Abstract:

Introduction:
The 21st century has witnessed E-learning as a progressively significant approach to both students and faculty members. Therefore, this scoping review aims to bring together studies related to the efficaciousness of academic libraries in supporting e-learning in a university setting in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The protocol was registered in OFS in October 2022.

Methodology:
We searched for evidence (in English language) both published and unpublished literature from global databases. Databases include: Web of science, SCOPUS, EBSCO, ProQuest, Google scholar and HINARI through summon search and published reports were retrieved from relevant websites and organizations. Studies included those that focused on key factors that support E-learning at universities as well as outcomes in terms of: support E-learning, capacity building, knowledge gathering, creation and dissemination. The main focus was on university students and faculty members. Studies on E-learning at secondary/primary schools were excluded.

Findings:
A total of 1642 records were retrieved and 832 potentially relevant articles were selected after title/abstract screening which resulted in 34 articles being excluded after full text screening, while six papers were included in this review. Results from all six studies shows that academic libraries in LMICs utilized E-learning and demonstrated how librarians, academic staff and students benefit from it.

Intervention:
Students utilize different library resources and facilities to enhance their online classes, including online submission of sessional work, and attending online examinations.

Conclusion:
The successful utilization of E-learning support students learning, online and digital services. Lack of internet infrastructure and limited funds appeared to be the main barrier to effective application of E-learning in academic libraries. Originality: The current review showed that there is a need to strengthen implementation of E-learning in LMICs.

Keywords:

Academic Libraries, Low and Middle-Income Countries, LMICs, E-learning, Digital Libraries.