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Digital Pedagogy Skills of Librarians: Identifying the Role of Citation Analysis vis-à-vis Teaching in Digital Environments

Shyamkuwar, Swati Rohit

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the digital pedagogy skills of librarians and the role of citation analysis in teaching library science. The research was conducted with faculty teaching library and information science in colleges affiliated with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, India.Findings show that while most librarians are familiar with the term "Digital Pedagogy" (68.3%), the majority are not familiar with "Citation Analysis" as a research method (61.9%). Consequently, a large percentage of librarians (88.9%) reported using citation analysis concepts at a low level in their current teaching practices.Despite this low usage and familiarity, most librarians considered teaching citation analysis effective for helping students evaluate the credibility of sources (84.1% said "Yes"). Furthermore, most also agreed that digital tools like visualization software make it easier to teach citation analysis concepts (65.1% said "Yes"). The study concludes that librarians need to develop a broader range of digital pedagogical competencies, integrating citation analysis as a component of information literacy

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Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(III) | Sept. - 2025 68 Digital Pedagogy Skills of Librarians: Identifying the Role of Citation Analysis vis-à-vis Teaching in Digital Environments Swati Rohit Shyamkuwar1, Dr. Dhananjay Wamanrao Deote 1Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 2Librarian, Bar. Sheshrao Wankhede Mahavidyalay, Mohpa, Maharashtra, India Manuscript ID: JRD -2025(I)-170911 ISSN: 2230-9578 Volume 17 Issue 9(III)| Pp. 68-71 Sept. 2025 Submitted: 12 Aug. 2025 Revised: 22 Aug. 2025 Accepted: 20 Sept. 2025 Published: 30 Sept. 2025 Abstract: This study investigated the digital pedagogy skills of librarians and the role of citation analysis in teaching library science. The research was conducted with faculty teaching library and information science in colleges affiliated with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, India.Findings show that while most librarians are familiar with the term "Digital Pedagogy" (68.3%), the majority are not familiar with "Citation Analysis" as a research method (61.9%). Consequently, a large percentage of librarians (88.9%) reported using citation analysis concepts at a low level in their current teaching practices.Despite this low usage and familiarity, most librarians considered teaching citation analysis effective for helping students evaluate the credibility of sources (84.1% said "Yes"). Furthermore, most also agreed that digital tools like visualization software make it easier to teach citation analysis concepts (65.1% said "Yes"). The study concludes that librarians need to develop a broader range of digital pedagogical competencies, integrating citation analysis as a component of information literacy. Keywords: Digital Pedagogy, Librarians, Citation Analysis, Digital Environments, Digital Literacy, Teaching, Information Literacy Introduction In today’s digital age, libraries are more than repositories of books; they are dynamic centres for fostering digital literacy. Digital literacy encompasses the skills needed to navigate the vast online landscape effectively, from accessing information to critically evaluating its credibility (Decuypere et al., 2021). Libraries play a vital role in democratizing access to technology and knowledge, ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to develop essential digital skills. Libraries empower individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital world through initiatives such as computer classes, technology workshops, and access to digital resources (Mitha and Omarsaib, 2025). Furthermore, libraries serve as inclusive spaces where people can collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another, enriching their digital literacy journey. As technology continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, the role of libraries in promoting digital literacy remains paramount in equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century Librarians require enhanced digital pedagogy skills, blending pedagogical knowledge with technological proficiency, to effectively teach in digital environments. Quick Response Code: Website: https://jrdrvb.org/ DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16885235 Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work noncommercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations ae licensed under the idential terms. Address for correspondence: Swati Rohit Shyamkuwar, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India How to cite this article: S. R. Shyamkuwar,.D. W. Deote. (2025). Digital Pedagogy Skills of Librarians: Identifying the Role of Citation Analysis vis-à-vis Teaching in Digital Environments. Journal of Research & Development, 17(9(III)), 68-71 Original Article Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(III) | Sept. - 2025 69 While citation analysis is a valuable skill for understanding scholarly communication, its direct role in teaching digital environments is as a component of information literacy and digital pedagogy rather than a standalone teaching method (Saib et al., 2023). Librarians should focus on developing a broader range of digital pedagogical competencies, including course design, technology integration, and adapting teaching methods to online contexts to better serve users in the digital age. Libraries stand at the forefront of promoting digital literacy, assuming a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the skills necessary to navigate an ever-expanding digital landscape. Beyond their traditional role as repositories of books, libraries have metamorphosed into dynamic hubs of digital learning and access (Fujita, 2020). In today’s society, where proficiency in digital tools and information technology is essential, libraries serve as catalysts for bridging the digital divide. They offer free access to technology, internet connectivity, and educational programs tailored to diverse skill levels. By providing these resources and opportunities, libraries empower patrons to develop the digital literacy skills vital for success in the modern world. Through their dedication to digital inclusion and education, libraries emerge as indispensable support pillars, ensuring everyone has the means to thrive in an increasingly digital society. The role of libraries in promoting digital literacy extends far beyond providing access to technology and information (O'Dowd et al., 2020). Libraries serve as dynamic centers of learning, creativity, and community engagement, where individuals of all backgrounds can acquire the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age. From bridging the digital divide and fostering lifelong learning to promoting digital citizenship and innovation, libraries play a multifaceted role in empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence and competence. (Atoy et al., 2020). As we continue to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the digital era, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting digital