1 Blockchain Technology for Library Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Libraries from a Nigerian Perspective
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Rebecca Chidimma Ojobor
Abstract
This chapter examines blockchain technology and the challenges and opportunities for its use in libraries. It reports on a study undertaken in federal university libraries in Southeastern Nigeria. The study sought to establish the level of awareness of blockchain technology in libraries, ascertain its relevance in library services and operations, and identify the challenges associated with its usage in libraries. A qualitative research design was adopted targeting academic librarians at the five federal university libraries in Southeastern Nigeria .The research findings revealed various potential uses of blockchain in the library including but not limited to building an enhanced metadata system, hosting peer-to-peer sharing, and serving as a Digital Rights Management (DRM) tool. The findings identified many challenges to implementation including lack of funding, irregular power supply, poor broadband connectivity, and a shortage of competent personnel. Strategies are proffered to ameliorate the challenges and to encourage libraries to adopt and use a remarkable new technology, blockchain.
Abstract
This chapter examines blockchain technology and the challenges and opportunities for its use in libraries. It reports on a study undertaken in federal university libraries in Southeastern Nigeria. The study sought to establish the level of awareness of blockchain technology in libraries, ascertain its relevance in library services and operations, and identify the challenges associated with its usage in libraries. A qualitative research design was adopted targeting academic librarians at the five federal university libraries in Southeastern Nigeria .The research findings revealed various potential uses of blockchain in the library including but not limited to building an enhanced metadata system, hosting peer-to-peer sharing, and serving as a Digital Rights Management (DRM) tool. The findings identified many challenges to implementation including lack of funding, irregular power supply, poor broadband connectivity, and a shortage of competent personnel. Strategies are proffered to ameliorate the challenges and to encourage libraries to adopt and use a remarkable new technology, blockchain.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- About IFLA IX
- Foreword 1
- Preface 3
- 1 Blockchain Technology for Library Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Libraries from a Nigerian Perspective 7
- 2 Reshaping the Future of Academic Libraries: Insights from South Africa 24
- 3 User Services in Ghanaian Academic Libraries in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic 45
- 4 Redefining Academic Library Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A View from Zimbabwe 64
- 5 Seeking Order in Chaotic Times: The Importance of Evidence in the Fight for Truth 78
- 6 To Wear Gloves or Wash Hands? A Perusal of Archives Preservation Policy in Botswana 91
- 7 National Archives Institutions During Turbulent Times: The Case of COVID-19 104
- 8 The Impact of Library Resources on Block Release Students’ Academic Achievement in Zimbabwe 116
- 9 Exploration of Data Sharing and Information Exchange among Nigerian Library and Information Science Researchers 131
- 10 Ethical Dimensions of Research Information Management: A New Challenge for Information Professionals 150
- 11 Information Services in Academic Libraries in an Era of Information Disorder 166
- 12 The Role of Academic Libraries in a Pandemic Era 181
- 13 Challenges with Open Access Institutional Repositories in Ghana 195
- 14 Advocating for Value-Added Content and Tools in Library Databases and Beyond 211
- 15 Public Library Infrastructure During COVID-19 in Limpopo Province 225
- 16 Knowledge Sharing Among Nurses in Developing Countries During COVID-19 240
- 17 One Journal’s Journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution 254
- 18 An Altmetrics Study of Researchers at North-West University 274
- 19 Knowledge Management Strategies in Clinical Settings, Southwest Nigeria 297
- 20 From Collections to Connections: Transforming Libraries to Knowledge Centres 320
- 21 Library and Information Science Graduate Skills Needed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Nigerian Perspective 342
- Contributors 361
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- About IFLA IX
- Foreword 1
- Preface 3
- 1 Blockchain Technology for Library Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Libraries from a Nigerian Perspective 7
- 2 Reshaping the Future of Academic Libraries: Insights from South Africa 24
- 3 User Services in Ghanaian Academic Libraries in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic 45
- 4 Redefining Academic Library Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A View from Zimbabwe 64
- 5 Seeking Order in Chaotic Times: The Importance of Evidence in the Fight for Truth 78
- 6 To Wear Gloves or Wash Hands? A Perusal of Archives Preservation Policy in Botswana 91
- 7 National Archives Institutions During Turbulent Times: The Case of COVID-19 104
- 8 The Impact of Library Resources on Block Release Students’ Academic Achievement in Zimbabwe 116
- 9 Exploration of Data Sharing and Information Exchange among Nigerian Library and Information Science Researchers 131
- 10 Ethical Dimensions of Research Information Management: A New Challenge for Information Professionals 150
- 11 Information Services in Academic Libraries in an Era of Information Disorder 166
- 12 The Role of Academic Libraries in a Pandemic Era 181
- 13 Challenges with Open Access Institutional Repositories in Ghana 195
- 14 Advocating for Value-Added Content and Tools in Library Databases and Beyond 211
- 15 Public Library Infrastructure During COVID-19 in Limpopo Province 225
- 16 Knowledge Sharing Among Nurses in Developing Countries During COVID-19 240
- 17 One Journal’s Journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution 254
- 18 An Altmetrics Study of Researchers at North-West University 274
- 19 Knowledge Management Strategies in Clinical Settings, Southwest Nigeria 297
- 20 From Collections to Connections: Transforming Libraries to Knowledge Centres 320
- 21 Library and Information Science Graduate Skills Needed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Nigerian Perspective 342
- Contributors 361
