NextGen Journal of Librarianship
The NextGen Journal of Librarianship is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and professional practice in librarianship, library and information science, knowledge management, and digital information services. The journal provides an international platform for researchers, librarians, information professionals, educators, and technology practitioners to share original research, theoretical contributions, systematic reviews, and practical insights addressing the evolving role of libraries in the digital age. Aims and Scope The journal welcomes original contributions in areas including: Library and Information Science Digital Libraries and Institutional Repositories Information Organization, Cataloguing, and Classification Knowledge Management and Information Retrieval .Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Libraries Digital Preservation and Electronic Records Management Academic Libraries and Research Support Services Public, School, and Special Libraries Information Literacy and Digital Literacy Bibliometrics, Scientometrics, and Research Evaluation Open Access, Scholarly Communication, and Publishing Library Management, Leadership, and Policy Data Management and Research Data Services Emerging Technologies in Information Services User Experience, Information Behaviour, and Library Services
Inaugural Issue: Advances in NJL
Premier issue featuring foundational peer-reviewed research and methodologies.
“Welcome to the inaugural issue of NextGen Journal of Librarianship. All articles undergo rigorous double-anonymous peer review to ensure exceptional scientific merit and reproducible impact.”
Table of Contents
3 Published ArticlesLibrary and Information Policy and the Challenges of Data Privacy, Security, and Surveillance in Digital Libraries
Okiemuteogho Patience Akpevw, Edith Ijeoma Oshiokpu, Ukuame Rose Oborakpororo
This study investigated library and information policy, data privacy, challenges in the implementation of library policies, and security and surveillance in digital libraries in selected Federal University libraries in Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. The study employed a structured questionnaire, and questionnaires were returned by 287 respondents (95.7%) of the 300 questionnaires distributed, which were used in the analysis. To answer the research questions, descriptive statistics was used, and to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance, regression analysis was used. The results showed that library and information policies meant for addressing data privacy had a positive general perception that they were sufficient. Data privacy practices were also shown to increase users' trust, information-seeking behaviour and intellectual freedom too. But there were institutional, technological and human capacity issues that hindered implementation of the policy. The results also showed that security measures positively enhanced the users' confidence in the digital library services, while excessive security might make some information resources not easily accessible for users. Results of the hypothesis tests showed that policy adequacy, data privacy, implementation, and security and surveillance outcomes had statistically significant associations. It is recommended that digital library governance should be an integrated process that encompasses the development of a strong privacy policy, formation of a capability to implement the policy, security measures, and clear, proportionate surveillance. It advises periodic policy reviews, capacity building for staff, enhanced infrastructure for cybersecurity, transparency in data governance, and the implementation of clear safeguards to reduce the potential for excessive user monitoring.
Evaluating Institutional Readiness for Online Collaboration in Private University Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria:
Adaeze Nwona NZEWI, , Nnatu Agatha Ujunwa
This study evaluated institutional readiness for online collaboration in private university libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria, with particular attention to policy, infrastructure, and competency dimensions. The study aimed to determine the level of institutional readiness for online collaboration in terms of policies and guidelines, ICT facilities and infrastructure, skills and competencies, and training needs. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, which was appropriate given the exploratory nature of the inquiry, the study's geographical scope, and the characteristics of the study population. The study used a narrative research design, and researchers collected data from eleven purposively selected participants using a semi-structured interview guide. The researchers analysed the data using content analysis. The findings revealed that, except at Madonna University, Okija; Paul University, Awka; University of the Niger, Umunya; and Shanahan University, Onitsha, the private university libraries studied lacked explicit policies or guidelines governing the use of online collaboration tools for information resource development. The findings further established that the private university libraries studied had the requisite ICT facilities and infrastructure for online collaboration. In addition, the study found that the libraries had librarians with the skills and competencies needed to use online collaboration tools effectively for information resource development. The study concludes that while librarians demonstrated awareness of online collaboration tools and a strong disposition to adopt them, enabling policies were lacking, and persistent infrastructural and capacity constraints tempered overall institutional readiness. It further concludes that increased investment in ICT infrastructure and ongoing staff development are essential to adopt and sustain the use of online collaboration tools effectively. The study therefore recommends fostering strong collaboration among library management, university authorities, and ICT directorates to build digital capacity and support the sustainable use of online collaboration tools across library services.
Management and Embedded Librarians -Faculty Collaboration in the AI Age: Insights from Nigerian Universities
Lucky Oghenetega URHIEWHU, Uche Mokobia
This study investigates the strategic role of university management in fostering collaboration between embedded librarians and faculty staff to enhance accreditation outcomes in Nigerian universities. With the growing emphasis on digital infrastructure and quality assurance, embedded librarianship—where librarians integrate directly into academic departments—has emerged as a vital approach to supporting teaching, research, and curriculum development. Despite its potential, integration remains limited due to institutional barriers, inadequate policy frameworks, and insufficient managerial support. Using an exploratory descriptive survey design, data were collected from 65 librarians across Nigerian universities through stratified random sampling, supported by faculty questionnaires and in-depth interviews with university management. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, while qualitative responses were thematically examined. Findings reveal that Embedded Librarians significantly contribute to accreditation processes by preparing documentation, ensuring collection standards, and collaborating with faculty. Management support, particularly through resource allocation and structured interaction, was moderately perceived. However, significant challenges—including poor funding, lack of training, weak institutional policies, and regional gender disparities—continue to undermine collaboration. Communication is primarily through Whatsapp/Institutional Email, with limited use of online collaborative platforms, suggesting a gap in digital integration. The study concludes that while embedded librarianship holds promise for strengthening institutional accreditation, its success hinges on proactive managerial strategies, digital infrastructure investment, and continuous professional development. It recommends that universities implement policy reforms, promote gender equity, and enhance digital literacy to maximize the strategic contribution of librarians in quality assurance and accreditation success.