Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science
The Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science (ISSN: 1394-6234) is published three times a year in April, August and December by the Department of Library & Information Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya. The journal publishes original research articles in the field of library and information science (LIS) as well related domains that encapsulate information and knowledge. It also encourages contribution about professional policies, practices, principles and progress in the LIS fields. The journal aims to provide a forum for communications amongst LIS professionals especially within the Asia Pacific region, to introduce new concepts, methodologies, systems and technology. Between 1996 and 2008 the journal was published both in print and electronic. From 2009 onwards only the electronic version has been made available (https://ejournal.um.edu.my/ index.php/MJLIS). The journal is being indexed and abstracted by Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science (Q3) and Elsevier's Scopus (Q2).
It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to the journal have not been published, accepted for publication, nor simultaneously submitted for publication elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the author(s) agree that copyright for the article is transferred to the publisher, if and when the manuscript is accepted for publication.
Malaysia’s scholarly publishing ecosystem: An insider appraisal of established and emerging models
This article assesses Malaysia’s scholarly publishing ecosystem by analysing five models: university-based journals (UBJs), society journals, independent academic-led publishing initiatives, commercial partnership agreement, and ministry/government-sponsored journals. Drawing on over two decades of experience and the authors’ roles in national journal assessment, it examines the structural, ethical, and financial challenges shaping these models, particularly the tensions between Diamond and Gold Open Access frameworks. The findings indicate a system at a pivotal point, where commercial sustainability often conflicts with the principles of equitable knowledge dissemination. The authors argue that publishing models should be explicitly included as evaluation criteria in national frameworks, such as MyCite, to align with international practices. Recognising publisher credibility, governance, and financial transparency as core indicators of quality would help address existing legitimacy gaps. The article concludes with policy-oriented recommendations to reinforce community-controlled publishing, including the establishment of a National Council of Journal Editors. Such initiatives are vital to preserving Malaysia’s scholarly voice, values, and intellectual heritage within a balanced and globally connected knowledge infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2026 Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science
Building trust and fostering cooperation: How Malaysian LIS professionals sustain a Community of Practice on Facebook
Despite the ubiquity of social media in professional development, the mechanisms sustaining trust and cooperation within non-Western library communities remain underexplored. This study examines these dynamics within Sembang Pustakawan, a prominent Malaysian Facebook-based Community of Practice (CoP). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected via a survey of 174 librarians and in-depth interviews with ten active members. The findings demonstrate that trust is established through demonstrated expertise, respectful communication, and the visible reliability of shared information. Cooperation is enacted through collaborative problem-solving and mentorship, effectively functioning as peer-led professional development. While social media affordances - visibility, persistence, association, and editability - facilitate these interactions, the study also reveals the fragility of online engagement, where participation is threatened by commercial interference and uneven contribution rates. Ultimately, this research extends affordance theory by illustrating how digital features intersect with culturally grounded professional solidarity to sustain a resilient, self-correcting network.
AI literacy among undergraduates: Determinants and productivity outcomes in a Malaysian comprehensive university
AI literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for individuals to effectively develop, manage, and understand the potential of AI across various domains, including education. However, previous research indicates a lack of studies focusing on AI literacy, particularly regarding its determinants and effects. This study therefore aims to examine AI literacy in relation to its influencing factors and effects within the educational sector, with a specific focus on undergraduate students at Malaysian local universities. A quantitative research methodology was employed, and responses were collected from undergraduate students in the Faculty of Information Science Studies across six Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) branches. A total of 301 responses were obtained and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results provide empirical evidence of a significant and positive relationship between the influencing factors (cognitive absorption, digital divide, effort expectancy, and AI awareness) and AI literacy. However, contrary to previous studies, attitudes towards AI and performance expectation did not have a significant relationship with AI literacy. Furthermore, AI literacy was also found to be a predictor of students' productivity. The study provides significant empirical, practical, and theoretical contributions; researchers may use the theoretical model to further enhance knowledge of AI literacy. Institutions and policymakers may use the results to develop new subjects, syllabuses, and policies on AI literacy.
