TLA Bulletin (Thai Library Association)

Nice to Meet You, Hello Boss, Hi Technology, and Welcome ALG : Adapting Digital Innovations for University Library Use

Executive Committee of Academic Librarians Group — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article is compiled from the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Academic Seminar of the Academic Librarians Group (ALG), held online on 19 February 2026. The seminar focused on three themes: 1) Hello Boss: on the role of information organization leaders in setting strategic directions to upgrade digital infrastructure, data management, and flexible services to meet rapidly changing user behavior. 2) Hi Technology: the need to integrate information systems, digital instruments, and online learning platforms to boost knowledge access and data-driven management for administrative decision-making. 3) Welcome ALG: professional organization support of higher education library operations.

The event systematically benefited libraries by enhancing organizational agility, proactive planning, and developing staff digital competency. It also synthesized user-centered design (UCD) and present-day knowledge. These subjects transmuted the library role from resource center to sustainable learning innovation hub for higher education institutions in Thailand.

A Bibliometric Study of Research Related to the Development of Digital Library

Natcha Sawangarrom, Thiti Atichartchayakorn, Chokthamrong Chongchorhor — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on digital library development indexed in the international SCOPUS database. The documents analyzed comprised research articles published between 2003 and 2025. The bibliometric analysis was performed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. The findings revealed that: (1) a total of 6,866 research articles met the selection criteria; (2) the three most prolific authors were Zhang Y (41 publications), Wang Y (38 publications), and Fox R (32 publications); (3) the three years with the highest publication output were 2022 (453 publications), 2023 (425 publications), and 2024 (420 publications); (4) the top three journals publishing the highest number of articles were The Electronic Library (243 publications), International Journal on Digital Libraries (171 publications), and Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling (157 publications); (5) the three leading institutions in terms of collaborative publications were the University of California (158 publications), “not specified” (116 publications), and Wuhan University (96 publications); (6) the three countries with the highest levels of international research collaboration were the United States (1,425 publications), China (631 publications), and India (351 publications); (7) regarding research development, the articles were classified into two major categories: (7.1) digital libraries and (7.2) articles; and (8) future research trends indicated an expansion of topic frontiers, including “human,” “virtual screening,” “libraries,” and “systematic review.” Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on developmental research to examine emerging trends in digital library development in the future.

Academic Library Space Management and User Needs: A Four-Space Model Perspective

Sornnarai Boonkwan, Sasipimol Prapinpongsakorn — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative study examines library space management and user needs in 11 Academic Libraries at Autonomous Public Higher Education Institutions in Bangkok and the Metropolitan Region. Data was gathered from two main groups of key informants: 1) 11 library staff members selected through purposive sampling, and 2) 43 users chosen through convenience sampling. Interviews with preset questions about library space management, user behavior and service experiences and user needs on library space requirements were among the study instruments used. Data was analyzed using content analysis, research instruments were validated by experts to strengthen their reliability, and data dependability was verified through data triangulation. The study on space management in academic libraries revealed a systematic and clearly defined approach to transforming the library's role from a resource repository to a learning space. Diverse spatial arrangements were implemented to meet the diverse needs of users, with administrators' policies focusing on building spaces that align with evolving learning and service usage behaviors. Users' behavior and needs showed that they mainly use the physical space of the library and expect it to serve functions beyond reading. Users also expressed the need for Inspiration Spaces that foster creativity; Learning Spaces that support diverse modes of learning, including formal, informal, and self-directed learning; Meeting Spaces that facilitate knowledge exchange and social interaction; and Performative Spaces for presenting and showcasing work. In addition, the availability of adequate infrastructure and a learning-supportive atmosphere was identified as essential in responding to contemporary learning contexts.

Bibliometric Analysis of Librarian Skills in the Scopus Database between 2014 and 2024

Kandawan Kunanonvithaya, Rungtiwa Klibngern, Sakon Muangsun, Jutatip Chanlun — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research is a documentary study employing a bibliometric analysis approach. The objectives were: 1) to collect research data related to librarians’ skills, and 2) to synthesize the data and present graphical information using bibliometric methods. The study analyzed articles indexed in the Scopus database published between 2014 and 2024 using the Bibliometrix-R program. The results revealed that during 2014-2024, a total of 640 publications related to librarians’ skills were retrieved from Scopus. The publications appeared in 164 different sources, with an annual growth rate of 2.14%. Of these, 623 (97.34%) were journal articles and 17 (2.66%) were conference papers. The journal with the highest number of published articles was the Journal of the Medical Library Association, with 49 articles. The United States was the most productive country, with 183 publications. In terms of impact, the Journal of Academic Librarianship had the highest h-Index (16) based on 39 articles published since 2014, receiving a total of 698 citations. The United States also had the highest total citations (1,633), with an average of 8.90 citations per article. Key concepts related to librarians’ skills included human, librarian, libraries, medical, professional competence, article, education, adult, skill, information literacy, library instruction, library, library services, and students. Trend analysis of research on librarians’ skills during 2014–2024 indicated that the most frequently discussed topics particularly during 2019-2020 were human, librarian, and information literacy. The most recent emerging topic in 2024 was artificial intelligence.

The Development of Information Retrieval Skills Using Search Engines for Academic Research Among Students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sisaket Rajabhat University

Juntakan Panleow — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research are (1) to investigate students’ information retrieval practices using search programs for academic research and (2) develop their skills in information retrieval at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sisaket Rajabhat University. The sample consisted of 173 third-year undergraduate students, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, tests, and learning activities, and analyzed using percentages and pre- and post-activity score comparisons.

