Purpose The purpose of this study was to test three prompts instructing an Artificial Intelligence large language model to determine if citations were correct to see which was the most effective. Another purpose was to analyze the prompts’ quality using the concise, logical, explicit, adaptive and reflective (CLEAR) framework. Design/methodology/approach 45 altered citations from 15 American Psychologist citations were tested across three prompt strategies (Verify, Correct and Fit), resulting in 135 prompts to Microsoft CoPilot. A quantitative chi-square analysis and the CLEAR framework were used to analyze the results. Findings The Fit prompt (“find the closest fitting citation for”) was the most effective at providing correct citations. Only the Fit prompt was concise, logical, explicit, adaptive and reflective. The Correct prompt “‘amend the citation to be factually accurate”) provoked some “corrective hallucinations,” where CoPilot hallucinated incorrect citations in providing corrections to the altered citations. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no one has developed a prompt similar to the “Fit” prompt. This prompt, although not perfect, has some practical value for identifying incorrect citations.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed exposition about crowdfunding as a method that can be adopted by public libraries. The paper highlights several crowdfunding campaigns and illustrates how crowdfunding significantly complements funds received from government exchequer and brings community members closer to encourage contribution around a shared goal. Design/methodology/approach A moderated description of crowdfunding initiatives across continents have been studied with special emphasis on public libraries in India. Findings The paper demonstrates a major portion of social contribution that public libraries make in terms of providing access to resources in economically backward areas, offering information literacy training to marginalized section and upgrading IT facilities, become possible because of funds raised from community contribution. The increasing use of crowdfunding around the world and especially in India is discussed with a focus on its limitations and future prospects. Originality/value For the past few years, it appears from several studies that, public libraries around the world face a huge strain because of budget constraints and changes in government priorities. To mitigate these challenges, a mode of raising funds that is becoming increasingly popular is crowdfunding. The author has tried to give a detailed exposition about crowdfunding with a view to connect crowd as well as generate fund for the public libraries.
Purpose In the context of the Nigerian higher education ecosystem, the purpose of this study is to consider the changing role of libraries and librarians in the roadmap of open science (OS) ideas and practices. This study seeks to evaluate the level of OS preparedness at the moment, pinpoint enduring issues, draw attention to new opportunities and suggest tactical approaches to speed up OS roadmap in Nigerian academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This reflective analysis draws on a synthesis of recent empirical studies, national infrastructure initiatives (including the RUMBU repository platform and LIBSENSE Nigeria), professional association reports and policy documents. This paper uses analytical approach to examine the intersection of library practice, OS principles and the Nigerian institutional context. Findings Nigerian librarians demonstrate foundational awareness of OS principles, yet this understanding remains fragmented, and institutional readiness varies significantly across the country. The development of national infrastructure, including the RUMBU platform and LIBSENSE Nigeria initiatives, signals meaningful progress. Infrastructure deficiencies (unreliable power supply, poor Internet connectivity and inadequate ICT facilities), financial limitations, policy gaps, human capacity limitations, cultural resistance to data sharing and a lack of cooperation between academic staff and libraries are some of the ongoing obstacles that prevent systematic adoption. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a reflective synthesis of existing literature and national initiatives rather than primary empirical data collection. Future research should conduct systematic surveys and case studies across a representative sample of Nigerian university libraries to establish baseline OS readiness indicators and track progress over time. Practical implications This paper offers strategic recommendations for university librarians, professional associations (NLA, AULNU), government and funding agencies (NUC, TETFund) and individual practitioners. These include developing comprehensive OS policies, investing in infrastructure and training, strengthening repository management, advocating for national OS policy frameworks, supporting open infrastructure development and embracing OS as a core professional identity. Social implications To ensure that Nigerian scholarship has its proper role in the global knowledge commons, open scientific roadmap in Nigerian university libraries is positioned as an issue of epistemic fairness. By promoting equitable access to research outputs, OS has the potential to democratise knowledge production, enhance research visibility and support evidence-informed policymaking for national development. Originality/value This paper provides one of the first comprehensive reflections on OS adoption in Nigerian academic libraries, integrating recent empirical evidence, national infrastructure developments and professional discourse. This study advances the argument that librarians must transition from passive supporters to active drivers of OS, advocating for policy reform, investing in digital infrastructure and championing capacity-building initiatives that position Nigerian scholarship within the global knowledge commons