literacy and ensuring that everyone can harness the transformative power of technology for the betterment of society. In the backdrop of the above information this study was conducted to understand the digital pedagogy skills of librarians visà-vis role of citation analysis in teaching library science. The study was carried out in the eastern Vidarbha region covering the jurisdiction of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur. Research Methodology In the present study, the data pertaining to the topic under investigation was collected from the faculty engaged in teaching the library and information science subject in the colleges affiliated to Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur. This study area restricted to jurisdiction of the RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur. Based on the reconnaissance survey of the study area a sample size of 60 was finalized. However, during the course of data collection researcher received data from 63 respondents making the final sample size as 63. The primary data collection was carried out using a reliable and valid structured questionnaire, which was prepared on the basis of generally accepted principles of instrument design, and was conducted according to the standard methodology. The rating scale was fixed response rating scale. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out with the aid of SPSS 27.0 software. The descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, mode, etc. were determined from the collected data and Chi-Square test was used as an inferential statistics test. The significance level was chosen to be 0.05. Results and Discussion 1 Familiarity with the term "Digital Pedagogy" Table 1: Response of librarian about familiarity with the term "Digital Pedagogy" Response Nos. Percentage Familiar 43 68.3 Neutral 17 27.0 Not familiar 3 4.8 Total 63 100.0 χ2= 39.238; df: 2; χ2crit= 5.99; p<0.05 Above Table 1 shows the response of librarian about familiarity with the term "Digital Pedagogy". It is observed that 68.3% librarians are familiar with the term "Digital Pedagogy" while 27.0% librarian’s familiarity with this term is of neutral level. Furthermore, 4.8% librarians are not familiar with this term. Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(III) | Sept. - 2025 70 2 Familiarity with "Citation Analysis" as a research method Table 2: Response of librarian about familiarity with "Citation Analysis" as a research method Response Nos. Percentage Familiar 6 9.5 Neutral 18 28.6 Not familiar 39 61.9 Total 63 100.0 χ2= 26.571; df: 2; χ2crit= 5.99; p<0.05 Above Table 2 shows the response of librarian about familiarity with the "Citation Analysis" as a research method. It is observed that 9.5% librarians are familiar with the "Citation Analysis" as a research method while 28.6% librarian’s familiarity with this is of neutral level. Furthermore, 61.9% librarians are not familiar with this. 3 Extent of use of concepts related to citation analysis in current teaching practice Table 3: Use of concepts related to citation analysis in current teaching practice Response Nos. Percentage High 4 6.3 Moderate 3 4.8 Low 56 88.9 Total 63 100.0 χ2= 87.524; df: 2; χ2crit= 5.99; p<0.05 Above Table 3 shows the information about use of concepts related to citation analysis in current teaching practice. It is observed that 6.3% librarians are use of concepts related to citation on high level while 4.8% librarians are moderate level of use. Furthermore, 88.9% librarians are less use of this. 4 Teaching citation analysis helps students evaluate the credibility of sources more effectively Table 4: Effectivity of credibility of sources to evaluate teaching citation analysis helps students Response Nos. Percentage Yes 53 84.1 No 6 9.5 Can't Say 4 6.3 Total 63 100.0 χ2= 73.238; df: 2; χ2crit= 5.99; p<0.05 Above Table 4 shows the information about effectivity of credibility of sources to evaluate teaching citation analysis helps students. It is observed that according to 84.1% librarian’s credibility of sources to evaluate teaching citation analysis helps students is effective while 4.8% librarians stated that this analysis helps students is not effective. Furthermore, 6.3% librarians stated that they not sure about it. 5 Digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation analysis concepts Table 5: Concept of analysis about digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation Response Nos. Percentage Yes 41 65.1 No 17 27.0 Can't Say 5 7.9 Total 63 100.0 χ2= 32; df: 2; χ2crit= 5.99; p<0.05 Above Table 5 shows the information about concept of analysis about digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation. It is observed that according to 65.1% librarian’s concept of analysis about Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(III) | Sept. - 2025 71 digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation while 27.0% librarians stated that this analysis is not effective. Furthermore, 7.9% librarians stated that they not sure about it. Conclusions: 1. Familiarity with the term "Digital Pedagogy" In the view of study results, it is observed that most of the librarians are familiar with the term "Digital Pedagogy". 2. Familiarity with "Citation Analysis" as a research method In the view of study results, it is observed that most of the librarians are not familiar with the "Citation Analysis" as a research method. 3. Extent of use of concepts related to citation analysis in current teaching practice From the study results, it is observed that most of the librarians are less use of concepts related to citation analysis in current teaching practice. 4. Teaching citation analysis helps students evaluate the credibility of sources more effectively From the study results, it is observed that according to most of the librarian’s credibility of sources to evaluate teaching citation analysis helps students is effective. 5. Digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation analysis concepts In the view of study results, it is observed that according to most of the librarian’s concept of analysis about digital tools (like visualization software) make it easier to teach citation. References: 1. Atoy Jr M. B., Garcia F. R. O., Cadungog R. R., Cua J. D. O., Mangunay S. C. and De Guzman A. B. (2020). Linking digital literacy and online information searching strategies of Philippine university students: The moderating role of mindfulness, Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 52(4), pp.1015-1027. 2. Decuypere M., Grimaldi E. and Landri P. (2021). Introduction: Critical studies of digital education platforms, Critical Studies in Education, 62(1), pp.1-16. 3. Fujita N. (2020). Transforming online teaching and learning: towards learning design informed by information science and learning sciences, Information and Learning Sciences, 121(7/8), pp.503-511. 4. Mitha S. B. and Omarsaib M. (2025). Emerging technologies and higher education libraries: a bibliometric analysis of the global literature, Library Hi Tech, 43(2/3), pp.1248-1270. 5. O'Dowd R., Sauro S. and Spector‐Cohen E. (2020). The role of pedagogical mentoring in virtual exchange, Tesol Quarterly, 54(1), pp.146-172. 6. Saib M. O., Rajkoomar M., Naicker, N. and Olugbara C. T. (2023). Digital pedagogies for librarians in higher education: a systematic review of the literature, Information Discovery and Delivery, 51(1), pp.13-25.