PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish stocking and services offered and user culture at the Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch. The study sought to respond to the following questions: Which books form the stock of Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch? Which services does the Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch offer to the public on a regular basis? What is the user motivation for and frequency of use of the National Library Services at Kisii Branch?Design/methodology/approachThree instruments were used in data collection; document analysis, observation and interview. Document analysis obtained data on membership and frequency; observation obtained data on stocking, services, and user culture; and interview sought clarification on data obtained from documents and observation.FindingsThe findings indicate that publications in business and accounting and school type books form the bulk of the stock of books; the library offers only basic information access services; users are motivated by school assignments, examinations and academic project deadlines to visit the library hence user frequency in the library is predictable throughout the year.Practical implicationsCurrent practices at the library by both library staff and user culture have negative implications on public literacy and socio-economic development.Originality/valueThis paper presents information obtained from a systematic data collection and analysis. The findings are original and should be addressed by the relevant stakeholders.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the future of academic libraries in the era of new user needs, new skills for staff and services offered. The literature shows the evolution of new technologies and the implications they have on the staff, library services and new user needs. The discussions in this paper are surrounded by conceptualization of what the library products and services will be in future academic libraries. It also looks at future studies that explore opportunities for librarians to advance their professional role. Design/methodology/approach This is a literature-based conceptual paper that draws on a wide range of literature that hypothetically looks at the future roles of professional librarians, the collection, services and the evolution of technology on the new user needs. Findings The library today will give the basis for the future librarian’s role, the emerging user needs and impact of service delivery. Technological advances have also affected the establishment of library systems and services offered. The emerging future roles will generally depend on how advanced the libraries are in the region or country including Kenya. Originality/value This paper adds a flexible approach to the skills, services as a role of future librarians.

PurposeAcademic libraries do not operate in a vacuum; they must co-exist with change and competition on all levels. In order to succeed, they must know their internal strengths in order to take advantage of opportunities, whilst avoiding threats and addressing weaknesses. A SWOT analysis of Jamaican academic libraries can yield strategic insights for academic library praxis in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the globe. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachSurvey and discussion group were engaged for the five local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica.FindingsHuman resources and support are the most recurrent themes in the reported strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focused on local academic libraries in higher education (university level) in Jamaica. A survey of academic libraries at all levels, and using more detailed strategic analytical tools, would be a useful follow up.Practical implicationsThis paper provides academic library managers and the national/regional library associations with a situational analysis of Jamaican academic librarianship, which can be used to inform future planning and management of library and information services. Additionally, the findings can inform the Latin America and Caribbean section of international library documents on trends, issues and future position of academic libraries globally.Originality/valueThis paper is of value as it is the first published scholarly documentation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in academic librarianship in Jamaica. In this regard, it makes a useful contribution to the dearth of literature on SWOT analyses of academic libraries per country. It may also represent a starting point for looking at solutions and emerging challenges in a Caribbean academic library environment and should help to focus on the need for continuing innovation.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight academic librarians’ understanding of leadership and leadership development, with the aim to shed light on further research that can inform and improve practices.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on academic library leadership was conducted. Particular attention was placed on the three common leadership modes in academic libraries: emergent leadership, team leadership and headship. The review covers librarians’ conception of leadership, desirable leadership capabilities and existing leadership development.FindingsLibrarians view leadership as a process of influence, and understand that leadership does not only come from formal leaders. Lacking is a more structured knowledge of what constitute effect leadership. In the literature, team and emergent leadership have not been adequately explored; most leadership research in the field takes on a headship approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe publications reviewed were selective; not all papers on the topic were included.Practical implicationsFeaturing the three leadership modes brings librarians’ attention to the crucial differences among them; and hence directs future discussion to a more focused approach that addresses each leadership mode specifically.Originality/valueThis paper differs from previous literature reviews on library leadership; it is the first one comparing and contrasting publications using the three leadership modes.

