Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries
QQML- e-journal is an international scientific on-line open accessed, double anonymous peer-reviewed journal, which publishes scientific papers on diverse topics on Library and Information Science research. The scope of the journal is to publish contemporary and quality research, including theoretical research papers and applications. The journal is open and encourages the use of various research methods (quantitative and qualitative methods). QQML e-journal as a rule publishes the papers presented at the International conference QQML- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries (www.isast.org). Furthermore, QQML e-journal welcomes papers of the following types: • Articles, • Reports, • Case Studies, • Dissertations’ and Theses’ Abridgement, • Reviews of recent publications relevant to the scope and the topics of the journal, • Announcements of the International Associations, • News about the LIS activities internationally. The title of the journal QQML –e-journal (Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries -electronic journal) indicates the two major methodological trends and also two different ways of measuring quality and results. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (QQM) are proved more and more popular tools for Librarians, because of their usefulness to the everyday professional life. QQM aim to the assessment and improvement of the services, to the measurement of the functional effectiveness and efficiency. For ages library science was considered as a practical job, without scientific basis and prospect. Analysis and Synthesis, methodologies and metrics are terms of the last two decades. We invite the cooperation of Professionals and Researchers, Theorists and Practitioners to address existential problems, to emphasize the role of methodologies and argument aiming to the maximum scholarship, reliability and view. QQM are the mean to make decisions on fund allocation and financial alternatives. Librarians use also QQM in order to determine why and when their users appreciate their services. This is the start point of the innovation involvement and the ongoing procedure of the excellent performance. Systematic development of quality management in libraries requires a detailed framework, including the quality management standards, the measurement indicators, the self-appraisal schedules and the operational rules. These standards are practice-oriented tools and a benchmarking result. Their basic function is to express responsibly the customer (library user) -supplier (library services) relationship and provide a systematic approach to the continuous change onto excellence. The indoor and outdoor relationships of libraries are dependent of their communication and marketing capabilities, challenges, opportunities and implementation programmes. The Journal is supported by members of the Committees of the annual international conference on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries. The Journal is Published by ISAST (http://www.isast.org)
Changes in Psychology Publication Patterns in the Nordic Universities: A Bibliometric Analysis based on Current Research information Systems data
There is little empirical research focusing on the publication patterns of psychology. Using research information system (CRIS) data, the current analysis will give a more comprehensive view of the publication types, languages, co-authorship patterns, and publishers preferred by Nordic psychology researchers beyond Web of Science and Scopus. This study shows that the total number of publications as well as the number of authors per publication has increased during 2014-2023. The research also expands previous research by showing that besides scholarly papers, academic psychologists continue to write book publications and national language publications. These are largely missing from commercial databases. Yet, large international publishers remain dominant, although the role of OA publishers such as Frontiers and MDPI has strengthened.
bibliometrics, research information systems (CRIS), publication patterns, psychology departments, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway
Copyright (c) 2026 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Key factors influencing service quality in university libraries in Latin America
This study evaluates the key factors that impact service quality in nine Latin American university libraries that are members of the Z (Z) between 2018 and 2022. Using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, the research identifies library space, staff performance, and collections as the main contributors to perceived service quality. The results reveal consistent patterns among users' evaluations and highlight the need for standardized assessment methodologies in the region. These findings contribute empirical evidence to ongoing discussions about library management and user satisfaction in Latin American higher education.
How much open is cancer research? Evaluating The Openness of Scholarly Publications in SAARC Countries: A Data Carpentry Approach
This study presents a bibliometric and metadata analysis of research publications in cancer research from SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) over the period 2015 to 2024, with a particular focus on open access trends, collaboration networks, and thematic distributions. Data comprising 19,567 articles was retrieved from the Scopus database using affiliation-based filters and refined using OpenRefine to standardize open access status, licensing types, and publication attributes. VOSviewer was used to map co-authorship networks and examined keyword co-occurrence across countries, illustrating significant intra-regional collaboration patterns, with India emerging as the principal hub. The analysis also revealed common thematic areas of research emphasis, including public health, and digital innovation. The results highlight a growing but uneven adoption of open access practices across SAARC nations in cancer research, with disparities in licensing and accessibility. The study underscores the potential of bibliometric tools to uncover regional research dynamics and suggests pathways for enhancing scholarly visibility and cooperation within SAARC countries.
