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This study identifies factors affecting brand building for academic libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) in Iran.

This research applied the grounded theory method based on the three open, axial and selective coding steps (Strauss and Corbin, 1998). The research tool was interviews conducted with 20 experts in librarianship, marketing and branding.

Library building architecture, library information resources and services, librarians' branding, marketing activities and library management are the causal conditions affecting brand building. The national economic situation, the digital publishing situation in the country and different characteristics of the new library community are the intervening conditions affecting brand building. The role of other libraries in society in the scientific education of the new generation provides contextual conditions for brand building. The higher education system and the library parent organization play a part in the operative actions/interactions for brand building. The consequences of brand building are brand image development, brand excellence and brand behavioral loyalty for libraries. Library brand identity is also a core category in brand building.

Facing steep challenges by emergent services, academic libraries are ill-prepared to meet the needs of the new information society solely with traditional services and functions. Academic libraries are required to rebrand themselves to be more successful at delivering a strong performance within a changing information environment by enhancing their brand image and establishing a more effective relationship with users.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of social networks on the use of academic libraries by university students.

The method used in the present study was a survey. The statistical population included 461 university students. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. The result of the Cronbach test was equal to 0.726 indicating the acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. For data analysis, descriptive statistical methods and inferential statistical methods using SPSS 21 software were employed.

The findings showed that 243 of the participants used social networks for 4–6 h a day, 192 students never used university libraries and 229 used the university library only once in a month. Communication with friends was also reported to be one of the main goals in using social networks. The results of regression analysis also indicated that four predictor variables including information retrieval, social influence, trust and attractiveness of social networking environment were statistically able to explain the variance of reluctance to use university libraries.

The present study is one of the few studies that has examined the negative impact of social networks on visiting university libraries.

This study aims to analyze the status and application/use of human–computer interaction (HCI) in libraries by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR).

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was used to search Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. The search criteria included research studies published in English language between 2010 and 2021, which were 4,167 citations. Out of 4,167 citations, a total of 50 studies were selected for the final analysis.

The results showed a positive attitude of librarians toward HCI applications in libraries worldwide. The results depict that one-third (30%) of the studies were conducted in the USA, followed by four (8%) studies in China. Out of 50 studies, a portion of 15 (30%) studies were based on digital libraries, followed by seven (14%) studies on academic libraries and five (10%) studies on libraries and their websites. HCI was used for searching and retrieving information, users’ interaction, authentication, online help/support, feedback, library web access, web OPAC, virtual access to resources, indigenous repository and virtual services. The most productive year was 2015, and journal of The Electronic Library had more articles on HCI than other journals.

The findings of this study could assist policymakers and library authorities in reconciling the HCI application in libraries for providing effective and efficient access and services to end-users.

This study is unique as no comprehensive study has been conducted on the use of HCI in librarianship using the SLR method.

The purpose of this study is to execute the application of confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling, to investigate the reliability and validity of the proposed integrated digital library user success (IDLUS) scale in academic digital library computing information system in the area of information management and systems.

The study analyzed 355 valid responses (MPhil and PhD) from the largest and oldest public sector university in Pakistan. Sample selection was calculated through a stratified random sampling technique from the four faculties of the University of the Punjab. The instrument was constructed based on the available two digital library and information system success models. The first model is Jung’s (1997) digital library user success model that is further composed of flow model (1977), end user computing satisfaction model (1987) and Joshi’s overall user satisfaction model (1990). Similarly, the second model is DeLone and McLean’s reformulated information system success (2003) theory. The question items used a five-point Likert scale and executed regression weights, standardized regression weights, convergent validity, variance extracted, construct reliability and discriminant validity to infer results.

Findings show that the IDLUS scale has excellent validity and reliability estimates.

The study has theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for information system developers.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this scale is the first-ever effort to measure the digital library user success in the context of Higher Education Commission-National Digital Library of Pakistan. Therefore, there was a dire need to conduct the psychometric analysis of the scale to examine the model fit statistics on the current sample in the particular cultural norms. Scale is based upon human factors taken from various Web success and information system success models from the fields of human–computer interaction information systems and computer-mediated communication.

Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) are the core values of librarianship. This study aims to examine the EDIA literature in the library and information science (LIS) profession, focusing on publishing trends, authorship patterns, thematic evolution, co-occurrence network, international collaboration network and three-factor analysis.

A scientometrics analysis was performed, and data were retrieved from the Web of Science database following a four-phase data extraction and filtration process. Data analysis was performed using specialized scientometrics tools.

Most of the published work comes from the developed world. The thematic evolution identified that the initial period (1971–2010) was dedicated to the diversity of library resources, services and users. The second phase (2011–2015) concentrated on accessibility and information literacy. The recent period (2016–2021) is linked with social inclusion, diversity and accessibility. Furthermore, the co-cluster citation and content analysis identified five major interconnected streams in the EDIA literature in LIS: disability and accessibility; diversity, inclusion and recruitment; social justice and libraries; libraries and immigrants; and libraries and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer community.

Theoretical, practical and implications for policy makers and curriculum developers were added to create awareness and better observe EDIA in LIS field.

The identification of research streams is one of the most important findings of this study, which shows that some areas of EDIA are maturing and others are emerging in the profession.