PurposeServices to researchers are a key strategic focus point for academic libraries. In many cases these services are linked to performance management systems. However, this kind of system for measuring scholarly research has unintended side effects and may demotivate researchers on a number of levels. This presents somewhat of a catch-22 for research libraries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Bibliometric Research Indicator (BRI) in Denmark, show why the researchers may feel demotivated, outline the dilemmas and the effects on libraries, and present a possible course of action.Design/methodology/approachAt least 14 countries have implemented performance management systems for researchers. The impact has been the topic of several – primarily quantitative – studies, e.g., in Denmark. The analysis is made by means of a qualitative study (interviews with 43 Danish researchers), using motivation crowding as well as self-determination theory to further explore their motives and experiences, to determine whether these factors have any influence on their experience of the BRI.FindingsThe analysis confirms earlier studies which showed that researchers as a whole do not see the BRI as supportive and that this kind of system may have unintended side effects. Unintended side effects include pressure, limitation of freedom, a drop in the perceived standard of research, the slicing of articles, negative collegial behavior as well as borderline academic theft. In connection researchers do not see the incentives or rewards given by the system as supportive.Research limitations/implicationsThis BRI study is made within only one country and as these systems tend to vary not only from country to country but also with incomparability within faculties and institutes, further studies might expose different patterns. However, as the results fit a more general trend within the research area, the takeaways could potentially prove useful for research libraries in general. Furthermore it could be beneficial to research libraries in general to get a clearer understanding of the role they play, which in part could be done by surveying them on this subject.Practical implicationsThe finding presents potential dilemmas for research libraries, as they might get caught in the crossfire between expectations or demands from the university management and the hope and dreams from individual scholars with the risk of unintentionally alienating a key target group. Thus, a possible course of action is outlined including focus points and target areas for libraries.Originality/valueThis paper presents original research with some key findings with a focus on the dilemmas for research libraries with regard to BRI-like systems, strategic management and performance measurement.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on survey results from a study about librarians’ experience with compensation (salary and benefits) negotiation in the library workplace in order to provide data that will inform professional discourse and practice.Design/methodology/approachA primarily quantitative survey instrument was administered via Qualtrics Survey Software and distributed through listservs and social media channels representing a range of library types and sub-disciplines. The survey was explicitly addressed to librarians for participation and asked them questions related to their work history and experience with negotiating for salary and benefits.FindingsA total of 1,541 librarians completed the survey. More than half of survey respondents reported not negotiating for their current library position. The majority of those who did negotiate reported positive outcomes, including an increase in salary or total compensation package. Only a very small number of respondents reported threats to rescind or rescinded offers when negotiating for their current positions. Respondents cited prior salary and prior work experience and/or education as the top information sources informing negotiation strategy.Originality/valueThere is minimal discussion of salary and benefits negotiation by individuals in the library literature and prior surveys of librarians’ experience with compensation negotiation do not exist. This is the first paper that tracks negotiating practices and outcomes of librarians in library workplaces of all types.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share one uncommon way that an academic library moved toward more sustainable library operations and to share lessons learned in the implementation of a compost collection program in an academic library. Design/methodology/approach Case study. Findings The right collaboration is critical to successfully implementing a library composting program and challenges like working around supply purchasing hurdles, reducing contamination in the collection bins, and working out appropriate assessment techniques may be encountered. Practical implications Academic libraries can implement compost collections program if the proper infrastructure exists and the appropriate partnerships are established. Social implications Academic libraries can be leaders in sustainable building operations and provide learning opportunities for the entire campus and surrounding community. Originality/value Very little published literature exists on implementing composting program in libraries of any kind. This case study helps to build that body of literature.

Purpose – Collection development in a post-subject librarian age needs to be done differently; utilising data, metadata, analytical tools and automation more fully may offer new possibilities. The purpose of this paper is to report and evaluate an exploratory project into new techniques for collection development at the University of Manchester Library. Design/methodology/approach – The project employed a cross-team approach where a relatively large number of staff tried some innovative and experimental approaches to individual aspects of a large and complex task in a large, research-intensive university library. The overriding aim was to exploit data to support decision making and to push automation as far as possible. Findings – The quality of (meta)data remains a huge hindrance to data-driven approaches. A proper understanding of usage data is an urgent but intractable issue. Human input and relationships are still important. Data are nothing without analysis, and many librarians currently lack the data fluency to work confidently in a world of dynamic content curation. Practical implications – Librarians need both to re-skill and to change their self-identification and the philosophy that underlies it if they are to achieve confident, data fluency. Originality/value – The University of Manchester Library was one of the first libraries in the UK to make a thoroughgoing structural change from subject-based to functional teams. This paper will be of value to other libraries moving in this direction, and to those looking to make more use of data-driven decision making in collections management.

Purpose – Libraries have changed due to many things, one of them being the shift from printed to electronic resources. Libraries become learning centres, providing more space for customers and less for stacks. Though information seeking habits have changed, especially students need places for studying and group work. In the case of Kuopio University Hospital Medical Library the shift has been influenced by space requirements for other hospital functions. The reduction of current physical space has led to revised collection policy that is now taking its final steps when the library is preparing to move to a new space. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – First, a 650 m2 library space was remodelled to a 450 m2 without major negative effects on services. Second, the hospital has assigned the medical library a new location where a new library space and learning centre will be renovated. Less space for print collections means that reliable delivery from print resources is crucial. Findings – Due to the merger of two universities’ collections to one multi-campus collection and to quick delivery service from the National Repository Library as well as good logistic services the authors are able to provide the customers with a possibility to use wide collections even if the own print-collections are small. Research limitations/implications – The paper describes the collection policy and the service model of one library. Originality/value – Small visible collections can be a challenge as the shelves are few. Creating awareness through marketing is essential. Campaigns, QR codes, big screens, user education, social media and everyday individual guidance are among the tools of creating wider awareness.