Are Academic Journals really a Lucrative Scam?
I recently came across a thought-provoking article on The Guardian by Arash Abizadeh, titled “Academic journals are a lucrative scam – and we’re determined to change that.” This article sheds light on the exploitative practices of the big five academic publishers: Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, and SAGE. These publishers generate billions in revenue, with profit margins that often surpass tech giants like Google, all while relying on the unpaid labor of academics.
Abizadeh highlights how these publishers charge exorbitant fees for access to journals, making it difficult for universities and the public to access essential research. The article discusses the impact of these practices on the academic community and the broader public, emphasizing the need for a shift towards “diamond” open access models. These models eliminate the financial burden on authors, editors, and readers, making research freely accessible to all.
“The commercial stranglehold on academic publishing is doing considerable damage to our intellectual and scientific culture. As disinformation and propaganda spread freely online, genuine research and scholarship remains gated and prohibitively expensive…”
I encourage you to read the full article here and share your thoughts on the writer’s opinions. How do you think we can collectively move towards a more equitable academic publishing system?
Let’s discuss it!
Is open science and publishing really the way to go?
4 Reasons why we’re Organizing Library Automation Masterclass
4 Reasons why we’re Organizing Library Automation Masterclass
Library users nowadays seem to be very impatient. They are eager get their information needs met immediately and in formats that are easy for them, sometimes they do not even want human interaction. But in many libraries today, the systems in place are outdated, slow, and frustrating to navigate. Librarians, despite their dedication and expertise, struggle with the inefficiencies of manual processes and systems. This scenario is all too common in many libraries that have not yet embraced the full potential of automation and digital transformation. As the demand for IT inclined librarians increases, there’s an urgent need for upskilling in library automation to meet the evolving needs of our digital age. Yes! There are evolving needs and only Upskilled Librarians can meet those needs.
Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the Upskill and Connect Village recommends a 3-Day Library Automation Masterclass (LAM), a transformative session designed to empower librarians, library educators and students with the skills and knowledge to automate library operations and sustain innovations.
Why are we organizing this masterclass? Four reasons:
1. To Raise Emerging Masters of Automation and Innovation. 
Our primary goal is to equip librarians with skills in customizing and managing both Open Source and Proprietary Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS). This training will not only improve daily workflows but also position librarians as leaders in automation and innovation within their institutions. When others are talking about automation in libraries, after attending this programme, you would be able to advice and lend your voice as an emerging master of automation and innovation.
2. To Provide Hands-On Experience. 
Grammar alone is not enough. The masterclass promises to offer practical approach in Facilitators delivery on the various ILMS modules, including patron management and cataloguing. Participants will learn how to leverage reporting tools for data-driven decisions, enhancing both staff and user experiences. Through the interactive session in Day 3, participants will gain real insights and strategies that can be immediately applied to their libraries.
3. To Shed Light on Innovative Library Services and Strategies. 
We also plan to engage participants and industry experts in discussions on best practices in automating library process, exploring innovative library services and strategies that can transform their libraries. Hopefully, this will empower participants to adopt new technologies and methods, ensuring that their libraries remain relevant and effective in this digital age.
4. To Provide Insights for Starting a Profitable Career in Automation. 
The masterclass will target career development, offering useful tips for those looking to start a career in providing library solutions. By gaining expertise in automation and receiving a Certificate of Achievement, we believe participants’ professional credentials will be enhanced and doors will be opened to new opportunities.
The Library Automation Masterclass is more than just a training session; it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and innovate. Don’t miss this opportunity. Learn more about the Masterclass and Register now! The Session is scheduled to hold from 26th July – 28th July, 2024 (Next Week).
IF YOU ARE READING THIS AFTER THE MASTERCLASS HAS BEEN HELD, DONT WORRY, IT IS NOT TOO LATE. CALL 2347030413987.
INSIGHTS FROM THE RECENTLY RELEASED 2023 PLA TECHNOLOGY SURVEY
It is very important for libraries to remain at the forefront of ensuring access to information and promoting digital literacy within their communities. While there is evidence of consistent development of libraries, especially in developed parts of the world, there is need for libraries of all types and all around the world to understand that the digital landscape is continuously evolving, hence, Libraries and professionals must adapt and innovate if they are to efficiently meet the needs of their patrons. The 2023 Public Library Technology Survey, recently published by the Public Library Association (PLA), offers some very useful insights that can guide Nigerian libraries in enhancing their services and leveraging technology effectively.
“The annual surveys since 2020 have followed a rotating series of topics—Technology, Staff, and Services for Strong Communities. The results are published each summer in a free report (available below) and in PLA’s data tool, Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends.”
Download the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey here
Key Findings of the PLA Survey
The survey reveals significant trends and data on how public libraries in the United States of America are leveraging technology to serve their patrons. Here are some of the highlights:
- Almost half of the libraries (46.9%) now offer internet hotspots for checkout, marking an increase of 14.4% from 2020.
- About a quarter of libraries (24.6%) provide digital media production equipment, and over one-third (39.5%) have maker production equipment.
- A staggering 95.3% of public libraries offer some form of digital literacy training.
- Nearly 30% of libraries have implemented digital navigator programs, which provide personalized assistance to patrons in navigating digital resources and technology.
- Almost one in five libraries (19.7%) are involved in digital equity or inclusion coalitions at the local, state, or regional level.
- An overwhelming 95% of libraries offer e-books and/or e-audiobooks, and 57.5% provide streaming and downloadable media. However, subscription costs or payment terms remain the top challenge in offering digital content, affecting 85.7% of libraries.
