20 From Collections to Connections: Transforming Libraries to Knowledge Centres
-
Tom Kwanya
Abstract
The environment in which libraries operate has changed radically. Many empirical studies have confirmed that libraries all over the world are losing their crowns as premier information service providers. Libraries have responded to threats by espousing diverse information services and products. Many responses have concentrated on how to improve the content of, and access to, collections. This chapter argues that libraries will thrive by transforming themselves into knowledge centres anchored on conversations facilitated by multifaceted connections. The topics discussed include the nature and trends of changes faced by libraries; the role and place of library collections in the emerging information universe; and how libraries can be transformed into knowledge centres through multidimensional connections and conversations. New models that libraries may consider using to become centres of knowledge-laden conversations are presented. Arguments for a new order are developed using evidence and facts from the literature to make the case for libraries to shift their focus from static collections to dynamic and conversation-enabling connections.
Abstract
The environment in which libraries operate has changed radically. Many empirical studies have confirmed that libraries all over the world are losing their crowns as premier information service providers. Libraries have responded to threats by espousing diverse information services and products. Many responses have concentrated on how to improve the content of, and access to, collections. This chapter argues that libraries will thrive by transforming themselves into knowledge centres anchored on conversations facilitated by multifaceted connections. The topics discussed include the nature and trends of changes faced by libraries; the role and place of library collections in the emerging information universe; and how libraries can be transformed into knowledge centres through multidimensional connections and conversations. New models that libraries may consider using to become centres of knowledge-laden conversations are presented. Arguments for a new order are developed using evidence and facts from the literature to make the case for libraries to shift their focus from static collections to dynamic and conversation-enabling connections.
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
