concerns that the practise of tribalism/ethnicity and favouritism in libraries can have negative effects on librarians’ job satisfaction and can lead to poor service delivery.

Conclusion – It is glaring from this study that tribalism and favouritism practices by senior library managers are perceived to be prevalent in university libraries in Southern Nigeria, significantly impacting librarians' job satisfaction. This negative workplace dynamic can hinder effective service delivery, ultimately affecting user experience and the library's role in education. Addressing these biases is crucial, as promoting fairness and inclusivity can enhance job satisfaction, improve staff morale, and lead to higher quality library services for all patrons.

EN:

Objective – This study explored current and future trends in librarianship within the U.K. library and information profession, intending to highlight the most critical for future evidence based research. Research outcomes should resonate across the wider sector and be an indicative stepping stone to collaborative research endeavours by members of the profession at a time when funding is tight, and staff availability is in short supply.

Methods – A qualitative Delphi consensus method was chosen for the research, adapted from Paul’s (2008) modified Delphi card-sorting model. Contributions from conference programs and 31 individual experts from the U.K. library and information profession contributed to the generation of current themes and trends impacting their library environments. Data were analyzed by the experts in an incremental manner following the adapted methodology, and consensus was achieved through the process.

Results – The findings of the research indicated that there were five significant trends and areas of concern which are impacting our libraries at all levels. These naturally include pressing current concerns such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), critical librarianship, and censorship/book banning. Library spaces remain a significant issue for the wider sector.

Conclusion – The adapted modified Delphi card-sorting method with three distinct sections to the research proved especially valuable in a study where there were many different approaches to librarianship. The use of conference data to seed the initial set of themes has been shown to be unusual and rarely used in this way before. The process of achieving and reaching consensus illustrated the need for the profession as a whole to work more closely together. The outcome of the consensus research should now be taken forward collaboratively by the library profession, with space and training given to staff across all sectors and grades to engage in evidence based research for the benefit of all.