Browsing by Author "Mutula, Stephen M."

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Adoption and use of electronic instructional media among academics in selected universities in South West Nigeria.
(2016) Alabi, Adefunke Olanike.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study was conducted to determine the adoption and use of electronic instructional media among academics in selected universities in South West Nigeria. The study addressed the following research questions: What is the extent of adoption and use of electronic instructional media in selected Nigerian universities? What factors influence adoption and use of electronic instructional media? How do media literacy skills influence adoption and use of electronic instructional media? What is the moderating effect of gender, age and teaching experience on adoption and use of electronic instructional media? What challenges are faced in the adoption and use of electronic instructional media by academics in selected Nigerian universities? The Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory were used as the underpinning theoretical lens. The philosophical perspective was based on post-positivism. Quantitative, complemented by qualitative methods were used with the survey research design. The target population of the study consisted of academics and management staff from two purposively selected Nigerian universities in the South West geopolitical zone. Academics were drawn from the faculties of Science, Arts and Technology in the universities that made up this study. From a population of 732 academics, a sample size of 267 was determined using a published table for selecting sample sizes as put forth by Israel (1992). Additionally, the census method was used to reach 11 university management staff members comprising deans of faculties, the university librarians and directors of the Centre for Information and Technology units. The survey questionnaires were used mainly to collect quantitative data from academics while interviews were used to collect qualitative data from university management staff. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was computed using Cronbach’s alpha (α) through a test-retest reliability method. A Cronbach’s alpha (α) value of r = 0.96 was obtained. Response rates of 80.5% and 90.9% were obtained from the data collected through quantitative and qualitative methods respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 21) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was processed using the NVivo 10 package. The ethical aspect or the axiological component of this study was achieved by adhering to the ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Permission was obtained from the relevant authorities of the universities which fell under the ambit of this study. The findings revealed that though academics had adopted various types of electronic instructional media, this did not necessarily translate into extensive usage of such electronic instructional media. The majority of academics, however, regularly pursued innovative ways to incorporate electronic instructional media into their lectures. The findings further showed that academics used personal computers, MS Word, Internet, e- mail, mobile phones, mobile devices, Web resources, e-books and power-point presentations on a daily basis for teaching purposes. Academics used these electronic instructional media mainly for preparing lecture notes, presentation of lectures, producing assignments, course manuals, and communicating with students and colleagues. The findings also revealed that use of electronic instructional media such as LMS, plagiarism software, interactive whiteboard and social networking sites for teaching purposes was yet to be entrenched among Nigerian academics. The findings showed that facilitating conditions and effort expectancy were the strongest factors influencing adoption and use of electronic instructional media by academics for teaching purposes. The findings showed a significant relationship between media literacy skills and adoption and use of electronic instructional media. Gender and teaching experience, as moderating variables, influenced the adoption and use of electronic instructional media. Findings also revealed that behavioural intention was capable of explaining 8.6% of the variance in adoption and use of electronic instructional media. The study concluded that Nigerian academics are not using electronic instructional media as much as they should for the delivery of knowledge. The following recommendations were therefore proffered: 1) the universities need to develop a framework for the integration of electronic instruction media into the curriculum; 2) there is need to build capacity and create awareness among academics in relation to the integration of the interactive whiteboard, LMS and plagiarism software in their pedagogy; 3) universities are urged to develop institutional policy on adoption and use of electronic instructional media in order to provide clarity in areas such as as standards, strategies, best practices, staff training, infrastructural acquisition, gender equity and data/information security; 4) collaboration between faculty and subject librarians should be nurtured to create a vibrant and conducive academic and support environment that promote the use of electronic instructional media in teaching and learning. The originality and contribution of the study is situated in the domain of methodology, theory, practice and policy. For example in the area of methodology, this study’s point of departure from extant studies is that it employs the mixed method approach for data collection and stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the best predictor of technology adoption and use among academics. In this regard, the thesis makes a significant contribution towards developing a guideline for deploying instructional technology in universities or any educational setting. From the theoretical perspectives, the study validates UTAUT and DOI from the context of a developing country. The study, therefore, further advances the UTAUT and Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory in measuring the precursors of technology adoption and use in any contextual setting. With regard to practice and policy, the study provides an empirical baseline data that can be used as managerial guidelines for policy support, monitoring and evaluation in driving and promoting electronic instructional media adoption and use in Nigerian universities.
The adoption and use of peer reviewed electronic journals by academics at selected Zimbabwean state universities.
(2014) Machimbidza, Takawira.; Mutula, Stephen M.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The study investigated the adoption and use of peer reviewed electronic journals by academics at selected Zimbabwean State Universities. The investigation grew out of the realisation that despite several efforts that were made by different university libraries in Zimbabwe to enhance access to peer reviewed electronic journals, the use of such journals among academics remained very limited. Specifically, the study determined the level of awareness of peer reviewed electronic journals by academics, established academics‟ extent of use of the resources, assessed the attitudes and perceptions of academics towards the resources, determined factors that influence the behaviour of academics in Zimbabwean State Universities towards the resources, and investigated the strategies used by state universities libraries in Zimbabwe to promote use of peer reviewed electronic journals by academics. The study was underpinned by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) whose constructs of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions and moderating factors of gender, age, experience, and discipline proved valuable to the tackling of research questions and analysis of data. The study embraced both the positivist and interpretivist paradigms and adopted the quantitative and qualitative approaches within a survey research design. The population consisted of 794 academics from three state universities in Zimbabwe: National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), and Midlands State University (MSU). The population also included 24 professional librarians from the same universities who were all considered as respondents for the study. The sample size for academics was 363. Data were collected by questionnaires from academics and interviews from professional librarians. The overall response rate was 58.4% for academics with 212 questionnaires being returned out of the 363 that were sent out whereas 22 professional librarians were interviewed out of the targeted 24. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were processed using the Nvivo package. The study found that while the majority of academics in the three universities were aware of the existence of peer reviewed electronic journals in their institutions they did not have intimate knowledge and awareness of the resources. The study also established that the majority of academics at Zimbabwean State Universities had adopted electronic journals but their level of use was low as measured by the number of articles consulted per week, frequency of use, and the major source of information for academics. Attitudes and perceptions of academics towards peer reviewed electronic journals were generally on the positive side with many academics regarding the resources as important for their work. However, academics in Zimbabwe were frustrated by many barriers that militated against their use of electronic journals. The study also found that state universities libraries in Zimbabwe depended on a number of strategies to promote use of electronic journals. However, there were weaknesses in the way these strategies were implemented as they were largely not personalised. The study also established the best fitting UTAUT model, isolating Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions constructs as the most crucial determinants of adoption and use of peer reviewed electronic journals in Zimbabwe. The study recommended establishment of strong and fluid communication channels between university libraries and academic faculties as this would result in effective induction processes that would enhance the awareness of peer reviewed electronic journals by academics. Universities were urged to review the information they were giving to academics to determine its relevancy and adequacy in generating in-depth awareness of electronic journals. Universities were also urged to employ more personalised marketing and promotion strategies to augment the broad based strategies they were using. The use of social media in promotion was also emphasised. Top administrators of universities were encouraged to take a leading role in encouraging use of electronic journals. University libraries were urged to review the model they use to subscribe to peer reviewed electronic journals and embrace one that enables more access to full text electronic journal articles and facilitate participation of academics in selection of resources. Universities were urged to eliminate all forms of barriers that militate against the use of electronic journals by academics and institute continuous training programmes to improve the skills of users. Universities were also encouraged to increase research funding as this had the effect of improving usage of peer reviewed electronic journals.