Expert evaluation of the traditional Malay Medicine Kitab Tib Melayu database
The Traditional Malay Medicine Kitab Tib Melayu Database (TMM-KTMDB) was developed to digitally preserve, organise, and systematise Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) knowledge from historical manuscripts. For a digital resource to be credible and usable across research, education, and policy contexts, its usability, reliability, and data accuracy must be evaluated. Expert feedback testing was conducted using two instruments: a task assignment and a feedback questionnaire. Quantitative responses were analysed using section scores and an overall score to assess usability across system components. Qualitative feedback was examined through thematic interpretation, focusing on polarity and themes including usability, system functionality, content quality, and information accuracy. Task-based testing demonstrated excellent usability across the search engine, guest accessibility, system functionality, and repository application, with overall scores ranging from 86% to 100%. Thematic analysis identified content and information quality (92.6%) and system functionality (50%) as major strengths. Weaknesses centred on search functionality (64.3%) and glossary clarity (21.4%). Opportunities were noted for content expansion (71.4%) and support features. The findings affirm TMM-KTMDB as a functional and content-rich digital knowledge system while highlighting areas for improvement in information retrieval, glossary development, and interface design. From a library and information science (LIS) perspective, structured expert evaluation supports validation of organisation, accessibility, and trustworthiness. The evaluation indicates that TMM-KTMDB aligns with expectations for a reliable digital resource for Traditional Malay Medicine. Continued refinement will further strengthen usability, accuracy, and relevance for research, education, clinical practice, and policy within the medical and health sciences domain.
Knowledge organisation and digital preservation of ‎cross-cultural musical heritage: A Chinese piano music ‎collection
Chinese piano music represents a significant case study in cross-cultural knowledge integration, yet its organisation within library systems remains insufficiently addressed. This research examines the challenges of information management in documenting Chinese piano compositions that incorporate Western compositional techniques from the early twentieth century to the present. Employing mixed methods, combining bibliometric analysis of 856 publications, systematic review of digital music archives, and comparative metadata analysis across 45 international music libraries. This study develops a comprehensive framework for cross-cultural musical resource organisation. Results reveal substantial gaps in current cataloguing systems, with only a small proportion of major digital music libraries implementing adequate metadata schemas for hybrid compositional styles. The study proposes an enhanced metadata framework incorporating taxonomies of compositional techniques, cultural context descriptors, and temporal evolution markers, validated through expert panel assessment. Findings indicate improved discoverability and user satisfaction when specialised metadata is implemented. This research provides evidence-based guidelines for managing multicultural music collections, developing culturally sensitive classification systems, and enhancing digital preservation strategies for hybrid musical forms, offering practical implications for music librarians, digital archivists, and information professionals managing cross-cultural heritage resources.
Assessing improvements in participants’ understanding of data through a DALI-based workshop
As data increasingly influences decision-making in educational and professional settings, data literacy has become an essential competency. This study examines the effectiveness of a workshop conducted according to the Data Literacy (DALI) for Citizenship Framework, which comprises three main components: understanding data, acting on data, and engaging with data. This study focused solely on the data understanding component. The aim was to assess whether a DALI-based educational intervention could improve participants’ data literacy and learning experiences. Using a pre- and post-test design, data were collected from 35 participants in Aceh, Indonesia, who completed the workshop with a 10-item questionnaire to assess understanding of data types and a follow-up semi-structured interview to explore participants’ learning experiences. A paired t-test analysis revealed a significant increase in participants’ understanding of data types following the workshop; however, Cohen’s d effect size indicated a moderate effect. The follow-up interview showed that the workshop increased participants’ awareness of the importance of data literacy for decision-making. The workshop also enhanced participants’ understanding that, every day, they are acting on and engaging with data. Participants reported positive perceptions of their learning experience, suggesting that the workshop facilitated engagement, understanding, and confidence in working with data. These findings illustrate the significance of systematic, theory-based methodologies in data literacy education. The study provides empirical validation of the DALI framework as an evaluation and instructional instrument, offering evidence for its use in educational and professional development contexts and advancing research on effective data literacy pedagogy.