Open access publishing, Licensing types, OpenRefine, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, SAARC, Cancer research.
Virtual Assistants in Philippine Academic Libraries: A Comparative Analysis of Features, Accessibility,and User Engagement
This study examines the implementation of different virtual assistants (VAs) in academic libraries across various Philippine universities to determine the best features of different VAs, and to explore the role of VA platforms in accessibility and effectiveness of the services. Web content analysis is used in collecting data from ten academic institutions based from Commission on Higher Education (CHED) list of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), revealing a mx of VA types including live librarians, chatbots, and AI-driven systems, supported by platforms such as TAWK.to, Springshare, Freshworks, Tidio, and PureChat. The analysis highlights the following: 1) types of VAs and platforms used by academic libraries, 2) comparing the different features and technical specifications, and 3) accessibility and effectiveness of VA platforms. The study underscores the need for enhanced platform integration and improved AI capabilities to optimize user experience in Philippine academic libraries.
Virtual Assistant (VA), Library Services, Library Support, Academic Libraries, and Philippines
The Importance of Internal Communication in Job Satisfaction: The Example of UNIKOP Region Libraries Employees in Türkiye
Job satisfaction is an important factor that affects employees commitment to their jobs, productivity and overall satisfaction levels. Many factors play a role in ensuring job satisfaction, and internal communication is one of them. Internal communication is a set of processes that enable the exchange of information, interaction and cooperation between the employees of an organization. An effective communication structure ensures that employees feel valued, while at the same time playing a critical role in terms of achieving the organization’s goals. The healthy functioning of internal communication increases the job satisfaction of employees, as well as strengthens their motivation and commitment. As information centers with a large number of users and employees, internal communication is also very important for libraries. Library employees who are satisfied with the environment they are in and satisfied with their work will provide better service to both users and society. The purpose of the study was to examine the perceptions of employees of KOP Region Universities Association (UNIKOP) libraries regarding internal communication and job satisfaction, in light of various demographic variables. Data were collected online and in-person via surveys. The study population consisted of 187 individuals working in university libraries in the region, and 94 volunteered to participate. The results of the study reveals that there is a significant difference between the participants in terms of gender and educational status; on the other hand, marital status and income has not created a significant difference.
Job satisfaction, Communication, Internal communication, UNIKOP region, Library employee
An in-depth look at Science Process Skills Research from 2000-2024. A Scientometric Analysis
This scientometric analysis examines 8,110 Scopus articles (2000-2024) tracking the evolution of Scientific Process Skills (SPS) research. Publication output showed steady growth, reaching a peak of 730 articles in 2024, indicating expanding academic engagement. The United States dominated research production with 8,331 articles, while the University of California system was the top-contributing institution with 206 publications. Teece's 2007 work received the highest citations (8,386), demonstrating substantial cross-disciplinary impact. Keyword analysis revealed enduring themes like "education" and "learning" alongside emerging interests in artificial intelligence integration and pandemic-related pedagogical adaptations. The strongest research collaborations existed between North American and European institutions. These findings highlight key trends including the growing incorporation of technology in SPS pedagogy, significant geographical disparities in research output, and important opportunities for enhanced global cooperation. The study provides empirical evidence of SPS research development, offering science educators and policymakers critical insights for developing twenty-first-century competencies through evidence based approaches that address current educational challenges and technological advancements.
science process skills, scientometric analysis, research trends, global collaboration science education.
