INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - List of Issues

Papers for Volume 1, No.4, 2024

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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EDITORIAL COMMENTS

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UTILIZATION OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM'S FEATURES
FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY
BY FACULTY MEMBERS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

Abstract
This study investigated utilization of Learning Management System's features for instructional delivery by faculty members of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Two research questions guided the study which include: what features of LMS do Faculty Members prepared to use for instructional delivery in ABU, Zaria? and To what extent do academic staff utilize the features of LMS for instructional delivery in ABU, Zaria? Quantitative Approach and cross-sectional survey research design was used, the population of the study comprised of four hundred and seventy-four (474) Faculty Members, one hundred and sixty-seven (167) were used as a sample size. Questionnaire in form of google form was used as the instrument for data collection. The study discovered that shared/interactive whiteboard and recording/storage capacity were the features of LMS that Faculty Members preferred to utilize for instructional delivery in ABU, Zaria. Also, the study revealed that all the features of LMS identified were not adequately utilized because they were all below the benchmark. The study recommended that; the management of ABU, Zaria should sponsor the development of “home-grown” LMS or upgrade the already adopted LMS to incorporate the peculiar needs/features and functionalities that faculty members preferred to use. Also, the Management of ABU, Zaria in collaboration with ICT unit of the university should ensure creating user-friendly guides and used gamification on the LMS so that it can look interesting and motivating for faculty members to use for instructional delivery.
Keywords: Faculty Members, Instructional Delivery, Learning Management System, Utilization

ABBA HAMZA Ph.D; ADERONKE OLUBUKOLA ADEDOKUN Ph.D and HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF CHATGPT TO ENHANCED USER INTERACTION
AND ASSISTANCE IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

Abstract
This study investigates how ChatGPT could enhance user interaction and support in Nigerian academic libraries. The introduction provides an outline of the evolving environment of library services and the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It highlights the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to satisfy users' growing demand for efficient and customized support. An overview of ChatGPT is provided, highlighting its potential as a language model that facilitates natural language processing and can enhance communication between patrons and library employees. The conversation also covers ChatGPT's function as a virtual assistant in Nigerian academic libraries, where it helps with academic research, facilitates resource finding, and responds to questions instantly. An analysis of ChatGPT's effects on user interaction shows increases in user engagement, contentment, and information availability. Nonetheless, the paper also discusses ChatGPT's shortcomings, such as problems with precision, contextual awareness, and the requirement for frequent updates to stay current in scholarly settings. The study concludes with suggestions for successfully incorporating ChatGPT into academic libraries in Nigeria, stressing the value of educating library employees, raising user awareness, and resolving technological issues. The results highlight the potential of ChatGPT as a game-changing tool that can enhance user experience and promote academic success in Nigerian libraries.
Keywords:
ChatGPT, user interaction, academic libraries, Library Services, Artificial Intelligence

CHINEKWU A. UGBOR; EMMANUEL T. MAKINDE; MAIMUNAT O JIMOH and CHABA E. DANIEL

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AWARENESS AND USE OF ELECTRONIC DATABASES BY POSTGRADUATE
STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICES,
USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO

Abstract
This study explores the awareness and utilization of electronic databases by postgraduate students of the Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Dan fodiyo University, Sokoto. Given the importance of digital resources in academic work, understanding database usage patterns and barriers faced by students is essential. Findings reveal that while 69.8% of respondents were aware of Elsevier/Science Direct; awareness of other academic databases was considerably lower, with only 2.3% recognizing EBSCO host. Similarly, the main access points used by the respondents for accessing these databases included the university library (58.1%) and their personal networks (51.2%). The major motivator for using electronic databases by the respondents is ease of access, as noted by 55.8% of participants. Despite nearly half of the students (48.8%) accessing electronic databases on daily basis, usage was limited by significant obstacles, such as poor internet connectivity (79.1%) and restricted digital literacy, particularly in advanced search techniques. The study recommends regular training programs, improved infrastructure for internet and power supply, and increased user support to enhance awareness, accessibility, and proficiency in database usage, thereby maximizing the university's investment and supporting academic productivity.

