Rationale of Study – The study assessed digital skills, access, and ease of use of open management software among university librarians in North-Central Nigeria.Methodology – Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study covered a population of 301 librarians and utilised the total enumeration sampling technique. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire. Analysis methods such as frequency counts, mean values, and standard deviation calculations were used to answer the research questions, setting 2.50 as the criterion mean.Findings – The findings established that university libraries use open-source library management software with high ease of use, that librarians in university libraries in North-Central Nigeria possess high digital skills, and that they have high access to open-source library management software.Implications – The paper recommended that library management needs enhanced training programs tailored to equip librarians with advanced digital skills and the ability to curate digital collections effectively through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Furthermore, librarians, library associations, and stakeholders should advocate for increased library funding, emphasising the critical role that modern library technologies like OSLMS play in enhancing education and research. Additionally, there is a need to continue upgrading the hardware and software to perform tasks effectively, safely, and efficiently, engaging error tolerance and making it easy to use.Originality – The study was original research conducted on digital skills, access and ease of use of open-source library management software among university libraries in North-Central Nigeria.

Rationale of Study – This paper investigates the current status of the stigmatisation of IK in Kenya while also examining the interventions to curb the stigma.Methodology – A mixed methods research design was employed, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Seven counties were selected for the study, comprising Western (Kisii and Migori), Eastern (Machakos and Kitui) and Central (Meru, Nairobi and Nyeri). Primary data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Secondary data was collected through content analysis of literature on IK in Kenya. The quantitative data from the key informant interviews was analysed using SPSS software, while data from the FGDs was analysed using qualitative data analysis software (NVivo).Findings – The study found that most of the communities in Kenya have indigenous knowledge; most of the indigenous knowledge and practices are threatened by nonutilisation; preservation of indigenous knowledge has started in some areas, but a lot still needs to be done; and westernisation or modernisation poses a great threat to indigenous knowledge.Implications – The study recommends implementing structures to protect and preserve indigenous knowledge.Originality – This work presents new findings on IK in Kenya that have not been documented or presented anywhere else.

Rationale of Study – Exploring the utilisation of ChatGPT in academic libraries, with a focus on ChatGPT's views, not only addresses immediate concerns within the library community but also advances an understanding of the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and information services in contemporary society.Methodology – The study focused on the unique perspectives or viewpoints of ChatGPT itself. The main objective of the study was to explore ChatGPT's selfawareness and understanding of its role within the academic library context, including its perception of challenges, limitations, and contributions in facilitating information access and user support. The principal theory for this research study was grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which proposed that the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of technology are critical determinants of users' intentions to adopt and use that technology.Findings – The findings revealed that ChatGPT demonstrated an understanding of its function in this context, enhancing the user experience, addressing information queries, and navigating the diverse needs of library patrons. It acknowledged both its contributions and limitations. It recognised challenges in facilitating information access and user support, indicating a nuanced understanding of its role in assisting library patrons.Implications – This research contributes to the field of library and information science and offers insights into the broader implications of incorporating AI in information service settings.Originality – The study is one of the few exploring the perspectives on how it can help improve library services.

Rationale of Study – The purpose of the study was to determine the digital preservation strategies implemented for the institutional repository at Kaimosi Friends University College. The academic orientation of this study was anchored on the chain of preservation model.Methodology – A descriptive research design was deployed. A census approach was used to enumerate the 46 respondents as the population of the study was small. An interview schedule and questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. A pilot study was conducted at Kibabii University library in order to bring to light any weaknesses in the questionnaire as well as in the survey techniques. The instrument was validated through examination by experts in the field of information science. The test-retest technique was utilised to assess the reliability of the instrument. The data collected in this study were both quantitative and qualitative, and they were analysed with the aid of SPSS and presented using tables and figures.Findings – The prominent digital preservation strategies deployed in the institutional repository were backup (60.5%), technology preservation (60.5%) and information migration (51.2%).Implications – The study recommends that Kaimosi Friends University College maintains the most commonly deployed strategies of digital preservation, namely information migration, backup and technology preservation.Originality – This is an original study conducted in a public university in Kenya.

Rationale of Study – The evolution of academic libraries is influenced by technological developments, including Web 2.0. Based on a larger PhD project, this study evaluated how selected academic libraries in Tanzania leverage a Web 2.0-driven SECI model to enhance knowledge creation and sharing processes.Methodology – A convergent mixed methods research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The study investigated library staff (n=306) using a survey questionnaire, with a rate of return of 254 (83%). Eight library directors and sixteen heads of library departments were also interviewed to supplement data from the survey and establish convergence or divergence of the findings.Findings – Many library staff (91.7%) used Web 2.0 tools several times daily for personal and professional use. They used Web 2.0 applications for various tasks, including online communication and knowledge sharing, teaching information literacy, and marketing and promoting library services and resources. The findings also show that knowledge creation and sharing practices were performed under each SECI model process.Implications – Since its purpose is to improve the processes of creating and sharing knowledge, the Web 2.0 -driven SECI model can be utilised to integrate knowledge management practices through the creation and sharing of knowledge to support academic libraries and library professionals in managing their daily activities.Originality – A limited number of studies have used the model in such a context, especially in higher learning and research institutions.