Coping mechanisms for technostress through social support among librarians in Indonesian public libraries
The advancement of contemporary technology requires librarians to continually adapt to manage technology-driven library services. However, technological challenges can cause technostress, which may affect librarians' performance. Workplace social support is essential in helping librarians cope with technostress. The aim of this study is to determine the role of social support as a coping strategy for technostress among librarians in Indonesian public libraries. This study employed qualitative methods, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. The data were analysed through condensation, presentation, formulation, and validation of findings. This article provides an overview of technostress among librarians in public libraries, their coping mechanisms, and the social support they receive. Librarians cope with technostress through both internal and external mechanisms. Social support as a coping mechanism includes instrumental and emotional support. It is essential for libraries to cultivate a conducive work climate and offer continuous technology training. This study highlights that technostress adversely impacts librarians' physiology and performance. Therefore, libraries must foster a supportive work environment and provide ongoing technological training.
Can smaller large language models evaluate research quality?
Academic librarians often construct bibliometric indicators to support research evaluation. Traditionally, these have been citation-based, but AI alternatives have recently emerged. Although both Google Gemini (1.5 Flash) and ChatGPT (4o and 4o-mini) provide research quality evaluation scores that correlate positively with expert scores in nearly all fields, and more strongly than citations in most, it is not known whether this holds for smaller Large Language Models (LLMs). In response, this article assesses Google’s Gemma-3-27b-it, a downloadable LLM (60 GB). Results for 104,187 articles show that Gemma-3-27b-it scores correlate positively with an expert research quality score proxy for all 34 Units of Assessment (broad fields) from the UK Research Excellence Framework 2021. The Gemma-3-27b-it correlations have 83.8% of the strength of ChatGPT 4o and 94.7% of the strength of ChatGPT 4o-mini correlations. Unlike the two larger LLMs, the Gemma-3-27b-it correlations do not increase substantially when scores are averaged across five repetitions, its scores tend to be lower, and its reports are relatively uniform in style. Overall, the results show that research quality score estimation can be conducted by offline LLMs, so this capability is not an emergent property of only the largest LLMs. Moreover, score improvement through repetition is not a universal feature of LLMs. In conclusion, although the largest LLMs still have the highest research evaluation score estimation capability, smaller ones can also be used for this task, which can be helpful for cost saving or when secure offline processing is required.
Copyright (c) 2025 Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science
Exploring factors influencing Contrimetric adoption and word-of-mouth advocacy in academic libraries
Contrimetric is an AI-powered bibliometric plugin designed to provide real-time citation tracking, personalised content recommendations, reference validation, and dynamic research impact dashboards. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of Contrimetric, an emerging AI-powered bibliometric tool, in academic libraries across China. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research examines how perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, and facilitating conditions affect behavioural intention, which in turn drives word-of-mouth (WOM) advocacy among academic peers. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to librarians and researchers in Chinese universities, yielding 400 valid responses representing diverse academic disciplines and institutional settings. The results confirm that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, and facilitating conditions all have significant positive effects on behavioural intention, and behavioural intention positively influences WOM. Mediation analysis further indicates that behavioural intention mediates the relationships between perceived usefulness, social influence, facilitating conditions, and WOM, while the indirect path for perceived ease of use is marginally significant at the 10% level. These findings highlight the critical role of institutional support and peer influence in fostering advocacy, such as recommending Contrimetric to colleagues and encouraging its adoption in academic environments. The study contributes to the technology adoption literature by extending TAM and UTAUT beyond initial adoption, incorporating post-adoption WOM behaviours as a critical outcome, and offers practical implications for policymakers and library administrators seeking to enhance research visibility through AI-enabled services.
Embracing open science: Understanding data sharing practices, benefits, and challenges at the Malaysian National Institutes of Health
This study examines research data sharing practices as a core element of open science at the Malaysian National Institutes of Health (NIH). Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven heads of departments and units across various NIH institutes and divisions. The study aimed to explore the extent of engagement in data sharing, the perceived benefits of open science, and the challenges faced in implementing such practices within the institutional context. The findings reveal that, while there is general awareness of open science principles, actual data sharing remains limited, with most researchers restricting dissemination to open-access publications. Key benefits cited include enhanced research collaboration, increased visibility and citations, improved transparency and accountability, and greater resource optimisation through reduced duplication. However, significant barriers persist, including inconsistent data management practices, lack of clear ownership guidelines, limited awareness and training, stakeholder sensitivities, and a performance evaluation system that does not reward data sharing. Participants proposed several strategies to address these gaps, including targeted capacity-building initiatives, clearer data-sharing policies, performance-based incentives, upgrades to technical infrastructure, and stronger leadership support from top management. This study provides valuable insights into the organisational and cultural conditions that shape the adoption of open science in Malaysia’s health research sector. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, institutional leaders, and researchers seeking to foster a more transparent, collaborative, and impactful research environment through open science.
