Gateway Information Journal

Open Source Tools and Information Security Practices in Scholarly Communication: A Study of Librarians' Roles and Challenges

2026-03-21T14:03:06+00:00

The use of open source technologies in scholarly communication has redefined the process of developing, archiving, and disseminating scholarly information. However, the growing reliance on open systems increased concern over information security, primary data integrity, user confidentiality, and digital preservation over the long term. This study investigates the ambivalence of librarians as being both open access enablers and information security guardians in scholarly publishing. It investigates the extent of adoption of open source systems such as Open Journal Systems (OJS), DSpace, and Koha among academic libraries and scans the security measures in place to safeguard intellectual assets. The study, using findings from literature and other research work with academic librarians, identifies extensive lacunae in technical competence, policy adherence, and infrastructural support. It suggests best practices and institutional methods of mitigating security risks while enabling open access. The study places heavy emphasis on the need for constant professional development, inter institutional collaboration, and policy guidelines communicated openly to help librarians navigate the complex relationship between openness and security. The study contributes to the growing scholarship in digital scholarly ecosystems by offering practical guidance for enhancing secure and sustainable open access publishing.

Disaster Management Practices in two Academic Libraries in South Western Nigeria

2026-03-21T14:14:29+00:00

Disasters pose significant threats to the sustainability of academic libraries, often resulting in loss of resources, disruption of services, and safety concerns for staff and users. Despite growing awareness of disaster risks, many Nigerian academic libraries remain ill-prepared for effective disaster management. This study investigated disaster preparedness and management practices in two academic libraries in South-Western Nigeria, focusing on a population of 87 librarians. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation) were used to analyse the responses. Findings revealed that although librarians were highly aware of potential disasters such as fire, flooding, and digital system failures, disaster preparedness in both libraries remained largely reactive. Preventive measures, such as fire extinguishers and CCTV systems, were available, but neither institution had a written disaster management policy or conducted regular drills. Key challenges identified included inadequate funding, lack of staff training, and weak institutional commitment to disaster risk reduction. The study concluded that awareness of disaster risks alone is insufficient to ensure preparedness, particularly in the absence of policies, training, and financial investment. It recommended the development of comprehensive disaster management frameworks, regular staff training and drills, dedicated budgetary allocations, inter-institutional collaboration, and integration of disaster preparedness into librarians’ professional development. Strengthening disaster resilience in academic libraries is essential to safeguard information resources, ensure service continuity, and align with global disaster risk reduction strategies.

Marketing Strategies as Predictors of Book Sales Performance of Educational Publishers in Southwestern Nigeria

2026-03-21T14:24:14+00:00

Marketing strategies are crucial to the sales performance of educational publishers. The study examined the extent to which marketing strategies affect book sales performance among educational publishers in southwestern Nigeria. The survey method was adopted. The population of the study comprised the 54 educational publishing firms in southwestern Nigeria. Two states – Oyo and Lagos – were purposively selected because of their high concentration of publishing firms while the 36 publishing firms located in Lagos and Oyo states were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Three hundred and sixty-one sales representatives were sampled for the study, and 219 (60.6%) were returned. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis. It was discovered that market penetration (r = 0.17; p < 0.05) and market development (r = 0.18; p < 0.05) were the most significant predictors of book sales performance, while product development (r = 0.32; p > 0.05) was not significant. The study recommended that publishers should adopt multi-channel marketing, leverage digital platforms, and enhance promotional efforts to remain competitive in the evolving educational publishing industry.

Artificial Intelligence Use and Library Engagement among Undergraduates in State Universities in Southwest Nigeria: A Correlational Study

2026-03-21T14:31:13+00:00

The study examined the relationship between the use of Artificial Intelligence and library engagement among undergraduates in universities in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey design, using a structured questionnaire administered to 2,894 students selected through a multistage stratified random sampling technique. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that students extensively use AI tools for writing, research, and study assistance. However, engagement with university libraries remains moderate, with limited participation in instructional programs and consultations with librarians. A significant negative relationship was found between AI use and library engagement (r = –0.428, p < .05), implying that higher AI use reduces reliance on library resources (t = 5.214, df = 2,892, p < .05). This study concludes that although AI technologies enhance students’ access to information and academic productivity, they also challenge the conventional roles of libraries in the learning process. It recommends integrating AI-driven solutions into library operations and services, promoting digital literacy and fostering faculty-library collaboration to sustain engagement in an AI-mediated learning environment.

Navigating the AI Era: Opportunities and Challenges for Library Services in Developing Countries

2026-03-25T18:16:21+00:00

This paper explored the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into library and information services, with a focus on developing countries, particularly African academic libraries. It highlights AI’s potential to enhance library practices while addressing adoption barriers, proposing strategies to ensure libraries remain relevant in the digital era. The study employs a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing scholarly works (primarily 2020–2024) on AI applications in libraries. The study utilized peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and reports sourced through structured searches in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Selected publications, focused on developing-country contexts, were screened and analyzed to identify key opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. AI offers opportunities for automation, personalised services, enhanced information retrieval and stakeholder partnerships to improve digital infrastructure and skills. Challenges in developing countries include low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power, resistance to change, funding constraints and limited AI policies. Proposed strategies include fostering AI literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, alternative energy solutions (e.g., solar) and robust policy formulation. The integration of AI into library services in developing countries, particularly Africa, presents a pivotal opportunity to redefine librarianship in the digital age. Despite challenges, proactive adoption of AI through skill development, policy frameworks and partnerships can position libraries as dynamic knowledge hubs, ensuring their relevance and impact in the AI era.