The library of the university is considered its central organ, around which all scientific activity pulsates. According to Chaudhari (2018), the academic library is a vital component that develops teaching and research activities. This is a key factor in achieving the goals and objectives of higher education. Quality education and research is impossible without a modernized library. According to Dold (2013), good library skills are integral to academic success. In collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Education, librarians create a foundation for the acquisition of knowledge in developing university education. She explained the academic role of the librarian as a faculty. Librarians work as gatekeepers of information resources, teachers of information literacy,
Above all, librarians respond to all levels of the university’s information needs.
According to Abduldayan et al. (2016), research in each institution sets the criteria for the development and increasing recognition of such an institution and its global ranking. Academic libraries are fully dedicated to providing information services that promote research, learning and innovation. However, Gabbei and Shoham (2017) found that most teachers believe the library meets their learning needs. In terms of research, educators believe that most libraries support technical aspects, but they do not support other aspects, such as finding information or providing more complete information related to educator research. Really, the provision of information assistance and ICT services to the academic library can play a very important role in the entire research process to improve outcomes. This requires information and digital literacy skills.
Adeola (2014) conducted a case study showing the role of the library in the accreditation process of Osogbo Fountain University in Nigeria and found that the library plays an active role in the institution’s accreditation process. The way a university library manages and maintains library resources reflects the priority of the institution, the educational goals and practices of the faculty, and the performance of students and alumni. One of the most important goals of accreditation is to promote and develop quality university education and training to produce a high quality skilled workforce. The library helps in the accreditation process and contributes to the further development of the university.
Wijitunge (2012) clarifies the role of university librarians as teachers. By giving examples, and by providing theoretical knowledge, she highlighted the teaching role of the university librarian in advancing the knowledge economy in today’s global context of a new approach to teaching and learning. She also expects librarians to become politicians who play a greater leadership role and are responsible for creating a healthy academic environment at the university. The American Library Association (ALA) also states this. The nature and quality of a higher education institution is largely determined by the nature and availability of its library resources and the experience and availability of its librarians. Librarians have a multidimensional role in the academy. It not only includes teaching credit courses, but also provides access to information, whether through individual and group instruction, selecting and purchasing resources, digitizing collections, or organizing information.
In all of these areas, librarians share knowledge and skills with students and teachers, both formally and informally, and advise and assist teachers in their scientific endeavors. They participate in the research function and conduct research in their professional interests and carry out their duties. Their scientific research contributes to the development of knowledge valuable to their discipline and institution (ALA, 2007). They participate in the research function and conduct research in their professional interests and carry out their duties. Their scientific research contributes to the development of knowledge valuable to their discipline and institution (ALA, 2007). They participate in the research function and conduct research in their professional interests and carry out their duties. Their scientific research contributes to the development of knowledge valuable to their discipline and institution (ALA, 2007).