The purpose of this article is to examine the structure and determine the MDA framework for use in the development and design of library websites. The topic of innovation in libraries is frequently discussed; thus, we have tried to offer techniques for innovation in website design for libraries.

This study compares these two approaches to determine if the mechanical, dynamic and aesthetic (MDA) framework can also be used to create library websites. Each of the MDA framework’s three components was assessed for their applicability to the development of a library website.

When building a library website, three crucial characteristics that must be carefully taken into account are, among other things, being supporting and safety-oriented; adaptable and accessible; and aesthetically pleasing to the user. Studies have also revealed several additional criteria that may be regarded as success factors for library websites. In addition, there is also a framework for creating touch- and gesture-based interactions. It is also a method for understanding the creation and playing of video games. The acronym MDA stands for the three components of its structure: mechanical, dynamic and aesthetic.

Many kinds of library websites exist, including those for academic, public, school and special libraries. So far, models and approaches for designing pages have been offered for each of these library website categories.

The purpose of this research paper is to explore and offer insightful information on the useful use of Google Tag Manager (GTM) in the context of library websites and to bridge the gap between GTM’s technical features and the practical requirements of libraries. It gives libraries the ability to use GTM’s capabilities to increase user engagement, data-driven decision-making and improve online services.

This study reviews existing literature on GTM in the context of websites and libraries. The methodology involves identifying keywords and searching terms related to GTM, digital marketing, user engagement, Web analytics and library websites. Sources and databases were consulted, including library science journals, marketing journals, academic databases, publications on digital marketing and search platforms such as Google Books, Google Scholar, Google Search Engine, JSTOR and library associations like the American Library Association. Initial screening was done based on titles and abstracts, followed by a thorough-text review, categorization and synthesizing of the findings.

GTM provides libraries with a potent tool to improve their online presence, customize user experiences and collect insightful real-time data. Libraries may harness GTM’s potential to better engage people and provide services by properly implementing it and maintaining it over time. It can be a flexible instrument that supports contemporary library services in the digital era. The findings of this study indicate that GTM technology may be used in library services; nevertheless, there are several barriers, such as librarians’ attitudes and technical abilities, that prevent GTM acceptance in library services.

This study covers the implementation of a free GTM tool in library websites that will help the library and information professionals to leverage the GTM in the library’s online presence. Furthermore, this study recommends that libraries and librarians should develop guidelines and policies for the critical adoption of a free GTM tool in the library environment, which will support improving the library’s user engagement and tracking of library website traffic.

This study aims to evaluate Web-based tools that are potentially used by universities and college libraries to market e-resources in Tanzania.

This study evaluated Web-based tools that are potentially used to market e-resources in libraries in Tanzania. A sample of 52 universities and colleges was approved by Tanzania Commission for Universities and was purposively selected for this study. The evaluation was conducted with an established checklist to evaluate the websites with a view to identifying Web-based tools, which are potentially useful in marketing e-resources.

The finding of this study indicates that most libraries have websites linked to their institutional websites. The finding has revealed that social media are mostly used by public universities to market e-resources. However, only one university is using WhatsApp to communicate with patrons. The findings show that the majority of public university libraries display a list of e-resources on their websites. Moreover, the displayed e-resources of most websites are not up to date, and some of them are irrelevant. Also, most public universities provide guidelines on how to use the subscribed e-resources as opposed to their counterpart.

The study on the evaluation of Web-based e-resources marketing tools is new in Tanzania. The finding of this study will trigger efforts to adjust the way libraries market their e-resources online.

This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the scholarly community and the academics’ online searching behaviour at a higher education institution in Pakistan.

The study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Raw transaction log data were collected for quantitative analysis, and the interview technique was used for qualitative data collection and thematic analysis.

Log analysis revealed that HEC subscribed databases were used significantly, and among those, scholarly databases covering various subjects were more frequently used than subject-specific society-based databases. Furthermore, the users frequently accessed the needed e-journal articles through search engines like Google and Google Scholar, considering them sources of free material instead of the HEC subscribed databases.

It provides practical implications for examining the evidence-based use patterns of e-journal databases. It suggests the need for improving the access management of HEC databases, keeping in view the usage statistics and the demands of the scholars. The study may also help create market venues for the publishers of scholarly databases by offering attractive and economical packages for researchers of various disciplines in developing and underdeveloped countries. The study results also guide the information professionals to arrange orientation and information literacy programs to improve the searching behaviour of their less frequent users and enhance the utilization of these subscribed databases.

The study is part of a PhD project and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first such work in the context of a developing country like Pakistan.

The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits and weaknesses of OpenVPN to access Osiris.

This study uses a case study approach to describe a phenomenon. The data collected from observation of the real-world environment.

The benefits of OpenVPN are the following: librarian can access the Osiris and other resources remotely and safely; OpenVPN protects the connection when accessing the Osiris; and librarian can also manage Osiris systems easily to control access, monitoring the users efficiently. However, there are some drawbacks of OpenVPN, such as network infrastructure dependency, require stabile internet connection, configuration complexity, to arrange and configurate OpenVPN needs skills and knowledge on the related field, data protection and security breach.

The originality of this study is the use of OpenVPN to access Osiris that is managed by library. There are some variables to determine the benefits and drawbacks of the OpenVPN such as managing access, data security and efficiency. This study gives an original contribution to the use of OpenVPN in academic libraries.