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Open research questions in Library Science and Information Literacy

238 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 5,567 Library Science and Information Literacy papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • i. ii. Based on the findings of the study, the followings are the suggested recommendations: It is recommended that management should improve on the reference services for efficiency service delivery. It is also recommended that management should put more awareness on those reference services that not properly used such as referral and information services. iii. The study also recommends that management should improve on digital infrastructure and awareness campaign in other to enhance virtual reference services and databased services that were not satisfied by the lecturers. It is recommended that the university should provide, adequate Internet facilities, adequate reference resources, adequate funding and alternative power outages. to address challenges in using reference services effectively. iv.

    Utilization and satisfaction with reference services among lecturers in the University of Delta, Agbor library, Delta State, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

  • Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: Information Managers: A Journal of Nigerian Library Association Rivers State Chapter 2026,Vol. 9 (2) DOI: 10.61955/GQLFJU 97 Information Managers: ISSN: 2735-9239 A Journal of Nigerian Library Association Rivers State Chapter, Vol.9, Issue 2, 2026 1. University libraries should continue to provide Internet connectivity to facilitate the utilization of open educational resources. 2. University libraries should create and provide access to library website to promote the use of open educational resources. 3. University libraries should actively curate and expand the collection of open educational resources within the institutional repository. Collaborate with faculty members, librarians, and educational technologists to identify and include high-quality OER that align with the curriculum and research needs of postgraduate programs.

    INTERNET ACCESS, LIBRARY WEBSITE AND INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES AS CORRELATES OF UTILIZATION OF OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES BY POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITIES, NIGERIA · 2026 · DOI

  • Because this was a small, single-site qualitative study based on self-reported experience, the findings are interpretive rather than generalizable and should be examined in larger, multi-institutional research.

    How First-Year Health Sciences Students Cope with Digital Library Barriers in an English-Medium University: A Qualitative Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Few studies have been conducted on the influence of reference services on the satisfaction of undergraduates using information resources.

    Reference Services used by Undergraduates at a Private University Library, Ogun State, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

  • the case with any new Journal of Research on Computing in Education 153 Downloaded by [University of California, San Diego] at 07:55 29 June 2016 product or skill, much remains to be learned about the use of remote information setvices in schools. Student reports and projects based on the use of EIS should be examined to judge the effectiveness of EIS. Student products should be examined for level of synthesis of information found through EIS as well as for reference citations. topic selected and search strategy used, should be examined.

    Elementary Students’ Use of Electronic Information Services · 1987 · DOI

  • Traditional hiring practices are seen as inadequate. The study identifies the need for integrating library activities into regular academic practices.

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

  • The need for librarians to be consistent with professional development and skills enhancement. The lack of understanding of the impact of capacity building on librarians' use of online cataloguing and application software. The importance of effective innovative service delivery in academic libraries.

    Capacity Building on Librarians’ Use of Online Cataloguing and Application Software for Effective Innovative Services Delivery for Academic Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a gap in the literature on the impact of capacity building on librarians' use of online cataloguing and application software. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of capacity building on librarians' use of online cataloguing and application software.

    Capacity Building on Librarians’ Use of Online Cataloguing and Application Software for Effective Innovative Services Delivery for Academic Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between information handling capability and job performance among library personnel. The research aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of information handling on job performance metrics.

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

  • The gap between the potential of online databases and their actual utilization in Nigerian academic libraries. The lack of holistic integration of constructivist pedagogical paradigm in existing models.

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

  • Controlling noise and separating areas based on activity function. Designing library spaces that meet user needs. Applying ergonomic principles in library design.

    Library Users' Perceptions of the Spatial Layout and Ergonomics of College Libraries in Pekanbaru · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to examine the influence of layout and ergonomics on user comfort in university libraries. There is a lack of empirical studies on the spatial design and ergonomics of university libraries in Indonesia.

    Library Users' Perceptions of the Spatial Layout and Ergonomics of College Libraries in Pekanbaru · 2026 · DOI

  • The study cites several issues with internet services in libraries. The study cites several problems with current awareness services in libraries, including materials posted in the bulletin board, lack of information posted, late in posting updates, and the attractiveness and neatness of the bulletin board.

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

  • The study identifies a gap in the literature on the relationship between library information services and student satisfaction. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationships between internet services, current-awareness services, and student satisfaction.

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

  • One-to-one teaching should continue to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the reader. The framework should not be taken as a checklist for a one-to-one session.

    Piloting an Information Literacy Framework for one-to-one teaching at the University of Oxford · 2026 · DOI

  • The study has a limited sample size of 10 one-to-ones. It isn't possible to extrapolate confidently to other disciplines.

    Piloting an Information Literacy Framework for one-to-one teaching at the University of Oxford · 2026 · DOI

  • Substantial resource inequality among institutions. Limited access to course syllabi. Difficulty in determining which courses are special topic courses.

    Evolving Landscape of Data Education in Library and Information Science Programs: A Content Analysis of American Library Association–Accredited Curricula · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only analyzed course titles and descriptions due to limited access to syllabi. The analysis may have overlooked courses covering data literacy topics. The study did not include special topic courses, which could be part of the regular course schedule.

    Evolving Landscape of Data Education in Library and Information Science Programs: A Content Analysis of American Library Association–Accredited Curricula · 2026 · DOI

  • Adapting to digital learning environments. Responding to evolving information literacy needs. Addressing declining enrollment in teacher education programs.

    Navigating the Future: A Survey of Curriculum Materials Centers and Collections in U.S. Academic Libraries · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a huge disparity in ICT usage between developed and developing countries. The integration of ICT in school libraries remains limited and uneven in developing countries.

    Perceptions of learners and teachers on the use of information and communication technology in public primary school libraries in Highveld Ridge East circuit in Mpumalanga Province · 2026 · DOI

  • Partnership/collaboration has been a major challenge among LIS schools and between LIS schools and libraries. The lack of willingness, funding, sustainability, and limitations to effectiveness are challenges to partnership initiatives. Formalising partnerships by policy and fulfillable agreements and guidelines has also been lacking.

    Partnership of Libraries, Research, and LIS Education in Information Literacy · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on the development of information literacy as a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and technology-driven domain. Future research should investigate the impact of artificial intelligence on information literacy.

    Partnership of Libraries, Research, and LIS Education in Information Literacy · 2026 · DOI

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238 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 5,567 Library Science and Information Literacy papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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