African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science
African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science is established mainly to provide a forum for librarians, archivists, documentalists, information scientists and other information related professionals in Africa to report their research findings but with emphasis on African setting. The Journal is refereed by distinguished scholars. Emphasis is on empirical research; however, manuscripts of high quality on theoretical aspects of the three information related disciplines will be considered for publication. Please read the Author Guidelines to ensure that your manuscript meets ALL the requirements before you can proceed to submit your manuscsript. Submit a manuscript for publication at Online Submissions
Digital Information Access and Ideological Education: The Impact of Library Platforms on Student Worldview Formation
The ideological education is rapidly changing in the global economy with the purpose is to give strength to the morality and to cultivate the people. The principal objective of this study is to give quantitative layout to the student’s worldview formation (SWF) in a unique trend by adding the digital information access as a regressor of SWF with the addition of library platform as mediator and ideological education as a moderator. Initially, the questionnaire development has gone through both pretesting and pilot testing procedures with the quantitative confirmation through Cronbach alpha as reliability instrument. The final data collection starts with 500 questionnaires, out of which 368 were finally found as statistically valid, showing 73 percent of the response rate. The results use the frequency distribution to expand every single feedback from the respondents, giving a novel insight to the readers. Additionally, results confirm a boost in the student world view formation through digital information access, strongly moderated and mediated by ideological education and library platform.
Digital Information, Ideological Education, Library Platform, Student Worldview Formation
Entrepreneurship Curriculum Design and the Role of Information Centers in Supporting Student Business Projects
In order to impart students with the information, skills and mindset required to initiate and run successful business ventures, entrepreneurship education is very crucial in equipping students with the essential elements. This paper explores the entrepreneurship curriculum design and examines how information centers such as libraries, business incubation centers and online knowledge platforms can support student-initiated business ventures. A successful entrepreneurship curriculum has been designed to include both the theoretical foundation and the practical and experience-driven learning approaches. These strategies are project-based learning, case studies, market research and innovation challenges. Such curricula are geared towards making the students creative, problem solvers, risk-takers and entrepreneurial decision makers. The study highlights how information centers are important support systems in the field of entrepreneurship education through the provision of access to market intelligence, company databases, financial tools, mentorship resources, and digital learning materials. These centers aim to cover the gap between theoretical education and the practice of the same through the real-world business conditions and at the same time enhance the ability to make informed decisions and increase research abilities. Moreover, information centers facilitate the interdisciplinary cooperation and offer support to students at the numerous phases of business development, including the process of creation of ideas and continuing with the examination of the feasibility and the implementations of the projects. This study aims to point out the importance of an integrated educational ecosystem that contributes to the development of entrepreneurial capability. This is achieved through the assessment of the connection between information support services and the design of the curriculum. According to the data, the well-designed entrepreneurship programs, along with the all-inclusive information resource services, can significantly enhance the quality, feasibility as well as sustainability of student business ventures. The study offers useful information, which can be applied by educators, curricular developers, and academic institutions with the aim of improving the innovative outcomes of student innovation and entrepreneurship learning.
Entrepreneurship Curriculum Design (ECD), Information Centers (IC), Supporting Student (SS), Business Projects (BP)
Copyright (c) 2025 African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science
Designing a Sustainable Forest Information System: A GIS-AHP Model for Policy-Constrained Decision Support and Information Management
In recent years, the occurrence of forest fires has increased across many regions of the world, creating significant risks for biodiversity and intensifying global concern regarding the conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest resources. In response to these challenges, this study develops a forest resource sustainability assessment system that operates within a geographic information system framework. The system is constructed, implemented and subsequently evaluated to determine its effectiveness. Building on this foundation, the study examines the degree of policy convergence associated with sustainable forest information systems and puts forward recommendations for improving budget performance management. The principal findings are summarised as follows. (1) The relative weights assigned to schemes C1, C2, C3 and C4 are 0.205, 0.267, 0.309 and 0.220, respectively. Among these, Scheme C exhibits the highest relative weight, indicating that it represents the most suitable alternative. (2) The Forestry Bureau’s management planning process is highly intricate because it incorporates ecological, economic and social dimensions of forest benefits. Each plan reflects a different prioritisation of these three categories of benefits. (3) All four evaluated schemes satisfy the requirements of the consistency test. The optimal scheme is characterised by its emphasis on economic benefits, supported by ecological and social considerations. (4) The division of policy convergence into two causal forms, namely obedience and acceptance, offers a direct explanation for convergence patterns within forestry-related budget performance management. The underlying factors contributing to such convergence are examined through established analytical approaches and game theory.
Forestry Information System, Forest Information System, Policy Convergence, Budget Performance Management.
Digital Health Information Access and Acceptance-Based Educational Interventions: Enhancing Psychological Empowerment among Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
This study explores the potential of exposure to digital mental health resources and acceptance-focused educational materials to help users with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) alleviate anxiety and enhance overall mental well-being. Based on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles, the study shifts the focus from the traditional clinical intervention to the exploration of information-seeking behaviors and health literacy practice. Using the mixed-methods research design, it evaluates the ways accessibility, understandability, and discernment of the information related to the healthcare transmitted through digital platforms and institutional systems affect mental well-being. Results derived from structured questionnaires administered among the patients visiting the primary healthcare settings indicate that user-centered and evidence-supported digital materials greatly relieve mental anxiety and enhance the strengthening of mental coping strengths. Also, the study indicates that information validity and accuracy and the way the information is delivered prove to be the critical determinants to affect the interest in the therapeutic materials. With its actionable recommendations, the study has implications for public healthcare libraries and information professionals and digital mental healthcare developers to create accessible and inclusive mental health literacy materials that can aid the management and control of chronic diseases. Such recommendations are particularly critical to the developing world where mental healthcare inequalities continue to persist.
