Evaluation of electronic service infrastructures and quality of e-services in Nigerian academic libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1133-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan E. Asogwa ◽  
Cyprian I. Ugwu ◽  
Ferdinand C. Ugwuanyi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Online Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nigerian University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of online services in academic libraries in Nigeria. It seeks to assess the functionality of electronic infrastructures, to expose areas where the service needs of users are not adequately provided and to recommend solutions. Design/methodology/approach – The sample population was 210 staff and students who used electronic resources in Nigerian university libraries during the 2012-2013 academic session. A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Modified WebQual four performance indicators were designed and used to measure: library equipment, library website, online public access catalogue (OPAC) and e-user education in the university libraries. The five-point service performance scale that ranged from very poor performance to excellent was used in measuring the views of the respondents. Findings – None of the indicators was rated excellent; six were rated good; nine were average; two and five indicators scored poor and very poor, respectively. Poor funding, intermittent power supply and weak telecommunication infrastructures were among the major impediments to online services in Nigerian universities. Through adequate funding and prudent management of library funds, online services in Nigerian university libraries could meet global standards. Practical implications – Results from this paper could guide library management on several concrete remedial actions to sustain e-service performance that could meet the missions and visions of contemporary academic libraries. Originality/value – This paper was the first to apply WebQual model in the evaluation of electronic performance quality of academic libraries in Nigeria.

scholarly journals The assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian university libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 399-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halima Egberongbe ◽  
Barbara Sen ◽  
Peter Willett
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Nigerian University

Purpose Organizations constantly evaluate their activities to ensure that they are attaining their management goals. Maturity assessment enables organizations to examine their capabilities, support innovation and evaluate development. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the maturity statuses of a selection of Nigerian university libraries in a study to investigate their quality management (QM) approaches. The study provides recommendations for means to attain the required statuses in academic library development. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a multisite case study in which interviews were conducted with 15 university librarians (or their representatives) and ten focus groups were conducted with non-management library staff. The resulting qualitative data were analyzed using an aspect of framework analysis – charting, while a maturity model from the field of project management (Prince 2 Maturity Model, P2MM) was used to assess maturity in QM of the libraries. Findings The results of the maturity assessment indicate a basic knowledge of the concept of QM implementation among the libraries. The scores obtained on the P2MM capability scale placed the libraries studied mainly on Level 1 (awareness level) of the model. Practical implications This paper demonstrates that the culture of QM in academic libraries in Nigeria is at a low level with considerable potential for development. It is suggested that future adoption of quality maturity models to assess performance and organizational effectiveness would aid improvements for value-added services. Originality/value This is the first study to attempt the assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian academic libraries for identification of the organization’s positioning in QM and strategy.

Making a makerspace case for academic libraries in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 568-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Nneka Okpala
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Current Journal

Purpose This paper aims to give a highlight on the concept of makerspace and its perceived benefits in academic libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The searches encompass current journal articles, books, newspapers, magazines, personal experiences on the concept of makerspace, 3D-printing and technologies in libraries. Practical examples of libraries that already have makerspaces in operation were sourced. Findings Findings of this study create awareness of benefits, challenges and strategies for developing and managing makerspaces in Nigerian academic libraries, using Zenith Library as a hypothetical sample. Research limitations/implications Only the proposal guide has been drafted. There is need for more investigations on the awareness of, and plan to adopt makerspace technologies in Nigerian academic libraries. Practical implications Librarians need to appreciate the makerspace technologies and forge ahead in establishing makerspace in strategic areas of their libraries which should serve as a meeting point for all users in the university community, and for the sharing of innovative ideas. Social implications There is need for a paradigm shift in Nigerian university libraries, hence the shift in librarians’ thinking and approach to find their place in the new maker movement. Originality/value The originality of the paper lies in its justification for establishing makerspace in Nigerian academic libraries alongside the drafted proposal which has been designed to serve as a guide to libraries in Nigeria, as no makerspace has been documented to be existing in any Nigerian library.