Purpose This paper aims to provide a scholarly account of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Intelligent Systems (ICTIS, 2026), held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 9 to 11 April 2026, and to situate its intellectual contributions within the evolving landscape of ICT and intelligent systems research. Design/methodology/approach The report draws on direct observation of conference proceedings, analysis of the official programme and keynote sessions, examination of the nine thematic tracks and a review of cumulative participation data recorded across eight preceding editions of the ICTIS series (2017–2025). Findings ICTIS (2026) convened a geographically diverse research community, with 2,850 cumulative papers contributed from 24 countries between 2017 and 2025, led by Germany, Japan and Kazakhstan. The hybrid delivery model broadened international accessibility, while the technical programme revealed the pervasiveness of deep learning across all tracks, alongside growing concern for interpretability, energy-efficient computing and the responsible deployment of AI in health informatics and safety-critical domains. Accepted papers are published in Springer Nature’s Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems series, indexed by Scopus. Originality/value The paper offers library and information science professionals, ICT researchers and academic administrators a timely insider perspective on a well-established international forum, documenting its thematic priorities, publication pathways and networking structures and identifying emerging research trajectories of relevance to scholarly communication and technology-enabled services.
Purpose This paper shows organisation of photo library systems with an aesthetic and narrative inspired by the art style of Studio Ghibli. The purpose of this paper is to explore how visual narrative, emotional intimacy and artistic curation might increase user engagement, better organise and facilitate the retrieval of digital images. Design/methodology/approach It devotes a conceptual, design approach of visual aesthetics, human–computer interaction and digital curation. Findings The results reveal that Ghibli-inspired design elements would greatly improve user experience by making photo libraries more intuitive, visually stimulating and authentic. Originality/value This paper offers a modern interdisciplinary approach that mixes animation aesthetics into the design of digital libraries.
Purpose The purpose of the Molt book within an academic library system is to enhance user engagement and streamline library services through the integration of artificial intelligence. This technology serves as a virtual assistant, providing timely and accurate responses to user inquiries, thereby improving the overall efficiency of library operations. Design/methodology/approach The design and methodology behind the Molt book AI agent in an academic library system involve a structured approach to enhance user interaction and streamline library services. Findings Moltbook is very helpful for academic library systems integrating better services. Originality/value Strengths of academic library systems are based on a comprehensive and systematic way of studying modern academic libraries as knowledge centers instead of static book depositories. Here focuses on how to introduce the latest technologies, provide efficient user service and conduct effective management in academic libraries.
Purpose The paper aims to discuss the potential and constraints of using artificial intelligence (AI) in academic libraries of developing countries, especially in technical institutions. It will focus on the application of AI in libraries, examine the main issues of its implementation, and suggest a strategic framework to overcome the divide between potential and the reality of the institution. Design/methodology/approach The paper is qualitative and conceptual in terms of the available literature, observations of the cases, and newly introduced practices regarding the AI implementation in the library systems. It investigates trends, applications, and obstacles to its usage, particularly in the developing section of the world. Findings This paper shows that AI is not uniformly adopted in developing nations because of massive obstacles, such as financial factors, absence of technological foundations, incompetent administration, skills shortages, and ineffective market solutions. Such problems are more acute in non-governmental and private institutions of higher education. Originality/value The current paper provides a context-specific and grounded scope of application of AI to academic libraries with a special focus on the state of affairs in the developing countries and on educating the population on the possibilities to close the gap between practice and innovation.