From vision to practice: Adoption of artificial intelligence in libraries across ASEAN
This study examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries across ASEAN countries, focusing on national strategic support, AI implementation, and key challenges and opportunities in the regional context. Using a content analysis approach based on the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework, 115 official documents including national AI strategies, policy reports, and statements were analysed. AI applications were reviewed at the institutional level by selecting the top five universities in the QS World University Rankings in each ASEAN country. Singapore and Malaysia show strong support for AI policies, while Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam show moderate commitment with established national policies. Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar exhibit emerging support, with AI mentioned only within a broader digital agenda. In practice, libraries in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam have adopted AI technologies or developed AI-enabled services for research and patron engagement, supported by training and investment in infrastructure. The introduction of AI is limited or undocumented in Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Major challenges include uneven technical resources, data quality issues, lack of governance, talent shortages, and inadequate ethical guidelines. Opportunities exist in local innovation, regional collaboration, policy advocacy, and training to accelerate AI adoption. This is the first region-wide analysis linking ASEAN national AI policies to AI implementation in libraries. It provides cross-country insights and practical cases for policymakers, library professionals, and regional bodies, and serves as a strategic reference to drive AI integration across the region.
Combating unethical publications in Iraqi higher education: A pre- and post-intervention programme assessment
This study examines the Responsible Publishing Initiative (RPI), a new intervention programme developed under University of Babylon’s academic research policy to combat unethical publishing among research students by addressing predatory or hijacked journals. The study aims to: i) examine the awareness and practise of scholarly publishing among research students before and after participation in the new intervention programme; ii) analyse the publication data of research students before and after participation in the new intervention programme. The results show that at least 37 per cent of students have published in predatory journals. After participating in the RPI programme, it was found that students' awareness had increased and the number of publications in predatory journals had decreased significantly. The initial success of the programme demonstrates the importance of educational interventions to promote academic integrity. The study also emphasises the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the newly proposed initiative. This research contributes to the broader academic discourse on sustainable development and is in line with UN SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting a culture of integrity and rigour in Iraq's academic publishing landscape.
Psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation as predictors of readers’ continuous participation in reading promotion activities in university libraries
Readers are the target of university libraries' reading promotion activities, and their psychology is a key factor influencing their engagement. Studying the psychology of readers helps in the effective implementation of reading promotion activities. Based on self-determination theory, this article analyses the micro-mechanisms of readers' continuous participation in reading promotion activities from three perspectives: i) satisfaction of basic psychological needs, ii) autonomous motivation, and iii) intention to continue participation. A model was developed to determine the factors that influence readers' intention to continue participating in reading promotion programmes in university libraries. The model was validated using questionnaires and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results showed that satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively influenced both intention to continue participation and autonomous motivation, with autonomous motivation mediating the relationship between satisfaction of basic psychological needs and intention to continue participation. This study is important to provide a theoretical frame of reference for related research and findings to improve the effectiveness of reading promotion activities in university libraries.
Perceived current and potential role of libraries in citizen science initiatives: Stakeholders’ perceptions
Citizen Science (CS) has become an important approach for involving the public in scientific research and facilitating collaboration between professional scientists and citizen volunteers. Libraries, which serve as accessible sources of information and centres for community engagement, are strategically positioned to support CS initiatives. The aim of this study is to explore how researchers, project managers and citizen scientists perceive the current and potential role of libraries in CS initiatives in the Malaysian context. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 individuals who are actively involved in CS projects in Malaysia. The thematic analysis, conducted using ATLAS.ti software, revealed different perceptions of current library services and identified opportunities for libraries to improve their role in CS. The results show that library services play a crucial role in providing access to resources and educational tools, supporting data management and analysis, and providing spaces for public engagement and outreach. In addition, libraries have the potential to become comprehensive resource centres for CS and serve as hubs for collaboration that promote public awareness and engagement. They can also act as centres for training and capacity building, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to citizen science initiatives. Libraries can support the management and preservation of data and the contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through CS. These findings emphasise the transformative potential of libraries in promoting scientific literacy, sustainability and strengthening public engagement through CS.
