Open research questions in Library Science and Information Literacy

What the literature leaves open

• Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations were made: 1 University management and library authorities should ensure adequate and up-to-date provision of diverse library information resources, including textbooks, journals, reference materials, and electronic databases, to enhance undergraduates’ access to quality academic materials and improve their literacy competence. 2 Librarians and academic staff should organize regular orientation and sensitization programmes that encourage students to effectively utilize available library resources in order to strengthen their reading culture, research skills, and information literacy. 3 Universities should invest in improved digital library infrastructure, including reliable internet services, subscription to online academic databases, and provision of e-books and e-journals, to enhance students’ digital literacy and access to current scholarly information. REFERENCES Achuonye, J. (2022). Foundations of education and development. Port Harcourt: Pearl Publishers. Aina, L. O., Omeluzor, S. U., & Ogbuiyi, S. U. (2018). Library resources and their influence on students' literacy development. Journal of Educational Research, 15(3), 45-57. Akande, S. O. (2013). Students' attitude towards the use of library resources in Nigerian universities. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, 23(2), 67-75. Rivers State University Journal of Librarianship, Information and Contemporary Studies (RSU-JOLICS) 2026,Vol. 3 (1) DOI: 10.61955/VFVYOX 16 Alhassan, J. A., & Adepoju, A. A. (2020). Digital tools and academic performance: Implications for higher education in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 11(3), 45-57. Brown, L. (2023). Updating school library collections for the digital age. Journal of Library Management, 42(3), 198-210. Brown, M., & Green, T. (2018). Balancing intellectual property rights and open access: Challenges in the digital era. Academic Press. Brown, T. (2023). Academic libraries and student learning in the digital age. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 49(2), 120-128. Buckingham, D. (2019). The essentials of digital literacy: Navigating the information age. Routledge. Chidi, O. D., & Ifeoma, N. K. (2020). The impact of library usage on students' personal and professional growth. Global Education Review, 8(4), 22-35. Chikwe, C.K. (2020). Fundamentals of education research and statistics.

  Information Literacy as Correlate of Library Resources Usage in Public University Libraries in Bayelsa State · 2026 · DOI

• Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends the following: 1. Library leadership should invest in technology-based tools and simulation exercises to provide hands-on training in emotional regulation and data breach response. Rivers State University Journal of Librarianship, Information and Contemporary Studies (RSU-JOLICS) 2026,Vol. 3 (1) DOI: 10.61955/HARPOY 2. University management should champion a supportive organizational culture that prioritizes staff well-being and institutional accountability for data privacy. 3. A system of continuous evaluation and feedback, using mechanisms like 360-degree reviews and privacy audits, should be established to monitor and improve staff competencies. REFERENCES Ajayi, A. O., & Fagbola, O. O. (2021). Data protection awareness and compliance among academic library staff in Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1(1), 1–15. Ajzen, I. (1991). The Theory of Planned Behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50 (2), 179–211 Ajzen, I. (2005). Attitudes, Personality, and Behavior (2nd ed.). Open University Press. Al-Dmour, A., Masa’deh, R., & Obeidat, B. (2022). The role of data protection skills in enhancing cybersecurity awareness. Journal of Information Security and Applications, 68, 103190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jisa.2022.103190 American Library Association (ALA). (2021). Privacy: An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacy Anandh, L., & Manoharan, A. (2024). Identifying and analysing the emotional intelligence in Journal, 60(1), 34–45. librarians.

  DATA PRIVACY PROTECTION PROCEDURE AND EMOTIONAL INTELLGENCE OF LIBRARY PERSONNEL OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA. · 2026 · DOI

• However, the extent to which information literacy is associated with information overload in the context of TikTok use remains insufficiently understood.

  The Relationship between Information Literacy and Information Overload on TikTok among Library and Information Science Students at Padang State University · 2026 · DOI

• Future studies are recommended to include larger and more diverse samples across different academic disciplines and institutions, as well as incorporate additional variables, such as digital literacy, critical thinking, trust in AI, and academic integrity, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AI utilization in higher education.

  The Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Information Use on the Information Literacy of Students in the Library and Information Science Program at Universitas Negeri Padang · 2026 · DOI

• A limitation of this study is that data was collected in a single time; a longitudinal study could provide insights into how load shedding’s effects change over time and its impact on academic performance. In addition, the findings are limited to information organisation modules and do not cover other modules offered in LIS qualifications.