Health Information Literacy, Digital Access, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Information Behaviour, Psychological Empowerment, FGIDs, Public Health Information Systems.
Curating Creativity: Library Services as Platforms for Art-Based Educational Experiences
Libraries have traditionally functioned as centres of knowledge, providing access to books, journals, and digital resources. This study investigates the role of libraries in fostering creative engagement and learning experiences through art-based educational interventions. Employing a descriptive research design complemented by statistical analysis, data were collected from a range of academic libraries that implement art-focused programs, workshops, and interactive exhibitions. Participants, including faculty members, students, and librarians, were selected using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these programs, participant engagement, and the innovative outcomes produced. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses. Observations were made on the interactions between participants and the environment during library visits, workshops, and exhibitions. Findings reveal that team workshops (mean 4.15 ± 0.59) and creative interactions (mean 4.08 ± 0.67) significantly enhanced participants’ creativity. Additionally, curated art collections (mean 3.92 ± 0.66) were particularly effective in stimulating inquiry-based learning, demonstrating the potential impact of library art programs. The study concludes that libraries, as independent variables, function as dynamic platforms that promote creativity and holistic learning. Furthermore, it proposes a structured framework for evaluating art-based learning interventions, emphasising the transformative potential of library initiatives in nurturing creativity, collaboration, and enriched learning experiences for both students and faculty.
Library Services, Art-Based Learning, Creative Engagement, Curated Art Collections, Student Creativity, Educational Innovation.
The Role of Academic Library Resources and Teacher Competency in Student Learning Engagement in the Digital Era
Effective use of high-quality digital resources and digital technologies has become essential in the present modern academic environment. The main aim of this research was to explore the way new media resource quality, teacher digital competency, and digital technology innovation (with support of digital technology) can enhance knowledge retention and learning engagement. The present study also examined the mediating effect of student learning engagement. For this purpose, this research used quantitative research methodology. A questionnaire was developed on a Likert scale to distribute among students at different institutes in China. This research used simple random samplings to reach respondents. The usable response rate of the study was 65%. Smart PLS 4 was used for the analysis of data. Findings show that new media resource quality, teacher digital competence, and digital technology innovation have a positive effect on engagement. Moreover, student learning engagement has a positive influence on knowledge retention. The mediating effect of student learning engagement was also statistically confirmed. This research adds to the body of knowledge by discussing the mediating role of student learning engagement. Scholars can use these findings in future research.
New Media Resource Quality, Teacher Digital Competency, Digital Technology Innovation, Digital Library, Knowledge Retention.
Mentoring, Cataloguing Self-Efficacy and Expectancy among Early-Career Librarians in Federal Universities in South-East Nigeria: A Social Cognitive Career Perspective
Effective cataloguing remains the cornerstone of librarianship, yet the complexities of modern cataloguing standards and technologies often present significant challenges for early-career librarians, thus highlighting the importance of targeted support through structured mentoring programmes. The present study investigated the role of mentoring in shaping the cataloguing experiences of early-career librarians, focusing on how mentoring influences their cataloguing self-efficacy and outcome expectation beliefs. It aims to identify the mentoring programmes early-career librarians are exposed to, and determine the impact of mentoring on their cataloguing self-efficacy and outcome expectation beliefs. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to 63 early-career librarians. The data were analysed using SPSS (version 25). Findings revealed that early-career librarians have been exposed to 13 different mentoring programmes, with One-on-one Mentoring (90.5%), Supervisory Mentoring (88.9%), and Staff Rotation (87.3%), being the most commonly cited. In contrast, Reverse Mentoring, External Mentoring, and E-mentoring were the least cited, with (28.6%), (23.8%), and (23.8%) of participants respectively reporting exposure to these programmes. Overall, the mean (7.90) showed that early-career librarians have a moderate level of exposure to mentoring, thus indicating a positive leaning towards exposure to mentoring. Furthermore, the descriptive statistics of Mean and Standard Deviation computed to determine early-career librarians’ levels of self-efficacy and outcome expectation beliefs in cataloguing revealed a very high level in each variable (Mean=4.30, Mean =4.32, respectively). Regression analyses demonstrated that mentoring significantly influenced cataloguing self-efficacy (β = 0.41, p =.000) and outcome expectation beliefs (β = 0.24, p =.043) of early-career librarians. This study, therefore, concluded that mentoring plays a crucial role in enhancing the cognitive belief factors essential for skill development in cataloguing by boosting self-efficacy and outcome expectations among early-career librarians. Among other recommendations, the study highlighted the need to prioritise institutionalising and formalising mentoring programmes, particularly the one-on-one, supervisory, and job/staff rotation types to enhance early-career librarians’ skill development in cataloguing, while expanding or strengthening other mentoring programmes, to cater to their diverse learning styles, needs and preferences.
Mentoring Programmes, Early-Career Librarians, Cataloguing, Academic Libraries, South East Nigeria.