Cataloguing practices from creation to use: A study of Cape Town Metropolitan Public Libraries in Western Cape Province, South Africa
(2019) Monyela, Madireng Jane.; Mutula, Stephen M.
Cataloguing is the process of creating metadata representing information sources such as books, sound recordings, digital video disks (DVDs), journals and other materials found in a library or group of libraries. This process requires the use of standardised cataloguing tools to achieve the bibliographic description, authority control, subject analysis and assignment of classification notation to generate a library catalogue. The well-generated library catalogue serves as an index of a collection of information sources found in libraries that enables the library users to discover which information sources are available and where they are in the library. Such a catalogue should provide information such as the creators’ names, titles, subject terms, standard number, publication area, physical description and notes that describe those information sources to facilitate easy information retrieval. This study sought to investigate cataloguing practices from creation to use in Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries in South Africa with the aim of deepening the understanding of the importance of cataloguing standards in creating bibliographic data for the libraries. The study also sought to address the following research questions: “What skills do the cataloguers of Cape Town Metropolitan libraries possess?”, “To what extent do cataloguers in Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries adhere to international standards when creating records in the online catalogue?”, “How are the cataloguing records created on the system by cataloguers in the Cape Town Metropolitan used within and across the public libraries?”, “How are the new Resource Description and Access (RDA) standards applied in public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan to ensure they accommodate entities and attributes as described by the international cataloguing standards?”, “What records quality control measures are used in computerised cataloguing by public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan?”, “How effective is the computerised cataloguing system of Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries?”, “What are the challenges experienced by public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan in computerised cataloguing?” The study was underpinned by a combination of the IFLA’s Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD) and Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD). The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm associated with the mixed methods (MMR) approach where the ii qualitative aspects were dominant. The study adopted a case study design and data were collected using focus group discussions, face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, and document review methods. The population of the study comprised cataloguers, senior librarians, librarians and library assistants of 10 libraries in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan. Reliability and validity of the instruments were ascertained through a pilot study. The data collected were presented and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative data were analysed thematically, presented in narrative description, while the quantitative data were coded and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and presented in tables, graphs and charts, where applicable. The findings of the study revealed that although the cataloguers were experienced in their work, some catalogue records did not fully adhere to the cataloguing rules. Furthermore, there were no continuous development programmes in place to update the cataloguers’ knowledge and cope with dynamic changes in the cataloguing fields. In addition, the findings revealed that some catalogue records did not have adequate information descriptions to facilitate effective retrieval of information. The study also found that a peer review mechanism was used to facilitate quality control; the system used for cataloguing did not have all MARC tags and cataloguers experienced some challenges with the use of the cataloguing standards and assigning subject headings for non-roman sources. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that cataloguers did not adhere to international cataloguing standards when creating the catalogue records. A number of recommendations were therefore proffered among them that Cape Town Metropolitan Libraries (CCTML) should consider to improve their catalogue quality control measures. Moreover, cataloguers need adequate skills to enable them to implement and sustain the computerised system for cataloguing and retrieval. The CCTML need policies that provide the guidelines in the application of cataloguing rules and standards. The cataloguing department should consider planning for a re-cataloguing project to modify the records that did not have enough descriptions on the system Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to improve retrieval.
Cataloguing practices from creation to use: a study of Cape Town Metropolitan Public Libraries in Western Cape Province, South Africa.
(2019) Monyela, Madireng Jane.; Mutula, Stephen M.
Cataloguing is the process of creating metadata representing information sources such as books, sound recordings, digital video disks (DVDs), journals and other materials found in a library or group of libraries. This process requires the use of standardised cataloguing tools to achieve the bibliographic description, authority control, subject analysis and assignment of classification notation to generate a library catalogue. The well-generated library catalogue serves as an index of a collection of information sources found in libraries that enables the library users to discover which information sources are available and where they are in the library. Such a catalogue should provide information such as the creators’ names, titles, subject terms, standard number, publication area, physical description and notes that describe those information sources to facilitate easy information retrieval. This study sought to investigate cataloguing practices from creation to use in Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries in South Africa with the aim of deepening the understanding of the importance of cataloguing standards in creating bibliographic data for the libraries. The study also sought to address the following research questions: “What skills do the cataloguers of Cape Town Metropolitan libraries possess?”, “To what extent do cataloguers in Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries adhere to international standards when creating records in the online catalogue?”, “How are the cataloguing records created on the system by cataloguers in the Cape Town Metropolitan used within and across the public libraries?”, “How are the new Resource Description and Access (RDA) standards applied in public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan to ensure they accommodate entities and attributes as described by the international cataloguing standards?”, “What records quality control measures are used in computerised cataloguing by public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan?”, “How effective is the computerised cataloguing system of Cape Town Metropolitan public libraries?”, “What are the challenges experienced by public libraries in the Cape Town Metropolitan in computerised cataloguing?” The study was underpinned by a combination of the IFLA’s Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD) and Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD). The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm associated with the mixed methods (MMR) approach where the qualitative aspects were dominant. The study adopted a case study design and data were collected using focus group discussions, face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, and document review methods. The population of the study comprised cataloguers, senior librarians, librarians and library assistants of 10 libraries in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan. Reliability and validity of the instruments were ascertained through a pilot study. The data collected were presented and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative data were analysed thematically, presented in narrative description, while the quantitative data were coded and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and presented in tables, graphs and charts, where applicable. The findings of the study revealed that although the cataloguers were experienced in their work, some catalogue records did not fully adhere to the cataloguing rules. Furthermore, there were no continuous development programmes in place to update the cataloguers’ knowledge and cope with dynamic changes in the cataloguing fields. In addition, the findings revealed that some catalogue records did not have adequate information descriptions to facilitate effective retrieval of information. The study also found that a peer review mechanism was used to facilitate quality control; the system used for cataloguing did not have all MARC tags and cataloguers experienced some challenges with the use of the cataloguing standards and assigning subject headings for non-roman sources. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that cataloguers did not adhere to international cataloguing standards when creating the catalogue records. A number of recommendations were therefore proffered among them that Cape Town Metropolitan Libraries (CCTML) should consider to improve their catalogue quality control measures. Moreover, cataloguers need adequate skills to enable them to implement and sustain the computerised system for cataloguing and retrieval. The CCTML need policies that provide the guidelines in the application of cataloguing rules and standards. The cataloguing department should consider planning for a re-cataloguing project to modify the records that did not have enough descriptions on the system Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to improve retrieval.