Strategic risk management in public library services: Approaches to prioritization and mitigation
Public libraries face many challenges in maintaining their services, especially in a rapidly evolving technological and economic environment. This study identifies and prioritises the main risks impacting public library services in Iran and proposes strategic solutions to address these challenges. The study is based on a meta-synthesis of scientific literature, the fuzzy Delphi technique for expert evaluation and Chang’s Fuzzy Hierarchy Analysis to rank the most important risks. Field observations were conducted in several provinces of Iran to validate the results and develop region-specific strategies. The study identified 75 risks, which were categorised into nine main groups. The greatest risk was the loss of access to digital resources due to economic sanctions and financial restrictions, followed by competition from search engines and alternative digital information platforms. The expert’s evaluation emphasised that technological limitations and insufficient funding are the most pressing threats to the sustainability of public libraries. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends improving technological infrastructure, fostering collaboration between libraries, implementing innovative outreach programmes and diversifying financial support strategies. The findings emphasise the urgent need for public libraries to address digital transformation and strategic planning to remain relevant in digital and economically constrained environment. As public libraries worldwide face similar financial, technological and operational risks, this study contributes to the global library policy discussion by offering a scalable risk assessment model that is applicable to different library systems. These findings can guide decision-makers in library governance, digital transformation policies and strategies for sustainable access to knowledge at national and international levels.
National and international research collaboration network in South Korea: An analysis of library and information science journals (2015–2024)
This study analyses the structure and collaboration patterns of co-authorship networks in library and information science (LIS) journals published in South Korea and internationally from 2015 to 2024. South Korean journals were categorised into Korean-language and English-language publications, while international journals included all articles and a subset article authored by Korean researchers. This classification enabled a comparative analysis of the structures of collaboration and the impact of co-authorship. The results show that international journals have more authors per article and higher research collaboration than South Korean journals. Among the international journals, articles by Korean researchers showed a high degree of international co-authorship, indicating a growing trend towards global collaboration. Korean journals had more single-authored articles and collaborations within the same institution, with limited international participation. An analysis of the impact of co-authorship on the number of citations found that articles involving collaborations across multiple institutions and disciplines tended to receive more citations. An analysis of the Simpson Diversity Index (SDI) demonstrated higher interdisciplinary diversity in international journals with Korean authors than in Korean journals, reflecting broader academic engagement. A correlation analysis of institutional productivity rankings between Korean and international journals found no significant relationship, suggesting different patterns of collaboration. These findings emphasise the need to expand international co-authorship and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in Korean LIS research. Building a more open and inclusive research environment in Korean journals is crucial to attract diverse authors. This study provides a basic insight into the trends of co-authorship and offers strategies to improve the international visibility and impact of Korean LIS research.
Information Needs and Role of Libraries for Transgender Students in Higher Education
This study explores the everyday information needs and role of university libraries in informing education administrators and policymakers to provide more library facilities for the inclusion of transgender students. A qualitative research approach was employed to meet the objectives of this study. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and a snowball sampling technique was adopted to access the transgender community. The results highlighted that the information need of transgender community revolves around community issues, health, fashion, job searching, and safety. It is observed that they usually use online sources such as Google, official websites, and social media-based networking sites (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) to fulfill their information needs. The participants were of the view that library services need improvements, and should create more inclusive and accessible resources. This study has its own theoretical, policy, and practical implications in terms of demanding existing theories to be expanded about how different social groups search for their unique information needs. This study also supports the idea that libraries need a serious and rapid revaluation of their services, moreover, immediate support is needed for transgender students by both educational institutions and policymakers.
Fostering professional growth in academic librarians: A SoTL-based lens for Research Data Management capacity building
This study examines the use of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as a framework for capacity building in Research Data Management (RDM) among academic librarians. It explores how SoTL principles are applied through interventions such as librarian-led training sessions to develop RDM skills, while presenting best practices and addressing professional growth challenges. A qualitative approach was used, involving interviews with 15 purposively sampled librarians from research-intensive universities in Malaysia actively engaged in RDM services. Key findings show that librarians develop their expertise through four key approaches: acquiring RDM competency; utilizing professional connections; building research partnerships, and initiating RDM services. Additionally, the study reveals that librarians engage in capacity building through SoTL and peer teaching by actively participating in knowledge-sharing practices, both formally and informally, within and outside their institutions. SoTL proved beneficial in fostering a continuous learning cycle as librarians taught their peers. This study concludes that SoTL can reshape professional development among academic librarians.