Visual Storytelling in Digital Libraries: Design Strategies for Preserving and Accessing Intangible Cultural Heritage
The advancement of digital technologies has substantially transformed the ways in which cultural heritage is conserved, documented, and made accessible. Visualization techniques and Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) provide essential tools for safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage, while also facilitating the creation of interactive experiences. This research examines the application of visual storytelling within digital libraries, employing deep learning methods to design strategies for the preservation and accessibility of intangible cultural heritage. The proposed model is capable of processing and analysing diverse data types, including 3D scans, photographic images, textual narratives, audio-visual recordings, and other formats. Specifically, the Bacterial Colony-tuned Lightweight Convolutional with Recurrent Neural Networks (BC-LWC-RNN) framework is utilised to automate the generation of visual narratives, establishing semantic links across heritage datasets. The resulting information is integrated into HBIM environments and delivered via immersive virtual reality interfaces, enhancing user engagement and comprehension through interactive storytelling. The LWCNN component extracts critical spatial and visual features from images or 3D scans, while the RNN component captures sequential or temporal patterns present in textual or spoken narratives, enabling the construction of coherent storylines. The BC-LWC-RNN model demonstrated an identification accuracy of 98.03% for elements of intangible cultural heritage, with a precision of 97.73%, recall of 98.23%, and F1-score of 97.85%. Experimental findings indicate that this model performs with high reliability in generating meaningful visual narratives. Overall, the approach integrates deep learning with HBIM to support the reinterpretation, preservation, and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage within digital library platforms.
Visual Storytelling, Digital Libraries, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), Bacterial Colony Tuned Lightweight Convolutional with Recurrent Neural Networks (BC-LWC-RNN), Heritage Preservation.
Web-based Information-Seeking Behaviour as Determinant of Electronic Information Resources Utilisation by Medical Students in Federal Universities in South-west, Nigeria
This study examined web-based information-seeking behaviour as determinants of electronic information resources (EIR) utilisation by medical students in Federal Universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and a sample of 324 medical students was selected using a stratified sampling technique. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data from 324 respondents, of which 301 copies were filled out and returned. Data collected for the two research questions were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean, while inferential statistics of multiple linear regression were used to test the only null hypothesis of the study. The study found that the overall extent of EIRs utilisation by medical students is high (overall average mean = 2.98, SD = 0.41). The results further showed that medical students in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria exhibit a high level of web-based information-seeking behaviours (overall average mean = 3.11, SD = 0.27). The results of the tested hypothesis confirmed that web-based information-seeking behaviour has no significant influence on electronic information resources utilisation by medical students in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria (Adj. R2 = .0.000, F (8, 292) = 0.990, p>0.05). The study recommends that universities should integrate digital literacy training into medical education curricula to improve students’ ability to effectively navigate and utilise institutional EIRs. Also, workshops and hands-on training should be organised regularly to teach students how to access, search, and retrieve academic information from electronic databases.
Information-seeking Behaviour, Web-based Information-seeking Behaviour, EIR, Medical Students.
Knowledge Utilisation in Teaching Effectiveness among Lecturers in Library Schools in Southwest, Nigeria
This study examines the influence of knowledge utilisation practices on the teaching effectiveness of lecturers in library schools across Southwest Nigeria. Teaching effectiveness is pivotal to achieving educational objectives, fostering critical thinking, and equipping students with the skills needed for societal progress. However, challenges such as inadequate integration of knowledge utilisation practices, limited adoption of innovative teaching methods, and insufficient institutional support have hindered teaching effectiveness in Nigerian library schools. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, involving 159 lecturers from 17 library schools across the region. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed to explore lecturers’ knowledge utilisation practices and their impact on instructional delivery. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that knowledge utilisation practices significantly influence teaching effectiveness. Lecturers who effectively applied knowledge through research, collaboration, and innovative classroom practices demonstrated higher teaching effectiveness. However, barriers such as insufficient resources, limited professional development opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure were identified as constraints to optimal knowledge utilisation. The study concludes that integrating robust knowledge utilisation practices into teaching frameworks is critical for enhancing teaching effectiveness and improving the quality of graduates produced by library schools. Recommendations include increased investment in faculty training, provision of state-of-the-art resources, and the development of policies that encourage knowledge sharing and utilisation among lecturers.
Knowledge Utilisation, Teaching Effectiveness, Library Schools, Nigeria, Education.
Information Quality and Empowering Leadership: A Communication Based Model of Innovation in Hierarchical Work Settings
The study examines how leadership communication influences employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB) within cultures characterised by high power distance. It conceptualises leader-member exchange (LMX) as the quality of dyadic information, encompassing clarity, timeliness, fairness, and responsive feedback. In addition, leaders’ humility is framed as a form of communication that validates employee voice, and a moderated mediation model is tested through psychological empowerment (PE). Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey of 366 employees from large manufacturing organisations, both governmental and private, and analysed using Smart-PLS. The study evaluated the measurement model and employed structural path analysis to test mediation through PE and moderation by leader humility, applying bootstrapping procedures. Findings reveal that hierarchical distance does not exert a direct suppressive effect on IWB. Instead, its influence is indirect, operating through PE. LMX, when considered as information quality, positively influences both PE and IWB, with PE emerging as the strongest determinant of IWB. Furthermore, leader humility significantly strengthens the link between PE and IWB, demonstrating that humble communication (such as acknowledging limitations, attributing credit to others, inviting alternative viewpoints, and providing clear explanations of decisions) transforms empowerment into innovative outcomes. The study acknowledges limitations, including its cross-sectional design within a single-country context, which constrains causal and cross-cultural generalisability. Future research is encouraged to employ longitudinal and multi-source approaches, such as supervisor-rated measures of IWB, and to investigate additional boundary conditions, including digital leadership and team climate. From a managerial perspective, sustaining innovation in hierarchical settings can be facilitated by enhancing LMX communication practices (for example, through clear goal setting, timely updates, and explanatory feedback), adopting humble leader communication to normalise upward voice, and designing empowerment-focused human resource strategies that reinforce meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact. Overall, the study integrates structural aspects (hierarchical distance), relational-communication (LMX), and behavioural communication (humility) into a unified moderated mediation model. It positions information quality and humble communication as practical mechanisms through which empowerment can be converted into IWB within power-sensitive organisational contexts.
