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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2023

Jessie Yao Foli, Fred Awaah and Yeboah Solomon

Corporate governance and its training in universities have become an essential addition to the educational curriculum. Despite its expansion, students still need help to grasp…

Abstract

Purpose

Corporate governance and its training in universities have become an essential addition to the educational curriculum. Despite its expansion, students still need help to grasp some concepts, affecting their academic performance. This paper examines the expected influence of gender and school libraries on comprehending corporate governance concepts in Ghanaian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

With the culturo-techno-contextual approach (CTCA) as the underlying theory, the study sampled 1050 undergraduate students from the selected Ghanaian public universities. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.

Findings

The results show a statistically significant difference between male and female Ghanaian students in their understanding of corporate governance concepts, with the mean figures suggesting that males slightly understand corporate governance concepts more than females. The results also show a statistically significant difference among Ghanaian students studying using school libraries of varying quality in their understanding of corporate governance.

Originality/value

This study's novelty stems from examining the corporate governance curriculum in a developing country from the perspectives of gender and school library. Adopting the CTCA components in analysing school libraries and gender further evidences the study's novelty.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 37 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Daniel Jr Soriano Balbin and Elizabeth Allan Lascano

The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the pandemic on each type of library: public, special, school and academic. It recalled and documented the challenges faced by libraries and librarians. It determined which aspects of their library were affected and how they were modified in terms of their policies, personnel, physical space, services, collection, infodemic response and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the qualitative descriptive method approach, specifically narrative research design and conducted online focus group discussions in which 14 librarians with managerial or supervisory functions participated. This method was used to explore the topic holistically by using qualitative inquiry. It best suited the purpose of fully understanding the experiences of libraries during the pandemic. The recorded online focus group discussions conducted through Zoom were reviewed and analyzed to identify key themes and responses from the participants. The themes identified from the thematic analysis were further validated with the participants through correspondence, chats or e-mails.

Findings

The findings showed that libraries were faced with challenges brought on by the lack of a written policy for the pandemic response, a lack of information communication and technology skills and resources, strict requirements on physical setup for pandemic compliance, budget cuts or realignments and delayed procurement, misinformation and users’ lack of awareness of the new services offered by the library.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on the pandemic experiences of libraries and information centers in Baguio-Benguet, which was hailed as a model for local pandemic response, through the lenses of librarians with supervisory roles or functions.

Practical implications

Libraries could reflect on their experiences in this pandemic to plan for future strategies that would be best implemented in situations where face-to-face services are not allowed.

Originality/value

This study presented various best practices from different library institutions that could be emulated in the future. Many of these are still relevant regardless library services are going back to normal.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2024

Donna Ellen Frederick

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current climate in each library sector and to determine how ready libraries and librarians might be for technological change. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current climate in each library sector and to determine how ready libraries and librarians might be for technological change. In particular, the author sought to determine what barriers or challenges might exist and where there are strengths.

Design/methodology/approach

Current and former library workers were surveyed via social media and by using an interview process. All were questioned about their opinions on the current situation in libraries and both the institutional and personal readiness for technological change that will result from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Librarians and technicians from all library sectors responded. The author also included her perspectives on the issues raised.

Findings

The findings were that although there is a certain level of cross-over in the specific challenges each library sector faces, there are unique and consequential issues found in each of school, public, special and academic and research libraries. Although the problems encountered by library workers and the libraries they work for may confound their ability to lead change, the profession has a history of flexibility and resilience in the face of technological change. Readers are advised to be aware of both the difficult realities they are facing and seek ways to move forward.

Originality/value

This column is unique in that it provides insights from library workers who led and nurtured libraries through the digital revolution of the 1970s through to the early 2000s. These individuals are able to explain how libraries have changed over decades and to identify the new stresses and challenges their sector faces. Despite what may seem to be a possibly dim outlook for the future, their oral history of successful change in libraries brings light and hope for future positive outcomes in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 41 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Stephanie D. Founds

The goal of this review is to conduct an exploratory literature review on trauma-informed approaches in libraries to understand how librarians are discussing trauma-informed…

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this review is to conduct an exploratory literature review on trauma-informed approaches in libraries to understand how librarians are discussing trauma-informed approaches and their integration into professional practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviewed materials indexed in selected EBSCOHost databases. Included materials from selected EBSCOHost databases were available to the author in full text, in the English language and about trauma-informed approaches in libraries. Items were excluded from this review if they were a review of another work, a thesis or dissertation, or letters to or from the editor.

Findings

Twenty-five publications were included in this analysis. Publications included described approaches in school libraries, academic libraries and public libraries. Key topics are racial trauma-informed practices, trauma-informed teaching, resisting re-traumatization, social work and the effects of workplace trauma on the library workforce.

Practical implications

Trauma-informed approaches are gaining popularity in a variety of disciplines as the world copes with the turbulent events of recent years. The practical implications of this review are to explore the emergence of trauma-informed approaches in libraries to understand the current publishing landscape on this topic.

Originality/value

While librarians are writing about this approach and some are incorporating it into their practice, an analysis in the form of an exploratory literature review to summarize this work has not been done. Understanding how libraries are incorporating this trauma-awareness and trauma-informed principles into the work is crucial for identifying the future approach to library services.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Loubna A. Youssef, Usama Elsayed, Sherif Shaheen and Nour Mahmoud Khalifa

This paper focuses on a project to work on the digital library of Arab children's culture for sustainable development (DLACSD).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on a project to work on the digital library of Arab children's culture for sustainable development (DLACSD).