A decade of trend reports: Approaches of information literacy and digital literacy in light of the IFLA Trend Reports (2013-2024): A textual analysis
Structural abstract Background and objective: Examining and debating new subjects and emerging topics in library and information science is part of IFLA trends, and literacy concepts have long been a matter of concern within these trends. This article aims to discover prominent aspects and approaches of information literacy and digital literacy concepts in IFLA trend reports from 2013 to 2024 by implementing textual analysis within different corpus reports to investigate the contributions and relationships of various trends to information and digital literacy. Methods: To reach this purpose, Voyant tools’ important features were implemented for textual analysis for finding patterns, structures, and specific analysis of information and digital literacy within IFLA trend reports corpus from 2013 to 2024 by identifying and investigating important contexts with focus on Voyant tools special features such as Topics, Cirrus, TermsBerry, Relative frequency, and Bubblelines. Results: Both information literacy and digital literacy are topics of discussion in IFLA trend reports 2016 and 2024 from multiple perspectives, with a special focus on information literacy in the IFLA trend report 2021. In terms of Bubblelines, the highest density was in IFLA trend report 2024. In dealing with relative frequency in information literacy, IFLA trend reports 2013, 2016, 2021 and 2024 had the highest relative frequency while digital literacy was the main topic of discussion in IFLA trend report 2016 and 2024. Important contexts of information and digital literacy were also investigated and distinguished within various IFLA trends. Significance, value: Implementing Voyant tools in this research as an innovative textual analysis method demonstrated that information and digital literacy are considered important approaches in IFLA trends in various years and are not only aligned with most of these trends but can also interpret multiple aspects of a corpus of reports according to their definitions and applications.
Textual data analysis, data mining, information literacy, digital literacy, Voyant tools, IFLA trend reports, content analysis
Critical thinking in library and information science: a bibliometric analysis
Critical thinking has long been an important topic in academia and educational sciences. Despite various researches in analyzing critical thinking publications in different academic disciplines, no comprehensive research has ever been conducted about bibliometric analysis of publications in this topic in Library and information science (LIS). Bibliometric analysis is a significant tool for a systematic analysis of references related to multiple subjects and disciplines. This research aimed at discussing and defining critical thinking concept in LIS by implementing bibliometric analysis for analyzing and reviewing over publications regarding critical thinking in Library and information science via Web of Science Database (WoS). After standard searching, selecting and screening the relevant results, 105 publications were retrieved from WoS. Publications were analyzed according to number of references and citations per year, key authors, highly cited publications, affiliations, and countries. The frequency of related keywords and the relationship between them were also analyzed by VOSviewer to identify the relationship between keywords in critical thinking in LIS. The results demonstrated that critical thinking, information literacy and library instruction were among the most frequent keywords utilized in different publications and had the strong relationship with each other.
Critical thinking, Library and information science, library instruction, bibliometric analysis, information literacy
Scientometrics Analysis of World-Wide Scientific Research Output on Treatment of Diabetes Using VOSviewer and R Biblioshiny Visualisation Tools
This study conducts a scientometric analysis of global research on diabetes treatment from 2020 to 2024, It aims to examine the quantitative publication trends, identify prolific authors and core journals, map influential themes and scholarly networks, and visualize international collaboration patterns. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using a comprehensive Boolean search string, refined by inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 4,073 relevant documents. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny R were employed for advanced scientometric visualization and interpretation, including Thematic Map co-authorship, co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling, and factorial analysis. The results indicate a steady increase in research output, with the highest relative growth rate is 0.792 in 2021, declining to 0.261 in 2024. Citation metrics showed that publications from 2020 had the highest impact of 17.53, while 2024 publications exhibited lower citation counts due to a shorter citation window. Co-occurrence analysis identified “type 2 diabetes,” “metformin,” and “glycemic control” as central keywords, reflecting thematic dominance in pharmacotherapy and complications. Thematic mapping revealed mature research areas (e.g., insulin therapy), niche topics (e.g., retinopathy), and emerging themes (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers). Co-authorship mapping identified Khunti K. and Ji Linong as key contributors, while Diabetes Care emerged as the most influential journal. Country collaboration networks showed the USA, China, and the UK as leading contributors, with the UK having the highest percentage of international collaboration of 48.7%.