  The impact of load shedding on information organisation education in South Africa · 2026 · DOI

• Based on the quantitative findings, the following five library recommendations are proposed for targeted administration. First, thermal requires zone-specific comfort intervention. Q25 and Q27's high standard deviations suggest temperature variance within the library rather than a uniformly inadequate cooling system. A simple thermal mapping exercise during peak usage hours would identify problem zones without committing to full HVAC investment. Installing supplementary cooling units in identified high- occupancy study areas is both cost-effective and directly responsive temperature experiences to documented in this study. the polarized Second, collection development communication should be improved alongside actual acquisitions. The high neutral response rates on Q10 and Q11 indicate that many students are uncertain about collection currency rather than certain it is inadequate. A visible New Arrivals display, regular acquisition updates on library notice boards, and periodic faculty-student consultation on program-specific needs would address the perception gap at minimal cost — an approach supported by the Philippine library literature (Tuble & Panhilason, 2024; Puertos, 2022). Third, Wi-Fi infrastructure should be assessed and improved. The high standard deviation for Q17 (SD = 0.97) indicates experiences. Dedicating separate Wi-Fi access points for library users, optimizing router placement across the library space, and connectivity variable highly monitoring connectivity during peak hours would address this variability (Dahan et al., 2016). Fourth, targeted outreach to female library users is the consistent and statistically recommended. Given significant pattern of male students rating all dimensions higher, the institution should invest in understanding what is specifically driving lower satisfaction among female users. Focus group discussions with female students across different program areas — particularly health sciences — would provide the contextual depth that survey data alone cannot yield (Barfi et al., 2023; Mahmood et al., 2021). Fifth, staff competence training in subject-specific reference support is recommended. Q3 ("Staff are competent in answering research-related queries," M = 4.36, SD = 0.79) was the lowest-rated item within the Affect of Service dimension. The gap between Q6 (communication, M = 4.62) and Q3 (research competence, M = 4.36) suggests that while staff are widely perceived as accessible and willing, there is room reference capabilities, particularly for health sciences and engineering programs. Targeted training in subject-specific reference support for these program areas would directly address this gap without requiring broader staffing changes (Nitecki & Hernon, 2000).

  LIBRARY SERVICE QUALITY AND USER SATISFACTION AT A PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION: A DESCRIPTIVE-COMPARATIVE STUDY USING THE LIBQUAL+ FRAMEWORK · 2026 · DOI

• The following recommendations were proffered based on the findings; 1. Since the study revealed that there is significant relationship between the internet services and students satisfaction, it is therefore recommended that university management ensure effective internet service provision to enhance user satisfaction. 2. Since the study revealed that there is significant relationship between the current-awareness services and students’ satisfaction, it is therefore recommended that library management provide periodic staff training for efficient current-awareness services, promoting sustainable user satisfaction.

  Library information services and students’ satisfaction with the use of Donald Ekong Library, university of Port Harcourt, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

• To enhance online database utilization recommendations are proposed: in Nigerian academic libraries, the following  Integrate instruction into departmental curricula: Embed information literacy training within academic programs, aligning content with students’ disciplinary needs and research expectations.  Adopt discipline-specific, learner-centered approaches: Replace generic database instruction that supports cognitive orientations with targeted, context-sensitive development and real-world academic application.  Tailor interventions to student demographics: Design inclusive and scaffolded instructional strategies that account for variations in gender, age, academic level, and college affiliation.  Foster librarian–faculty collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental partnerships to co- create subject-relevant learning modules and peer-supported training models.  Improve access and awareness: Invest in digital infrastructure and campus-wide campaigns to increase visibility and accessibility of institutional databases, reducing reliance on commercial search engines. 28 IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20254843 (E.ISSN: 2805-413X) (P.ISSN: 2536-6696)Volume 09 | Issue 04 | April 2026 | https://ijojournals.com/index.php/er/index  Implement continuous evaluation: Use student feedback, usage analytics, and learning outcomes to assess the impact of training programs and inform ongoing instructional improvements. When applied collectively, these strategies can foster more effective, equitable, and sustainable engagement with online scholarly resources in Nigerian higher education.

  A Constructivist Framework for Enhancing Online Database Utilization: Discipline-Specific and Student-Centered Strategies in Nigerian Academic Libraries · 2026 · DOI

• In view of the findings, the following recommendations were made. 1. Enhance Technical Proficiency: Institutions should invest in training librarians on cataloguing, ILS, and digital resource management, based on their strong correlation with performance. 2. Promote Professional Development: Regular workshops, certifications, and mentorship programs should be institutionalized to sustain high job performance. 3. Strengthen Soft Skills: Training in communication and patron-service orientation should be prioritized to improve user satisfaction and engagement. 4. Improve Organizational Support: Administrators should ensure stable infrastructure, recognition systems, and collaborative work environments to boost morale and effectiveness. 5. Foster Peer Learning: Informal knowledge sharing and team-based projects can bridge skill gaps, especially in under-resourced institutions.

