Librarians self-efficacy in ICT-based library operations and services: A survey of librarians working in libraries of Aligarh Muslim University Library System

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of ICT self-efficacy among librarians working in the Libraries of Aligarh Muslim University Library System (AMULS). A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a quantitative survey. One of the researchers visited the Maulana Azad Library, Faculty and College Libraries, Departmental and Seminar Libraries, and School Libraries and distributed the questionnaire to librarians. On the other hand, librarians of the AMU regional centers’ libraries were contacted through email to complete the survey form. Of the 123 questionnaires distributed to the librarians, 102 questionnaires were received with an 82.9% response rate. Librarians mostly view ICT as having a positive impact on library operations and services. The majority of librarians are skilled in using basic ICT applications. However, they lack the necessary skills to manage ICT-based library operations and services. Inadequate ICT application training and a lack of ICT infrastructure were cited as significant barriers to librarians obtaining ICT skills. This is the first study to examine ICT self-efficacy among librarians in an Indian university. Its findings could aid in the development of strategies for integrating new technologies into libraries.

Blended Learning vs E learning Determining the Best Mode of Education from the Perspective of the Learners

“…The reliability of the questionnaire was authenticated by reliability analysis using SPSS version 23 with subscales.Cronbach's alpha is a metric used to assess the consistency of a set of scales, such as "level of digital literacy" (=.839) and "attitude toward blended mode of learning" (=.932). However, the values for Cronbach's alpha of 0.7 to 0.10 are considered highly acceptable, as suggested in the earlier study by Nazim, et al 27 Table 1 shows the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The analysed data shows that more than seventy percent of the respondents were male (n= 211, 72.5 %) while only 27.5 % of them were female.…”

The future of academic librarianship: the imperatives of embedded librarianship practice and implementation

“…However, many scholars' emphasis that to satisfy user demands, academic libraries have introduced a variety of digital services, such as email services, online consultations, chat services, digital preservation, cybersecurity, etc. (Okeji et al, 2020;Nazim et al, 2023). As Mazumdar (2007) highlighted that "since the technology revolution has given rise to various breakthroughs and inventive concepts, librarians need to become lifelong learners" (p. 423).…”

“…Notably, many librarians have moderate and low levels of skills in digitization, digital library development, adopting emerging technologies into library services, and maintaining library websites. Nazim et al (2023) revealed that a large number of LIS professionals have positive attitudes towards the impact of ICT applications on library management and services. However, they identified that the professionals are competent in managing electronic information, applying network and security systems, using web OPAC, database management, and marketing information through social media platforms, etc.…”

Online information retrieval self-efficacy of library professionals: a predictor of patrons’ satisfaction in university libraries

“…Schunk and Usher (2011) defined self-efficacy as assessing the individuals’ beliefs in their capability to perform a task successfully. In the case of library professionals, self-efficacy regarding online information retrieval relates to their confidence and proficiency in effectively using electronic and digital resources to provide the assistance to library patrons in their information searching and retrieving endeavors (Nazim et al , 2023). Mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion and physiological states collectively contribute to the development of library professionals’ self-efficacy (Alshahrani and Rasmussen Pennington, 2020).…”