Purpose This study aims to investigate how codesign approaches can inform the creation of ergonomic information environments that enhance accessibility, usability and independence for students with physical disabilities (SWPDs) in Kenyan universities. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design was implemented across five public universities in Kenya. Phase one involved ergonomic audits of library and ICT spaces, surveys with SWPDs and semistructured interviews with librarians, disability coordinators and ICT staff. Phase two engaged students and institutional stakeholders in participatory codesign workshops to identify ergonomic barriers and develop appropriate solutions for library and ICT environments. Findings While universities provide visible accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps, accessible entrances and elevators, functional ergonomic considerations, such as adjustable furniture, workstation adaptability, assistive technology positioning and circulation efficiency, remain insufficient. Students reported minimal involvement in planning, leading to interventions that often failed to meet functional needs. Codesign workshops generated practical ergonomic improvements, strengthened user participation and enhanced institutional ownership of accessibility initiatives. Research limitations/implications This study underscores the value of user-centered ergonomic designs in university libraries and ICT spaces. Involving SWPDs in codesign processes enhances independent access, usability and satisfaction, while fostering institutional ownership of accessibility initiatives. Practical interventions, including adjustable furniture, flexible workstations and well-placed assistive technologies, are essential for improving accessibility and supporting inclusive learning environments. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is constrained by limitations such as variable institutional resources, inconsistent staff training and awareness, incomplete participation of students in codesign processes and the ongoing need for monitoring and iterative adjustments. These constraints highlight that while codesign can significantly enhance functional usability, sustainable impact requires continued institutional commitment, dedicated funding and systematic integration of user feedback into planning and facility management. Practical implications The findings have several practical implications for university libraries and ICT environments. First, institutions should prioritize user-centered design by actively involving SWPDs in planning and decision-making, ensuring that furniture, workstations and assistive technologies meet functional needs. Adjustable desks, ergonomic seating and strategically placed assistive devices can significantly enhance independent access and reduce physical strain. Second, staff training in accessibility and assistive technology use is critical to support students effectively and maximize the impact of ergonomic interventions. Third, low-cost, context-sensitive modifications, such as rearranging circulation paths, labeling workstations and optimizing device placement, can yield substantial improvements without large capital investment. Finally, ongoing monitoring, feedback collection and iterative adjustments are essential to maintain usability, sustainability and responsiveness to changing user needs, ensuring that libraries and ICT spaces remain inclusive and effective over time. Social implications The codesign of ergonomic information environments for SWPDs also carries important social implications. By actively involving students in planning and decision-making, universities foster a sense of belonging, agency and empowerment among SWPDs, reducing feelings of marginalization. Inclusive library and ICT spaces promote equitable participation in academic, research and social activities, helping to break down barriers between students with and without disabilities. Furthermore, participatory design processes encourage collaboration between students, staff and administrators, cultivating a culture of mutual respect, empathy and shared responsibility for accessibility. Over time, such socially inclusive practices contribute to broader societal awareness and advocacy for disability rights, reinforcing the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher-education communities. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating how codesign can support inclusive, functional and sustainable information environments in resource-constrained higher-education settings.
