Editors
Edmont Pasipamire, The IIE Rosebank College, South Africa
Call for Chapters
Proposals Submission Deadline: March 15, 2026
Full Chapters Due: June 28, 2026
Submission Date: June 28, 2026
Introduction
The landscape of information is undergoing rapid transformation due to advances in digital technologies, evolving user expectations, and the proliferation of data-intensive research practices. These developments have fundamentally redefined the role of libraries and information centres. Contemporary users engage with information in increasingly complex, personalised, and technology-mediated ways, necessitating a shift from traditional service models toward approaches that are user-centred and evidence-based. Consequently, a rigorous understanding of user behaviour on how individuals seek, access, evaluate, and utilise information has become central to the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective library services. This edited volume, Understanding User Behavior for Enhanced Library Services, responds to the growing need for theoretical, empirical, and practice-based insights into user behavior within academic, public, special, and digital library contexts. The book foregrounds user studies, information-seeking behavior, user experience (UX), and data-informed service design as critical foundations for enhancing library relevance, accessibility, and impact. By bringing together diverse perspectives from researchers and practitioners across global contexts, the volume seeks to illuminate emerging patterns of library use and translate user behavior research into actionable strategies for service innovation.
Objective
The primary objective of this book is to advance scholarly and professional understanding of user behavior in libraries and information environments and to demonstrate how such insights can be systematically applied to improve library services. Specifically, the book aims to: Examine contemporary theories, models, and methodologies used to study user behavior in physical and digital library settings. Showcase empirical research and case studies that illustrate how user behaviour insights inform service design, resource development, and policy formulation. Bridge the gap between theory and practice by translating user behaviour research into practical, scalable solutions for library professionals. Address emerging challenges and opportunities related to digital literacy, user diversity, accessibility, and data-driven decision-making. Contribute to the growing body of literature on user-centred librarianship, particularly in under-researched and Global South contexts. By consolidating interdisciplinary perspectives and evidence-based practices, the book will extend current research and serve as a reference point for future studies on user behavior and library service enhancement.
Target Audience
This book is intended for a broad audience of scholars, practitioners, and postgraduate students in Library and Information Science (LIS) and related fields. The primary beneficiaries include: Academic, public, and special librarians seeking to design user-centred and responsive services. Library managers and administrators involved in strategic planning, assessment, and service innovation. Researchers and scholars investigating information behavior, user experience, and digital engagement. Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD level) studying library science, information studies, and knowledge management. Policymakers and educators interested in evidence-based approaches to improving information services. The volume will be particularly valuable for professionals and researchers working in rapidly evolving information environments and diverse socio-cultural contexts.
Recommended Topics
Proposed chapters may address, but are not limited to, the following topics: Theories and models of information-seeking and user behavior User experience (UX) research and design in libraries Digital user behaviour and online library services Information behaviour of students, researchers, and faculty User behaviour in public, academic, and special libraries Data-driven decision-making and analytics in library services Personalisation and adaptive library systems Accessibility, inclusivity, and diverse user communities Digital literacy, information literacy, and user engagement The impact of emerging technologies (AI, discovery tools, virtual libraries) on user behavior User behavior in research support and scholarly communication services Ethical considerations in studying and analysing user data User behavior in Global South and under-researched contexts Assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement of library services
Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before March 15, 2026, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by March 29, 2026 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by June 28, 2026, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.
Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Understanding User Behavior for Enhanced Library Services. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.
All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery® online submission manager.
Publisher
This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, an international academic publisher of the “Information Science Reference”, “Medical Information Science Reference”, “Business Science Reference”, and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. IGI Global Scientific Publishing specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2027.
Important Dates
March 15, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
March 29, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
June 28, 2026: Full Chapter Submission
August 30, 2026: Review Results Returned
October 11, 2026: Final Acceptance Notification
October 25, 2026: Final Chapter Submission
Inquiries
Edmont Pasipamire
The IIE Rosebank College
edmontp936@gmail.com
Classifications
Education; Library and Information Science
Publishing in the Archives Profession 