Diabetes treatment, Scientometric analysis, VOSviewer, R Biblioshiny, Collaboration networks, Global research trends
Social Tags vs LCSH Descriptors: A Comparative Metadata Analysis of Tagore’s Literature
Technological development has empowered civilization from all aspects. With the prevalence of web 2.0 applications, a new way of resource description has become popular called 'social tagging'. Social tagging has revolutionized how we describe and access web resources, offering numerous benefits over traditional cataloguing systems. This flexible and user-driven approach allows anyone to assign keywords to any resource, enabling quick adaptation to changing user needs. With social tagging, users can search for resources through tag recommendations, making it a cost-effective alternative that eliminates the need for professional librarians. The popularity of standalone social tagging applications, such as LibraryThing, BibSonomy, Goodreads, Anobii, Flickr, and Readgeek, has made it accessible to a wide range of users, offering a new way to discover and share information. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of social tags compared to Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) descriptors in Literature, specifically focusing on Rabindranath Tagore's works. By comparing the two approaches, this research seeks to determine whether social tags can be a viable alternative or complement to traditional LCSH descriptors, which are widely used in libraries for resource description. The study highlighted the advantage of social tags over LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings) in classifying Tagore's literature, showing that social tags achieved greater precision and recall in capturing the nuances and complexities of his works.
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods applied in LIS research published in Annals of Library and Information Studies (ALIS): An Analysis
The study examined 296 research articles published in the Annals of Library and Information Studies (ALIS) during 2011 to 2020 to identify trends in Library and Information Science (LIS) research, focusing on the research methods used. The research finds Bibliometrics and Scientometrics emerged as the dominant areas of study. Bibliometrics and Surveys of various types were the most used research methods with Web of Knowledge and Scopus being the preferred data sources to ensure reliability for their findings. Questionnaires and Likert scales were frequently used for data collection, with purposive and random sampling as the primary selection methods. Statistical data analysis often involved frequency counts and simple percentage analysis, followed by descriptive and inferential statistics. MS Excel and SPSS were the preferred software/tools for data analysis. Citation analysis revealed that journals were the most cited sources, particularly Scientometrics and Annals of Library and Information Studies. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies and trends within LIS research.
Research Methods; Quantitative analysis; Qualitative analysis; Content analysis.
Evolution of Academic Production in Information Science: Theses and Dissertations in Portugal (2014-2024)
Academic training in information science is guided by international guidelines that establish essential structuring axes for preparing future information professionals. These axes include: Information in Society; Foundations of the LIS Profession; Information and Communication Technologies; Research and Innovation; Information Resources Management; Management for Information Professionals; Information Needs and User Services; Literacies and Learning. However, technological advances and changes in information practices have led to the emergence of new research topics, such as Communicating Value, Data Curation, Digital Preservation, Ubiquity of Information Technologies and Associated Ethical Problems, Mobile Devices and Environments, Acquisition and Use of E-books, Communication and Publication of Information, User Behaviours and Expectations, and Information Professionals. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate whether the theses and dissertations developed by higher education students in Information Science in Portugal align with the traditional axes of training in the area or reflect a growing tendency to explore emerging themes. To this end, an exploratory analysis was conducted of the academic works available in the RENATES (National Registry of Dissertations and Theses), considering master's dissertations and doctoral theses in Library and Information Science. The study followed a quantitative and qualitative methodology, starting with the creation of a corpus of analysis based on criteria such as keywords, abstracts, and thematic classification. The academic papers were categorized according to their adherence to traditional or emerging themes, allowing a comparison between the two approaches. By analysing the results, this study contributes to a reflection on the adequacy of academic curricula to the emerging demands of the market and society. The research highlights the need for a balance between traditional training and the incorporation of new themes, ensuring that information professionals are well-prepared for contemporary challenges. The discussion also highlights the importance of internationalizing research and exchanging experiences between institutions in different contexts, promoting a broad and up-to-date vision of Information Science.
Copyright (c) 2025 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NLIST in Provincialized Government Colleges of Assam: An Assessment
The present study aims to evaluate the utilization of NLIST services within provincialised colleges in Assam. A total of 17 colleges were randomly chosen for data collection. The questionnaire has been designed in a descriptive format, covering ICT infrastructure, authorities' support, reasons for opting for NLIST e-resources, challenges in seamless user services, and the frequency of significant efforts by college libraries. Personal interactions performed by the researcher following the distribution of the questionnaire among librarians of selected colleges. Findings revealed deficiencies in ICT infrastructure, slow internet speeds, and insufficient authority support regarding budget allocation and availability of skilled staff. The study identified lower costs of e-resources, NAAC evaluations, and the NEP 2020 as primary factors which are strong reason identified behind opting NLIST resources. Emphasizing the critical necessity for improved high-speed internet access to fully leverage e-resources, despite 70.57% of college librarians conducting awareness and training programs, 52.94% expressed the need for further orientation, workshops, and training sessions. It underscores the importance of awareness initiatives in Higher Education Institutes across Assam. To optimize the impact of the NLIST project, the study suggests conducting publicity and marketing campaigns aimed at college awareness to attract more institutions to benefit from the initiative. The research unveils a substantial gap in NLIST resource utilization in Assam's colleges, indicating the urgent need for corrective measures to match with those in other Indian states.