Innovative Work Behaviour, Psychological Empowerment, Leader Humility, Hierarchical Distance, Malaysia.
Leveraging Academic Library Services for Psychological Education Management: Enhancing Student Engagement and Mental Health
The rising prevalence of mental health challenges among students underscores the necessity of developing strategies that combine academic support with psychological education management. This research examined the contribution of academic library services to student interaction and psychological wellbeing. The Library-Assisted Psychological Education Management (LAPEM) approach represents a structured utilisation of library resources, encompassing digital collections, tailored learning materials, and interactive workshops, designed to enhance psychological education. LAPEM functions through data collection, where information on students’ learning behaviours, library usage patterns, and psychological self-assessments is recorded. These datasets were processed using Z-score normalisation and winsorisation techniques. To address predictive needs, the study employed a deep learning (DL) architecture, specifically the Synergistic Fibroblast Fine-Tuned Single Hidden Layer Based Feedforward Neural Network (SF-SHL-FNN), aimed at estimating students’ psychological risk levels and proposing appropriate interventions. The model incorporates adaptive feedback, enabling dynamic adjustment of library resource recommendations in line with students’ changing requirements. An experimental evaluation with undergraduate participants revealed that students utilising LAPEM resources, particularly through tutoring, demonstrated greater academic engagement alongside reduced self-reported stress levels. Implementation using Python 3.10 achieved an accuracy rate of 0.962, suggesting that academic library services can operate as an effective, technology-driven mechanism for psychological education management. This framework offers a scalable and targeted intervention model, aligning educational resources with mental health support to simultaneously promote academic performance and emotional wellbeing.
Academic Library Services, Psychological Education Management, Mental Health Support, Student Engagement, Synergistic Fibroblast Fine Tuned Single Hidden Layer Based Feedforward Neural Network (SF-SHL-FNN).
Artificial Intelligence–Driven Knowledge Management in Academic Libraries: A Framework for Enhancing Information Retrieval Efficiency and User-Centred Service Delivery
The expansion of digital resources in academic libraries (AL) has intensified the need for effective information retrieval systems and services that align with users’ needs. This study introduces an Artificial Intelligence-Driven Knowledge Management Framework for AL, designed to optimise retrieval processes while supporting user-focused service delivery. The framework combines Named Entity Recognition (NER) with Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) to interpret both the semantic content and underlying intent of user queries. A voting-based NER method, built on Intelligent Monarch Butterfly Optimised Residual Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (IMB-Res-BiGRU) classifiers, ensures reliable entity identification in English and Chinese texts, while an example-driven WSD technique addresses semantic ambiguities to enhance query interpretation. The framework was tested on samples drawn from English and Chinese collections, following text cleaning and normalisation procedures. For document retrieval, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) was applied to achieve high relevance and efficiency. User-oriented service provision was accomplished by tailoring search outcomes according to contextual factors, user preferences, and information-seeking patterns, enabling students, researchers, and faculty to access precise and meaningful resources. Implementation in Python produced experimental outcomes with high accuracy, achieving 97.8% precision and 98.2% recall, thereby confirming significant advances in retrieval effectiveness alongside improved user-focused service delivery. This AI-driven framework demonstrates a scalable model for contemporary AL, uniting advanced knowledge management with personalised services to strengthen access to information and enhance user satisfaction.
Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Management, Academic Libraries (AL), Information Retrieval, User-Centred Services, Named Entity Recognition, Intelligent Monarch Butterfly Optimized Residual Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (IMB-Res-BiGRU).