Collaborative information behaviour (CIB) of undergraduates in selected universities in Tanzania.
Ndumbaro, Faraja.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study investigated collaborative information behaviour (CIB) of undergraduate students through collaborative learning assignments in selected Tanzanian universities. The study also examined the challenges that undergraduate students encountered during collaborative information seeking, sharing and use and the applicability of Wilson’s (1996) model of information behaviour in collaborative learning context. The study population comprised of second year students from the departments of Botany and Zoology of University of Dar es Salaam, fourth year students of architecture from Ardhi University and second year students studying forestry from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Teaching staff from respective departments and academic librarians from respective university libraries were also polled. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. The findings indicated that students’ CIB is highly contextualized and is shaped by learning tasks objectives, tasks requirements, students’ domains of study and collaborative learning environments. Interactions with human sources of information as well as, observation of natural and human-made information objects are the dominant information behavioural seeking practices of students. Furthermore, findings revealed that students’ information sharing behaviour is both voluntary and involuntary and is motivated by geographic proximity, trust among group members, shared learning goals, tasks division and group norms. The research findings also suggest that information use in collaborative learning involved processing of raw information, making sense of information, applying and sharing of information and collaborative construction of new knowledge. The study makes contributions in terms of theory, policy and practice. The contributions include a proposed model of students’ collaborative information behaviour, providing policy directions to policy makers to create programs and guidelines that can be used to strengthen Academic-Community-Partnership for information and knowledge sharing and introduction of a blended focus group discussion technique that combines information literacy and group interview. In light of the results of the study recommendations for universities, university libraries, academic librarians and members of teaching staff are provided. The recommendations are related to developing information infrastructure that supports different collaborative information behavioural activities, the effective use of indigenous knowledge of local people during students’ field work and the establishment and strengthening of Academic-Community-Partnership (ACP). The recommended future research areas include collaborative information behaviour (CIB) in virtual collaborative learning environment and how students use natural environment as the source of information during collaborative learning.
A critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid South Africa and India.
(2021) Moroe, Jacob.; Kaya, Hassan Omari.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The study made a critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid South Africa and India, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major arguments were based on the following aspects: First, Post-apartheid South Africa and India have shared good bilateral relations since 1994 and constantly aim to expand and diversify their trade and economic relations. However, it would seem the two countries have not fully exploited the potential role of the private sector and civil society in their relations, despite their vibrant private sectors and civic societies. Second, although South Africa and India have, since 1994, proclaimed themselves as partners for development, very limited critical interrogation has been made on the prospects and challenges embedded in their economic diplomatic relations regarding their bilateral and multilateral engagements. Both share membership in various organizations including BRICS, IBSA, UN, amongst others. They continue to make use of their membership in these groupings to advance national interests. Third, diplomatic relations between India and South Africa after 1994 have to consider the global shifts in political and economic power relations due to multipolarity. The study revealed that the historical relations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Indian Congress Party (ICP) influenced the cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries in the post-apartheid South Africa. Fourth: there are contentious views on the position of Mahatma Gandhi regarding the historical racial relations between Indians and Africans in South Africa, and that he was more concerned about the freedom of South African Indians, and not black South Africans. However, there is a general acknowledgement that South African Indians contributed greatly to the socio-economic and political development of South Africa. The economic bilateral relations between the two countries have flourished since the end of apartheid, with India holding the most potential. However, they are yet to make use of available opportunities such as the involvement of private sector and civil society in their relations. The study recommends that both countries should take advantage of their complementarities and comparative advantages for mutual benefits.
E-records security management at Moi University, Kenya.
(2019) Musembe, Carolyne Nyaboke.; Mutula, Stephen M.
E-records are vital for the operation of the state as they document official evidence of the transactions of a business, government, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and even individuals. Therefore, e-records generated in organizations and institutions including universities in Kenya are considered a vital resource used as a tool for the administration, accountability, and efficient service delivery. Despite the importance of records to the growth and sustainability of any organization, e-records security management at Moi University seemed to be not well established thus exposing the records to among others, unauthorized access, risks of alteration, deletion and loss and cyber security threats. This study sought to investigate e-records security management at Moi University in Kenya. The following research questions were addressed: How are e-records created, maintained, stored, preserved and disposed? How is security classification of e-records process handled to facilitate description and access control? What security threats predispose e-records to damage, destruction or misuse and how are they ameliorated? What measures are available to protect unauthorised access to e-records? How is confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity, possession or control and utility of e-records achieved? What skills and competencies are available for e-records security management? The study employed pragmatic paradigm using embedded case study research design. The target population for the study was one hundred and forty five (145) respondents consisting of top management, deans of schools and directors of Information Communication and Technology as well as Quality Assurance directorates, action officers, records managers and records staff. A complete enumeration of the population was taken, therefore a choice of sample size was not necessary. The data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to action officers, records managers and records staff, while interviews were administered to top management, deans of schools and directors of Information Communication Technology as well as Quality Assurance directorates respectively. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in a narrative description, while quantitative data was organized using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) and summarized by use of descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and percentage for ease of analysis and presentation by the researcher. The findings of the study revealed that university core business functions of teaching, research, and outreach services generated massive e-records. However, the management of such records was compromised largely because of the lack of integration of e-records management into the business process. Besides, the university lacks an e-records management programme. Moreover, there is lack of policy framework; thus, hampering e-records security management. Security of the erecords were also compromised because this activity was left until the last stage of the e-record with minimal priority. There was also lack of guidelines on e-records classification. The findings revealed challenges related to cyber-attacks, non-adherence to ethical security values, and inadequate skills that affected e-record security management. The study recommended the development and implementation of a records management programme and policies, adoption of relevant standards, developing skills about the cyberspace, provision of adequate budget, education and training.
The effectiveness of web 2.0 in marketing academic library services in Nigerian universities: a case study of selected universities in South-South Nigeria.