Optimizing Instagram Metrics for Strategic Information Marketing: Insights from Global Influencers
This study examines engagement dynamics and follower distributions among the top ten most-followed Instagram accounts, collectively amassing 4.289 billion followers. Statistical analysis reveals a positively skewed distribution, with a mean follower count of 428.9M exceeding the median (382M), influenced by outliers such as @instagram (672M) and @cristiano (617M). Z-score analysis identifies these accounts as significant outliers, whereas @khloekardashian (-1.03) and @beyonce (-0.97) rank at the lower spectrum. Sector-wise, athletes, predominantly footballers, maintain the highest average follower count (548.5M), whereas musicians and influencers range between 305M–420M. Sentiment analysis classifies engagement patterns into three categories: (i) highly positive accounts (@therock, @cristiano) fostering strong emotional resonance, (ii) neutral/promotional accounts (@instagram, @kimkardashian) with lower engagement, and (iii) music/activism-driven accounts (@beyonce, @arianagrande) balancing entertainment and social influence. Engagement Rate (ER) analysis highlights @therock (2.68%), @selenagomez (2.10%), and @cristiano (1.75%) as top performers, while @instagram (0.54%) exhibits minimal audience interaction. A moderate negative correlation (-0.582) between follower count and engagement rate suggests that larger audiences correspond with diminishing engagement levels, declining by 0.00248% per additional million followers. Findings underscore that content quality, audience sentiment, and narrative strategies surpass follower count in driving engagement. These insights hold critical implications for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, highlighting Instagram's potential for strategic digital outreach, branding, and knowledge dissemination. By leveraging targeted engagement strategies, LIS practitioners can optimize social media impact, fostering deeper connections with information users in an increasingly digital landscape.
Research Output of University of Delhi In The Field Of Physics: A Scientomteric Analysis
current study is based on a scientometric examination of the physics research trend. The data for this study was extracted from the Scopus Database covering the study period 1942 to 2023.The current study examined 14462 articles in the field of physics and also the recent research trends between them. The analysis mainly covers the chronological distribution of documents, forms of publications, top-ranked journals, top-cited articles, and the authorship pattern has been examined during the study. The result of the study found that Most of the articles was published in the year 2022, with 1079 (7.46%), Chaudhary B.C. has been contributed the maximum number of articles i.e.,1785(2.23%); The degree of collaboration (DC) decreases from 1.00 to 0.97 and the average value of DC is 0.80 The journal articles form of documents constitutes the maximum number of publications i.e.,12536(86.68%) publications. The research paper “CMS physics technical design report, volume II: Physics performance” has the highest number of citations 751. The top most journal name ‘Journal of High Energy Physics’ is having the maximum number of publications i.e., 409 (2.82%).
Degree of Collaboration, Physics, Scientometrics, Research Output, University of Delhi
Developing Digital Libraries for People with Disabilities: Accessibility Compliance and Challenges
This study explores how digital library (DL) developers address accessibility when creating digital collections to support people with disabilities, especially blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. It investigates whether developers comply with accessibility guidelines and the challenges they face. A total of 31 DL developers from U.S. institutions participated, recruited through listservs, professional organizations, and snowball sampling. Data were collected via a questionnaire and asynchronous focus groups conducted through Canvas. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. Findings show most developers follow legal and accessibility guidelines, though a few do not. Challenges include limited resources, a lack of awareness, legacy system issues, a lack of engagement with BVI users, administrative and vendor constraints, and complex guidelines.
Accessibity guidelines, compliance, challenges, people with disabilities, blind and visually impaired users, digital libraries
A Bibliometric Analysis on Digital Library Research Output in Asian Countries from 2014-2023
This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis of research output on Digital Libraries from Asian countries during 2014 to 2023. It explores the research activities on digital Library as well as subject wise classification of papers, journal wise publication trend, institution and country wise distribution of contribution. Also the prolific authors during 2014-2023 and keywords having more potential to cover this study area have been analyzed.