Information Literacy as a Catalyst for Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education
The motivation of this study is to gauge the effect of the information literacy educational innovations and entrepreneurship development among the higher educational institutions. The measurement of educational innovation comprises of teaching-related innovations and administration-related innovations among the similar institutions. A structural questionnaire covering the measurement of the variables was designed using the past studies after slight modifications (maximum of 30% of each item) which also comprises of demographic variables like academic rank/position, working experience, disciplinary field/department, level of education and technological efficiency. After careful cleansing procedure, it was found that 236 responses are valid for the statistical analysis. The study applies descriptive measures to check the data trends and normality, whereas two step approach named measurement model and structural model were also applied using the Smart PLS. According to the findings, positive and significant linkages exist between the information literacy, entrepreneurship development and two dimensions of educational innovations. According to the study findings, it is suggested that higher educational institutions should implement the training programs in terms of information literacy for their faculty members along with focus on digital tools and innovation strategies. Moreover, information literacy needs to be incorporated into regular faculty development programs to promote the teaching effectiveness and engagement with the students. Additionally, institutions must ensure that students have access to these programs, as they support entrepreneurial thinking by enabling students to analyze market data and identify business opportunities
information literacy, entrepreneurship development, educational innovation, higher education
Information Literacy, Ideological Education and Cross-Cultural Learning: Exploring the Role of University Libraries in Shaping Student Worldviews
The current research focuses on the different interconnections and effects between information literacy, ideological schooling, and cross-cultural education on the attitudes of contemporary university students. The focus of the research is the transformed roles and functions of the university libraries. Libraries cannot be merely sources of knowledge, and they are also active learning environments where students are made to be exposed to a rich collection of cultural texts, ideology and information habits. This is especially true because higher learning institutions are becoming more diverse and globalized. The mixed-methods approach will help the study to analyses the role of library-based instructional programs, digital information sources, and collaborative learning environments in enabling students to analyze information critically, acquire new perspectives on various cultures and formulate informed ideological positions. The study outcomes stress that training information literacy enhances the fact that students can use complex information ecosystems. Moreover, awareness and sympathy across cultures can be generated through collections that have been thoughtfully selected to mirror cultural diversity and programming that is predisposed to cross-cultural interaction. Based on the findings of the study, it is the duty of the university libraries to construct ideologies in a subtle yet significant manner. This is achieved through helping the students to grow in balanced viewpoints, critical thinking and ethical application of information. Ultimately, the paper highlights the evolutionary potential of higher education libraries as non-de facto places of intellectual expansion, cultural interactions, and the creation of globally sensitive citizens ready to behave responsibly in an environment that is becoming more globalized
Information Literacy (IL), Ideological Education (IE), Cross-Cultural Learning (CCL), University Libraries (UL), Student Worldviews (SW)
Art Teaching in Multicultural Classrooms: The Role of School Library Resources in Supporting Creative Entrepreneurship
Multicultural teaching of art in multicultural classrooms has developed as a significant issue in modern learning organizations, with the aspect of multiplicity in language, culture and objects inducing the learning process of students. This paper discusses how school library resources play a key role in establishment art education and, at the same time, inspiring creative entrepreneurship between learners of different cultural educations. Through analysis of the manner in which libraries make available art literature of multiculturalism, digital media, visual documentations, as well as creative toolkits, the paper presents how the resources aid culturally approachable pedagogy. The research study highlights the reputation of school libraries as comprehensive learning middles that enhance the artistic acquaintance of students, cross-cultural dissertation, and allow learners to become entrepreneurial academics by appealing in project-based learning and independent exploration of creative ideas. Based on multicultural education, constructivism, and arts-based learning school of thought, the study reveals that a successful combination of library resources enhances the creative abilities of students, their cultural sensitivity, as well as their power to transfer artistic concepts into commercial prospects. For measuring the overall research study used Smart PLS software and generate result included descriptive statistic, and smart PLS Algorithm model. This result demonstrates that with access to quality, well-selected library collections in backing art teaching, students will be in a better position to be innovative, collaboratively creative, and culturally diverse in the production of arts. The study concludes maintain that school libraries are not just the storage of books but rather vibrant spaces that play an essential role in the inclusive education of art and the making of creative entrepreneurs in the future.
Art teaching (AT), Multicultural Classrooms (MCC), School Library Resources (SLR), Supporting creative Entrepreneurship (SCE)
Faculty Practices and Digital Integration of 21st-Century Skills: A Comparative Study of Saudi Arabia and South Africa
This study presents a comparative investigation into faculty teaching practices, information literacy, indigenous knowledge, and the application of digital tools in the integration of 21st-century skills at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). To facilitate this comparison, data were gathered from two independent samples representing each institution. Specifically, a valid sample of 211 respondents was obtained from the KSA university, while 191 valid responses were collected from the SA counterpart. The empirical analysis employed both independent sample t-tests and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results indicate a statistically significant disparity in faculty teaching practices between the two universities. Conversely, no significant variation was identified in relation to information literacy and the use of digital tools across the institutions. However, a marked difference was observed regarding the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into teaching practices. SEM analysis further demonstrates that, within the KSA context, information literacy and digital tools exert a significant and positive influence on the enhancement of faculty teaching practices in alignment with 21st-century skills. In contrast, the SA findings reveal that information literacy, digital tools, and indigenous knowledge collectively serve as meaningful contributors to the advancement of faculty teaching methods. These outcomes offer valuable policy implications for educational administrators and policymakers in both KSA and SA. The study also acknowledges certain limitations, which inform recommendations for future research directions.
Teaching Practices, 21st-Century Skills, Digital Tools, Information Literacy, Indigenous Knowledge.
