/library/oar/handle/123456789/248 2025-12-21T05:33:30Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142231 Title: Melitensia New Accessions: November 2025 Abstract: This document contains a list of the material recently acquired by the Melitensia Department in the month of November 2025 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141548 Title: Enhancing student engagement : introducing social exchange theory in outreach practices for academic libraries Authors: Scicluna, Ryan Abstract: This paper delves into the potential of social exchange theory (SET) within the context of academic libraries, using the University of Malta Library (UML) as a case study. The study explores the application of SET to enhance library outreach practices. By harnessing the power of SET, which offers profound insights into human interactions and the reciprocal nature of social relationships, this research aims to develop a comprehensive approach to navigating library outreach assessment to spark a new wave of academic library research. SET, which focuses on the reciprocal exchange of benefits and obligations between various members of a community, provides a framework for evaluating and improving library services. Key initiatives, including training workshops, librarian chat services, stress-relief campaigns, and artistic and cultural engagement projects, were analyzed based on SET’s core elements: rewards and resources, mechanisms of exchange, social structures and social capital, and reciprocity and obligations. The findings highlight the concept that activities like personalized one-on-one sessions and workshops provide significant benefits, such as skill development, while fostering trust and user commitment between library users. Programs like stress-relief campaigns and charity events strengthen community ties and enhance the library’s role as a cultural hub. Initiatives such as chat-with-a-librarian demonstrate that reciprocal engagement builds long-term relationships and increases patron satisfaction. By assessing outreach through the lens of SET principles, this study emphasizes the importance of aligning activities with academic community needs. Applying SET strategies ensures outreach efforts foster meaningful connections, mutual benefit, and social capital, ultimately improving community engagement and the overall impact of library services. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141534 Title: Into a brave new world : exploring AI perceptions and uses among the University of Malta Library staff Abstract: The effects of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution have become increasingly ingrained in our lives over the past two years since the key to generative AI was made publicly available via large language models like ChatGPT giving rise to questions about how jobs and services are being impacted – academic libraries included. The purpose of this dissertation is to gauge the attitudes towards AI, knowledge and use of AI applications by the University of Malta Library (UML) staff and the management’s position on building an AI literate workplace. This research will help fill a knowledge gap and pave the way for policies which support an AI literate academic library. The research methods consisted of a review of the current literature with particular attention to surveys of academic librarians’ attitudes towards AI, and empirical data gathered from a generic staff questionnaire and qualitative interviews with the five members of the UML management. The findings from this research show that AI tools are being used by staff in different departments of the UML and there is a generally positive attitude towards AI tools complementing work duties rather than a fear of it replacing humans. However, the findings also indicate a cautious approach to implementing AI with awareness of ethical and security risks. A gap in staff training was also identified and the dissertation recommends a staff training plan which would upskill library staff’s knowledge of AI, piloting AI in workflows, upgrading resources to provide AI powered research tools and establishing communication channels with different entities within the University of Malta to work towards a common strategy. Description: MA (Aberystwyth) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140902 Title: Melitensia New Accessions: October 2025 Abstract: This document contains a list of the material recently acquired by the Melitensia Department in the month of October 2025 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z