Reshaping Roles: Libraries in the Era of Mental Health Advocacy
This literature review examines the evolving role of libraries in supporting mental health and well-being. Traditionally, centers of learning, libraries are increasingly offering resources, programs, and safe spaces for mental health advocacy. As mental health concerns rise, libraries have expanded services, including providing literature, support groups, and connections to professionals. However, gaps remain in assessing the effectiveness of these initiatives and integrating digital health tools. This review emphasizes the positive impact libraries have on community well-being and individual mental health, highlighting the need for further development of inclusive, evidence-based practices in library-based mental health support.
Unveiling Digital Realms: A Systematic Review of Netnography Research in Library and Information Science
Netnography is an innovative qualitative approach that holds promise for investigating online phenomena. It has been gaining increasing popularity across disciplines in recent years. This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how netngoraphy has been applied in library and information science (LIS). A systematic review was conducted on 38 netnography studies published in LIS journals indexed in three academic databases. The findings reveal a growing trend of netnography research and a wide range of research topics of interest in the included studies. Of particular significance is the comprehensive analysis and discussion of various methodological aspects, including research design, data collection, data analysis, research ethics, and research rigor, within the context of netnography in LIS. The examination of methodological issues in current netnography research provides valuable insights and serves as a foundation for identifying potential opportunities for improvement in future studies.
Netnography; Systematic review; Research design; Data collection; Data analysis: Research rigor; Research ethics
The Nexus of Organizational Effectiveness and Renovated Academic Library Environment -A Research-Centric Approach
Academic libraries counted as the “Heart of the Institution” which already having some predefined duties and responsibilities. Recently Many academic institutions modified their libraries using latest technologies and equipments for better user support. The article throws light to Academic institution’sRenovated Knowledge Houses ‘s contributions to Institutional Effectiveness. How libraries resources, services, human assets are being explore for the well being of the parent organization? Are the users received their expected out come from latest facilities offered by the information centers? Many components all together provide their endowment to the success and goal achievement of the parent organization. Current study investigates the changing pattern, attitudes, utilities, effectiveness etc of modified physical and digital functionaries of advanced and renovated libraries towards the empowerment , achievement and path setting of institution. The study results pointed that these new ventures can promote the reputation, sprit ,corevalueand mission of organizations and their in house and exterior collaborators. It’s evident that Institutional effectiveness through library services and facilities can attract more staff and students to the institution and Accreditation bodies, government agencies provide high rating to these institutions.
Organizational Effectiveness, Knowledge Houses, Academic Libraries, Remodeled Facilities
Use of Online Databases and Social Networking Sites by Geology Faculty Members in Kerala
This study aims to examine the use of online databases and social networking sites (SNS) by geology faculty members in Kerala, India. It also seeks to identify the relationship between their research experience, the number of published papers, and their overall usage of these digital resources. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The study population comprises geology faculty members from academic geoscience departments in government and government-aided colleges, as well as state and central universities in Kerala. SPSS software was employed for both descriptive and analytical data analysis. The respondents in this study utilized an average of four databases: Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. They also had an average level of use of social networking sites such as WhatsApp, ResearchGate, YouTube, Slideshare, and Academia.edu. A very strong statistically significant relationship was found between research experience (in years) and the number of published papers (rho = 0.659, p < 0.01). Additionally, a moderate statistically significant relationship was observed between the overall use of online databases and the overall use of social networking sites (rho = 0.517, p < 0.01). Conversely, a moderate statistically significant negative relationship was observed between the overall use of social networking sites and the number of published papers (rho = -0.323, p < 0.05). The usage of various digital resources by faculty members is continually increasing. This study examines their use of online databases and social networking sites.