Evaluating barriers to digital libraries development: Insights from Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication (MICMAC)
Digital libraries are pivotal in advancing knowledge accessibility, yet their development faces significant obstacles, particularly in developing regions like India. This study evaluates the barriers to digital library development using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication (MICMAC) analysis. Data were gathered from eight domain experts in India, who identified 10 critical barriers, including the lack of institutional policy, which emerged as the most critical barrier to adopting digital libraries. As an independent factor, it sits at the bottom of the digraph model created by ISM, serving as the foundational barrier. Another major barrier is the lack of financial resources, which significantly hinders development due to the substantial costs involved in digital library initiatives for academic institutions. Additionally, barriers such as lack of management support, physical infrastructure, and technological infrastructure further exacerbate the challenges. ISM was employed to construct a hierarchical model revealing the interrelationships and driving power of these barriers, while MICMAC analysis categorised them based on their influence and dependencies. The findings emphasise the importance of addressing foundational barriers to ensure resilient and effective digital library systems in India.
Convergence of public library spaces in South Korea: User insights on motivations and collaboration
This study explores the evolving role and function of public libraries as essential physical spaces in the information age, with a focus on user perspectives regarding the need for convergence and collaboration within library spaces and potential approaches for implementing this convergence in South Korea. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 58 university students in their 20s and 30s who have experience using public libraries. Findings indicate that users view convergence as a way for public libraries to remain relevant by integrating various services and fostering partnerships that enhance community engagement. These insights provide practical recommendations for library administrators and policymakers on physical and institutional convergence strategies in public libraries, contributing valuable knowledge to this evolving area.
Mapping Malaysia's contribution to Gold Open Access: Growth patterns, disparities, and policy implications
This study examines the growth of Gold Open Access (OA) research output in Malaysia through a bibliometric analysis using Web of Science (WoS) data. Over the past decade, Malaysia has seen a significant increase in gold OA publications, ranking 27th globally, 10th in Asia, and first in Southeast Asia. The analysis reveals that Science & Technology and Health Sciences dominate the gold OA landscape, while Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences remain underrepresented. Malaysian researchers predominantly publish their gold OA articles in international journals, with Switzerland-based publishers being particularly prominent. A notable finding is the impact of government restrictions on using research funds for publications with three specific publishers - MDPI, Hindawi, and Frontiers. In 2023, MDPI experienced a 25.4 percent decline in publications by Malaysian researchers, reflecting a shift in publication patterns due to these restrictions. Despite the overall growth, the study highlights a mismatch between the quantity of gold OA publications and their citation impact, raising questions about the broader influence of Malaysian gold OA research. These findings underscore the need for strategies to manage and promote gold OA publishing effectively while addressing the challenges posed by policy restrictions. The insights offer valuable guidance for researchers and policymakers to optimize the benefits of gold OA publishing in Malaysia.
Thirty-two years of research on information foraging theory: Evolution, key contributions and emerging directions
This paper examines the evolution and future directions of Information Foraging Theory (IFT) research over the past 32 years (1992–2023). The findings reveal a sustained interest in IFT, with an average of 14 publications per year, culminating in a total of 449 papers authored by 933 researchers. Key contributors such as Peter Pirolli and Margaret Burnett have significantly shaped the field. Initially rooted in cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction (HCI), IFT has since expanded its influence to domains including information science, organizational behaviour, and machine learning. Core concepts of IFT, such as information scent and information patches, have been empirically validated, reinforcing their importance in understanding user behaviour. Publication trends highlight a peak in research activity around 2012, followed by fluctuations and a recent resurgence. The prominence of conference papers reflects the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the field. Keyword analysis identifies research clusters focusing on human decision-making, user interfaces, information retrieval, visualization, social networking, and behavioural studies, demonstrating the interdisciplinary application of IFT. Emerging themes such as cognitive load, uncertainty, virtual reality, and big data point to promising new research directions. This overview underscores IFT's significant contributions and ongoing relevance in understanding of human information-seeking behaviour and optimizing systems to meet user needs.
