Browsing by Author "Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa."

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Adoption of linked data among the university libraries in Uganda.
(2024) Akullo, Winny Nekesa.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Globally, libraries have experienced numerous innovation cycles due to technological developments and among these cycles is Linked Data. Linked Data is a set of practices used to represent and connect structured data on the Web. It requires that data is published on the Web in a readable, interpretable, and useable format by computers. This study aimed to explore the adoption of Linked Data among selected university libraries in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to: determine the level of awareness of Linked Data among professional librarians; establish the extent of Linked Data adoption; determine the potential benefits of adopting Linked Data; investigate the factors that influence the professional librarians’ behaviour towards the adoption of Linked Data; and investigate the strategies to promote the use and adoption of Linked Data. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory were adopted for the study. The study used a pragmatism paradigm. Mixed methods were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data for the study. Fourteen university libraries were purposively selected and a target population of 187 participants from these selected university libraries was identified. A link to the online questionnaire was sent to the professional librarians and heads of library technical services and telephonic interviews conducted with the University librarians and heads of IT. Of these respondents, 160 responded, giving a response rate of 85.6%. The SPSS software was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The results showed that 70.3% of the professional librarians were aware of the Linked Data concept; 82.8% were aware of the university library’s need to use the Web of Data to enable access and sharing of data with users without barriers. The results further showed that 91.8% of the respondents prefer to first experience with how Linked Data works before adopting and implementing it; 93.4% of the respondents expressed willingness to learn about Linked Data technologies to improve data sharing and reuse in their institutional libraries. The results of the study further showed that over 90% of the respondents agreed that Linked Data shall reduce unnecessary duplication; and improve users’ overall search experiences; increased richness in overall data; increase the exposure of institutional repository collection to web search engines; benefit research, discovery, and enrich discovery and create a model other universities can use. The results also showed that over 70% of the respondents indicated that top management buy-in and support, prior knowledge of using Linked Data will influence the behaviour of professional librarians towards the adoption of Linked Data in university libraries, and; over 90% of the respondents agreed that benchmarking with other institutional libraries and support from the IT staff will influence the adoption of Linked Data. While 97.5% of the respondents proposed the need to encourage staff to keep themselves up-to-date and explore the potential of Linked Data technologies in libraries with a few indicated the need to include research assignments in some of the employees’ workload for them to conduct research during the exploratory stages of innovation adoption. The study, therefore, recommends that university libraries lobby for budget allocations or seek grants to facilitate the acquisition of infrastructure required for the adoption and implementation of Linked Data. Other recommendations include the training of professional librarians by professional associations with expertise in Linked Data technologies ; the development of courses on Linked Data by the various library and information training institutions; the establishment of a library technical team that will ensure data sharing and its reuse; the development of a legal framework that will mandate university libraries to share and link their data; collaboration with other university libraries through the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL); the establishment a central data repository; and collaboration and the establishment of partnerships with other communities and organisations both in and out of the library and information field. The originality and contribution of the study is derived from the methodology, theory, practice, and policy. The study explored the adoption of Linked Data and is the first to be carried out in multiple universities in Uganda.
The contribution of eThekwini Municipal public libraries towards social cohesion.
(2018) Padayachee, Mohini.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The term social cohesion has become very popular in the post-apartheid South African political landscape. The government, through social cohesion, has embarked on a process of nation building. Public libraries’ role in social cohesion is to provide access to information which is recognised as a human right and a means to redistribute power and status. The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of eThekwini Municipal Libraries (EML) to social cohesion. This was achieved through examining EML’s four main resources namely: library buildings, library collections, library programmes and staff. The conceptual framework on social cohesion used in this study was developed by researchers within the South African Human Science Research Council taking into account the South African context. The conceptual framework model identified three domains to be considered when researching social cohesion, namely, the economic domain, civic domain and socio-cultural domain. The study falls within socio-cultural domain as libraries are contributors to social capital through the services they provide. The DAC (2018:102) views the goal of libraries to be enhancing “quality of life, wellbeing and happiness, social capital, social cohesion and social inclusion, safety and security.” All branch librarians in EML were requested to participate in the study making for a census survey through a self-administered questionnaire. This study was primarily quantitative in design with librarians given an opportunity to provide qualitative responses to elaborate on their answers if they so chose. A response rate of 65% was achieved which is considered good. The major research findings indicate that while EML are contributing towards social cohesion in terms of the four resources noted above, there are shortcomings due to a lack of effective policies and procedures, funding, staff training and expertise. This is compounded by the lack of a proper legislative framework for public libraries to operate within. This has resulted in the current precarious state of Public Libraries being insufficiently funded, resulting in Public Libraries being referred to as an unfunded mandate. Conclusions and recommendations based on the findings are made. The study established that effectively contributing towards social cohesion is dependent on efficient and effective functioning of library resources which in turn is dependent on a number of factors. These include a proper legislative framework that provides a firm foundation for the functioning of public libraries, adequate funding as well as skills and knowledge on social cohesion.
