IFLA Journal

The aim of this study was to determine the ways in which academic libraries in South Africa use community engagement as a strategy to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – specifically Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 11 – in the context of the study. It followed a multi-methods approach to interview and hold focus group discussions with heads of libraries and librarians, respectively, in South African public university libraries. It was found that the libraries advance these Sustainable Development Goals in various ways, such as by employing library student assistants and interns from different backgrounds, and by serving as employers themselves. Furthermore, the libraries serve as custodians of local culture and heritage by curating, digitising and preserving local collections for posterity. However, collaborative efforts between the libraries and other heritage institutions, such as museums, archives and galleries, are few and far between, which is deemed a missed opportunity for more meaningful cultural and heritage impacts for these institutions. More collaborations and partnerships between these institutions are recommended, especially with regard to the digitisation of cultural heritage collections. Therefore, a clarion call is made for libraries to think more expansively about their role and consider including sustainable thinking as part of their mission in line with the American Library Association. The results demonstrate that libraries are uniquely positioned to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

This article investigates the link between information literacy and farmers’ decision-making processes, highlighting the potential for improving information literacy to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This study employed a mixed-methods approach – that is, qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. It was found that gender did not significantly influence the reported skills and behaviours. However, the use of digital technologies showed a significant positive correlation with seeking information on new agricultural practices (r = .254, p < .01). This shows that proficient users of digital tools are more likely to seek new agricultural information actively. This research emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers and stakeholders to effectively use agricultural information in decision-making, with implications for academic research and practical agricultural interventions.

This study was undertaken to identify the organisational and technological factors that affect the efficiency of service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories of university libraries, where digital repositories have become increasingly common. The interpretive research paradigm, which relies on qualitative research, was adopted for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine participants from selected universities in the South West region of Nigeria. The data was analysed thematically to explore the factors affecting service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories. The findings show that both organisational factors (such as standardised organisation policies, stakeholders’ participation and financial sustainability) and technological factors (digital repository certification, technological standards, etc.) have a significant effect on service delivery in a university-based trustworthy digital repository. It is concluded that by adopting these factors, institutions can establish digital repositories that are not merely data storage facilities, but also trusted and valuable sources of scholarly information and knowledge.

This study examines the evolution of data literacy research from 2005 to 2022 by analysing 997 documents identified in Elsevier’s Scopus databases. It highlights pivotal moments, such as the inaugural mention of data literacy in 2005, and observes a consistent increase in annual document production, indicating growing interest. Research articles, particularly in computer science/engineering, education and social sciences/humanities, dominate. The interdisciplinary nature of contributions spans social sciences, computer science and humanities, reflecting the universal applicability of data literacy. Keywords cluster around foundational concepts, educational contexts, specialized domains, and emerging trends like digital transformation and health literacy. The study emphasizes the crucial role of libraries in nurturing data literacy skills, serving as information hubs and providers of educational frameworks. The conclusions underscore the significant growth, interdisciplinary engagement and vital role of libraries. Emerging keywords highlight the evolving trends, ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Implications for further studies on interdisciplinarity and emerging issues were discussed.

This study investigated green library practices in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted an exploratory design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 18 librarians as the participants for the study, and the interview method was adopted for data collection. The findings reveal that all the academic libraries engaged in the fumigation of their environment to preserve library resources, and the level of adoption of information and communications technology resulted in the libraries having a high carbon footprint. The results also show that the academic libraries engaged in resource-sharing for economic sustainability and that they have value for their users in terms of social and cultural support. It is recommended that university management teams provide adequate funding to develop eco-friendly practices in university libraries, and that academic libraries provide solar systems to all their library units to enhance environmentally conscious practices.

South Korea’s official development assistance activities emphasize the significant role of education, with increasing attention towards the potential of libraries. Media and information literacy has become imperative for leading a productive life, highlighting the crucial role of libraries in enhancing media and information literacy competencies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, limited research exists on this topic. This study explores how libraries could contribute to improving the media and information literacy competencies of people in low- and middle-income countries, drawing from interviews mainly with South Korean volunteer librarians with experience in low- and middle-income countries using the Delphi method. The challenges in supporting media and information literacy capacity-building in libraries in low- and middle-income countries include a shortage of skilled personnel, limited resources, inadequate understanding of public development assistance and global citizenship, and insufficient publicity. The survey participants emphasized the need for specific qualifications for librarians to effectively contribute to media and information literacy education. They recommended continuous group-based training, incorporating field education and online courses to build media and information literacy competencies.

The objective of this study was to examine how information literacy can aid in infodemic management in the context of university students in a developing country. A printed survey questionnaire was employed to collect data on information literacy and infodemic management from a sample population consisting of university students. A total of 300 responses were collected and analysed, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The results brought about a wide set of findings. The study found that students in the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka exhibited a high level of awareness of information literacy and the COVID-19 infodemic. Despite the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation related to COVID-19, the students did not tend towards unreliable sources of information. The study examined the positive effect of information literacy on infodemic management through a multiple regression analysis. The empirical findings can aid in navigating the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the context of other developing countries.

