Library Waves

Information and Communication Technology Proficiency and Utilization of Electronic Resources among Practicing Nurses in South-South, Nigeria

Festus Ogbogbaidi, Efe Francis Ejedafiru — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency and electronic resource utilization among practicing nurses in South-South Nigeria. The study was driven by three research questions, and the relevant literature was reviewed accordingly. A descriptive research design was used to target nurses in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. 600 nurses were chosen using stratified random sampling (100 from each state). A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and arithmetic means were used in the analysis. The findings reveal that nurses have inadequate ICT skill, particularly in basic computer operations, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, internet use, email communication, electronic medical records, and telemedicine platforms. Electronic resource consumption is also low, with little interest in clinical decision support systems, telehealth services, and hospital intranet resources. Adoption barriers include inadequate ICT infrastructure, insufficient training, aversion to change, data privacy concerns, high expenses, unpredictable power supply, lack of technical support, time restrictions, system incompatibility, and a scarcity of relevant digital resources. Addressing these difficulties necessitates enhanced infrastructure, ongoing training, and supportive policies that promote digital competency. The study emphasizes the critical need to improve digital literacy, increase resource availability, and promote institutional support in order to match nursing practice with current healthcare demands.

e-Resources for Environmental Education and Attainment of Sustainable Responsible Consumption and Production

Apurba Jyoti Majumder, Pratisha Padmasri Deka — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: In order to cultivate responsible people who will contribute to a sustainable future and green economy, the objective of this study is to examine how e-resources of environmental education (EE) might support the achievement of sustainable consumption and production under SDG 12.

Theoretical Framework: This topic is based on theory of transfer of learning suggested by E.L. Thorndike and theories of adragogy through whichhuman beings use learning of one situation in another situation.

Method: The methodology adopted is qualitative research methodology. Comprehensive review of literature on contents of online platforms of EE was employed as tool for gathering data and analysis of the same have been done.

Results and Discussion: The results revealed that:role of e-resources ofenvironmental education in promoting SDG 12 is significant, it impacts attitude pattern by creating awareness and challenges posed by limited knowledge on available resources is one of the barrriers in achieving SDG 12.

Research Implications: The study will lead to necessary value formation, knowledge distributionrequired for realization of SDG 12. It has an inter-disciplinary implication.

Originality/Value: This study analyzes e-resources specially available for environmental education and tries to link the same with SDG 12 which has not been studied as per reviews collected.

Zero-Cost, High Impact: A Case Study on the Development of the GMIPSR Library Portal Using Blogger

Madhu S, Kannappanavar B. U. — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In response to the growing need for digitization within academic institutions, the librarian of the GM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (GMIPSR) developed a zero-cost, scalable library portal utilizing Google’s Blogger platform. This case study examines the design, structure, and implementation of the portal, emphasizing the integration of internal tools (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Forms, Google Custom Search, and various Blogger gadgets) alongside external technologies (YouTube, Facebook, X, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia, Favicon, Canva, Dayspedia, WhatsApp, and Tawk.to) to enhance access to academic resources. The portal provides centralized access to syllabi, question papers, research materials, and electronic resources available through HELINET, effectively addressing challenges related to limited IT infrastructure and financial constraints. Employing a descriptive and application-oriented methodology, the study illustrates how free digital platforms can be strategically leveraged to improve library services in resource-constrained academic environments. With over 193,763 views as of June 2025, the GMIPSR Library Portal demonstrates significant user engagement and presents a replicable model for digital transformation in small and medium-sized academic libraries.

Awareness and Utility of Open-Source Plagiarism Checking Tools Among Social Science Research Scholars of B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Anubhaw Kumar Suman, Amit Kishore — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

With the increasing emphasis on academic integrity and ethical research practices, the use of plagiarism detection software has become essential in maintaining the credibility of scholarly work. This study aims to assess the awareness and utility of open-source plagiarism checking tools among social science research scholars at B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU), Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Through a quantitative survey of 120 participants, the findings reveal that while a significant portion of researchers are moderately aware of these tools, there remains a considerable gap in comprehensive awareness. The majority of respondents occasionally use these tools, with Grammarly being the most favoured. Notably, 80.82% of participants view these tools positively and very positively regarding their impact on research quality. However, barriers such as technical issues, lack of awareness, and complexity hinder broader adoption. The study highlights the need for improved education and support to enhance the utilization of plagiarism checking tools.

Strengthening the Role of Academic Libraries in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria

Israel Odede, Unachukwu Amaka Henrietta — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Academic libraries are at the centre of the academic excellent of higher institutions providing relevant information services and resources required for teaching, learning and research functions. This paper discusses the critical role of academic libraries in supporting the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigerian. The results demonstrate that academic libraries are key drivers of sustainable development due to their ability to provide fair access to information that facilitates education, reduction of poverty, health, and gender equality. The research notes that academic librarians have a positive overall awareness and knowledge regarding the SDGs, especially the ability to align academic library services with the goals such as quality education (SDG 4), poverty eradication (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and gender equality (SDG 5). Nevertheless, the results also indicate a low profile of the contribution of academic libraries in certain aspects like collaboration, social media lobbying, and direct interactions with social issues. The key challenges that have been identified are lack of funding, inadequate ICT infrastructure, institutional policies connecting libraries to the SDGs, weak university engagements, and low collaborations with national and international stakeholders. The study suggests that more funding by the government and institutions, policy changes and building capacity will help to improve the strategic functions of academic libraries that will enable the academic libraries in Nigeria to be better players in facilitating inclusive and sustainable development.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) in Libraries