Embracing transparency and openness in scholarly publishing: Insights from the Malaysian social sciences researchers
The scholarly publishing landscape is changing fast with the rise of open science practices and increased expectations for transparency and rigour. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how the social science researchers are adopting transparency and openness in scholarly publishing (TOSP), given the emergence of open science practices. Therefore, this paper seeks to: (a) What do social science researchers interpret as "transparency and openness in scholarly publishing", and (b) How do social science researchers navigate and practise transparency and openness in their scholarly publishing? A cohort of the 100 most productive Malaysian-based social science researchers identified from the Web of Science database was invited to participate via email. The evidence reported here comes from 20 who agreed to be interviewed. The findings reveal that social science researchers conceptualise TOSP through seven key themes: Data transparency; practices; Methodological transparency; Embracing open access; Readiness for criticism and feedback; Reliable peer review process; Research ethics in data management; and Articulating research limitations. Additionally, the study emphasises nine TOSP practices that social scientists highlight, including sharing and connecting; publishing in affordable open access journals; authorship and publishing standards; international research collaboration; using open access repositories; adopting preprints; adhering to ethics and integrity; participating in the peer review process; and ensuring research reproducibility. This study underscores the importance of TOSP attributes in fostering transparency and openness, which in turn enhances the credibility and impact of social science research. Aligning with these principles enables researchers to contribute to more reliable and impactful scholarship in an evolving academic landscape.
Current landscape of Open Educational Resources initiatives by Malaysian academic libraries
The contribution of librarians to open educational resources (OER) is increasingly influenced by the open science and open data movements. However, their involvement in OER initiatives remains limited, primarily focusing on managing learning resources and providing information literacy training to facilitate access to OER. This study delves into the role of libraries in adopting OER within their institutions, aiming to explore the current landscape of OER initiatives led by Malaysian academic libraries and the challenges faced by academic librarians, guided by the CARE Framework. Through interviews with nine academic librarians, the study examines the current state of OER initiatives, and the obstacles librarians encounter in supporting these efforts. Findings indicate that Malaysian academic libraries are committed to supporting OER through the creation of library guides that enhance user awareness on how to locate and utilise OER resources. Despite the positive opportunities presented by OER, academic librarians face significant challenges, particularly in promoting access and usage. This study offers valuable insights and practical guidelines for academic libraries to enhance their OER services. The conclusions drawn will also aid in future professional development, contributing to the success and sustainability of the OER movement in promoting open education.
Automated gender identification vs. manual review: Gender assignment of editorial board members in Information and Library Science Journals
In recent years, computer programmes that automatically assign gender based on a person’s name and country of affiliation have been increasingly used in gender studies of authors of scientific publications. This study aims to compare the results generated by the automated genderize.io programme with those obtained through manual gender identification. To assess the accuracy of genderize.io, the gender of Editorial Board Members (EBMs) from 84 journals in the field of Information and Library Science was analysed. The comparison revealed discrepancies: genderize.io incorrectly classified 80 out of 1,419 men as women, and 124 out of 2,580 women were misidentified as men. Additionally, genderize.io classified the gender of 123 EBMs as unknown. While the manual method achieved a 99.15 percent accuracy rate, genderize.io had a slightly lower accuracy of 91.51 percent. There was, however, strong agreement between the two methodologies (Cohen's Kappa = 0.829, p < 0.001). Genderize.io exhibited a 7.71 percent inaccuracy rate, particularly underestimating the number of women. The study concludes that while automated software like genderize.io is effective for large-scale analyses and useful for library and information professionals, manual review is recommended for smaller studies to ensure higher accuracy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science
Exploring the influence of regional economic pillars on library service equity in Indonesia
This study investigates how various factors - innovation capabilities, labour market conditions, health, business dynamics, ICT adoption, and market size - affect the distribution of library services across 34 provinces in Indonesia. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the study found that overall, these factors significantly influence library service distribution (F = 10.558, p < 0.001, R² = 0.701). Specifically, higher innovation capabilities, better health conditions, and greater ICT adoption positively impact the availability of library services. Conversely, challenges in the labour market, fluctuating business dynamics, and larger market size are associated with reduced library service distribution. The findings highlight the critical role of health and technology policies in promoting fair access to library services throughout the country.