  Information Handling Capability and Job Performance of Library Personnel in Polytechnics and Colleges in Ibarapa East, Oyo State · 2026 · DOI

• Science teachers in hybrid educational environments, particularly Madrasahs, must adopt a holistic approach to their professional development that goes beyond textbook fluency. It is essential for educators to cultivate a reflective teaching identity that aligns with both academic standards and Islamic ethical values. This dossier should document teaching philosophy, lesson plans that integrate moral concepts, classroom management strategies, and 360° feedback from learners and colleagues. Such evidence not only deepens self-insight but strengthens one’s recruitment case under competency-focused hiring. Moreover, teachers should intentionally align their instructional methods with the school’s ethical vision. Integrating Quranic perspectives and Islamic values into scientific content helps students connect their faith to contemporary knowledge, nurturing both intellect and integrity. Teachers must be proactive in showcasing this alignment during recruitment processes, especially through well-documented reflections and sample lesson designs. In addition, science educators should invest in the continuous development of soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. These competencies, often overlooked in traditional training, play a crucial role in navigating diversity and earning learner trust. Engaging in mentorship, peer collaboration, and intentional self-evaluation helps these skills mature over time. Professional growth must also be driven by continuous, purposeful development. Teachers should participate in workshops, seminars, and academic certification programs, particularly those focused on Islamic pedagogy and performance driven frameworks. These initiatives not only enhance subject knowledge but also signal dedication to personal mastery—an essential trait in valuecentered hiring systems. JAARIE.ITTC.EDU.BD 55 JAARIE: 1 (1), 2025 Finally, science teachers are encouraged to approach their career as a mission grounded in self-renewal and institutional harmony. By combining reflective practice with visible proof of value-conscious teaching, teachers can position themselves as credible educators shaped by both knowledge and conscience. This not only increases their employability in faith-integrated institutions but also amplifies on student flourished and school progress. FUTURE ACTION RESEARCH Building on the insights from this study, future action research should focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating structured competency-based recruitment models across a broader range of Madrasahs and hybrid Islamic schools. A key area for exploration is the lasting influence of dossiers on teaching strength and learner progress.

  Enhancing Students’ Engagement Of Library Use Through Integration With Regular Academic Activities: An Action Research · 2026 · DOI

• Information literacy (IL) involves the development of a set of abilities essential for higher education learners, such as the ability to identify, critically evaluate, understand, and apply scholarly literature (ACRL 2013), yet studies often demonstrate that these IL skills are lacking and need further development (Bury 2016; Saunders 2012).

  Journal Club: An Innovative Teaching Practice to Foster Peer Connection and Enhance Information Literacy Skills · 2023 · DOI

• The development and major updates of several information literacy documents in the past decade evidence the changing landscape of IL research, but how these changes have impacted other disciplines remains to be seen.

  Information Literacy in English-Language Higher Education Teaching Journals: A Review · 2023 · DOI

• Meanwhile, there are challenges like insufficient knowledge and awareness of robotic technologies and application by information professionals, inability of library administrators to bravely implement robotic technologies, lack of human resources with requisite skills to provide effective robotic library services.

  Assessment of Preparedness of Academic Libraries towards the Use and Adoption of Robotic Technologies in Public Universities in Bayelsa State · 2023 · DOI

• The results will be used in the formation of at least a draft competency model or models and to inform further work on the reformed study programme at the Department of LIS & BS at the University of Ljubljana.

  Current and future LIS competencies · 2023 · DOI

• Originality/value This research helps librarians and RPA vendors make better decisions or strategies for implementing RPA for libraries, which has not been explored, especially in East Asia.

  Hong Kong academic librarians' attitudes toward robotic process automation · 2022 · DOI

• The review uncovers the following themes: faculty and librarians perceive first-year students as lacking IL skills; students have varying perceptions of their IL skills; assessment studies yield conflicting findings on first-year students' IL; communication between high school and college librarians is challenging; and some IL researchers emphasise and leverage first-year students' prior knowledge and experience in IL instruction.

  Should we flip the script? · 2019 · DOI

• Health sciences librarianship courses and degrees are available in most American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library and information science (LIS) programs, but health informatics educational offerings within LIS programs have not been previously examined in the LIS literature.

  Health Informatics Educational Offerings through ALA-Accredited LIS Programs · 2019 · DOI

• York and Vance (2009) make the observation that “one obstacle to marketing an embedded librarian service is that there is no consensus on what to call this practice” (p.

  Marketing the Library in an On-line University to Help Achieve Information Literacy · 2017 · DOI

• In addition to informing our own design choices, our findings can serve as the basis for further investigation into the connections between student learning and the usability of the LibGuides user interface.

  Exploratory Usability Testing of User Interface Options in LibGuides 2 · 2017 · DOI

• Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to the outsourcing of information technology services in four public university libraries in Kenya, namely, Kenyatta University (KU) in Kahawa, Nairobi; Moi University (MU) in Eldoret; University of Nairobi (UON) in Nairobi; and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Thika.