Rationale of Study – The emergence of the Internet has unlocked immense prospects for distance learning. One of the prospects is Web 3.0 tools, a web platform that enables its users to read, write and execute content. Previous studies established the use of Web 3.0 tools in higher education but this author knows of no studies on the use of Web 3.0 tools for knowledge management by distance learners in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper examines distance learners’ knowledge conversion using the SECI knowledge management model and identifies appropriate Web 3.0 tools used in each quadrant.Methodology – A descriptive research design was used for this study. Qualitative data was collected from 16 distance learners from the Distance Learning Centre, the University of Ibadan using interviews. The respondents were purposively selected from the faculties of Arts, Education, Science, and Social Sciences.Findings – The distance learners at the University of Ibadan went through the four quadrants of knowledge conversion in the course of their distance learning programmes in accordance with the SECI knowledge conversion model. They use Web 3.0 tools such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Google Hangout, Facebook, E-library, Semantic Search Engines, and Open Educational Resources, and Google Drive in the four quadrants of SECI knowledge conversion.Implications – The findings of the study confirmed that Web 3.0 tools are germane to distance learners’ knowledge conversion activities.Originality – This study has a prodigious value because it is the first study to examine the usage of Web 3.0 tools in knowledge conversion by distance learners in Nigeria

Rationale of Study – This paper examines how indigenous environmental knowledge (IEK) can be applied in the conservation and management of natural resources in Kenya. It also explores how IEK can be captured, coded, stored and integrated into climate studies and conservation efforts.Methodology – Due to the lack of consensus on the nature of IEK whether ecosystem management, stewardship, natural resource management or environmental conservation practices, the study used a meta-analytical approach to review scientific publications, papers and published journals in order to develop an overarching framework that would guide the capture, documentation, repositing and archiving of the local IEK. The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream knowledge offers great potential in strengthening socio-ecological resilience.Findings – The study identified several themes that include environmental stewardship, natural resource management, environmental conservation practises among others that relate to the IEK resources, its effectiveness on environmental management and the integration of IEK into climate change. The findings show that IEK has been applied in environmental conservations efforts in several countries such as the traditional resource usage models, the rain-making tradition of the Luhya Community, resource conservation practices of the Maasai among other practises. The study concludes that IEK can be drawn from several indigenous communities in Kenya that include, the Maasai, Sengwer, Pokot, Samburu among others and with the aid of the information science discipline which leads to the development of an IEK repository in Kenya.Implications – The study recommends that national institutions in Kenya such as Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service be involved in the search for alternative solutions to climate change concerns.Originality – The study is advocating for the formalization and mainstreaming of the communal IEK among the communities in Kenya.

Rationale of Study – This paper investigated provision of digital reference services in selected Nigerian state university libraries. The study examined how digital reference service can improve information service delivery to library users in Nigerian university libraries.Methodology – A survey research method was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of 45 professional librarians from three university libraries. These are Delta State University Library, Abraka; Niger Delta University Library, Amasoma; and River State University of Technology library, Port Harcourt. The population of librarians in the three institutions was small. So, the whole population formed the sample size and was used for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Findings – The study revealed that digital reference services offered in the university libraries include instructions, guidance, information and research assistance and consultation to library users. Social media like Facebook and Twitter, text-based chats, email correspondences, live chat and telephone communication are all channels through which digital reference services are delivered in the state university libraries studied. Effects of digital reference services on university libraries include increased patrons’ interactions, speed of service delivery to users and accessibility of information services. Challenges faced in the provision of digital reference services were low bandwidth in remote areas, hitches in downloading articles, slow Internet connection and insufficient support for reference librarians.Practical Implications – The findings will serve as a reference point for other university libraries considering offering digital reference service.Originality – This is an original research study. This study is the first of its kind in the study area

Rationale of Study -Several studies have considered the factors determining the knowledge sharing intention among employees. However, studies focusing on information professionals and factors determining their knowledge sharing intention through a path model are either limited or been ignored. Methodology - In this study, the researcher developed and tested a path model that explains the factors that determine the intention of information professionals in Nigeria to share knowledge with their colleagues through a survey design. Findings -The results revealed that a correlation exists between the overall knowledge sharing intention score and the other knowledge sharing intention factors. The results demonstrate that citizenship behaviour had the highest correlation with knowledge sharing intention (r = 0.852). This is followed by creativity and innovation (r=0.704), and interaction frequency (r = 0.558). The results of the regression of knowledge sharing intention on the ten related factors show an adjusted R-square value of 0.661, and an F-ratio of 105.37; the latter of which is significant at 0.05 level (0.000 < 0.05). These indicate that the ten independent variables jointly (as indicated by the R-square value) explained 76.5% of the variations in the knowledge sharing intention by the information professionals. Implications -The research findings have a big bearing on policy formulation and decision making in information and knowledgeorganisations, the public and private information sector players, professional associations and information and knowledge training institutions. Originality -This research has a great value in the sense that it is one of the pioneer studies on information sharing in the context of information research in Nigeria.