ABDULLAHI USMAN GUSAU and NAZIFA YUSUF BAWA

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DIVERSITY IN LIBRARY COLLECTIONS: ENSURING REPRESENTATION AND
RELEVANCE IN SOME SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract
The study investigated diversity in library collections: Ensuring representation and relevance in some selected university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey using questionnaire to collect data. The population of the study consists of 78 librarians which were randomly picked from some selected university libraries in Nigeria. A total of the78 questionnaires were distributed only 69 were retrieved. Descriptive statistics, (mean and percentage) were used for analysis. A mean score of 2.5 and above and a percentage score of 50% were considered for decision making. The study revealed the effect of diversity of library collections in some selected university libraries in Nigeria in the following order: To develop cultural literacy, to develop social economic statuses, it increases innovations; it enhances creativity and facilitate strategic thinking. The findings further affirmed that how diversity of library collections are represented and relevant to users in some selected university libraries in Nigeria in the following order: It facilitate the reflection of diverse users that uses the library, it reflects our own sense of self-esteem and self worth, it treats all library users equally in respect of tribe, color, age, mentorship opportunity among librarians is relevant, and it enhances internal talent development among the users. The study recommends that University libraries collection should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation and a diverse collection should contain content by and about a wide array of people and cultures to authentically reflect a variety of ideas, information, stories, and experiences.
Keywords: Diversity, library collections, representation, relevance, university libraries

ANNABEL ONYEISI IJEH and HELEN EWERE OKOH CLN

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INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF CATALOGUERS IN
SOME SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Abstract
The study investigated information seeking behavior of cataloguers in some selected university libraries. Descriptive design was used. The population of the study consists of 20 cataloguers in the university libraries under study. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. 20 questionnaires were distributed, only 19 were retrieved. The study revealed that the information needs of cataloguers in some selected university libraries in South-South, Nigeria are Anglo America Cataloguing Rule 11, library of congress list of subject headings, using library of congress classification scheme, attending workshops/conference, training and retraining of cataloguers, WebLC, Booktopia and RDA. The study further affirmed the information seeking behavior of cataloguers in the following order: Attending workshops/seminars on cataloguing, seeking information from mentors, getting vital information from people through interactions, getting new ideas on cataloguing through inter library switch, identifying a message that satisfies a perceived need. The study recommends following that cataloguers should keep abreast of relevant information that would facilitates their information needs, attending seminars/conference where new trends in cataloguing are discussed would enhance the information seeking behavior of cataloguers and the acquisition of relevant and current tools is critical to cataloguers information seeking behaviors.
Keywords: Information seeking behavior, cataloguers, university libraries

UCHE EMEKA-UKWU and ANTHONIA OMEHIA Ph.D

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INFLUENCE OF BIG DATA ANALYTICS IN ENHANCING COLLABORATION
AND TEAM LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT IN
BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, MAKURDI

Abstract
This study investigates the influence of big data analytics on collaboration and team leadership management within Benue State University Library, Makurdi. The primary objectives are to assess the impact of predictive analytics, user behaviour analytics, and workflow analytics on enhancing collaboration and leadership, as well as to identify the challenges faced in leveraging big data analytics effectively. Employing a mixed-methods design, data was collected from a population of library staff using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A purposive sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample size of 104 respondents who constituted the population of the study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and mean. The findings reveal that predictive, user behaviour and workflow analytics significantly enhance collaboration and team leadership management. Conversely, limited technical infrastructure, privacy concerns, lack of data literacy, financial constraints and organizational resistance were some of the challenges encountered by library staff in leveraging big data analytics for enhanced collaboration and team leadership management. In conclusion, while big data analytics presents opportunities for improved collaboration and leadership, significant barriers must be addressed. Recommendations include investing in advanced analytics tools, expanding user behaviour analytics, optimizing workflow processes and implementing strategies to overcome identified challenges.
Keywords: Big Data Analytics, Collaboration, Team Leadership, University Libraries, Predictive Analytics, User Behaviour Analytics, Workflow Analytics.

AONDONGU TARHULE; NGUSEER DOREEN INDYER; VERSHIMAREUBEN NDA and VERSHIMAMARTINS TOLOUGH

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EMERGING TRENDS IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION
AND TRAINING: IMPLICATION FOR LIBRARIANSHIP IN A CHANGING WORLD

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of emerging trends in Library and Information Science (LIS) education and training, examining how the field continually evolves in response to advancements in technology, shifting societal needs, and new information dissemination methods. Staying updated with these changes is crucial for delivering high-quality services to users. Through an analysis of current trends, the paper explores how LIS programs adapt to meet the profession's evolving requirements. It investigates the methods used to identify emerging trends, highlights the prominent shifts in LIS education and training, outlines the essential skills LIS educators need to address these developments, and discusses the challenges educators and students face in adapting to these changes. Recommendations are offered to address these challenges effectively. The paper concludes that LIS curricula have expanded to incorporate technology, user-centered design, data science and analytics, interdisciplinary approaches, and principles of diversity and inclusion. These transformations are essential in equipping future LIS professionals to meet the dynamic needs of libraries and information centers. Ultimately, this article provides valuable insights for LIS educators, students, and practitioners, emphasizing the significant impact of emerging trends on the field.
Keywords: Emerging trends, library and information science, education, training

O. P. OSONDU; J. ONUOHA; A. N. CHIKEZIE and B. N. ISIWU

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