African Journal of Library and Information Science

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of search engines for health sciences

Mayank Trivedi

University Librarian, Sardar Patel University, Vallabhvidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +91-2692-226874, +91-9426952224.

Accepted 22 September, 2016

Abstract

The Internet is now the major worldwide Health information communication tool. To avoid waste of time, improved search engines are needed, in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The medical community has been facing the problem of inflation of medical information. Due to information explosion, it is very difficult to find accurate information. The paper describes various search engines which are very much useful for health care professionals.

Key words: Health science, medical science, medical informatics, informationist, online tool, search engine, information retrieval, web, information sharing, information dissemination.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2017. International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Library and information science professionals’ use of published research

Chinwe V. Anunobi¹*, Ifeyinwa B. Okoye² and Ngozi Chima James²

¹Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

²Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 26 November, 2016

Abstract

The survey examines the research consultation indexes of LIS professionals in Nigeria. 200 of these professionals were sampled randomly during the 45th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association, held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State in 2007. Turner’s (2002) questionnaire instrument on: “Do Information Professionals Use Research Published in LIS journals?” was adopted for the survey. The results from the 89.46% returned and valid questionnaires revealed that LIS professionals make high use of research whereas professionals: with terminal certificates (PhD and HND), who were graduates of year 2000 and above and with above 15 years library work experience champion research papers’ use. Research is primarily used to: obtain current information and for self-motivation in aid of good decision making and policy formulations; and inhibited by time constraints, lack of understanding on the research objective and its practical applications as well as inaccessibility of final reports/papers when published due to its non- inclusion in reputable indexing or abstracting services. Increased use of research could be achieved if research is: accompanied by guidelines on use; professionals are encouraged to develop their research skills and motivated to participate in professional activities.

Key words: Research - library and information science, published papers, research reports, library professionals, information science professionals, usefulness of research work.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 3 (2), pp. 001-010, February, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Contemporary issues in information management: A fresh look for information professionals

Elisha Ondieki Makori

Information Systems Librarian, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 13 October, 2016

Abstract

To investigate contemporary issues in information management, explore the role of information professionals in adapting to the current information environment, and suggest possible solutions and recommendations. The investigation utilized recently published articles from the internet, conference papers and literature surveys. The paper investigates the contemporary issues or trends in information management and the crucial role of information professionals in provision of information services. These include: knowledge society, emergence of knowledge management, professional competencies, skills and attitudes, information communication technology (ICT) and globalization of information services. In light of this, information professionals face challenging information environment in terms of demand, user expectations and technological innovations. The crucial role of information professionals is to ensure proper management of information services, which is instrumental in bridging the information gap between the information systems and the information managers. Therefore, information professionals need to equip themselves with adequate professional knowledge, skills and competencies to remain relevant in the ever changing information environment. The paper reveals that globally the area of information management is facing tremendous changes that pose serious threats to information professionals. A review of the existing literature carried out identified several contemporary or emerging issues in information management that have a direct bearing on information professionals such as: knowledge society, knowledge management, professional competencies, skills and attitudes, ICT and globalization of information services.

Key words: Contemporary issues or trends, emerging issues or trends, information management, knowledge management, information professionals, information services.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 3 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Globalization, information revolution and Higher Education in Nigeria: The challenging roles of Library Professionals

R. I. Echezona, I. J. Ezema* and Asogwa-Eze, Bredan

Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Accepted 22 November, 2016

Abstract

The influence of globalization and information revolution on higher education in Nigeria was investigated through the authors’ structured questionnaire. The design of the study was descriptive survey. Fifty-three professional librarians from Nnamdi Azikiwe Library University of Nigeria Nsukka, lecturers from Department of Library and Information Science University of Nigeria, Nsukka and librarians in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) library were surveyed. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires and observation. Findings from the investigation reveal that globalization and information revolution have positively impacted on higher education in Nigeria in terms of access to information, collaboration and contact among faculty members, better and faster scholarly communication among researchers as well as students throughout the world. The implication of these revelation is that professional librarians in this environment should try to embrace these new technologies through retraining, retooling and then adopt new strategies which would improve information services delivery that would meet international best practices.

Key words: Globalization, information education, library professionals

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (3), pp. 185-188, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper                                                  

Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the future possibilities in Library Science (LIS) development

Joseph Olubunmi Olorunsaye and Oluyemisi Olukemi Ayanyemi

E. Latunde Odeku Medical Library College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

National Library of Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Tel. 08166552100.

Accepted 10 July, 2013

Abstract

Training of qualified professionals is of paramount importance in the provision of library services in the school system. The position paper takes a critical look at Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the future possibilities in Library Science development. An appraisal of the History of Nigerian Library Association, structure/ achievements was recapped.  It highlighted paradigm shifts in the new millennium, the basic skills and competencies that a professional in Library Science must acquired.  Also, the additional roles of Nigerian Library Association and the future possibilities in Library School development were highlighted. The paper concluded that Nigerian Library Association should be fully involved in the development of Library School curricular, training of Librarians and regular capacity building workshop should be the center place at NLA annual events than the conventional paper presentations at conferences.

Key words: Nigerian Library Association, competences, library school development, capacity building.