The results revealed that students had moderate skills in using programs such as WEB OPAC and SE-ED E-Library, but low skills in CU-eLibrary and TDC, mainly due to unfamiliarity with these programs. Most students spent over 20 minutes retrieving information, indicating a need for training. After participating in the skill-development activities, students’ average information retrieval scores increased from 43.58% to 83.27%. The learner-centered activities emphasized hands-on practice with each program through the university’s Library and Information Technology Services website, enabling students to efficiently locate information to meet their research needs.

Developing a Metadata Schema for Temple Information Management: A Case Study of Temples in Kalasin Province

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research developed and validated a nine-category, 75-field Metadata Schema for managing information on temples in Kalasin Province, Thailand. Grounded in library and information science — including Dublin Core, ICOM Spectrum, CIDOC CRM, and FAIR Data Principles — the schema was developed through three phases: (1) analysis of five international metadata standards, (2) field data collection from 40 key informants through 40 in-depth interviews, eight focus group sessions (two per temple), and participant observation (October 2024 – March 2025), and (3) a two-round Modified Delphi evaluation by five experts. Four case study temples were selected using Maximum Variation Sampling: Wat Phudanhai, Wat Phra That Muen Hin, Wat Buddhawas, and Wat Phothichai Semaaram. Research instruments achieved content validity (IOC = 0.89) and reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.92). Expert evaluation rated the schema as highly comprehensive and flexible ( = 4.57, S.D. = 0.30). Three key contributions emerged: (1) the schema integrates both tangible and intangible heritage in a single structure absent from all standard international schemas; (2) it functions as a diagnostic tool identifying data gaps for long-term conservation planning; and (3) three newly developed categories capture "Community Voice" — community-generated, transmitted, and interpreted knowledge systematically excluded from Dublin Core and ICOM Spectrum. This study proposes a prototype, community-centered Metadata Schema for Isan Buddhist temples as a provincial heritage information management standard.

An Analysis of factors influencing customer relationship management in public university libraries

Wilairat Pransin, Sumattra Saenwa, Vipakorn Vadhanasin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to investigate the state of customer relationship management (CRM) and to analyze the components of CRM in public university libraries using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The study employed a quantitative research design. The sample consisted of 391 library users from 15 public university libraries, selected through multistage sampling. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis. The suitability of the data for factor analysis was examined using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. Eigenvalues and factor loadings were also considered in the factor extraction process.

The findings revealed that the overall level of customer relationship management in public university libraries was high ( = 4.32). When considered by dimension, the personnel dimension received the highest mean score and was rated at a high level ( = 4.39). The organizational dimension, information technology dimension, and evaluation and improvement dimension were ranked next, with the same mean score ( = 4.31). Furthermore, the exploratory factor analysis extracted three principal components: (1) User-Centered Management and Service Delivery, (2) Personnel and User Relationship Building, and (3) Information Technology and Performance Evaluation. These three components jointly explained 77.93% of the total variance, with the first component accounting for the largest proportion of variance. In addition, most variables exhibited high factor loadings on a dominant component, indicating that customer relationship management in public university libraries is characterized by an integrated system.

Assessing User Expectations of Library Services in Autonomous Universities in Southern Thailand

Prin Khwanriang, Kongkidakorn Boonchuay, Kanyarat Kwiecien — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to study user expectations regarding autonomous university library services in southern provinces in Thailand. A quantitative research design was employed in the study, along with a questionnaire as a tool to collect the data. The sample group consisted of undergraduate students and faculty members from Prince of Songkla University, Thaksin University, and Walailak University. The participants were classified into two groups: humanities and social sciences, and science. The sample size was determined in equal proportions for those two groups. There were a total of 483 participants. Descriptive statistics used in data analysis included percentages, means, and standard deviations.

The findings reveal that overall user expectations are at a high level. Participants expressed the highest expectations for systems and information technology, followed by service quality and facilities, while information resources received the lowest relative rating. These results serve as a strategic framework for library administrators to enhance service models in alignment with user needs, ensuring libraries effectively support their institutional missions.

ฺBook review: AI-Assisted Library Reconstruction

Apamas Prachpreungkul — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

หนังสือนี้กล่าวถึงการรับมือและการบูรณาการเทคโนโลยีปัญญาประดิษฐ์กับการใช้ห้องสมุดที่ในปัจจุบันเทคโนโลยีได้พัฒนาอย่างรวดเร็ว ทำให้บุคลากรของห้องสมุดต้องพัฒนาความรู้ด้านสารสนเทศโดยร่วมมือกับนักสารสนเทศและนักวิชาการต่าง ๆ เพื่อพัฒนาทักษะการใช้เทคโนโลยีปัญญาประดิษฐ์กับการจัดการ
การบริการห้องสมุดให้ทันสมัยมากขึ้น

Editorial note

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Guidelines for Developing School Libraries into Sustainable Learning Resources: A Case Study of the Outstanding School Library Contest for Schools

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article synthesizes guidelines for developing school libraries into sustainable learning resources, based on a case study of the Outstanding School Library Contest for schools under the Chiang Mai Municipality. The study identifies several key challenges: a lack of long-term development plans,
a shortage of digital resources and library automation technology, a focus on passive services rather than proactive ones, and difficulties in fostering multi-stakeholder participation, compounded by a scarcity of professional librarians and budget constraints. In response, a framework for sustainable school library development is proposed. This framework consists of four integrated dimensions: 1) strategic management emphasizing systematic planning and data-driven decision-making; 2) resources and technology aimed at creating a hybrid library model; 3) services and learning that shift the library’ s role to a proactive, integrated learning hub; and 4) personnel and networking focused on professional development and collaborative engagement.