Designing Serene Knowledge Spaces: A Study on Library Soundscape and Its Impact on Information-Seeking Behaviour in Academic Libraries
The acoustic environment of academic libraries significantly influences cognitive functioning, user satisfaction, and patterns of information-seeking behaviour. Although traditionally associated with silence, contemporary library designs incorporate a variety of auditory elements. This research aims to identify optimal acoustic conditions that foster focused academic engagement by examining the impact of soundscape variables on users’ capacities to locate, evaluate, and utilise information effectively. A mixed methods approach was implemented across several university libraries. Quantitative data were collected from 326 participants through controlled experiments conducted under three distinct acoustic scenarios: silence, soft ambient music, and moderate background noise. Performance metrics comprised task completion rates and the timeliness of task execution. Statistical analyses performed via SPSS (version 26) included analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare performance differences between acoustic conditions, chi-square tests to assess categorical relationships, regression analyses to identify predictive factors, and Pearson correlation coefficients to explore associations between perceived acoustic comfort and task efficiency. Participants exposed to soft background music demonstrated reduced task completion times alongside enhanced accuracy, indicating a moderate positive correlation with acoustic comfort. ANOVA outcomes revealed that LSC and perceived acoustic comfort (PAC) exerted significant effects on task performance, with LSC notably impacting task completion rates (F = 11.02) and PAC influencing situational awareness (SA) (F = 15.84). Regression analysis identified PAC as the most robust predictor of SA (β = 0.46, p = 0.00001). Furthermore, correlation and chi-square tests substantiated significant associations, including PAC with task completion rate (TCR) (r = 0.61) and LSC with SA (χ² = 14.9, p = 0.005). Thematic analysis of qualitative data corroborated these quantitative findings, with users reporting heightened concentration and diminished stress levels in controlled environments featuring low-level acoustic stimuli. These results highlight the considerable influence of library soundscapes on user conduct and cognitive engagement during information-seeking tasks. The insights gained offer practical guidance for the acoustic design of academic library spaces to enhance user performance.
Library Soundscape, Acoustic Environment, Information-Seeking Behaviour, Academic Libraries, User Experience
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science
Architectures of Knowledge: Archival Spaces at the Intersection of Library Science and Heritage Design – A Documentary Case Study Series
Amidst the prevailing trend of accelerated digitalisation and the imperative to uphold cultural identity, archival spaces have transcended their traditional role of merely storing historical records. This study investigates an archival environment through a series of documentary case studies situated at the intersection of library science and heritage design. The research seeks to examine the preservation of heritage buildings by archiving architecturally significant historical spaces, employing archival methodologies throughout the process. A mixed-methods approach is adopted to document the foundational principles of library science, with a particular focus on information organisation, textual documents, image-based records, heritage materials, and access systems as evidenced in the utilisation of archival facilities. Data were gathered from heritage buildings across various countries through f ield observations, expert interviews, and archival surveys. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS 26, with descriptive statistics employed to evaluate the prevalence of particular design features and conservation strategies, while chi-square tests assessed associations between spatial configurations and user engagement metrics. The findings indicated that the heritage sites effectively integrated contemporary archival functions whilst retaining their historical identity. Open-plan configurations and spatial transparency exhibited a statistically significant association with increased user engagement (p < 0.05). Common challenges in preservation, such as environmental regulation within ageing structures, were adeptly addressed through non-invasive retrofitting and sensor-based monitoring systems. A notable correlation (r = 0.64) was identified between comprehensive metadata systems and users’ perceived accessibility. Heritage spaces are being reconfigured for archival purposes, facilitating a data-informed comprehension of architectural design, cultural heritage, and knowledge management, thereby advancing preservation frameworks that uphold both historical authenticity and contemporary accessibility.
Archival Spaces, Cultural Heritage, Library Science, Architectural Design, Preservation, Heritage Buildings
Shaping Creative Identity: The Impact of Digital Visual Archives and Library Resources in Cross-Cultural Learning
As global interconnectivity and technological sophistication continue to grow, understanding diverse cultures becomes essential for effective collaboration and the pursuit of shared objectives. Contemporary library systems and digital archival platforms offer learners continuous access to a broad spectrum of educational resources, irrespective of time or location. This study explores the influence of digital visual archives and library databases on the development of creative identity among English-speaking learners engaged in intercultural educational programmes. A total of 236 students, all proficient in English and representing various cultural backgrounds, participated in the investigation. While all respondents possessed basic computer literacy, their familiarity with digital library systems varied. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating video recordings to capture the participants’ information retrieval activities. Task performance was evaluated using innovative assessment criteria, and students’ perceptions and emotional responses during the learning process were collected through group interviews. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify variations in task outcomes and browsing behaviours. The analysis revealed a predominant reliance on the English language and indicated significantly higher success rates in tasks selected by the participants themselves compared to those assigned externally (p < 0.05). Furthermore, students expressed heightened levels of motivation, confidence, and creativity when engaging with culturally specific visual archives. These outcomes underscore the potential of culturally tailored digital library resources to deepen intercultural comprehension and inspire creative thought.
Digital Visual Archives, Library Resources, Cross-Cultural Learning, Creative Identity, Visual Literacy.
Correlational Analysis of Staff Motivation and Job Satisfaction of Library Personnel in Public Universities in Oyo State, Nigeria
Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in organisational effectiveness, including within public university libraries. This study investigates the factors contributing to declining job satisfaction levels among library personnel in Oyo State, Nigeria, identifying key factors such as limited career prospects opportunities, job insecurity, poor work environment, and non-competitive salaries. The study involved a comprehensive survey of 139 library personnel across four public universities in Oyo State: University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Technical University, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. Employing a total enumeration approach, the study ensured all library personnel participated, thus enhancing the representativeness of the findings. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, which demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.7). Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.420) between staff motivation and job satisfaction, suggesting that motivated employees are more likely to report higher satisfaction levels. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of targeted policies aimed at enhancing staff motivation through career development programmes, improved working conditions, and competitive remuneration. By acknowledging and addressing these motivational factors, public university libraries in Oyo State can improve job satisfaction and overall organisational performance, ultimately benefiting both library personnel and the communities they serve.
Job Satisfaction, Library Personnel, Public Universities, Staff Motivation, Nigeria.