  Application of resource dependency theory and transaction cost theory in analysing outsourcing information communication services decisions · 2014 · DOI

• Due to the nature of the problem, which revolved around experience and perceptions, the phenomenological qualitative research approach was adopted, based on the open question: what is it like using the library? It revealed that many problems which students experience in the library originate elsewhere, such as in general study conditions, design of assignments and curricula content.

  Student experience of the University of the Western Cape library:sourcing the problems · 2014 · DOI

• Some of the reasons for failure have been: insufficient information resources for sharing, inadequate budget allocation to cater for the high costs of information resources, and the lack of appropriate communication infrastructure and enabling technologies to support any meaningful venture considering that most libraries in Kenya have been operating on manual systems.

  An overview of electronic information resources sharing initiatives in Kenyan universities · 2013 · DOI

• It concludes that the curriculum is slanted towards traditional libraries, though not exclusively; the general nature of the curriculum has met some disapproval; the ever-changing LIS scene demands continuing education (CE); the EASLIS academic staff workload affects staff in doing research and participating in professional activities; la facilities still leave much to be desired, practicals are lacking in the current curriculum.

  A tracer study of the East African School of Libraryand Information Science graduates 1995-1999 working in Uganda · 2013 · DOI

• Three objectives were identified as target behaviors for change: (1) decrease procrastination due to the illusion of immediacy, (2) increase students’ willingness to seek expert assistance when it is warranted, and (3) increase the selection of information sources based on criteria other than the information need itself, which includes the habituated and automatic use of Internet sources based on the assumption that they are more convenient, reliable, and easy to use.

  The Impact of Social Marketing Strategies on the Information Seeking Behaviors of College Students · 2011 · DOI

• To fill this gap in the literature, the main purposes of this study are to: examine how users perceive the influence of recommendations on the intention to use e‐books for academic purposes; and to measure the level of the perception of trust and perceived risk when users receive e‐book recommendations from peers, advertisers, and experts.

  Recommendation sources on the intention to use e‐books in academic digital libraries · 2010 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Library Science and Information Literacy

• Information literacy landscapes: an emerging picture · Journal of Documentation · 2006 · 181 citations
• Bibliometrics and Research Data Management Services: Emerging Trends in Library Support for Research · Library trends · 2013 · 159 citations
• Perceptions on adopting artificial intelligence and related technologies in libraries: public and academic librarians in North America · Library Hi Tech · 2021 · 111 citations
• Maturing research data services and the transformation of academic libraries · Journal of Documentation · 2019 · 103 citations
• A phenomenographic study of English faculty's conceptions of information literacy · Journal of Documentation · 2007 · 102 citations
• Digital transformation readiness: perspectives on academia and library outcomes in information literacy · The Journal of Academic Librarianship · 2021 · 99 citations
• Assessing Information Literacy among Undergraduates: A Discussion of the Literature and the University of California-Berkeley Assessment Experience · College & Research Libraries · 2001 · 91 citations
• Trapped between a Rock and a Hard Place: What Counts as Information Literacy in the Workplace and How Is It Conceptualized? · Library trends · 2011 · 90 citations
• Perspectives of Librarians on Awareness and Readiness of Academic Libraries to Integrate Artificial Intelligence for Library Operations and Services in Nigeria · Internet Reference Services Quarterly · 2022 · 76 citations
• Leadership styles and AI acceptance in academic libraries in higher education · The Journal of Academic Librarianship · 2024 · 68 citations

Most recent work

• The revised CILIP definition of information literacy · Journal of Information Literacy · 2026
• Enhancing Students’ Engagement Of Library Use Through Integration With Regular Academic Activities: An Action Research · JOURNAL OF APPLIED AND ACTION RESEARCH IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION · 2026
• Academic Librarians and Information Literacy Practice in an Age of Mis/Disinformation · Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association · 2026
• Integrating Emerging Technologies Into LIS Education in Nigeria: An Educators’ Perspective and Framework for Curriculum Reform · Education for Information · 2026
• Between Assets and Outcomes: A Multi-dimensional Analysis of Research, Library Impact and Placement Trends in Business Schools · Journal of Creative Communications · 2026
• Teaching information literacy through writing portfolio assessment: examining its effects on information literacy self-efficacy of undergraduate students across motivation levels · Reference Services Review · 2026
• Availability and Utilisation of Library Resources and Students' Academic Achievement in English Language in Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
• Relationship between Library Usage and Perceived Academic Performance of TESDA Diploma Trainees: Basis of Research-Based Intervention Plan · International Journal of Sustainability and Advanced Integrated Research · 2026
• Information behaviour concepts in the reference service research · Information Research an international electronic journal · 2026
• Capacity Building on Librarians’ Use of Online Cataloguing and Application Software for Effective Innovative Services Delivery for Academic Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. · International Journal of Advanced Academic Research · 2026

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