Electronic Resources, E-resources Usage, Geology Faculty, Online Databases, Social Networking Sites
Benchmarking Rajagiri Business School’s Scholarly Output through Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)Lens: A Bibliometric Approach
This study provides a bibliometric analysis of Rajagiri Business School's (RBS) research contributions through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) lens, utilizing SciVal's research intelligence and benchmarking capabilities to assess impact, alignment, and strategic growth areas in responsible management education (RME). Analyzing key performance metrics—including Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), citation counts, and scholarly output across all 17 SDGs—this work reveals RBS's substantial contributions to SDGs such as Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13), with FWCI scores significantly above global averages. Meanwhile, research gaps in SDGs like Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) highlight further areas for development. This analysis underscores how benchmarking and insights tools empower business schools to position their research within national and international academic landscapes, enhancing institutional visibility and impact. By illustrating the strategic role of SDG-focused research in business schools, particularly within India and globally, this study affirms the integral role of academia in advancing sustainable development. The findings demonstrate how business schools can utilize data-driven insights to support targeted research growth, foster impactful collaborations, and align their missions with global sustainability objectives, thereby reinforcing the critical influence of academia on pressing societal challenges and global sustainability objectives.
Italian music libraries and open access digital music archives. Issues and challenges
Music libraries are faced with two different but related issues: on the one hand, the creation of repositories of digitised music collections (a means desired and supported by everyone, even by those who do not have or do not want to get used to electronic devices, such as musicians who prefer and use exclusively or almost exclusively paper) and, on the other hand, the use of exclusively electronic devices as a means of studying and performing music. As far as Italian Conservatory libraries are concerned, the use of commercial digital library services is spreading. In addition, there is currently a lack of digitisation projects for early, rare, or notable music collections: with the exception of the digital collections of a few Conservatories, such as those of Naples and Milan, Brescia, Florence and some others, there are no particular innovations in the digitisation of historical music Conservatory libraries. In addition to digital libraries, some problems remain when searching for music using criteria designed for the verbal text: despite some interesting recent proposals, the search for notated music with specific criteria, different from those of the verbal text, remains a challenge.
Italian music libraries, Italian Conservatories, Music digital libraries, OPAC SBN, Internet Culturale
Looking to the Future: Public Libraries in Romania and their Role in the Community
Public libraries have long served their communities by addressing the information and cultural needs of different categories of users, adapting to societal, technological, and communicational changes. The past few years have brought us many challenges such as the continuous advance of information and communication technologies or the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In this context many public libraries have understood the need to prepare for the future and reshape their role and services by implementing a series of measures to overcome future challenges. This research focuses on public libraries in Romania, analysing their role within communities at a time when interest in education, culture, and reading is declining, and these institutions face persistent underfunding. This study, conducted among Romanian librarians, identifies the technological, economic, and social changes impacting their recent activity, their collaborations and partnerships and their future objectives.
public libraries, role, objectives, challenges, collaborations, partnerships, Romania
Mapping the literature on the application of Augmented and Virtual reality in libraries: a bibliometric analysis
The libraries are gradually adopting Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to improve the services and user experience. Such technologies can go beyond the limitations of physical space and encourage digital understanding and interaction in more active and flexible environments. This paper includes application of AR/VR in the library with case studies which includes back to the Future at the University of Southern California, the Bristol Library Virtual Reality Space at the University of Bristol, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi's Central Library's virtual reality tour. Also provides a list of tools and technologies include AR/VR headsets, AR apps, 3D scanners and printers, content creation tools, mobile AR platforms, AR educational kits, and collaborative VR spaces. The bibliometric analysis was done with the dataset spanning 2004 to 2023 includes 482 sources and 924 documents, with an annual growth rate of 18.53%. The most common type of publication is regular articles. China leads the list of publications in the field of interdisciplinary research, with 204 publications and 3,512 citations. The US follows closely with 193 publications and 4,885 citations. The top ten include the UK, Spain, Australia, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Korea, and Germany. Key platforms like IEEE Access, Library Hi Tech, and PLOS One are also mentioned. Virtual reality is the most dominant term, with rehabilitation second. This paper comprises of application of AR/VR in the library providing various the tools and technology, and case studies and a bibliometric study. This research suggested that Augmented and virtual reality technologies can enhance patron experience, foster digital literacy in the library.