Service Quality and User Satisfaction as Determinants of Perceived Image of Librarians in Selected Private Universities in South-West Nigeria
The professional image of librarians gives a vivid description of the library profession and the services offered by professionals are fundamental to the thoughtfulness of what a profession means. Library users who are the major determinants of librarians’ image have divergent views of librarians’ image which leads to a professional identity crisis. Therefore, the study examined service quality and user satisfaction as determinants of perceived librarians’ image in selected private universities in South-west, Nigeria. This study adopted a descriptive survey design of the correlational type. The population of this study comprised 31,342 undergraduates in six purposively selected private universities in South-west Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 1152 and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study revealed that librarians provide quality services to library users and that the majority of the undergraduates in private universities in the South-west are satisfied with the services offered by librarians. The study further revealed that there exists a positive significant relationship among service quality, users’ satisfaction and perceived librarians’ image (p= 0.01
Image, Librarian, Library Resources, Private Universities, Service Quality, User Satisfaction.
Sanitation, Claims, and Repatriation of Records in Pre- and Post-Apartheid South Africa: Implications on Social Memory And Justice
South Africa has been both a colony and colonial master from the time of the Dutch East Indian Company (1652-1795) up to the end of the apartheid era in 1989 when South-West Africa obtained independence from South Africa. This paper aims to examine sanitation, claims, and repatriation of records in pre- and post-colonial South Africa, as well as the implications for social memory and justice. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with archivists from South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana to investigate the sanitation, claims, and repatriation of records in pre- and post-colonial South Africa. While records for colonial office were removed from South Africa by the coloniser, the findings further revealed that a chunk of records was destroyed on the eve of democratic South Africa and in the years immediately following 1994 without the written authority of the national archivist. As a coloniser, and as part of a group of societies colonised by the United Kingdom, South Africa holds large archival resources related to the history of Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. It is argued that the destruction and displacement of records has had a severe impact on South Africa’s social memory and justice.
Disposal, Destruction, Displaced Archives, Records, South Africa
Recordkeeping Competencies and Skills: Implications for Service Delivery in Tanzanian Public Universities
Identifying whether records professionals have adequate knowledge and skills in recordkeeping practices is essential. This paper investigates the impact of recordkeeping competencies and skills in delivering service in Tanzanian public universities. The study adopted Mixed Methods Research (MMR) to guide the researchers in gathering data from the study population. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected concurrently and the analysis was done separately, although the data were integrated at the interpretation stage. Therefore, the study employed a convergent parallel MMR design. The study targeted a population of 105. A census sampling technique was used since the study population was relatively small. The overall findings revealed low statistics on recordkeeping training attendance by participants. The study recommends that since many recordkeeping practitioners do not have adequate knowledge and skills on recordkeeping matters concerning digital recordkeeping, training, particularly practical training on digital recordkeeping, is recommended by this study.
Recordkeeping Skills, Recordkeeping Competencies, Service Delivery, Public Universities.
Professionals’ Digital Information Literacy Skills: A Case of Geoscientists in Namibia
Digital information literacy plays a critical role in transforming how professionals navigate and interact with the ever-changing and evolving information technology landscape. The digital information landscape has significantly influenced and changed how individuals work and collaborate therefore necessitating professionals to continuously upskill and reskill to effectively function in their professions. This paper reports the findings from a study undertaken at the Geological Survey of Namibia. The objective of the study was to explore the digital information literacy skills of geoscientists. The Association of College and Research Libraries Framework of Information Literacy for Higher Education (2016) was used as a theoretical support for the study which used mixed methods. The study employed a questionnaire designed for this purpose. Fifty -three geoscientists were given copies of the questionnaire and 32 responded (60%). A semi-structured interview was used to collect information from seven managers and three librarians. The study findings reveal that geoscientists have basic information processing skills but have limited skills to appropriately evaluate and use digital information technology tools. Findings also highlight that there is a need to prioritise digital information literary training, collaborative spaces, professional support, funding and continuous training to ensure that professionals like geoscientists’ have adequate digital information literacy skills to effectively function in their roles. Therefore, the study recommends that key role players should collaborate to develop programmes to enhance digital information literacy skills of professionals like geoscientists, so they are equipped to navigate this rapidly changing digital era
Digital Information Literacy, Skills, Geoscientists, Geological Survey of Namibia.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its Existential Threats in Ghanaian University Libraries
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping the roles and obligations of librarians globally. This has spurred a fundamental reassessment and the acquisition of new skills by librarians to provide efficient services. This research aimed to assess the existential challenges Ghanaian university libraries encountered with the advent of the 4IR. The opinions of 218 librarians from nine Ghanaian universities were collected by employing a quantitative research approach. The findings revealed that 4IR presents a potential danger to the job security of library staff in Ghanaian university libraries. Additionally, insufficient technical proficiency of librarians in 4IR technologies may hinder their ability to perform effectively. The results also highlighted inadequate infrastructure, unorganised technology adoption strategies, and f inancial limitations as primary obstacles affecting the integration of 4IR technologies in Ghanaian university libraries. To mitigate the adverse effects of 4IR, the study recommends regular enhancement of librarians’ competencies to manage 4IR technologies effectively
Fourth Industrial Revolution, 4IR, Libraries, Academic Libraries, Ghana
Knowledge Dissemination: A Way of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Law Librarians in Nigeria
The types of knowledge largely disseminated and barriers to knowledge dissemination for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) among law librarians in Nigeria are examined. A quantitative cross-sectional study was adopted. The population of the study was 145 Law librarians who were members of the Nigerian Association of Law Librarians and the Association of Academic Law Librarians. An online survey was the instrument used to collect data. Fifty-seven (57) participants responded to the online survey within one month. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses. The research revealed physical interaction was used to disseminate new trends/ technologies to build professional networks and improve work productivity among law librarians. Years of work experience and desire to Knowledge dissemination correlate positively with CPD. Limited access to learning resources hampered knowledge dissemination for CPD, recommending open access to more learning resources.