Purpose This paper aims to examine how Kenyan universities can transition from fragmented accessibility interventions toward integrated and sustainable systems of inclusion for students with physical disabilities (SWPDs). It advances a practical framework that combines ergonomic design, digital accessibility, institutional governance and stakeholder participation to strengthen equitable access to information resources within university libraries and digital learning environments. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative, multi-site design involving four Kenyan universities: the University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University, Alupe University and Tangaza University. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with SWPDs, disability coordinators, librarians, ICT personnel and university administrators. Observations were also conducted within library spaces, ICT laboratories, lecture halls and administrative environments. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns relating to accessibility practices, institutional strategies, stakeholder participation and implementation barriers. Findings The findings reveal that accessibility interventions remain fragmented, inconsistently implemented and weakly institutionalized across Kenyan universities. While the University of Nairobi and Mount Kenya University demonstrate comparatively stronger policy alignment and infrastructural support, Alupe University and Tangaza University continue to experience structural, technological and financial constraints. Major challenges include weak integration of assistive technologies, inadequate staff capacity, inconsistent application of universal design principles, limited monitoring mechanisms and insufficient institutional investment. Accessibility initiatives are frequently confined to libraries and ICT laboratories rather than embedded across institutional systems and governance structures. Research limitations/implications This study was limited by its qualitative focus on only four Kenyan universities, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to all higher education institutions in Kenya. The research concentrated specifically on SWPDs and therefore did not fully capture the experiences of learners with other forms of disabilities. In addition, the study relied mainly on interviews and observations, making the findings dependent on participant perceptions and researcher interpretation. The investigation also focused primarily on library, ICT and learning environments, with limited attention to other aspects of university life such as accommodation, transport and social integration. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving nature of digital technologies and accessibility policies means that some findings may change over time, while financial and time constraints limited opportunities for broader institutional coverage and long-term evaluation of accessibility interventions. Practical implications The paper proposes a two-pillar framework integrating accessibility systems (universal design, accessibility standards, monitoring mechanisms and inclusive procurement) with inclusivity enablers (user participation, staff training, assistive technologies, institutional leadership and stakeholder collaboration). The framework offers practical guidance for universities seeking to institutionalize accessibility and strengthen inclusive service delivery. Social implications Beyond institutional reform, the framework contributes to broader social inclusion in higher education by promoting independence, dignity, participation and equitable access to information for SWPDs. It supports the development of learning environments that reduce dependency, challenge exclusionary practices and normalize disability inclusion within academic spaces. Originality/value The paper contributes context-sensitive evidence from Kenyan universities and advances a practical model for integrating ergonomic and digital accessibility within higher education libraries and learning environments. It extends current debates beyond compliance-oriented approaches by emphasizing coordinated, system-wide and user-centered inclusion.
Purpose This paper aims to examine how the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can shape libraries to become intelligent, automated and data-driven service environments. It features new initiatives in IoT, smart library technologies and recent developments that are influencing the digital library landscape, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered services, smart infrastructure and user-centric approaches. Design/methodology/approach This paper will be descriptive and analytical and is based on current literature, technology trends and smart library practices in IoT-enabled environments. This paper discusses the present state of library services and technologies that facilitate these services such as RFID systems, smart shelves, occupancy sensors, environmental monitoring devices, artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) platforms and smart systems integrated into cloud computing. Findings This research shows that IoT technology is helping to automate library processes, monitoring and real-time service provision. RFID circulation systems, occupancy analytics, AI-powered virtual assistants and sensor systems for preservation are enhancing collection management, space utilization and user services. According to the research, cybersecurity concerns, interoperability, data privacy and infrastructure readiness are also significant challenges to the deployment of IoT in libraries. Originality/value This paper provides a technology-oriented view of the escalating importance of the IoT and AIoT in the smart library ecosystem. It covers strategic preparedness, digital governance and new technological trends affecting the smart campus and connected learning environment, which are changing libraries. This study contributes to the practical applications and future-ready smart libraries.
Purpose The rapid growth of scientific publications has increased the complexity of conducting literature reviews, making it more difficult for researchers to identify relevant studies and synthesize existing knowledge efficiently. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being integrated into academic research workflows to support literature discovery, analysis and synthesis. This paper aims to explore how emerging AI-powered tools can support literature reviews and to examine the opportunities these technologies create for academic libraries to enhance research support services. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a conceptual and exploratory approach based on the analysis of emerging AI-based research tools used for literature discovery, citation analysis and knowledge synthesis. Several widely used platforms are examined to illustrate how machine learning and natural language processing technologies can support different stages of the literature review process. Findings The analysis indicates that AI-powered platforms can significantly improve literature discovery, accelerate research exploration and support evidence evaluation. Tools based on citation network analysis and generative AI can help researchers identify influential publications, explore research connections and organize knowledge more efficiently. Academic libraries can play an important role by integrating these technologies into research support services, offering training programs and promoting responsible AI use in scholarly communication. Originality This article contributes to the growing discussion on artificial intelligence in scholarly communication by highlighting practical opportunities for academic libraries to incorporate AI-powered tools into research support services and strengthen their role in the evolving digital research ecosystem.