(2017) Okite-Amughoro, Faith Ashinedu.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of using Web 2.0 to market academic libraries services in three purposively selected universities in South-South Nigeria. The following research questions were addressed: 1) What are the Web 2.0 tools used by academic libraries in South-South Nigeria? 2) To what extent do academic libraries in South-South Nigeria use Web 2.0 tools to market their services? 3) What policies do academic libraries in South-South Nigeria have to guide the implementation of Web 2.0 tools for effective marketing of their services? 4) What are the attitude and perception of librarians in South-South Nigeria towards the use of Web 2.0 tools to market their services? The post-positivism paradigm was used to underpin the study with an exploratory survey research design. The population of the study consisted of librarians and students in the institutions surveyed. Purposive random sampling was used to select the respondents. The validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were achieved through the piloting and triangulation. Survey questionnaires and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to sort, code and analyse quantitative data, while thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results revealed that librarians and students in the selected universities in South-South Nigeria were active users of Web 2.0 tools. The results further revealed that the most used Web 2.0 tools were Facebook, Twitter, Instant Message, and Internet Forum. Moreover, it was found that Web 2.0 tools were being used to promote library services, reach a new audience of potential users, push library news and press releases to users and provide quick updates about the services to users as well as provide reference services online. The results showed that librarians and students in the institutions surveyed have positive attitude and perception towards the use of Web 2.0 tools, and librarians desire to use Web 2.0 tools. Students were interested in using Web 2.0, as librarians were anxious to learn modern ways of marketing library services. The results revealed a lack of policies to guide the implementation of Web 2.0 tools for the marketing of library services in the institutions surveyed. The results found the need to optimise the use of Web 2.0 tools to market library services through training of librarians, the provision of stable and/or alternative power supply, the provision of adequate funding and facilities for the implementation of Web 2.0 tools. This study has implications for practice, policy, methodology and theory. From the practical perspective, the study creates awareness about using Web 2.0 tools to market academic library services widely to users anytime anywhere. The study also provides baseline information for improving access and use of library services in an environment of rising cost of journals and other information resources. The study also provides information upon which relevant training programmes for librarians and students can be based to enhance provision and use of library services respectively. As far as policy is concerned, the study provides a framework for developing relevant policies and availing necessary resources to leverage opportunities created by new technologies for effective marketing of library services to the users. Theoretically, the study contributes towards validating UTAUT in an academic library environment and from a developing country perspective regarding the constructs of behavioural intention, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. The study recommends among other things the provision of adequate budget to libraries for information technology infrastructure development, capacity building, creating enabling and conducive institutional environment through relevant policies to optimise the use of Web 2.0 tools. The study also recommends the infusion of Web 2.0 into the General Studies (GS) curriculum, a compulsory course at the entry level into the university that exposes students to liberal education.
Electronic resources use by distance learners at University of Namibia.
(2014) Hamutumwa, Meameno Utuna Nampa.; Mutula, Stephen M.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
Universities are embracing technology and moving towards electronic resources information to facilitate research and learning. This has led to the belief that a significant number of resources used by library users in academic libraries lie in the virtual environment. Consequently, library users are required to acquire sufficient information, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills and competencies. Driven by the need to clarify the use and non-use of electronic resources by library users, the main objective of this this study was to investigate the use of electronic resources by distance learners at University of Namibia. The study therefore addressed the following research questions: What are the attitudes and perceptions of distance learners towards electronic resources? What electronic resources are available to distance learners at UNAM? What is the level of awareness of the learners about electronic resources available in the UNAM Library? What ICT competencies do distance learners have to effectively use electronic resources? What is the level of use of electronic resources by distance learners? What factors hinder the use of electronic resources by distance learners? And, what recommendations are needed to improve the use of electronic resources by distance learners? The study was underpinned by the post-positivist paradigm and used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. To determine attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of distance learners towards electronic resources, the study made use of the survey research design methodology. The population of the study comprised of distance learners, CES lecturers, centre coordinators, and UNAM Library staff. Data presentation laid out in this study was obtained through the use of survey questionnaires, interviews and observations. In assembling the data for analyses, the study utilised MS Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate frequency counts, percentage and descriptive statistics for the quantitative data gathered, and employed the use of ATLAS.ti™ software and content analysis to analyse qualitative data. For reliability and validity, data collection instruments in this study were peer reviewed, pre-tested and triangulated. For the purposes of ethical considerations in research of this kind, the University of KwaZulu-Natal research ethics protocol were adhered to, and permission also sought from the University of Namibia to carry out the study in its distance learning centres and University Library. The findings arrived at in this study revealed that distance learners were positive about electronic resources due to prior experience, high self-efficacy and the various benefits derived by using them. However, they did not make use of e-resources subscribed to due to high cost, poor internet connectivity, electricity outages, lack of sufficient computers, and low levels of computer skills. As such, they preferred print resources. The results also indicated a very low level of awareness among distance learners about the electronic resources available in the library. It further showed that most learners lacked computer skills, searching skills, and sufficient training in the use of ICT and electronic resources. Moreover, many distance learners were self-taught or assisted by their peers in the use of electronic resources. Distance learners who used electronic resources acknowledged that it facilitated and assisted them to complete the tasks of writing assignments, research papers and research projects. The learners also characterised factors that inhibited them from effectively using electronic resources such as bandwidth bottlenecks, travelling long distances to the library, lack of skills, cost of accessing the internet and lack of awareness about the availability of electronic resources. Drawing from the research finding and results, the study construed that perceived usefulness, self-efficacy; subjective norms and facilitating conditions affect behavioural intentions of distance learners to use electronic resources. Moreover, these constructs are the most influential in determining the use of electronic resources. Given this, the study also arrived at the conclusion that the inadequacy of ICT infrastructures and facilities, the lack of awareness, and the lack of ICT skills and competencies, are all contributors to the learners‟ negative attitude towards the use of electronic resources, therefore, the reason why they preferred print resources. Against the backdrop of the study‟s conclusion, the researcher proffered key recommendations to improve policy, practice, skills and infrastructural development. These recommendations include the need for learning centres to be equipped with adequate ICT facilities and internet connectivity to meet the learners‟ information needs, especially with regard to accessing e-resources. The study further recommended that learners be equipped with relevant skills and competencies to make use of electronic resources, the implementation of an electronic resources collection development policy, and the improvement of the ICT infrastructure. Based on the research findings of this study, further suggestions were advanced for research to be conducted in the areas of: technology adoption by full time students at UNAM, the impact of access to e-resources and academic achievements, and e-resources use patterns among different genders, information seeking behavior of distance learners with regard to electronic resources, among others. Likewise, the study proposed the need for additional researches that would mostly use qualitative approaches to gain comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the use of electronic resources by distance students. From the general findings arrived at in the study, valuable contributions that could enable the UNAM Library to re-focus its services to better suit the needs of the distance learners have been identified. In adopting the contributions and recommendations made in this study, UNAM Library will gain an in depth understanding on those important factors that are needed to promote the use of electronic resources by distance learners in a developing country context such as Namibia. In this light, UNAM library can therefore make wise investment decisions in e-resources to derive maximum value for its users.
eReadiness of public university libraries in Malawi with special reference to the use of mobile phones in the provision of library and information services.
