PurposeThis paper aims to understand the Return on Investment (ROI) of academic libraries. It shows different aspects of returns on investment from academic libraries (ROI concept, components, calculating ROI). The study helps the academic libraries to know the efficiency, performance and achievement in terms of students, research scholars, teachers and staff should be enhanced to increase returns on library investment.Design/methodology/approachThis research paper discusses various formulas for calculating ROI from the academic library, like the general ROI formula, the concept of origin ROI's formula and models. However, the study set forth some of the limitations. The study is limited to the ROI analysis of academic Libraries. It is believed that study may be helpful to the libraries to understand the concept of return on investment to offer better library services.FindingsThe study helps understands the concept of return on investment from academic libraries and services. In times of economic crisis and budgetary constraints, Library Advocacy needs to determine the economic value of resources in institutions to assist in decision-making. This paper presents more extensive study aimed at recognizing the importance of academic libraries. The economic and social pressure to affirm the position of libraries in academic libraries depends on demonstrating their importance, especially in terms of return on investment. Though it is important to get insight into returns, it has several challenges which are outlined and discussed.Originality/valueThis research can also be useful in decision-making, library collection development and system analysis of the institutional library. ROI presents an essential parameter for increasing the ranking system of the institution. ROI is considered the most important metrics for evaluating the value of libraries is the return on investment.

Purpose This paper aims to describe a hybrid academic library system and to draw up a model of this system suggesting strategies and scenarios for achieving optimum performance of the system in a technology changing world. Design/methodology/approach The mixture of traditional or manual ways of carrying out library operations with new, modern, automated systems often brings about several problems. The problems are ones that can be tackled within the framework of having appropriate systems dynamics routines applied and also making use of personnel skilled in strategic management of hybrid library systems. Findings A system dynamics model for the management of the system is developed around the issues of personnel management, collection management, capacity building and provision of access to research materials, information technology infrastructure, forming of consortia and security in the system. Originality/value Recommendations are made as to which strategy/scenario or combinations of scenarios will provide lasting solutions to the problems recurring or likely to reoccur in a hybrid academic library system.

PurposeFunding issues is observed to be the major stumbling block for the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. Hence, this paper aims to explore issues in obtaining and allocating funds for digital library development.Design/methodology/approachThe review is an explorative report of the state of affairs of digital library development in Nigeria with the associated fundraising issues.FindingsDigital library initiatives are coincidental development with transformational change in the technology-driven world of global information distribution. The desire of the information users to have better-unrestricted access to information becomes the hallmark of digital content development and web-based information services. The goal of making information accessible globally to large and diverse information users was achievable with the development of a digital library that provides enhanced information services, improves access and usability of digital information resources.Originality/valueThe library of the future has already materialized in form of digital library services, but the cost of developing a digital library is not foreseeable cheap, and if Nigerian libraries are to achieve digital library service goal, alternative sources of finance need to be sought after through fundraising scheme from friends of the library, rental services, consultation fees and collaboration effort on library consortia as well as advocacy for open access initiatives.

Purpose Due to globalization, digitization and advanced technology, academic libraries are experiencing a tremendous change in their role and operations. The purpose of this study is to critically examine and establish the emerging trends of academic libraries in Kenya; this study also highlights some of the critical roles of the academic libraries in relation to the emerging trends. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted the literature review method to critically analyse and establish the various roles and emerging trends and issues in academic libraries in Kenya. Findings This study established that change is inevitable and that academic libraries are supposed to adapt to the emerging trending trends and roles, lest their function and service become redundant. Due to the fact that library users’ information needs and information-seeking behaviour are changing, academic libraries are supposed to devise new and innovative ways of reaching out to their clients. Originality/value This study has been able to comprehensively create a new viewpoint of the role and emerging trends of academic libraries in Kenya in regards to the changing and advancement of new technology.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for developing an Indian cultural heritage information system (CHIS) where the cultural heritages can efficiently document, manage and preserve and integrate with a searchable user interface mechanism. Further, the study scopes out the feasibility of developing single-window comprehensive national CHIS for all the cultural heritage properties of India enlisted in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s) World Heritage list.Design/methodology/approachConservation efforts and their sustenance require the support of a knowledge base cum digital archiving and information retrieval tool. The present study identifies the basic requirements, strategies and the execution of designing a reliable information system for cultural heritage inheritances to safeguard them to facilitate access to the current and future resilient communities. Approach on issues and challenges associated while developing such an information system has also been addressed with possible recommendations.FindingsIn India, even though regional level conservation efforts are occurring, no comprehensive information system, which gives the whole perspective of the item or environment of heritage site, has been developed for the heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in its World Heritage list from India. Developing such a comprehensive digital archive for cultural heritage helps to showcase its assets and ensures its visibility globally without hampering the physical form. Application Information and Communication Technology and digital technologies can extensively be used coupled with mechanisms such as mobile devices, digital systems and content visualization techniques to support the efficient and effective management in a systemized way.Research limitations/implicationsAs a pilot study, this paper examined the cultural heritage properties incorporated in the UNESCO World list. There are many lesser-known and unprotected cultural heritages in different parts of the country having artistic value and the unique characteristics, and the possibility of building the similar kind of information system for them with innovative technological solutions are not covered under this study.Practical implicationsAccess to such an exclusive digital archive in a single-window platform would greatly support administrators, tourist departments, culture departments, development administration and conservation activists. The digital version of cultural inheritances created under the cultural heritage of India must have relevance to different subject fields such as history, archeology, manuscript logy, art, administration, knowledge management, computer science and library science. Also, it ensures that the resources remain accessible to the public without any restrictions provided with a comprehensive recapitulation.Originality/valueTo the authors’ best knowledge, no such comprehensive system envisages or is practiced in the country. Developing such a system with technological and data infrastructure also helps to understand the value, support the activities related to cultural heritage and bring the local community to support and initiate such heritage conservation activities.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the scholarly literature relating to the usage of Twitter in library settings. Various uses of Twitter and strategies used to promote effective utilisation of Twitter in the library are given. The library uses Twitter accounts to support various information services, interact with users and for collecting feedback from users for the services given.Design/methodology/approachThe Google Scholar database was consulted to extract the desired data published in the five years (2015–2019). Then, the content analysis method was used to analyse the retrieved literature.FindingsThe findings revealed that Twitter is used by both the library and its users. The library uses Twitter accounts to support various information services, interact with users and for collecting feedback from users for the services given. Furthermore, the findings revealed different ways that can be implemented to improve the effective utilisation of Twitter in the library.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is that the findings of the research are based on the data collected from Google Scholar in the five years only.Originality/valueThis study tries to explore how Twitter is used in the library settings and the strategies that when implemented can help to ensure that libraries reap the best from Twitter.