Fundamental Statistical Terminology for Library and Information Science Researchers: Key Concepts to Know
This paper explores the crucial role of fundamental statistical terminology in guiding research within Library and Information Science (LIS). From the initial planning stages to the final analysis, statistical tools provide researchers with a systematic and quantitative framework for data analysis, enabling them to draw reliable conclusions and make informed decisions. The paper delves into essential statistical concepts, including hypotheses, variables, population, samples, sampling techniques, levels of measurement, statistical significance, validity, reliability, and data analysis. Through a detailed examination of each concept, the essay aims to equip LIS researchers with a foundational understanding of statistical terminology necessary for proficient data interpretation and manipulation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of statistical literacy in enhancing the rigour, objectivity, and credibility of research endeavours within the dynamic landscape of library and information science. Mastering these vital statistical concepts empowers researchers to contribute meaningfully to advancing knowledge in the field, fostering evidence-based decision-making and robust scientific inquiry.
Social media Prevalence: information anxiety among the librarians: Survey study.
Library and information professionals also use social media platforms through computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones due to the excessive use of social media and health issues faced by library professionals. The primary purpose of this paper is to bring up the issue of information overload and its impact on the professional lives of librarians. It is a quantitative study, and survey methodology is used as the data collection source. A total of 162 library professionals participated in this study. The findings of this study showed that excessive use of social media anxiety has effects on the health of library and information professionals, such as eyesight weakness, mental stress, and sleeping disorders. Librarians can control information anxiety and create appropriate usage of social media. This study also provides implications for other professional domains to create a balanced use of social media.
A Comparative Analysis of Prison Library Services in Central Jails of Uttar Pradesh: An Inmate’s Perspective
India's vast penitentiary system, housing over half a million inmates across numerous facilities, underscores the critical need for effective prison rehabilitation programs. This study examines the library services offered specifically by Varanasi and Agra central jail in Uttar Pradesh. Study focused to find role of library in education and access to diverse reading material by the inmates. A comprehensive survey and comparative analysis have been performed to evaluate inmate’s perceptions, library objectives, service satisfaction levels, and the availability of reading materials. Key findings highlight significant variations between Varanasi and Agra Central Jails in terms of inmate perceptions and utilization patterns of library services. While Varanasi inmates emphasize the educational aspect, Agra inmates exhibit higher satisfaction with library services. Disparities also exist in perceptions regarding the availability of updated materials and inmate preferences for reading materials. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to enhance library services and inmate experiences in correctional facilities. By addressing inmates' unique needs and preferences, prison authorities can optimize the role of library to promote education, recreation, and skill development among inmates for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
AI, Acronyms, and the Future of Facets: Mnemonics as Heuristic Instructional Tools for Structuring GenAI Prompts
This paper explores the evolving landscape of library discovery through the lens of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), focusing on potential impacts on traditional faceted search interfaces. As AI-driven conversational search begins to reshape information retrieval, concerns arise regarding the potential to obscure facets, which are critical to search result refinement. This study introduces mnemonic acronyms as a heuristic device to guide users in structuring effective prompts for AI-based search. Observational studies in academic settings demonstrate how acronyms can enhance precision and user understanding of AI-driven search. Findings indicate that providing heuristic tools can be an effective strategy to guide initial AI searches, but challenges such as accuracy and bias highlight the ongoing need for critical evaluation.
The Role of the Academic Library in the Socialization of Education Research Results: Qualitative Findings in Four Mexican Universities
The findings of education research are shared with peers and the general public. Academic libraries require a detailed identification of their current and potential role in supporting their researcher users as creators of new knowledge in order to provide a better service. In this text, we share the qualitative advancements of a study which had the objective of retrieving the elements that define the current and potential role of the library in the context of the meanings and actions linked to result socialization processes for education researchers, who address priority processes for Mexican society. The data comes from semi-structured interviews with four academics belonging to two public and two private universities, diverse in their size and geographic location. The analysis used the Grounded Theory method, and analysis categories were generated for each institution through various technological supports. Although the results are specific to each researcher and university, we can identify some common aspects about the role of the library in the socialization of research results; one example would be reviewing literature through electronic databases. Previous results establish that libraries are a benchmark in the researchers’ trajectory and may have a key role in formation, for creating informational materials and establishing alliances to situate research results on specialized and general platforms.
Library Research; Diffusion and Dissemination of Education Research; Qualitative Methods; Grounded Theory; Library Support for Research Socialization