Innovations and Use of Assistive Technologies in Libraries of Institutions of Higher Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 346-365
Author(s):  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada ◽  
Josephine Dinar Phiri
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning

Access to information for all is a major component of library and information science in this digital era. Libraries in institutions of higher learning are mandated to provide information to all the patrons regardless of their ability to deal with the issue of inclusivity and social justice. A study on the innovations was conducted specifically for patrons with special needs in academic libraries. Different assistive technological types of equipment were outlined as well as the challenges encountered when using the assistive technology tools and applications. The observation was done at one of the academic libraries, and it was discovered that the library has a disability center that is used by patrons with special needs and manned by a trained librarian. The authors recommend the introduction of such services in all the academic libraries to cater to patrons with special needs.

The Role of Library and Information Science Professionals in the MOOC Environment in Institutions of Higher Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 100-116
Author(s):  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Physically Challenged

There has been concern on how library and information professionals fit in the MOOC environment. This chapter documents the role played by LIS professionals in the MOOC environment. A literature review was done on what librarians are doing to help lecturers and students to meet their learning, teaching, and research activities in institutions of higher learning. It was noted that MOOCs provide opportunities and librarians are working with academics to assist in transition from the traditional teaching to suit the teaching requirements of a MOOC environment. Some librarians are involved in the development of MOOCs and some are taking advantage of the available MOOCs in librarianship to develop professionally. The major challenges faced are the copyright issues. The author recommends that librarians should be involved in copyright clearance, offering information literacy and alerting users on the available MOOCs, making MOOCs accessible to all users including the physically challenged. Librarians should develop a collection of open access materials that they can recommend for MOOCs.

A secondary analysis of the library profession’s self-reported competence and comfort in working with patrons with disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Pionke
Keyword(s):  
Graduate School ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Continuum

PurposeThis article presents a secondary analysis of previously published data in order to drive discussion of the library profession’s current state of preparedness in working with patrons with disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis article used a secondary analysis of survey data that have been previously published to determine what the continuum of data said about the current state of preparedness in the profession when working with people with disabilities.FindingsA comparison of the data from both surveys reveals that there are not only gaps in library graduate school education related to disability and accessibility but also that those gaps are not being addressed through professional development and staff training after students enter the workforce.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a secondary analysis of data, so no new data could be added. There was also no representation from library graduate school administration.Practical implicationsAn awareness is built that there needs to be more instruction for library graduate students and library employees on topics related to disability, accessibility and assistive technologies.Originality/valueThe topic has never been studied before in this kind of continuum of data, and the use of the secondary analysis of data with the library and information science profession is exceedingly rare.

scholarly journals The Internationalization of the Academic Library: A Systematic Review of 25 Years of Literature on International Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda B. Click ◽  
Claire Walker Wiley ◽  
Meggan Houlihan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
International Students ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Conference Papers

This study is a systematic review of the library and information science (LIS) literature related to international students and academic libraries. A systematic review involves the methodical collection and analysis of a body of literature and is growing in popularity in the LIS field. Three well-known LIS databases were systematically searched for articles related to the topic, and manual bibliography searches were conducted to find additional publications. Journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers were included or excluded based on established criteria. Findings show that articles published about international students and academic libraries have increased steadily between 1990 and 2014. The majority of authors are affiliated with universities and institutions in the United States, although an increase in represented countries is apparent. Fewer than half of the articles can be considered original research, and surveys are the most popular method for data collection. The LIS field—and international students—would benefit from further exploration of this topic, particularly from original research with practical implications.

scholarly journals Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Kenya: Challenges and Prospects

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Chomba ◽  
S.G. Mukuria ◽  
P.W. Kariuki ◽  
S. Tumuti ◽  
B.A. Bunyasi
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Government ◽  
Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Legal Mandate