Knowledge, Knowledge Dissemination, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Law Librarians.
Competitive Intelligence and Entrepreneurship Skills as Correlates in Marketing Library Services among Academic Librarians in Lagos State Public Universities in Nigeria
This paper investigates entrepreneurship skills and competitive intelligence as correlates of marketing library services among academic librarians in Lagos State public universities, Nigeria. The library has modernised its services by engaging entrepreneurship skills in order to promote service delivery that will be effective in this technological era. The study adopts a descriptive research design with the use of a selfstructured questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The sample size for the study was 63, and 52 copies of the questionnaire designed for this were retrieved and found useful for the study; hence return rate is 82%. This study revealed that entrepreneurship skills possessed by information professionals in Lagos State are printing information resources, publishing, and bindery and photocopying with a mean value of 3.67. The study further established that Competitive Intelligence (CI) strategies utilised by information professionals in Lagos State libraries were on delivering products and services, with a mean of 3.19 CI strategies demonstrating positive contributions to the institution’s mission, objectives, and goals. The study recommends that librarians and information professionals should endeavour to engage in research on how to acquire relevant CI on promoting the profession and to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their organisation. The study also recommend that librarians and information professionals should increase their entrepreneurial skills to establish more services that can be of benefit to the users and parent institution. These can also serve as revenue generation to the institution such as establishing a publishing firm, information broker unit in the library
Competitive Intelligence, Entrepreneurship Skills, Marketing, Library Services, Librarians.
Information Retrieval in Digital Sound Archives and Libraries: Preservation of the Documents of Xinjiang-Style Guzheng Music through Digital Library Curation
The preservation and accessibility of cultural artefacts are increasingly reliant on the integration of technology into archival practices. Digital libraries play an essential role in safeguarding musical heritage, offering scalable storage, improved accessibility, and long term sustainability. Sound archives face degradation due to inadequate organisational systems and limited public usage. To address this, the proposed Information Retrieval Framework (IRF) aims to establish a new system for the protection of Guzheng musical heritage in Xinjiang by advancing audio curation techniques. This framework employs a Hybrid Cascaded Convolutional Gated Neural Network (HCC-GNN), which integrates Cascaded Convolutional Neural Networks (CCNNs) to extract robust short-term features from raw waveforms and spectrograms. These features are subsequently processed through a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) to capture long-term temporal patterns in music recordings. This enables the effective tagging and retrieval of archived audio content, including Xinjiang-style Guzheng performances, even amidst background noise and repeated acoustic events. An evaluation was carried out using Xinjiang-style Guzheng recordings from digital archives. Prior sound normalisation through Wiener filtering enhanced audio clarity, while Wavelet Transform and data augmentation optimised the extraction process, increasing diversity and improving system reliability. A retrieval-optimised network then processed these refined features, enabling users to swiftly obtain relevant information from extensive digital audio databases. The HCC-GNN model outperformed conventional methods, achieving an accuracy of 97.5%, Precision@10 of 97%, Recall@10 of 95.8%, Mean Average Precision (MAP) of 96%, and an F1 Score of 95.2%. These results promote cultural sustainability and enhance accessibility for scholars
Digital Sound Archives, Xinjiang-Style Guzheng Music, Digital Library, Hybrid Cascaded Convolutional Gated Neural Network (HCC-GNN), Audio-Visual Retrieval, Information Retrieval Framework (IRF)
Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Law: A Study of Globally Shared Legal Information Retrieval Ecosystem of Multinational Corporations
This research investigates the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the intellectual property (IP) management frameworks of multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Saudi Arabia. The primary emphasis is placed on the establishment of a globally harmonised legal information retrieval ecosystem within the Kingdom. Presently, MNCs in Saudi Arabia are progressively adopting AI-driven solutions to optimise IP protection, a trend driven by the growing complexity of digital infrastructures and the transnational nature of corporate activities. To address this subject, the study adopts a qualitative methodology combined with a normative juridical perspective, grounded in an interpretivist epistemology. The results underscore a range of critical challenges associated with AI integration into IP systems. Chief among these are concerns regarding data confidentiality, the legitimacy of authorship, and the legal status of AI generated content. Additionally, the dynamic evolution of the Saudi legal framework reflects a broader international imperative for regulatory transformation in this domain. While AI contributes significantly to enhanced operational efficiency and facilitates international alignment in IP management practices, it also introduces a host of complex technological, ethical, algorithmic transparency, the compatibility of data systems, and unresolved legal questions related to AI-generated IP emerge as pivotal issues for decision makers and legal practitioners. The research provides substantive recommendations for the responsible and ethically grounded integration of AI into global legal regimes governing IP and innovation governance
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property (IP), Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Legal Information Retrieval, IP Management, Cross Border Governance, Data Privacy, AI-Generated IP, Legal Tech, Innovation Management.