(2016) Chaputula, Aubrey Harvey.; Mutula, Stephen M.
It was observed that public university libraries in Malawi were failing to adequately serve their clients due to, among others, inadequate ICT infrastructure and and and limited opening hours. The use of mobile phones in the provision of library and information services was viewed as an alternative solution to this challenge. This study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate the eReadiness of public university libraries in Malawi to use mobile phones in the provision of library and information services. The study addressed the following questions: What is the level of preparedness of public university libraries in Malawi in terms of ICT infrastructure, policy framework and human capacity for the adoption and use of mobile phones in providing library and information services? What electronic information resources and services are currently available in public university libraries in Malawi that can potentially be adopted and used through mobile phones? What is the current status of providing and accessing library and information services through mobile phones in public university libraries in Malawi? What are the attitudes of library staff, academic staff and students towards the potential use of mobile phones in providing and accessing library and information services? What factors influence the adoption and use of mobile phones by library staff, students and academic staff in providing and accessing library and information services? The study was underpinned by two theories: Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) Framework. The study used the pragmatic paradigm, mixed methodology and case study design to understand the research phenomenon. The population of the study comprised students, academic staff, university/college librarians and ICT Directors. The samples of the population studied were 370 students, 255 academic staff, 5 university/college librarians and 5 ICT Directors. Qualitative data was collected through interviews from university/college librarians and ICT Directors while quantitative data was collected from students and academic staff using questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Nvivo whilst quantitative data was analysed using IBM SPSS Software version 23. Findings of the study reveal that libraries surveyed had most of the ICT infrastructure necessary for offering library and information services through mobile phones. Students and academic staff possessed mobile phones which they could use to access information services offered by the libraries. Moreover, the mobile telecommunications network was pervasive in the country making the delivery and access to library services through mobile phones easier. However, ICT policies were not available whilst human resources and requisite skills were inadequate to provide effective library and information services through the use of mobile phones. The results further revealed that institutions surveyed had e-resources such as OPAC, e-books, e-journals, and repositories of local content that could be implemented through mobile phones. Findings also revealed that COM Library had fully implemented library and information services offered through mobile phones but MZUNI, KCN, The Polytechnic and LUANAR were all planning either to introduce or fully implement these services. The attitudes of library staff, academic staff and students towards the potential use of mobile phones in providing and accessing library and information services were largely positive. Network quality, service costs, and response times were factors that influenced the use of mobile phones in providing library and information services. The overall conclusion from this study was that public university libraries in Malawi were generally e-ready to offer library and information services through mobile phones notwithstanding certain infrastructure and skills issues that must be addressed. Consequently, the study recommended that public university libraries in Malawi that had not implemented the delivery of library services through mobile phones should speed up their implementation. The study further recommended that infrastructure and skills issues that were discovered should be addressed to ensure effective operations of library and information services provided through mobile phones. The researcher recommends that a much broader study covering all students in the four public universities in order to provide a holistic picture of the eReadiness of public university libraries in Malawi to offer library and information services through mobile phones.
eResearch support : an exploratory study of private university libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(2019) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This exploratory study was carried out in Nairobi County, Kenya to investigate the role of private university libraries in supporting eResearch. The study used a multiple-case study design involving six private chartered universities that included Africa International University, Africa Nazarene University, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Daystar University, Pan Africa Christian University, and the United States International University. The following research questions were addressed: How do the organisation structures of the university libraries support eResearch? What positions in the organisation structure and competencies are available for coordinating eResearch? How is curation, analysis, and provenance (Metadata) of both basic data and information produced by research achieved? What problems of data management, organisation, dissemination, and preservation exist and how can they be addressed? What procedures, tools, and policies are used to promote eResearch? What is the inclination of library and academic staff towards eResearch? The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks namely: The Purdue University Libraries (PUL) model and the eResearch Capability Model (eRCM) respectively. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted, which provided a basis for the use of mixed methods encompassing qualitative and quantitative approaches. The unit of analysis consisted of PhD students, Faculty, University Librarians, Reference Librarians, and Institutional Repository Managers. PhD students and Faculty are the most active group in research in the universities. Librarians on the other hand, are involved in providing eResearch support. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 306 PhD students, 462 Faculty members, 13 Reference Librarians, and 7 IR Managers, while interviews were used to collect data from the University Librarians. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 21 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Validity was enhanced through deriving questions from the set objectives, reviewing and adopting methodologies from previous studies and application of a multiple-case design to enhance generalisabilty of the results. Reliability was ascertained through pre-testing of the survey questionnaires and subjecting it to Cronbach’s Alpha where a coefficient Alpha of 0.895 was achieved indicating a high reliability. The study complied with research ethical protocols of the UKZN and permission was sought and granted from all the universities that were surveyed. Consent was also obtained from respondents prior to involving them in the study. The findings of the study showed that the university libraries had stringent organisational structures, conventional library set ups, and lacked roles specifically designated to facilitate eResearch support. The findings also revealed that the libraries generally did not have staff with competencies to provide eResearch support. Therefore, research data management service was not provided by the university libraries. Several challenges in relation to data management were identified which included the lack of strategies and policies to guide data management support, the lack of integrated and realigned eResearch policies, the research process was fragmented, meaningful collaborative support towards eResearch within the universities and externally had not been established, and there were limited ICT policies and infrastructures. Finally, the findings revealed a general positive attitude and willingness towards eResearch from the librarians and the researchers at large but the eResearch environment was yet to be institutionalised. The study proffers among other recommendations a review of the libraries’ organisational structures to facilitate eResearch; an advancement of librarians’ competencies through formal and informal structures to empower them to effectively support eResearch; libraries should assist researchers to create data management plans; there is a need for libraries to institutionalise RDM as a core library service; there is a need for an elaborate ICT policy to ensure appropriate tools are available to enable eResearch; the need to create awareness and advocacy about eResearch among stakeholders, and the libraries must carry out needs analysis to understand the stakeholders needs properly in order to create a conducive environment for eResearch.
Exploring knowledge sharing through social media among members of the African Community of Practice.