Design/methodology/approach

This project claims to link the past, present, and future by creating a platform that can grow to include not only works by adults but by children who inspire adults with their imagination and the joys they bring to the world.

Findings

This project addresses in phases the different aspects of the problem of the lack of material for Egyptian/Arab children at different stages in Arabic on the internet (with copyright law in mind). It is time to fill this gap by having a rich repository of stories, plays, games and songs for children in Arabic in a digital library to enrich the life of the child and to inform the world that much that is worthwhile is available in Arabic for parents, teachers, and children to enjoy.

Research limitations/implications

Through reading samples of the works by Abdel-Tawab Youssef (1928–2015) by using the Dublin Core Elements, it will be informative to see how his writings address the United Nations Goals of Sustainable Development way before these Goals were discussed.

Practical implications

Writers for children, librarians, teachers, psychologists, literary critics, illustrators, and parents need a platform that makes material available to promote children’s culture in the Arab world and to introduce the world to what is of value for children in Arabic.

Social implications

Currently, communication brings the world together and although the social media and the new technology have introduced problems that are serious, to say the least, collaborators on all levels must play an active role in redressing the social wrongs, especially those affecting children.

Originality/value

This ongoing project by members of a team who believe in interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity has taken the first step to create and develop (DLACSD).

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Rae-Anne Montague

In the midst of the pandemic, the American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Round Table (RRT) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Book Awards, which recognize books…

Abstract

In the midst of the pandemic, the American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Round Table (RRT) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Book Awards, which recognize books of exceptional merit relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and plus (LGBTQIA+) community experience. In tandem, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) reported record numbers of book challenges, mostly based on texts written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This chapter considers these seemingly divergent issues within a broader social and historical context – and serves as a testament to the steadfast resolve of librarians to resist censorship and promote the freedom to read during turbulent times. The first section provides an overview of pandemic complexities. The second part of the chapter centers around professional milestones and some recent award-winning literary works. The middle section briefly reviews issues related to challenges over time. This is followed by an exploration of the recent surge in censorship with emphasis on LGBTQIA+ content in public libraries as well as aspects of resistance. The final section offers some ideas for moving forward.

Details

Reading Workplace Dynamics: A Post-Pandemic Professional Ethos in Public Libraries
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-071-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Zijian Wang, Ximing Xiao, Shiwei Fu and Qinggong Shi

This study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the marginalization of county-level public libraries.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the marginalization of county-level public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research surveyed 25 counties in central China, including Hubei, Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with library directors and deputy directors, focusing on main and branch library construction, cultural inclusivity, library assessment, and digital services.

Findings

Contributing factors to library marginalization were identified as economic pressure, institutional domain, longstanding issues, organizational entity, and societal misconceptions. Building on this, the study introduces the HBAC model to explain county-level public library marginalization. Considering the actual social context of these libraries, the article proposes a “3 + 1” approach to mitigate their marginalization.

Originality/value

The research methodology, analysis process, theoretical model, and recommendations provided could shed light on academic research and practical exploration in the field of public libraries globally.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Abstract

Details

Reading Workplace Dynamics: A Post-Pandemic Professional Ethos in Public Libraries
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-071-1

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2023

Philip Kwaku Kankam

Information literacy (IL) is clearly important for academic performance, as evidenced by literature. It could be defined as a set of abilities, attitudes and experiences that…

Abstract

Purpose

Information literacy (IL) is clearly important for academic performance, as evidenced by literature. It could be defined as a set of abilities, attitudes and experiences that enable people to recognize when they need information to solve an issue. The importance of investigating students’ IL competencies cannot be overstated. This study therefore aims to look into the IL development and competencies of high school students in Accra, as there appears to be a dearth of systematic study on this in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate this phenomenon, the study used a survey research design with a mixed-methods approach and a post-positivist research paradigm. A total of 454 high school students, 3 librarians and 3 heads of ICT departments from three senior high schools in Accra participated in this study. This study used two methods: an audit of the IL programmes and practices available at the selected schools as well as IL literacy assessment through the use of a standardized test instrument. The data collection tools used were a semi-structured interview schedule and a questionnaire.

Findings

This study found that high school students in Accra had low IL competencies. Again, the findings of this study revealed that inadequate infrastructure and lack of formalized IL instructions in schools hindered the IL development of students.

Originality/value

The author considers the study original both in conceptualization and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature and this study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. This study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana. This study recommends the need to integrate IL in the school curriculum to ensure effective and efficient IL instructions in high schools.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 51 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Veronica Britto and Valerie Taylor-Samuel

This descriptive case study offers an overview of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s (Pennsylvania, USA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges. The study details…

Abstract

This descriptive case study offers an overview of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s (Pennsylvania, USA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges. The study details how staff at the Free Library pivoted to create and deliver virtual programs during the pandemic. The timing of that pivot invoked successes and challenges to determine how the Free Library could remain flexible and relevant post-pandemic. The chapter briefly examines how library administrators attempted to address the needs of their racially diverse staff in an equitable and inclusive way in light of increased racial tensions that arose in Philadelphia during the pandemic. The chapter also notes a few of the Free Library’s best efforts to equip front-line librarians to be aspirational, creative, and, at times, grassroots in how they served the public during and beyond the pandemic. Finally, this descriptive case study will share some of the Free Library’s lessons learned and best practices developed during the pandemic.

Details

Reading Workplace Dynamics: A Post-Pandemic Professional Ethos in Public Libraries
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-071-1

Keywords

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