Some Implications for Nigerian Libraries
The insights from PLA survey are not only relevant for U.S. libraries but contains important lessons for libraries in developing countries, including Nigeria. Some areas we can take examples from and leverage these findings to enhance our services are:
- In the aspect of offering internet hotspots. A lot of researchers/students recently suffer high cost or frustrating access to stable internet connection. This service can significantly increase internet access in our communities, especially in underserved areas.
- At a particular time in Nigeria research papers on Makerspaces were trending, but sometimes, these papers just end up as written texts. By providing digital media production and maker equipment, libraries can support creative and educational initiatives, which will go a long way to empower library users to develop new skills and engage in innovative projects.
- We should aim to provide a range of training options, from formal classes to informal assistance, from Physical workshops to Webinars. Upskilling is never too much. We must, as Librarians ensure that we, ourselves and our library users can improve their digital skills.
- Efforts towards advocating for digital equity or policies and initiatives that promote digital inclusion should be increased.
- Funding seem to be a major issue in many libraries, even in the US. However, with insights from the Report, support and grant seeking (locally and internationally) may help us overcome financial barriers.
Finally, the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should consider conducting regular technology surveys similar to those by the PLA and ALA. These surveys would provide crucial data on the state of technology in Nigerian libraries, helping us to understand our needs better and advocate for necessary resources and policy changes.
Call to Action
In light of these findings, librarians should actually familiarize themselves with these trends and implement relevant strategies in their libraries. By doing so, we would be able to improve our services, bridge the digital divide, and support the educational and informational needs of our users.
Additionally, local data will go a long way in helping us understand the development and state of technology in Nigerian libraries, especially in the area of decision-making and advocacy.
As we consider adopting these new strategies, it’s important for to stay ahead by upskilling and adapting to new technologies, because there’s even more developments to come. Are you aware that the Early Bird registration period for our upcoming Library Automation Masterclass (LAM) ended since June 30th? LAM is targeted at librarians aspiring to master library automation systems, innovate library services, and embark on profitable careers in library automation. This intensive session will cover everything from metadata management to integrated library systems (ILS) like Koha, NewGenLib, etc. providing hands-on training and expert guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your library services and career— learn more, REGISTER NOW,, and join us in this movement.
These recommendations are worth implementing, they can actually help our libraries in Africa to continue to be centers of learning, creativity, and digital inclusion.
Sources:
https://www.ala.org/pla/data/plasurveys
https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/PLA_Tech_Survey_Report_2024.pdf
New Principles for Digital Book Management in Libraries
New Principles for Digital Book Management in Libraries
As custodians of knowledge, we have always been at the forefront of ensuring access to information for our library patrons. As digital resources continue to evolve, the principles of ownership and rights have often been a subject of debate and uncertainty amongst librarians, writes and publishers. The recently released “Principles on Library Ownership of Digital Books” by Library Futures bring some clarity to this vital aspect of library resource management, and I hope you find it helpful:
Understanding the New Principles
The principles aim to establish a foundation of trust between publishers and libraries, allowing libraries to purchase and own permanent copies of digital books, which actually, is a great idea, because this will enable our libraries build and maintain large digital collections that can serve a wide range of users for generations.
Key Highlights of the Principles:
- Purchase and Maintenance: Libraries can purchase digital books and maintain possession, either directly or through a third-party host. This ensures that libraries have the autonomy to curate their collections without relying solely on publishers.
- Security Measures: Libraries must employ reasonable industry-standard security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the digital books remain unaltered. This includes using best practices for digital preservation to protect against decay and corruption.
- Access and Format Compatibility: To keep digital collections accessible, libraries should update file formats as necessary to remain compatible with contemporary equipment. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our collections do not become obsolete.
- Lending and Interlibrary Loan: Libraries can lend digital books, including through interlibrary loan, while maintaining one-reader-per-copy lending. This respects the balance between accessibility and copyright compliance.
- Transfer and Deaccession: Libraries are allowed to transfer digital books within their systems or to third-party providers while ensuring secure transfers and permanent deletion when deaccessioning.
- Privacy Protection: Protecting reader privacy is a core value. Libraries must follow applicable laws and policies to safeguard patron data, ensuring that privacy is not compromised in digital transactions.
One thing that can deduced from the principles is that purchasing a digital book transfers the title of that particular copy to the library, similar to physical books, while the copyright remains with the rightsholder. And that makes the principles significant, especially for libraries in this part of the world, because many of us have faced challenges with copyright issues and what the best practices for sharing and managing e-books should be. With these guidelines hopefully, we now have a clearer understanding to be able to navigate these complexities, ensuring that we can build and maintain digital collections that serve our patrons effectively.
Adopting these principles in full or partly depending on our respective libraries will not only enhance our collections but also strengthen our role as guardians of knowledge in the digital age. Let’s take this opportunity to advocate for our rights to own and preserve digital books, ensuring that our libraries continue to be vibrant centers of learning and culture.
Call to Action
Here’s to encourage librarians, especially e-librarians to familiarize themselves with these principles and integrate them into their practices. By doing so, we can collectively enhance the accessibility and preservation of digital knowledge in the right way.
You can read the full post by Library Futures here.
As we adopt these new principles, it’s crucial to stay ahead by upskilling and adapting to new technologies. Are you aware that the Early Bird registration period for our upcoming Library Automation Masterclass (LAM) ended yesterday (30th June)? LAM is targeted at librarians aspiring to master library automation systems, innovate library services, and embark on profitable careers in library automation. This intensive session will cover everything from metadata management to integrated library systems (ILS) like Koha, providing hands-on training and expert guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your library services and career—learn more, REGISTER NOW, and join us in this movement.