Assessment of e-service quality performance of university libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharmendra Trivedi ◽  
Atul Bhatt ◽  
Mayank Trivedi ◽  
Pankajray Vinodchandra Patel
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
State University ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Quality Performance ◽  
Internet Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
University Library

Purpose This empirical study aims to measure the performance of electronic service quality and related infrastructure in a state university library and suggests the strategies for further improvement based on this study. Design/methodology/approach The data collection was done through a survey questionnaire based on the 22 attributes of four e-Service quality dimensions rated on five-point Likert scale. The sample population consisted of 239 respondents comprising of different categories of users of university library. Findings The results of this study indicated that all four dimensions rated by the users fell between mean score 3 to 4 (good), the highest score was received in dimension online public access catalogue (OPAC) and internet service with followed by Library website, Library electronic equipment’s and e-User education. Out of total 22 e-Service quality attributes, none of the attributes received score above 4 (excellent), which indicates that still university library need to improve the current performance of e-Service quality and to take remedial steps to enhance the existing e-services and infrastructure. Practical implications Findings from this study could assist university library authority to sustain and enhance performance of e-Services that could achieve the core journey of the modern university libraries. Originality/value This study was the first endeavour for measurement of the performance of e-Service quality and related infrastructure of federal university libraries in India.

Income‐generating activities: a viable financial source for African academic libraries?

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benzies Y. Boadi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Responsibility ◽  
Current State ◽  
Income Generating Activities ◽  
The University ◽  
National Governments

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non‐traditional methods of providing funding for them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades.FindingsThe paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them.Originality/valueAs a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income‐generating activities.

Resource sharing challenges and prospects in Nigerian university libraries

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Anasi ◽  
Hussaini Ali
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Automation ◽  
Slow Progress ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Ict Development ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to effective resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachProfessional librarians from six randomly selected federal university libraries representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria were surveyed using a descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were sent to 124 librarians; 85 were returned and found to be usable, for a response rate of 68.5 per cent.FindingsThe study revealed that the prospect for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria is high. However, factors that hinder effective resource sharing include inadequate funding, a dearth of skilled librarians, power outages, an absence of web‐accessible OPACs, uneven development of libraries, and slow progress of library automation. It is recommended that each university library have a specific annual budget allocation for ICT development and maintenance and for training of librarians to pilot resource sharing projects.Originality/valueThis paper presents resource‐sharing challenges facing academic libraries in Nigeria. It encourages information professionals to embark on capacity building for effective resource sharing. This paper was prepared for the 12th Interlending and Document Supply Conference, held in September 2011.

Service quality assessment model for academic libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Jahangir Alam ◽  
Muhammad Mezbah-ul-Islam
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Tolerance Zone ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Service ◽  
Service Expectation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a service quality assessment model for academic libraries using SERVQUAL and validate the model surveying teachers, students and researchers. Design/methodology/approach A model was developed, including 28 statements of five dimensions using the SERVQUAL instrument. It incorporated three segments, i.e. minimum service expectation, desired service expectation and actual service performance with a seven-point Likert scale. The minimum service expectation and desired service expectation appear at both ends of the tolerance zone, which represents the range of satisfactory service performance. A performance level upper tolerance zone could delight users, or service performance below the tolerance zone would cause dissatisfaction. A survey was conducted among 552 respondents from ten private university libraries of Bangladesh to validate the model. Findings Several statistical methods like Cronbach’s alpha (0.986), Bartlett’s test (0.001), rotation sums of squared loadings (74.26) in factor analysis, item loading (0.671‐0.839), commonalities (0.579‐0.859), Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value (0.971), construct reliability (0.862‐0.910) and AVE value (0.510‐0.660) supported reliability and validity of the model. The actual service performance of all dimensions existed within the tolerance zone of the respective dimensions. Besides, the overall service performance (5.11) resided within the tolerance zone (4.73‐5.84), indicating the users were satisfied with the service provided by their libraries. Originality/value The model was developed in the current context of university libraries, which produced appropriate results. It will prompt further research on service quality assessment in academic libraries globally.

Critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 545-563
Author(s):  
Edward Asante ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Technical University

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries in Ghana. This study is part of a PhD project that focussed on selected technical university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach to collect the data. Samples of 124 participants were involved in this study. PLS-SEM (Smart PLS3) software was used to analyse the data. Convergent, discriminant validity assessment was computed. Eight variables of critical success factors were tested in relation to total quality management implementation at selected academic libraries in Ghana.FindingsThis study established that out of the eight variables tested, six of them (i.e. top management commitment, employee innovation employee training, organisational culture, teamwork and effective communication, quality performance) indicated a significant positive relationship with total quality management implementation apart from strategic planning and human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to eight variables as the critical success factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. The use of one methodology might be a limitation as the use of multimethod might have given a more comprehensive picture than the case. This study was limited to only technical university libraries in Ghana hence caution must be exercised when applying the results to contextually different academic environments. The results are applicable to academic universities library in Ghana and beyond if they are adjusted to suit the context.Practical implicationsThis study is timely as it may lead to effective total quality management implementation and the sustainability of technical university libraries in Ghana and Africa in general.Originality/valueThe proposed model can be used to enhance the smooth implementation of total quality management in academic libraries in general and Ghana in particular. The framework is termed as Eddie and Pat's Achievement of Quality Performance (EPAfQP) model.

Research on user needs for mobile information services in Chinese university libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Shengli Deng ◽  
Ting Gao ◽  
Ruoxin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Information Content ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
Information Services ◽  
User Needs ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Information ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Mobile Information Services

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the service demand of existing users and potential users for mobile information services provided by university libraries in China. The primary objective is to explore the impact of user experience on user needs, which is conducted by a comparison between two user groups over their needs from three aspects – service function, service mode and information content. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 353 library users from ten Chinese universities via questionnaires. Based on the user needs model, three dimensions of user needs were established for mobile information services and 26 measurement items were generated through a review of the literature. Furthermore, based on frequency analysis, independent samples t-test and the calculation of need rate, the demand differences in mobile information services between existing and potential users were explored. Findings Significant differences existed in the needs for service functions and service modes of mobile information services between existing users and potential users. Existing users cared more about such characteristics as intelligence, personalization and the variety of mobile services. Potential users, in contrast, concerned themselves more with the usability of mobile services and similarity to traditional information services. These two user groups showed little difference in the needs for information content, as they both have strict requirements for specialty, richness in and quality of information resources in mobile network environments. Originality/value Previous research on user needs for mobile libraries services has been primarily conducted from the perspectives of existing users. This study, however, compared the needs of existing and potential users based on their previous experiences, which can help libraries to know better what their users need and improve the quality of mobile information services to meet those needs. This can also make existing users more willing to use the services and cultivate the usage habits of potential users at the same time.

The quality of user experiences for mobile recommendation systems: an end-user perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woon Kian Chong ◽  
Zhuang Ma
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Recommendation Systems ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
User Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Involvement Theory

PurposeThis paper attempts to identify key factors (i.e., personalization, privacy awareness and social norms) that affect user experiences (UXs) of mobile recommendation systems according to the user involvement theory (push-based and pull-based) and their relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an online survey with students from an international business school located in southwestern China. The sample population for the study included randomly selected 600 university students who are active mobile phone users. A total of 470 questionnaires were returned; 456 were valid (14 were invalid due to the incompleteness of their responses), providing a response rate of 65%.FindingsSocial norms have the largest impact on user experience quality, followed by personalization and privacy awareness. User involvement in mobile recommendation systems has mediating effects on the above relationships, with larger effects on pull-based systems than on push-based systems.Originality/valueThis study provides an integrated framework for researchers to measure the effects of social, personal and risk factors on the quality of user experience. The results enrich the literature on user involvement, mobile recommendation systems and UX. The findings provide significant implications for both retailers and developers of mobile recommendation systems.

scholarly journals Leadership Styles, Promotion Opportunities, and Salary as Correlates of Turnover Intentions among Librarians in Nigerian University Libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-66
Author(s):  
Afebuameh James Aiyebelehin ◽  
Rosemary Odiachi ◽  
Blessing Omoregie
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Information Service ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Major Implication ◽  
Nigerian University

The study investigated leadership styles, promotion opportunities, and salary as correlates of turnover intention among librarians in Nigerian academic libraries. It applied the correlational survey design, and data was gathered with a questionnaire. The entire 115 librarians in three (3) universities in South-South, Nigeria formed the population of this study. The data was analyzed with mean and Pearson Moment Correlation (2-tailed). The findings show that the turnover intention of the librarians was high; leadership, promotion opportunities, and salary positively correlate with the turnover intention. The major implication of the findings of the study is that the issue of leadership style, promotion, and salary should be carefully planned by the management of the library, otherwise, the librarians will leave the library whenever the opportunity shows up. These findings provide new data for planning the management of library staff to achieve effective information service in the library.

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