B.P. Singh, Sumedha Singh — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper critically examines the current landscape and future prospects of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in libraries within the digital era. DRM comprises a set of technologies, protocols, and strategies that enable authors, publishers, and content creators to regulate, monitor, and protect their intellectual property when disseminated through digital platforms. The exponential growth of digital content, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased the demand for robust DRM systems, particularly in libraries where e-resources, including e-books, e-journals, databases, e-theses, and digital research reports—have proliferated. The study explores DRM tools, techniques, and best practices, with emphasis on Indian legislative frameworks governing copyright and digital rights. It highlights the strategic role of DRM in supporting the “trinity” of digital libraries: creators, content, and users. The paper also discusses practical applications, integration with library management systems, and the promotion of fair use policies. By adopting DRM strategies, libraries can protect intellectual property, ensure legal compliance, and provide secure, equitable access to digital content, reinforcing their role as custodians of knowledge in the digital age.

Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer among the Lushai Tribe

Prince Buragohain, Manendra Kumar Singh, Anudha Lepcha — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study looks at how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is communicated within the Lushai tribe of Mizoram, the obstacles that hinder its effective transfer, and the role of public libraries in preserving and sharing IK. A descriptive survey method was used, with a bilingual semi-structured questionnaire distributed among 300 participants, consisting of both library users and librarians from five different public libraries. The responses were analyzed using SPSS. Our study found that modern influence and changes in lifestyle pose growing challenges for the transfer of IK. Results also show that storytelling and community gatherings are the most common methods of sharing IK. In these selected public libraries, manuscripts and documents are the main sources of preserving IK, while oral traditions are less represented. The public libraries of Mizoram face some major issues like lack of funding, poor storage facilities, and insufficient staff training. Still, some libraries have made active efforts to promote IK by setting up dedicated sections for IK preservation, organizing events, and collaborating with local communities. This study highlights the crucial role of libraries in associating traditional and modern knowledge systems and recommends enhanced infrastructure and policy frameworks to preserve cultural heritage.

Analysis of Latent Themes and Sentiments Regarding Outsourcing in Libraries and Information Centres using LDA Topic Modelling and Polarity Distribution

Ashish Kumar, Sanjiv Kadyan — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The ever-present budgetary constraints in libraries and information centres have created a need for some strategic response to the issue, and outsourcing seems to be one of the possible solutions. Administrators and managers of libraries have adopted this solution to varying extents in various setups. This study provides an analysis of 152 Scopus-indexed publications relating to the topic. The findings reveal a limited output, often attributed to single-time authors. Keyword co-occurrence, along with the LDA topic modelling, reveals the focal areas of research, which include technical services and digital curation, while topics like staff transformation, technology adoption, and research-focused services, and the role of librarians, remained latent. Sentiment analysis shows a major positive outlook (63.1%) towards outsourcing, particularly for its role in improving efficiency and service quality, although concerns about complexity and risks persist. The study will not only be beneficial for researchers interested in the area but also for administrators and managers in making informed decisions.

The State of Open Science

Dhanya R, Akhilesh K. S. Yadav — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This review article explores the open science ecosystem by examining its foundational pillars and policy frameworks to understand the current state of its implementation and challenges. A narrative thematic review of the literature retrieved from the Web of Science database was employed to analyse relevant research articles published between 2020 and 2025. Major themes that emerged include core practices, scope for inclusivity, impacts and benefits, infrastructure, policies and implementation, challenges and future directions. Open Science (OS) is a value-driven movement that relies on integrating core practices, such as Open Access, Open Data, Open Evaluation, etc. with global governance and technological infrastructure to enhance research transparency and reproducibility. However, equitable adoption of OS is currently fragmented and challenged by disparities which necessitate stronger government policies and incentives like compulsory training and research recognition to support a globally inclusive environment. To eradicate existing divisions and disparities, practical implications suggest the need for stronger government policies focused on the education sector.

Mapping Scholarly Trends in the International Journal of Information Management (2005 - 2024)

Amitesh Kumar Pandey, Bhaw Nath Pandey, Shrijita Mishra — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the International Journal of Information Management (IJIM) spanning 2005 to 2024, integrating publication metrics, intellectual structure, and collaboration networks. Using data sourced from the Web of Science and analyzed with VOSviewer, the analysis covers 1,721 records. The lead author, Dwivedi, Yogesh K. contributed 25 articles and earned 10,127 citations, with additional frequent contributors such as Chang, V. (18 articles), Rana, N.P. (15 articles), and others averaging 14.9 publications each. Institutional output is highlighted by Swansea University, which produced 33 articles and 11,445 citations, a link strength of 45; Brunel University had the highest institutional link strength of 44. At the country level, the USA leads in international collaboration with 418 documents and a link strength of 335, while the UAE produced 20 documents and 335 citations, and Wambui Samuel Fosso participated with 11 papers and a link strength of 3. The analysis reveals frequently occurring high-impact keywords like “management” (194 occurrences), “model” (223), “impact” (218), and “technology” (189), illustrating the journal’s key thematic areas. Overall, these findings demonstrate strong productivity, vibrant international collaboration, and thematic evolution in IJIM, positioning the journal for continued academic leadership in information management research.