Purpose This study aims to establish a strategic multidimensional framework for assessing the artificial intelligence (AI) readiness of academic libraries in Bangladesh through analyzing various dimensions, including technological infrastructure, human capacity, organizational support, policy and governance, financial capacity and ethical considerations. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted through a literature review and examining various policy documents and institutional reports using a conceptual and analytical approach to review the existing situation, challenges, opportunities and strategic implications of using AI in the academic library sector. Findings While automation and information and communication technology adoption have helped the digital transformation of academic libraries in Bangladesh, the introduction of AI technology is still in its infancy, with several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a lack of expertise and poor strategic planning. As the country becomes more interested in digital breakthroughs, there is a compelling reason to speed up the adoption of AI. Practical implications The authors provide a multidimensional instrument for librarians and policymakers worldwide to assess AI readiness and guide them in making decisions about investing in infrastructure, training and policies to successfully and sustainably integrate AI into academic libraries. Originality/value It proposes an innovative, context-specific framework for measuring AI readiness in developing countries and offers practical policy recommendations for the sustainable, inclusive adoption of AI in the higher education library sector.
Purpose This opinion piece argues that the encounter between Open Access (OA) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not a peripheral concern but the decisive test of whether the OA movement remains committed to its founding principles in an era of large-scale machine reading. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a critical viewpoint, drawing on recent peer-reviewed literature (2025–2025), legal commentary, publisher policy development and library sector survey data to analyze three flashpoints where OA and generative AI collide: authorship and literature inflation, equity and the Global South and the economics of scholarly publishing. Findings Major publishers are quietly reenclosing OA content through terms-of-service overlays that purport to forbid AI training on CC VY licensed works. AI literacy programming, while necessary, is insufficient. Academic libraries as machine-readable infrastructure, refuse tiered openness in consortial negotiations and invest in shared, library-led AI tooling as public infrastructure rather than ceding the AI mediation layer to commercial vendors. Originality/value The piece reframes generative AI not as an external shock to OA but as a long-deferred stress test of its first principles. It moves the library response beyond literacy toward concrete licensing, contractual and infrastructural commitments, and warns that the next two to three years will determine whether OA survives the AI era or dissolves into a new enclosure dressed in machine-readable clothing.
Purpose The purpose of this submission is to document and critically analyse the outcomes of the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025) as a significant academic and policy-oriented intervention in reimagining school libraries in India. The paper aims to highlight evidence-based discussions, research contributions and strategic recommendations emerging from the conference in alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. By presenting consolidated insights on digital transformation, inclusivity, Indian Knowledge Systems and professional capacity building, the paper seeks to contribute to scholarly discourse and inform policymakers, educators and library professionals globally. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative, descriptive and analytical research design based on a case study approach. It draws upon primary data generated through conference proceedings, keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions and stakeholder interactions during the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025), supplemented by secondary sources such as policy documents, scholarly literature and institutional reports. The study uses thematic analysis to identify emerging trends, challenges and best practices in school librarianship, with particular reference to digital transformation, inclusivity and alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. The approach integrates policy analysis with practice-oriented insights to ensure academic rigour and professional relevance. Findings The study finds that school libraries in India are undergoing a significant transition from conventional print-centric spaces to integrated learning resource centres aligned with the vision of NEP 2020. The conference deliberations reveal growing adoption of digital tools, open educational resources and AI-enabled services, though disparities persist in infrastructure and professional capacity across regions. The findings highlight the critical role of trained librarians as pedagogical partners, the increasing relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in collection development and the need for standardised policy frameworks for school libraries. Strengthened capacity-building initiatives, institutional collaboration and sustained policy support emerge as essential for ensuring equitable, inclusive and future-ready school library services. Research limitations/implications The study is primarily based on a single national-level conference, which may limit the generalisability of the findings across diverse school library contexts in India. As the analysis relies largely on qualitative