Berkala Ilmu Perpustakaan dan Informasi

School library uses and examination performance in a Ghanaian Junior High School

2026-08-30T14:06:43+07:00

Introduction. This research explores the connections between library literacy, information use, and academic achievement of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Junior High School students specifically looking at students’ performance on Basic Education Certificate Examination scores.

Research Methods. Using the concurrent embedded mixed-method design with case study drew from interviews, focus group interviews, observation, and document analysis 20 students, 5 teachers, and 2 library personnel from KNUST JHS library were sampled for the study.

Data Analysis. Qualitative data collected were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically according to Clarke & Braun’s 2013, guidelines. Whiles Quantitative analysis of students’ examination scores was analysed through Pearson and Spearman tests of correlation to increase validity of conclusions drawn.

Results. The results suggest a strong, statistically significant positive correlation existing between use of the school library and student academic achievement. Despite most students demonstrating sufficient library literacy skills, some struggled to utilize school library resources during their research due to a lack of infrastructure, collection size, and integration within lesson plans.

Conclusion. The study reaffirms the need for school libraries with trained professional librarians and stresses library literacy instruction to be implemented as part of basic education in Ghana.

Integration of Minangkabau local knowledge in strengthening disaster literacy at the Bukittinggi City Public Library

2026-08-28T18:27:12+07:00

Introduction. Disaster literacy enables communities in disaster-prone areas to understand risks and respond appropriately. However, the integration of local knowledge into public library disaster literacy services remains underexplored, particularly among Minangkabau communities. This study examines the use of Minangkabau local knowledge and the role of Bukittinggi City Public Library as a knowledge mediator.

Research Methods. This qualitative case study was conducted at Bukittinggi City Public Library, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 purposively selected participants, observation, and documentation. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Credibility was established through source and methodological triangulation.

Results and Discussion. The findings identified three resources supporting disaster literacy: Minangkabau local knowledge, learning spaces, and community-based activities. Kaba, traditional stories, pantun, and social values were incorporated into storytelling and literacy activities. However, their use remains unstructured due to limited disaster-related collections, documentation, digital resources, librarian capacity, and institutional networks.

Conclusion. The study positions the public library as a knowledge mediator connecting local knowledge, community learning, and disaster literacy. It highlights the need to strengthen local knowledge curation, librarian competencies, digital platforms, and collaboration with disaster management institutions.

The information culture in developing self-resilience among visually impaired adolescents at model special schools

2026-08-19T11:01:03+07:00

Introduction. This study aims to explore information culture among visually impaired adolescents at SLB-A and investigate how they engage with information to foster self-resilience.

Research Methods. The research method used was qualitative, with a cultural studies approach. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis from August-September 2025. Informants consisted of 15 students and three teachers.

Data analysis. The data obtained were analyzed, which started with open coding by organizing fieldnotes; axial coding synthesized the data by identifying relationships between codes. Selective coding derived meaning within the context of information culture.

Results. The process of constructing an information culture among visually impaired adolescents is built around a series of rituals and customs within a small world, with identities, values, and norms inherited from their environment. Habits of managing information are supported by assistive technology, bringing them from that small world to the outside world.

Conclusion. The information culture constructed among visually impaired adolescents at SLB-A within the small world was conducted through habits or rituals implemented by teachers and parents, in the context of lower-middle-class families. Their information reception is influenced by stigma and pressure of non-inclusive infrastructure and marginalization, preventing the formation of a new awareness of identity, self-meaning, and resilience.

Verhandelingen and tijdschrift as scientific publications of BGKW in the Dutch East Indies, 1779–1957

2026-08-21T13:32:58+07:00

Introduction. This study examines the contributions of two major scholarly publications of the Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (BGKW), Verhandelingen (1779–1950) and Tijdschrift (1853–1957), as well as the roles of librarians, including Bleeker, J.L.A. Brandes, and Van der Chijs, in their publication and in the development of scientific knowledge in the Dutch East Indies.

Research Methods. This study employed a qualitative historical approach using archival research. It examined primary and secondary sources, BGKW archives, and Verhandelingen and Tijdschrift from Delpher, Leiden University Libraries' digital collections, and Khastara. Data were collected between August and November 2025.

Data Analysis. The data were analyzed through heuristic inquiry, source criticism, source verification, historical interpretation, and historiographical synthesis to explain the historical context of both publications.

Results. Verhandelingen and Tijdschrift established scholarly repositories that developed and standardized knowledge about Indonesia. These publications became important epistemic foundations for modern humanities scholarship and continue to serve as essential references for Indonesian studies.

Conclusion. Verhandelingen and Tijdschrift functioned as repositories that shaped and standardized scientific knowledge through scholarly documentation, forming an important epistemic foundation for modern humanities research on Indonesia.

The evolution of chatbots in libraries over the past decade through bibliometric analysis

2026-08-18T14:08:48+07:00

Introduction. This study examines the development of chatbot implementation in libraries over the past decade (2014–2025) using a bibliometric approach.

Research Methods. Bibliographic data was retrieved from the Scopus database using the keywords chatbot and library.

Data Analysis. The analysis was conducted using Scopus analytics and VOSviewer to map publication trends, sources, authors, countries, document types, subject areas, and keyword relationships, supported by chronological interpretation.

Results. The results show a significant increase in research on library chatbots, with rapid growth occurring in the last four years following advances in artificial intelligence and large language models such as ChatGPT. Library Hi Tech News is the most consistent publication outlet, while India is the most productive country. Adeleke University and JAIN Deemed-to-be University were the leading institutions, and Adetayo, A.J. and De Sarkar, T. were the most productive authors. Conference papers dominate publication types, and the major subject areas include computer science, engineering, and social sciences. Keyword analysis highlights strong links to artificial intelligence, human interaction, and natural language processing.

Conclusion. This study contributes a dedicated bibliometric mapping and a three-phase evolutionary model of chatbot development in libraries. However, the reliance on Scopus and bibliometric indicators may limit insights into qualitative user experience and implementation outcomes.