(2019) Mbasera, Sarlomie Farisai.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study sought to examine the extent of social media use for knowledge sharing among members of the African Community of Practice (AfCoP), a distributed community of practice of development practitioners. It also sought to find the factors affecting knowledge sharing through social media among AfCoP members. The study followed a pragmatic approach using mixed methods to collect data through a survey, semi-structured interviews and content analysis on the AfCoP knowledge sharing platform. The study revealed that social media is providing new ways through which tacit and codified knowledge is shared in distributed communities. Several types of social media were found to support various knowledge sharing activities including learning, networking, collaboration and expert location. Social Capital and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) factors were found to play an important role in knowledge sharing behaviours among AfCoP members. Social interaction ties, trust, norms of reciprocity, identification, shared language and shared vision significantly correlated with the knowledge sharing intentions of AfCoP members and the quality of knowledge shared on the AfCoP platform. Perceived usefulness also correlated with both knowledge sharing intentions of members and the quality of knowledge shared on the platform, while perceived ease of use correlated with the quality of knowledge shared on the AfCoP platform. Members were also motivated to participate on the AfCoP knowledge sharing platform by a desire to improve their career practices and to encounter professional opportunities on the platform. The challenges members encountered in their pursuit of sharing knowledge on the AfCoP platform included: lack of time and an unwillingness to exert the necessary effort to meaningfully participate on the platform, lack of participation, insufficient incentives for participation and lack of financial guarantee for the sustainability of AfCoP. The study demonstrates that social media can bridge challenges of distance and physical location through facilitating the sharing of tacit and explicit knowledge despite one’s location. To encourage knowledge sharing through social media, social capital and TAM factors must be addressed. The study also adds to empirical evidence on the role of social media in facilitating knowledge sharing among development sector practitioners from an African context.
Information behaviour of medical doctors and professional nurses in selected hospitals of OR Tambo Health District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
(2017) Chitha, Nombulelo.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the information behaviour of medical doctors and professional nurses in five selected district hospitals of the OR Tambo Health District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study addressed the following research questions: What role and tasks do medical doctors and professional nurses perform in the five selected hospitals? What are the information needs of medical doctors and professional nurses in the five selected district hospitals? What are the channels and sources of information preferred by the medical doctors and professional nurses in the five selected district hospitals? What factors facilitate or hinder information seeking by medical doctors and professional nurses in the five selected district hospitals? The study used Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain‘s 1996 information seeking model as the theoretical lens underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm and a mixed method approach. A descriptive exploratory design was conducted. The population of study consisted of medical doctors and professional nurses in the five district hospitals. District hospitals play a pivotal role in supporting primary health care and are also a gateway to more specialist care. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, non-respondent observation and a survey questionnaire. A total of 167 of 205 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to medical doctors and professional nurses in the district hospitals were completed and returned, giving a response rate of 81.5%. Professional nurses constituted 86.3% of the survey respondents whereas medical doctors constituted 13.8%. In addition, all targeted interview respondents who included; 5 clinical managers and 5 nursing service managers were interviewed, translating to 100% response rate. All hospital wards except theatres were covered through observation. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings revealed that roles and associated tasks of medical doctors and professional nurses in the five selected district hospitals for which they needed information included patient care, teaching, training, continuing professional development and research. Medical doctors and professional nurses in the district hospitals surveyed preferred clinical guidelines, colleagues, hospital procedure manuals, drug lists, and reference books as sources of information. The findings revealed that ward rounds, workshops, seminars and in-service training were other preferred sources of information by medical doctors and professional nurses. The findings showed that the characteristics of the information source such as accessibility, familiarity, trustworthiness and cost and personal attributes such as willingness to learn, exposure to information during undergraduate training, peer pressure, and youthful age motivated medical doctors and professional nurses to look for information. The lack of time, unavailability of computers, lack of internet connectivity, inadequacy, or unavailability of libraries, and lack of technological skills were found to hinder access to information sources. The study makes among other recommendations: the need for institutional and national policies for the provision of information services to medical doctors and nurses; regular information behaviour surveys; making documents available in electronic formats; requisite implementing capacity building programmes for medical nurses and doctors; and providing information access points close to or within reasonable distance to the work place of medical doctors and professional nurses. The study makes original contribution to the domain of information behaviour of medical doctors and nurses from a developing country context such as South Africa. The study also forms the basis upon which policies related to the provision of information for medical doctors and professional nurses in public hospitals in the South African context can be formulated. The study provides baseline information upon which more research can be undertaken on the information needs, preferred information sources as well as factors that facilitate or hinder information seeking behaviour of medical doctors and professional nurses in South Africa. Future research should be extended to cover information behaviour of medical doctors, medical specialists, and nurses in tertiary, regional, and specialised hospitals in South Africa.
Information behaviour of medical faculty in the tertiary health institutions in Kwara State Nigeria.
Omopupa, Tunde Kamal.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The study investigated the information behaviour of medical faculty in the tertiary health institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study sought to determine the information needs, information sources used, information utilisation, information sharing and information for collaboration of medical faculty in the health tertiary institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria. Wilson's (1994) and Leckie et al.'s (1996) models of information behaviour underpinned the study. The study also used the post-positivist research paradigm as the theoretical lens to illuminate the research problem. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used as the study design. The population of the study comprised of management staff, deans of faculties, heads of departments, faculty and medical librarians. A purposive strategy was used to select the samples from the respective populations. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire and interviews. To ensure the reliability and validity of the results, an Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed on the findings of a pre-tested questionnaire. The results of the pre-test indicated that the observed variables in the research instruments were reliable and valid. The quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the main study were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences) software and thematic analysis respectively to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 99 (61.1%) of males in the age range of 31 - 40 had BSc degrees. The findings showed that a majority, 85 (52.5%) of respondents were affiliated to the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, and 47 (29.0%) to Nursing Services. In addition, 147 (90.7%) of respondents were full-time faculty in the institutions surveyed. There were 31 (19.1%) consultants among the respondents of which 40 (24.7%) had served the institutions for 6-10 years and 63 (38.9%) had spent between 1-5 years in their present institutions. The findings generally indicated that 106 (65.4%) of respondents sought information from senior colleagues. The findings further revealed that 55 (34%) of respondents consulted information sources fortnightly and another 106 (65.4%) indicated that they received information through faculty board and departmental meetings. Furthermore, 62 (38.3%) of respondents spent 41% - 60% of their time seeking information while 103 (63.6%) indicated that books were their most sought after information source from the library. In addition, 52 (32.1%) of respondents preferred reader services to any other services provided by medical libraries. The findings showed that the most frequently used tools by faculty to access information were library catalogues 60 (37.0%). The findings also revealed that 86 (53.1%) of respondents used their institutional library to access information while 144 (88.9%) used the internet for accessing information. The findings showed that information for collaboration, information utilisation and information sharing were reasons why faculty sought information to fulfil teaching, research and patient care information needs. Findings further showed that 61 (37.7%) respondents visited the library to access information while 90 (55.8%) asked for second opinions from colleagues. The respondents identified several challenges they faced in seeking information which included inadequate resources, lack of qualified staff, limited funding, high cost of journal subscriptions, limited library space and limited opening hours of the library. The study recommended education and training, to create awareness for both medical librarians and medical faculty about the diversity of, and use of information resources (in both print and electronic formats) available, and continuing professional development through workshops, seminars and an academic community of practice as part of capacity building of medical faculty in the quest to fulfil their information needs. The study further recommended the need to provide an adequate budgetary allocation that would enable the provision of information resources to support the needs of medical faculty in the tertiary health institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria. Emphasis should also be given to the information infrastructure for development, improving Internet access, information literacy programmes, and a mentoring plan for junior medical faculty to become independent information seekers and users. In addition, library opening hours in the institutions should be made flexible and extended so that information can be accessed beyond working hours; coordinated information sharing and collaboration programmes such as the community of practice should be encouraged among medical faculty. Tertiary health institutions should also strive to strengthen the collection of up to date and relevant medical books to satisfy the demand for this preferred information source by the faculty. Skills training for catalogue use, databases access, computer literacy skills, Internet access and Medline materials access skills should be provided.