This study measured the individual differences in the service quality of Bangladeshi university libraries by type of university, user and gender. A modified SERVQUAL (service quality) model was adopted for the academic library environment, which included 30 items under five dimensions with a 7-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted among 61 teachers, 50 researchers and 455 students from two public, two international and two private universities in Bangladesh. The individual differences in library service quality were calculated through an analysis of variance and independent sample t-test for the university, user and gender categories. The overall service quality was significantly different (p < .001) among the users of the public (M = 4.02), private (M = 5.08) and international (M = 5.10) university libraries, as well as between male (M = 4.48) and female (M = 5.01) users. Several statistical methods supported the sampling adequacy, reliability and validity of the adapted model, which could be used as a basis for further assessments of library service quality by different demographic groups, both locally and globally.

Effective collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners is vital for the professional growth and success of individuals working in the field. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge, skills and innovative practices, which, in turn, enhance the quality of library services. It allows for the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience, resulting in more effective and efficient library operations. However, the lack of studies on fostering collaboration between library and information science academics and practitioners in Bangladesh presents a notable research gap. Addressing this gap is critical as it directly impacts the career success of library and information science professionals and the development of library services, particularly in a rapidly developing nation like Bangladesh. This study utilized a qualitative approach to gather data through semi-structured, unstructured, and focus group interviews with renowned Bangladeshi academics and experienced library practitioners. The research has broader implications for the global library and information science community, adding a valuable perspective from a developing nation. The results highlight the significance of mindset and attitude in influencing collaborative efforts, urging academics and practitioners to adopt an open-minded approach without ego-related conflicts. The study identifies the strengths, weaknesses, barriers and opportunities in relation to effective collaboration between library and information science academicians and practitioners. Additionally, the research proposes viable solutions and outlines the potential for academic and professional success through collaboration.

Libraries, archives and museums are primarily seen as institutions that preserve and promote collections. However, ongoing social changes are causing them to increasingly focus on their social partners and the relationships that can be established with them. The evolving nature of these institutions’ priorities raises questions about how they are adapting to this shift and its impact on their operations. The objective of this research is to contribute to the conceptualization of the paradigm shift through verification of how selected social and cultural theories of social relations are reflected in the activities of libraries, archives and museums, as well as their connections with various partners. A content analysis of articles from three journals indicates that the relation-centric theories studied, and the concepts presented therein, are taken into account by their authors, albeit to varying degrees. The relationships of libraries, archives and museums primarily concern local communities and special user groups, but also involve other legal or individual entities, as well as the professional community.

This study leverages organizational learning theory to analyse the transformation of traditional elementary school libraries into joint-use facilities, emphasizing operational strategies, institutional functionality and community engagement. It examines how these libraries promote communal reading by identifying three key success factors: strategic partnerships, comprehensive evaluation methods and deep community involvement. By providing practical insights and a framework for enhancing library services, the research presents a holistic view of the transition process, contributing to the optimization of joint-use libraries as community-centred educational resources. The study highlights the necessity for a comprehensive strategy that integrates community involvement with operational and managerial excellence and policy-driven actions. Joint-use libraries emerge as vital agents of educational equity and social cohesion, underscoring their importance to community welfare. Through the lens of organizational learning, the study deepens our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in transforming libraries into multifunctional community assets.

This article examines university students’ perceived skill levels in utilizing internet resources and library tools, as well as accomplishing specific information-skills tasks, and assesses the impact of information literacy training in Bangladesh. The study involved two phases: first, a survey was administered to a sample of 257 students and, second, an experiment was conducted with 28 students to examine the effectiveness of training. The survey results show that the students perceived their skills with internet resources and library tools to be at a high level, with significant differences found in skill levels based on gender and age. Additionally, the students reported a high level of perceived skills in completing information tasks, with no significant differences found across the demographic variables. In the experimental study, the participants exhibited low task performance on a set of 22 task questions prior to training, achieving an overall correct score of 28.4%. However, a significant improvement in correct scores (57.1%) was observed after participating in the skills training.

The main agenda of this study is to explore the various programmes and strategies of American Corners in Mindanao to amplify interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding within their communities. The researchers utilized the virtual focus group discussion approach, and the data collected was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase reflexive thematic analysis model. The researchers uncovered the creative efforts of each American Corner, integrating themes of interreligious dialogue, peace, mental health and animal welfare. The communities’ evolving needs greatly influence programming, with strong partnerships and immersive learning sessions cited as key programme highlights among the American Corners. However, poor infrastructure – particularly poor Internet access and power interruptions – poses significant challenges, prompting a focus on in-person over hybrid and virtual events. The recommendations include improving information accessibility and dissemination, fostering strategic partnerships, and deepening community engagement to sustain peace efforts in Mindanao.

This article examines how IFLA promotes the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by building strong librarianship and fostering a literate, informed and engaged society. Data was collected through various search strategies from the IFLA website and Google Scholar, and organized meaningfully to highlight the contributions of various IFLA sections towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. IFLA’s various sections and key projects – such as the Green Library Award, toolkits, Library Map of the World and Sustainable Development Goal stories – were studied to analyse IFLA’s role in mobilizing libraries towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. IFLA should work internationally to transform libraries to benefit the library profession, community and environment. The findings suggest that library and information science professionals should be aware of the activities undertaken and visualized through IFLA’s intention to mobilize libraries and raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals in the community at large.