Exploring the role of library managers in supporting female professionals: Perspectives from Punjab Pakistan
The primary aim of this study was to explore the role of immediate managers in fostering a congenial workplace environment for female library professionals. This research is based on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with female library professionals employed in universities recognised by the Higher Education Commission in Punjab, Pakistan. The findings revealed that most managers offer constructive feedback to their subordinates, which the participants noted had a positive impact, enhancing both efficiency and work performance. They also reported that their managers encouraged female employees to share their opinions and introduce new ideas. Furthermore, the study elaborated on the participants' suggestions to help managers improve the congeniality of the workplace environment. These findings are valuable for raising awareness among management and authorities regarding the expectations of subordinates from their managers. Additionally, the results can inform the development of policies aimed at creating a healthy and productive work environment that benefits both employees and the organisation.
Empirical comparative study of similarity indexes in scientometrics co-authorship analysis
Similarity indexes are widely used in the field of scientometrics either in co-words, co-citations, bibliographic coupling, or co-authorship, and very recently in link prediction and system recommender. Despite the rich literature on the comparison of various indexes very rarely a consensus is being reached on the appropriateness of a specific one. This paper aims to enhance empirical understanding of similarity indexes within the context of co-authorship networks, which are widely used and highly relevant in scientometrics. The objective is to assist scientometricians in better analyzing co-authorship networks and selecting the most suitable similarity index for their studies. The research examines two types of co-authorship networks - one with low density at the individual level and another with high density at the country level - using five commonly applied similarity indexes: Jaccard, Salton, Dice-Sorenson, Pearson, and Association Strength. The study confirms that, as theoretically expected, the Salton index follows a concave increasing function of the Jaccard index, with Jaccard values consistently lower, regardless of network density. The concave shape of the curve is more pronounced in the case of low dense network. A linear function is found between Dice-Sorenson and Salton. Additionally, Pearson is observed to be 'orthogonal' to Jaccard, Salton, and Dice-Sorenson, indicating a lack of direct correlation. In contrast, Association Strength behaves differently: in a high-density network, it is 'orthogonal' to Jaccard, Salton, and Dice-Sorenson and shows no correlation with Pearson. However, in a low-density network, Association Strength displays the opposite behavior.
Dynamic interactions of research, publication, researchers, institutions, and countries: A Quintuple Helix model perspective on research impact
This review paper introduces and explores the Research Impact Quintuple Helix Model, a comprehensive framework designed to analyse and enhance the impact of research across societal, economic, and environmental dimensions. Unlike traditional models focusing on sectoral collaboration for innovation and economic development, this model integrates five critical elements - Research, Publication, Researchers, Institutions, and Countries - offering a holistic approach to understanding research impact. The study systematically examines the dynamic interactions among these elements, emphasising their collective role in fostering collaborative synergies, interdisciplinary research, and effective resource allocation. By aligning research activities with broader societal needs and environmental considerations, the model aims to extend the scope of research impact beyond academic achievements, highlighting the importance of policy alignment, societal engagement, and sustainable practices. Key comparisons with the standard Helix models demonstrate the unique contributions of the research impact quintuple helix model, illustrating its potential to address specific challenges in maximising research benefits. The paper identifies strategic collaborations and policy implications that could significantly enhance the societal benefits of research, advocating for a structured integration of the model’s elements into research and policy-making processes. The review concludes by recognising limitations in the existing literature and calling for empirical studies to validate and refine the model. Future research should incorporate quantitative methods to measure the impact effectively, aiming to transform theoretical insights into actionable strategies for a sustainable and impactful research ecosystem.
Scholarly manuscript assessment: Scientific journal editor desk evaluation
Rejection of submitted articles during the editorial review process can be discouraging for authors. This study investigates the factors affecting manuscript acceptance and rejection by journal editors and proposes targeted training to enhance acceptance rates at the editorial review stage. Data were collected through online questionnaires from 42 international journal editors, interviews with five editors, and focus group discussions with graduate students. The findings reveal that editors consider six key criteria when deciding whether to accept manuscripts for peer review: originality, uniqueness, scope, appropriateness, relevance, and significance. Commonly rejected sections include the abstract, methods, and results. Insights from editor interviews and focus groups with early-career researchers shed light on the reasons for manuscript rejection and highlight specific sections with higher rejection rates. The study recommends that new researchers undertake courses in scientific writing to better understand editors' evaluation criteria and improve their chances of acceptance.