Information behaviour of rural women involved in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Chamwino and Manyoni Districts of Central Tanzania.
(2015) Manyerere, Juliana James.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The study investigated information behaviour of rural women involved in SMEs in Chamwino and Manyoni districts of central Tanzania. The following research questions were addressed: What is the information behaviour of rural women involved in SMEs? What channels of communication are used by women to seek and satisfy their information needs? What information resources are used to seek and satisfy their information needs? What skills do women have to effectively identify and access information? How is the information sought by women involved in SMEs used? What challenges are faced by women in seeking and using information? The study was underpinned by the Wilson 1981 model of information behaviour. The interpretive research paradigm and qualitative research method were employed. A sample of 217 women was drawn from the two types of SMEs (poultry and kiosks). Interview and focus group discussion were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Nvivo (version 7) computer software. The findings revealed that although respondents’ pattern of information behavior was passive, the most commonly needed information was family care and business. Mobile phones were the most used channel of communication, followed by face to face meetings and visitations to friends and neighbours. Further, respondents were more likely to consult informal than formal sources of information and most respondents did not have skills in identifying and accessing information. The challenges that respondents faced included lack of enough time; lack of awareness; inadequate and irrelevant information materials within the centres; limited airtime to communicate through their mobile phones; network failure; and lack of electricity. The study recommends regular surveys of user needs using participatory approaches. Government should leverage the CDOs, WEOs and VEOs to plan, design and implement special programs for rural women entrepreneurs. It is highly recommended that information centres in rural areas make available, information resources in common languages such as Kiswahili, and in appropriate formats. The local authorities must recruit permanent staff to keep the information centres throughout the week. The government needs to provide the opportunity for the rural women entrepreneurs to link up with such agencies as ILO, UNIDO, national and international trade fairs that could provide training in SMEs management and financing. The recommendations proposed include providing a framework for policy review regarding the information needs of women involved in SMEs. In addition, capacity building initiatives should be developed for women entrepreneurs involved in SMEs. Other recommendations include information infrastructure development and business networking to enable women to play a meaningful role in the rural economy of Tanzania.
Information behaviour of the professoriate in selected federal universities in South West Nigeria.
(2017) Nwone, Simeon Ambrose.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study investigated the information behaviour of the professoriate in selected federal universities in South West Nigeria. The study was guided by Wilson (1996) Information Behaviour Model and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003). The study adopted the pragmatist paradigm and employed the mixed methods approach with quantitative method as dominant over qualitative method. A survey research design was employed using a structured mixed questionnaire to collect quantitative data from the professoriate and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from the subject librarians. The population of the study comprised the professoriate and subject librarians in the faculties of social sciences and humanities drawn from the three universities purposively selected from south west Nigeria. A census survey was used to collect quantitative data from 246 professoriate, while qualitative data was collected from 28 subject librarians purposively selected in the three universities. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results of quantitative data analysis were presented using tables and charts, while the results of the qualitative data analysis were presented in narrative description. Reliability and validity of survey instruments were ascertained through pre-test of data collection instruments and Cronbach Alpha test respectively. Overall, 165 questionnaires were collected from the professoriate, giving a response rate of 67%, while 11 subject librarians were interviewed, returning a success rate of 42%. Ethical guidelines of the university of KwaZulu-Natal ethics policy were duly followed. The findings showed that the professoriate needed information for developing contents for teaching, conducting research, and keeping abreast of developments in their fields. They rely heavily on journal articles and text books, and make frequent use of online databases and electronic journals for teaching and research. Interaction with colleagues and conference proceedings were their major informal sources of information. The professoriate encounters information more frequently in journal articles and text books, than in electronic journals and online databases. They use the encountered information to advance their general knowledge, for personal development and to advance their career. They share mainly academic, research information, and publish research outcomes in subscription-based and fee-based journals. The study shows that the mean scores for performance expectancy (2.90), effort expectancy (2.76), attitude (2.69), self-efficacy (2.61), and social influence (2.60) contribute to the high mean score of behavioural intention (2.87) to use electronic information resources. The mean scores of facilitating condition (2.32) and anxiety (1.57) is low. The originality of this study is based on the following premise: the study focused specifically on the information behaviour of the professoriate as a unique group scarcely covered in literature. It uniquely examines both active and passive information behaviour of the professoriate in using electronic information resources using two top models in behavioural research. The unique findings show how high self-efficacy and positive attitude influenced the professoriate intention to use electronic information resources. The study makes significant contribution in the areas of policy, theory, and practice. From the policy perspective, institutional policy which takes into cognisance the observed peculiarities of the respondents, could guide the development of a service framework that uniquely meets information requirements of the professoriate. The study provides indicators that focus on improving information provisions and services specifically for the professoriate. Theoretically the study suggests the improvement of the theoretical models to include the constructs observed in the study. In practice, the study contributes to understanding of factors that influence use of electronic information resources and serves as a framework for the academic library to improve information services to benefit the professoriate. The study makes the following recommendations based on the findings: university libraries surveyed should acquire current collections to meet the academic and research needs of professoriate; create continuous awareness of library digital resources and develop training programs to enhance the electronic information retrieval skills of the professoriate; create efficient and effective support services infrastructure to attend to the individual and technical challenges faced by the professoriate. Based on the gap identified, the study recommends the need for further studies to: examine the information behaviour of professoriate elsewhere to compare with the findings of this study; investigate in detail other aspects of human information behaviour such as serendipity, information sharing, information access, and information management of the professoriate.
Information dissemination for adaptation to climate change and variability in the agriculture sector : the case of Malunga and Chibelela villages, central Tanzania.
(2013) Elia, Emmanuel Frank.; Mutula, Stephen M.; Stilwell, Christine.
