The Iraqi Journal for Information and Documentation Studies

Editorial of the first issue of volume Eight

This study aimed to analyse the extent to which intellectual property concepts are adopted within the academic research environment, with a particular focus on proper documentation and citation practices in scholarly publications. To achieve the study's objectives, an analytical methodology was employed, and a random sample of (20) researchers from Al-Mustansiriya University was selected. A questionnaire consisting of (12) items was distributed to assess the extent of intellectual property adoption in their research activities .The data were analysed using various statistical tools, including the weighted arithmetic mean, percentage weight, and gap analysis. The results showed that the adoption rate of intellectual property concepts reached 66%, indicating a partial weakness in adherence to relevant academic principles. Additionally, the findings revealed a 34% gap between theoretical knowledge of intellectual property and its practical application in the research field, highlighting a shortfall in translating these concepts into effective practices. The study also found that current plagiarism detection programs are inadequate in identifying advanced deceptive methods used by some researchers, which undermines their effectiveness in safeguarding academic integrity. The study recommends reviewing and updating the technical systems used for plagiarism detection and replacing them with more advanced and accurate systems that keep pace with modern methods of academic misconduct.

This research aims to determine the training needs of workers in Sakho University libraries in light of the digital work environment, and to determine the entities responsible for developing plans for training courses and programs in these libraries, with a focus on the topics that workers wish to train on. The research also seeks to identify the skills acquired from training, as well as determine the qualifications required to work in the digital environment. The research was based on a descriptive-survey approach by collecting and analyzing data to provide solutions to the research problem. The research reached several results, most notably: that the majority of the sample members stressed their need for training in light of the digital work environment, and the importance of the training programs provided to workers in the libraries of the University of Zakho at a rate of (65.6%), as the majority of them do not hold qualifications related to the specialization of information and libraries or the specialization of information and libraries, technologies and software. On the basis of this, the research recommended the necessity of identifying the training needs necessary for the digital work environment for library workers before developing training programs for them so that these libraries can meet the actual needs effectively. It is also preferable to focus on topics such as digital information management and the use of modern technologies in libraries.

Public libraries are considered a civilizational, cultural and social edifice, as this cultural institution plays a major role in the development of societies in all aspects because of its historical heritage in any city in which it is located. The Samarra Public Library, located within the municipal boundaries of the city of Samarra in Salah al-Din Governorate, has been serving the Samarra community for many decades, as its founding dates back to the royal era in Iraq, it was and still is a safe haven for students and lovers of science and culture of all walks of life and cultures. This research will shed light on the most important stages. Which this ancient library witnessed, the decline and lethargy it suffered, and its current reality.

This study aims to explore the role of generative artificial intelligence applications in enhancing public library services, focusing on the opportunities these technologies offer and the challenges associated with their adoption. The study was conducted on a sample of 400 students, and the findings revealed that generative AI applications significantly improve user experience by providing personalized content, delivering more accurate and effective recommendations, and increasing engagement with digital resources. Additionally, the results demonstrated that generative AI enables public libraries to enhance the integration of traditional and digital services, making resource access more seamless and inclusive.
On the other hand, the findings highlighted key challenges facing libraries in adopting these technologies, including high implementation costs, the need to train staff on digital tools, resistance to change among some employees, and concerns about safeguarding users' data. The study also pointed out that libraries utilizing these technologies require advanced technical infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency.
The study recommends developing effective strategies to leverage generative AI applications, emphasizing the integration of digital and traditional services, providing continuous training programs for staff, and ensuring the protection of user data privacy. Furthermore, it calls for fostering collaboration between libraries, academic institutions, and technology providers to develop innovative solutions that meet user needs in the digital age. The study also presented a set of recommendations to address the challenges of implementing generative AI in public libraries in the modern era.