inputs from presentations, discussions and stakeholder interactions, empirical validation through large-scale surveys or longitudinal studies remains outside the scope of this study. Nevertheless, the implications are significant, as the findings provide a policy-informed and practice-oriented framework that can guide future empirical research, regional studies and impact assessments. The study also offers actionable insights for policymakers, educational administrators and library professionals to strengthen school library systems in alignment with NEP 2020 and emerging digital paradigms. Practical implications The findings of the study provide clear guidance for practical implementation at institutional and policy levels. Schools and educational authorities can use the identified best practices to transform existing libraries into inclusive Learning Resource Centres integrating print, digital and experiential learning resources. The study supports the adoption of digital library platforms, open educational resources and basic AI-enabled services to enhance access and user engagement. It also underscores the need for structured capacity-building programmes for school librarians, standard operating policies and collaborative networks among schools, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and national institutions. These implementations can directly support curriculum delivery, reading culture, digital literacy and lifelong learning objectives envisaged under NEP 2020. Social implications The study highlights the transformative social role of school libraries in promoting equity, inclusion and social cohesion within the education system. Strengthened and modernised school libraries can bridge information and digital divides by ensuring access to quality learning resources for students from diverse socio-economic, linguistic and regional backgrounds. The integration of Indian Knowledge Systems and multilingual collections fosters cultural awareness, identity and respect for indigenous knowledge traditions. Furthermore, by positioning librarians as facilitators of critical thinking, information literacy and ethical digital engagement, school libraries contribute to informed citizenship, democratic participation and social empowerment, particularly for marginalised and first-generation learners. Originality/value The study offers original value by presenting one of the first structured scholarly documentations of a national-level school library conference in the Indian context, synthesising policy, practice and professional discourse. Unlike conventional studies focused solely on institutional case studies or surveys, this work captures collective expert insights aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. It bridges the gap between policy vision and ground-level implementation by highlighting emerging trends such as digital transformation, Indian Knowledge Systems and capacity building. The study serves as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking evidence-informed strategies for reimagining school libraries in developing education systems.
Purpose This paper aims to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping academic experiences for students with physical disabilities (SWPDs) in Kenyan universities. It explores the practical role of AI in enhancing accessibility, independent learning, communication, classroom participation, mobility, assessment and digital inclusion within university academic environments. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a practical and experience-based approach informed by observations from teaching spaces, e-learning environments, computer laboratories, disability support offices, student service centers and ICT departments across selected Kenyan universities. Insights are drawn from institutional practices, emerging AI applications, accessibility experiences and current literature on inclusive higher education and AI-supported learning. Findings AI technologies are increasingly improving academic participation for SWPDs through speech-to-text applications, AI-powered note-taking tools, automated captioning systems, smart mobility applications, adaptive learning platforms, AI chatbots, predictive writing tools and intelligent assistive technologies. These tools support independent learning, reduce physical strain, improve communication, and enhance participation in face-to-face, blended and online learning environments. However, implementation remains uneven due to inadequate infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, limited staff competencies, affordability challenges, weak institutional policies, and insufficient involvement of students with disabilities in AI planning and deployment. In many universities, AI adoption focuses on general digital transformation without fully integrating accessibility and disability inclusion considerations. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its practical and experience-based approach, which relied mainly on observations, institutional experiences and existing literature rather than large-scale empirical data collection across all Kenyan universities. The selected universities may not fully represent the varying technological capacities and accessibility practices of all higher education institutions in Kenya. In addition, the rapidly evolving nature of AI technologies may affect the long-term relevance of some findings and recommendations. The study also focused specifically on students with physical disabilities and did not extensively explore the experiences of students with other forms of disabilities, while limited institutional documentation and resource constraints further restricted deeper analysis of AI accessibility implementation practices. Practical implications Kenyan universities should adopt inclusive AI implementation frameworks that