<p><span>Kenya has great potential for enhancing education for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The fact that it has recognized the need to care for learners with special needs is commendable. In comparison to many African countries, Kenya and Nigeria are ahead in developing programs for special education in institutions of higher learning, and in starting schools and units for special education. However, a legal mandate is still required as it would seal many loopholes that currently exist. Without it, the assessment of individual with intellectual disabilities cannot be administered correctly and professionally. In this article, the authors present a coherent account on various aspects related to learners with intellectual disabilities in Kenya. No doubt, the issues and challenges identified call for attention by not only the government of Kenya but also those interested in improving the status of learners with intellectual disabilities.</span></p>

A Framework for Developing Open Distance E-Learning Curriculum for Library and Information Science (LIS) Programme in Eswatini

2020 ◽  
pp. 244-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vusi W. Tsabedze
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

The dependency by foreign countries institutions such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia for library and information science (LIS) training and development of staff members, to acquire higher education, has become expensive and complex for Eswatini government to handle. The expensive nature and complex situation of sending employees out of the country for training has paralysed most of the organisation due to their absence from operations in the office. This study therefore seeks to investigate, developing open distance e-learning curriculum for LIS programme in Eswatini. The University of Eswatini (UNESWA), which is one among other institution of higher learning in the country, does not offer any programme in LIS. Considering this situation in Eswatini, this chapter proposes a framework for developing the ODeL curriculum for LIS. Such a programme could be offered through the UNESWA to accommodate students within and outside the country. Thus, ensuring Eswatini becomes a player in LIS space within the African continent.

Integration of MOOCs in the Context of Library and Information Science Service in This Digital Age

2018 ◽  
pp. 252-266
Author(s):  
Payel Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Science Service

In this digital era, massive open online courses (MOOCs) are receiving huge attention. MOOCs have moved beyond the academic circle. The high popularity and adaptation of MOOCs are only for being free and providing a totally new kind of learning experience. But there are the several challenges that the library and information science professionals will face as MOOCs take off. These include influencing faculties, copyright and licensing, delivery demographic and scale. This chapter shows how MOOCs integrate in the field of library and information science service in this digital age.

Attitude of Library and Information Science Professionals Towards Resource Sharing and Networking of Academic Libraries

2021 ◽  
pp. 2019-2034
Author(s):  
Ramadhas G. ◽  
Suman Sankar A. S.
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
The People ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Modern Era

Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Resource sharing provides the means to maximize the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitates resource sharing among the participating libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitates marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitudes of the people involved in the information dissemination are also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through networking of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study revealed that library and information science professionals have a positive attitude towards resource sharing and networking of libraries.

MOOCs Evolution and Perceptions of Library and Information Science Professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 60-78
Author(s):  
Anna Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
The Future ◽  
Science Domain ◽  
Main Barrier

This chapter provides the genesis of the massive open online courses (MOOCs) concept and perceptions of library and information science professionals towards the evolution of MOOCs in libraries and the information science domain by using a survey. The results of this study revealed that a majority of library and information science professionals who participated in this survey were working in academic libraries and aware of the MOOCs concept from three years, by scholarly literature. The MOOCs concept was updated and useful in libraries and the information science domain, while a lack of MOOCs related specific to competencies and skills emerged as the main barrier. This survey also showed that the concept of MOOCs will continue to grow in the future. This chapter will be helpful to understand the concept of MOOCs and the insights of library and information science professionals in the MOOCs context.

Core Competencies and Innovation for Library and Information Science Professional in 21st Century Digital-Based Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 74-90
Author(s):  
Robert Akinade Awoyemi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Global Environment ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
The Impact

Academic libraries and information technology centres are under serious threat due to the increasing pressure to achieve higher level of performance in a competitive global environment. Most of these challenges are as result of information communication technology (ICT) and digital revolution. This chapter discusses the impact of digital revolution on academic libraries and the need to acquire core competencies and new skills to effectively the 21st century academic libraries and information technology centres. Further, the author examines the sets of skills required by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to survive in the digital-based environments.

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