This study investigated how access to and use of agricultural information contributed to farmers’ adaptation to climate change and variability in the semi-arid Maluga and Chibelela villages of central Tanzania. The major research problem this study sought to address was how information on adaptation to climate change and variability is packaged and disseminated to farmers. Specifically, the study 1) identified the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa project goals of disseminating information to farmers on climate change and variability; 2) assessed the status of knowledge adaptation to climate change and variability by farmers; 3) determined farmers’ access to, and use of, information on climate change and variability, and 4) investigated factors affecting access to, and use of, information on adaptation to climate change and variability by farmers. The study was underpinned by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Model. A post-positivist approach was used, with a predominantly qualitative and lesser quantitative approach, respectively. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The study population was made up of farmers, agricultural extension officers and the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa project manager. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the SPSS, while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Reliability and validity were ensured by methodological triangulation, pretesting the interview guides and careful transcription of the data. The key findings showed that farmers’ training is crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change and variability for agricultural development. The study found farmers had a problem with accessing and using climate information. Farmers perceived scientific information on weather as unreliable and untimely and were turning to indigenous knowledge (IK) to predict weather patterns. Repackaging of timely and accurate information on climate change and variability, education and training for farmers and collaboration between researchers, meteorology experts, extension officers and farmers are recommended for implementation to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change and variability on farmers. A clear policy framework for the dissemination of information related to climate change and variability is needed.
Information literacy integration strategies into the curriculum of senior secondary schools in Botswana.
(2015) Onen, Margaret Aber.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The purpose of this study was to investigate information literacy integration strategies into the curriculum of senior secondary schools in Botswana. The main objectives of the study were to: examine the implementation of IL in senior secondary schools in Botswana; ascertain the roles, attitudes and perceptions of librarians, teachers, and school principals in promoting IL in senior secondary schools in Botswana; and establish the content of IL taught in senior secondary schools in Botswana. The study was motivated by persistent concerns in Botswana that students enrolling in the University of Botswana to pursue undergraduate programmes did not possess adequate IL skills and competencies. The following research questions were addressed: What are the goals of IL programmes in senior secondary schools in Botswana? What are the content, resources, and teaching strategies for delivering IL to students? How is IL implemented at the policy level in senior secondary schools? What are the roles of teachers, librarians, school principals and the Director of Curriculum Development in promoting IL integration into senior secondary school curriculum? What are the attitudes and perceptions of teachers, librarians and school principals towards IL in senior secondary schools? The study was underpinned by both interpretive and positivist paradigms and applied a constructivist theoretical lens complemented by the Information Search Process (ISP) model (Kuhlthau, 2004), the Big6™ Information Problem-Solving (Eisenberg & Berkowitz, 1990); and the Association of School Librarians and Association for Educational Communications and Technology AASL/AECT (1998) frameworks. The study was based on interpretive and positivist paradigms. The methodology consisting of qualitative and quantitative research approaches was employed. The population of the study consisted of teachers and school principals, school librarians and a Director of Curriculum Development in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD). Qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) respectively to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. iii The findings revealed that senior secondary schools in Botswana did not have clearly stated goals of information literacy. Moreover, there is no national IL policy, guidelines or standards for Botswana secondary schools. The challenges affecting IL implementation were found to include low budgets, overcrowded curriculum, lack of adequate support from government, unreliable Internet connectivity and inadequate human and library resources. The study made recommendations to enhance IL integration into the curriculum of senior secondary schools that include harmonisation of IL content through institutional and national policies, adapting international best practices/standards and developing a common IL pedagogy (based on constructivist principles). Furthermore, it is recommended that librarians and teachers need to make information literacy more practical and relevant. Further research could consider extending the existing IL models/frameworks that are largely Eurocentric to a developing country context such as Botswana.
Information literacy learning experiences of fourth-year psychology students in Kenyan universities.
(2016) Kanguha, Ephraim Mudave.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study explored the information literacy (IL) learning experiences of Kenyan undergraduate students by focusing on fourth-year psychology students in four universities. Although there is a growing advocacy for IL in higher education, there seems to be little effort to understand how it is experienced by students. Several studies have concentrated on firstyear students, with a limited number focusing on those who are exiting the university. This study addresses the following key questions: What are the IL learning experiences of psychology students in Kenyan universities; what are the goals of the IL programme; what pedagogical approaches are applied in delivering IL; what is the role of information communication technology (ICT) in the delivery of IL; what are the perceptions of students and staff towards IL; and what are the challenges affecting delivery of IL. This research adopted the seven faces of IL model by Bruce as its theoretical framework; and applied both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Empirical data collected from indepth interviews, questionnaires and document reviews demonstrate the different conceptions and experiences of IL by students. Results revealed that IL learning experiences of fourthyear psychology students positively related to activities such as using ICTs, interaction among students and interactions between students and librarians. There appeared to be no single experience or set of activities that affected IL learning. The findings place academic librarians at the forefront in championing IL learning in their respective universities, but note that they cannot do it alone; there is need for a collaborative approach that includes faculty and senior administrators. Challenges that faced IL initiatives included lack of adequate learning resources and facilities, low number of qualified staff to teach IL, lack of IL training for lecturers and librarians and large class sizes. Further challenges included limited time allocated for IL learning, unavailability of students during IL sessions and lack of an IL policy framework at institutional or national level. The study recommended that all stakeholders in the university be involved in IL initiatives to produce an information-literate graduate, because successful IL interventions are a shared responsibility. The study further recommended increased lecturerlibrarian collaboration and support from academic leadership. Universities must ensure there is an IL policy that would guide development and implementation of IL.
Information service provision for the people with visual and physical impairments in public university libraries in Kenya.
(2018) Kiruki, Beatrice Wamaitha.; Mutula, Stephen M.
The study investigated information service provision to the people with visual and physical impairments in public university libraries in Kenya. The study was underpinned by the International Federation of Libraries Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities Checklist, and the Social Model of disability. A pragmatic paradigm that supports the mixed methods approach was used to underpin the study. The population comprised libraries of six public universities. The data was collected from the students with visual impairments, the students with physical impairments, the staff of the Disability Mainstreaming department, the library staff who provide services to students with impairments, the Systems Librarians and the University Librarians. The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observation. The findings revealed a blatant exclusion of the people with visual and physical impairments in the library policies which impacted negatively on other aspects of information services provision such as budgeting, assessment of users’ needs, planning of services, marketing of services, provision of information and ICT services, and the design and the layout of the library building. The study made the following recommendations: The libraries should formulate policies regarding the provision of information services to the people with impairments; formulate a special budget to cater for the needs of the people with impairments; assess the needs of the people with impairments; explore effective strategies for marketing the services for the people with impairments; evaluate the services provided to the people with impairments; create a disability services page in their library websites to provide information specific to the people with impairments; ensure that the library staff providing services to the people with impairments are adequately trained; explore the possibilities of information resource sharing amongst themselves and with other organisations providing services to people with impairments; provide special reading rooms equipped with the necessary equipment/resources for the people with impairments; involve the people with impairments in planning for their information services as well as in the policy formulation; and provide special library orientation as well as information literacy (IL) training to the people with impairments.