integrate accessibility into teaching, assessment, student support, digital learning and campus services. Institutions should prioritize affordable AI solutions, continuous staff training, participatory technology planning, and accessible digital infrastructure to improve academic inclusion and student independence. Social implications The integration of AI in Kenyan universities has significant social implications for students with physical disabilities by promoting educational inclusion, independent learning, social participation and digital equity. AI-powered tools such as speech recognition systems, adaptive learning platforms, automated captioning and smart accessibility applications help reduce barriers to academic participation, improve confidence and autonomy, and enhance interaction within university environments. These technologies also contribute to preparing students for participation in technology-driven workplaces and broader socioeconomic activities. However, unequal access to AI infrastructure, affordability challenges, limited institutional capacity and inadequate accessibility planning may widen existing digital and educational inequalities if not addressed effectively. Consequently, universities must adopt inclusive and participatory AI implementation approaches that ensure equitable access, ethical use of technology, and sustainable support for students with physical disabilities. Originality/value This paper contributes practical insights into how AI can support inclusive higher education for students with physical disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights context-specific experiences from Kenyan universities and demonstrates how AI can move institutions beyond structural accessibility toward functional and participatory inclusion in academic environments.
PurposeThis study aims to explore how eye tracking can support more effective digital communication in libraries and heritage institutions, especially on visually oriented platforms such as Instagram. Design/methodology/approachThis study offers a focused discussion of eye-tracking research relevant to digital cultural communication, drawing on Indonesian studies and selected international literature on visual attention, museum communication and social media design. FindingsThe literature suggests that eye tracking can identify the elements that users notice first, the features that hold their visual attention, and how images, captions and platform formats shape user responses. Recent Indonesian studies have shown that attention patterns differ across content types and platforms. These insights are relevant to exhibition promotion, digital collection outreach and social media design in libraries and other heritage institutions, such as museums. Research limitations/implicationsThe current evidence base is limited, particularly in library-specific settings and in the Indonesian context. Much of the literature comes from the museum and digital heritage research fields. Nevertheless, these findings provide a useful basis for adapting attention-based design practices to library communications. Practical implicationsLibraries can use eye tracking to test whether users notice exhibition titles, dates, captions, collection descriptions and calls to action in digital posts and interfaces. Even small-scale testing can support a better visual hierarchy and more effective platform-specific communication. Originality/valueThis study introduces eye tracking into library technology discussions as a practical tool for evidence-based communication. It also highlights recent Indonesian work in an area that remains underdeveloped in the local context.
PurposeThis final column aims to revisit the remaining observations from the original series, which focus on the broader strategic and ethical questions facing libraries. These include the recognition that future applications are unpredictable, interdependent and will require flexibility, that the feeling of intelligence and the power of language remain key, that artificial intelligence (AI) is not a neutral technology, that trade-offs matter and finally, that libraries should develop a positive vision for their role in an AI-influenced information landscape. Design/methodology/approachThis column revisits observations developed in 2023 when generative AI was relatively new to the public sphere. By applying these to the current landscape, the column provides a more grounded understanding of how AI has evolved. This retrospective approach allows for a clearer assessment of AI’s ongoing development. The author used Claude Sonnet 4.5 and 4.6 to assist with grammar and clarity during the copyediting process. FindingsBy understanding these dynamics, information professionals can more effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that generative AI presents for their institutions and communities. Originality/valueAssist information professionals in understanding AI developments by examining how the author’s initial observations have held up over time.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to show how holographic librarians can deliver personalized, multilingual service for Caribbean libraries as well as to explore the role of robotic technology in bridging physical access gaps for Caribbean libraries. Finally, this study highlights how holography and robotic technologies enhance equity and resilience for Caribbean Libraries and to highlight futuristic models of service delivery where holography and robotics operate synergistically in Caribbean Libraries Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative document-based content analysis to examine how Caribbean libraries represent, plan for and justify the adoption of holographic and robotic technologies. To situate the documentary findings within the broader scholarly conversation, an integrated systematic literature analysis of peer-reviewed and gray literature on library robotics, holography, artificial intelligence in libraries and technology equity will be conducted. FindingsFindings from the content analysis was compared with the literature synthesis to identify alignment or divergence between practice and scholarship, surface gaps in regional research or policy and propose context-sensitive implementation pathways for holographic–robotic systems in Caribbean libraries. Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in this region and builds on previous discourse about the inclusion of AI, robotics and holographic technology in Caribbean libraries. This pushes the conversation a bit further by identifying practical approaches for this inclusion.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of cyberchondria in the context of the digital information era, highlighting how excessive online health information seeking can exacerbate health anxiety and contribute to maladaptive behaviours. It aims to explore the role of misinformation, low health literacy and limited access to reliable health resources in amplifying these effects, while emphasizing the importance of promoting e-health literacy, critical thinking and professional guidance to support informed health decisions and mitigate the negative consequences of cyberchondria. Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative literature review design, synthesizing findings from existing research on cyberchondria, online health information seeking, misinformation and e-health literacy. Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews and empirical studies published over the past two decades were identified through academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The methodology involved a thematic analysis of the literature to identify key patterns, including the relationship between excessive online health searches and health anxiety, the prevalence of misinformation on digital platforms and strategies for mitigating cyberchondria. By integrating insights from multiple studies, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon and its implications for public health, information literacy and digital behaviour. FindingsThe findings indicate that excessive online health information seeking is widespread, particularly during public health crises and is strongly associated with cyberchondria and heightened health anxiety. A significant portion of online health content is misleading, exposing users, especially those with low health literacy or limited access to health care, to misinformation that can exacerbate anxiety and maladaptive behaviours. Evidence also highlights that promoting e-health literacy, critical thinking, reliable digital health resources and access to professional guidance can help mitigate these risks and support informed health decisions. Social implicationsCyberchondria and excessive online health searching can heighten anxiety, strain family and social relationships, reduce workplace productivity and undermine trust in healthcare professionals. The widespread circulation of health misinformation on digital platforms can also influence public attitudes toward medical guidance, vaccines and preventive measures, highlighting the need for improved e-health literacy and access to reliable information. Originality/valueThis paper offers an original contribution by synthesizing research on cyberchondria, online health information seeking and misinformation in the context of public health crises. It uniquely integrates insights on the psychological, behavioural and social impacts of excessive online health searches while highlighting the roles of e-health literacy, critical thinking and professional guidance as strategies to mitigate these effects. By connecting these elements, the paper provides a comprehensive perspective on both individual and societal challenges in the digital health information era.
PurposeKenya faces a housing paradox presented by a severe urban housing deficit and growing numbers in underutilized palatial homes in rural areas. Approximately 85% of rural households own homes, however a significant proportion of these homes (37%) remain unoccupied for most of the year, especially among households that work in cities or abroad. This study aimed to examine the underlying factors and economic implications of this phenomenon through a qualitative case study of Maitei Village in Meru County, where 39% of households have constructed large modern homes that are rarely inhabited. Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected homeowners of rarely inhabited homes. The study was guided by the following objectives; to explore motivations for rural housing investments, to analyze the financial information gaps, and to identify perceptions of opportunity cost. Data were analyzed thematically. FindingsThe study findings indicate that idle palatial homes are driven by cultural needs rather than economic considerations. The owners rarely used these homes except for holiday vacations and family gatherings. The key drivers of growth in idle palatial homes were land inheritance customs, emotional connection to ancestral land and social status fulfillment. Majority of the respondents exhibited financial information gaps in that they did not consider alternative avenues for investment or any financial returns from their investment in rural palatial homes that they rarely occupy. In hindsight, many regretted their decision to construct palatial homes in the rural place. Originality/valueThe idle investments make up “dead capital” which are assets with high value but with low utilization. The findings demonstrate the need for financial literacy education among the general population to create awareness on opportunity costs and the need for policies that promote better rural land utilization.