The digitization of theses and dissertations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2014) Nyide, Bongiwe Cleopatra.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
This study investigated the digitization of theses and dissertations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The main aim of the study was to try to address the issues and challenges encountered in the UKZN project, to help ensure that new digitization projects fulfil the expectations of libraries, students, and other stakeholders such as academics and other institutions. The population of the study was the entire library staff involved in the digitization of theses and dissertation projects at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The sample consisted of library staff who were selected using purposive sampling. The actual number of respondents was 30 respondents, out of a population of 36 staff-members. Out of the 30 respondents nine participated in structured interviews, while the remaining 21 answered the questionnaire. The central theme of the study was to investigate challenges that the University of KwaZulu-Natal encountered, and still encounters, in its digitization of theses and dissertation projects. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research methods (mixed method). Structured interviews and questionnaires were used as research instruments. The quantitative data that was collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) and the qualitative data, after having been coded, was manually analyzed. Data collected was presented in the form of frequency tables and pie charts. Through this study the researcher hoped to make recommendations on identified issues. The researcher hoped that such recommendations would help provide ways in which future digitization projects could be implemented. The researcher also hoped that this project would increase the librarians’ understanding of the importance of the digitization of theses and dissertations which, in turn, would encourage them to participate in the formulation of digitization strategies and policies. The data collected was divided into seven categories, namely demographic information, background information, strategies and policies, staff training, staff support, technical support and library challenges. Results showed that the University of KwaZulu-Natal library theses and dissertations digitization project did not have guiding digitization strategy and policies. In addition to this here were no clear communication lines. As a result there were unexpected delays to the project which was supposed to last for two years.
The effects of climate change in preserving the past and enhancing the future of legal deposit in South Africa.
(UNISA, 2013) Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.; Stilwell, Christine.
With the current problems of global warming and climate change, preservationists are applying green construction principles to depositories and archival facilities (Henry 2008:3; Kim2008; Nsibirwa 20 12:73).Collections stewards, architects and engineers face design challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop an adaptive response to climate trends (Henry 2008:3).A2012 study by Nsibirwa (2012) of the preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials found that climate change can affect the buildings that are the most important source of security to the materials stored in them. One of the objectives of the doctoral study on which the article is based, was to find out what activities and strategies are used to preserve the materials, as well as to provide a way forward in the preservation of South Africa's cultural heritage. The units of analysis in this study were four legal deposit libraries and three official publications depositories. In this study the population comprised a total of 17members of staff: three heads of libraries and 14 librarians. The survey of legal depositories found that preservation activities are generally underdeveloped as a result of various factors, including insufficientfunding. Yet, there is a greater need than ever for preservation, since predictions are that temperatures, rising seas, rainfall and flooding will continue to increase due to climate change and global warming. These conditions will lead to a shift in approaches to preservation, including looking at what poses the greatest threat when it comes to climate change. The study found that depositories may need to revert to some ancient as well as new sustainable approaches to offset the effects of climate change. The article puts forward a number of practical solutions to ensure that the environment in which materials are kept, is suitable.
Electronic records management and information culture in Botswana's parastatals.
(2023) Thabakgolo, Mogogi.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Abstract available in PDF.
The information behaviour of managers in the Msunduzi Municipality's business units.
(2013) Naidoo, Karmaney.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Information is a crucial resource for improving organisational performance and ensuring the survival of the organisation. Managers occupy a strategic position and play a pivotal role in processing information and directing the activities of employees. The South African Constitution, Act 108 of 1996, mandates local government to adopt a developmental orientation (promoting social and economic development) in order to improve the quality of life of all inhabitants of the municipality. Local government managers therefore play a significant role in fulfilling this mandate of co-ordinating these developmental activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the information behaviour of managers in the Msunduzi Municipality's business units, in order to adapt or design and deliver an information service that would be effective for the achievement of these managers' job objectives. Specifically, the study focused on the following research questions: 1) What are the information needs of managers? 2) How do managers meet these needs? 3) What are the managers' information source preferences? 4) What are the barriers experienced by managers during information seeking? The study adopted a quantitative approach, in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed via the municipality's intranet, to 56 level four managers. The key findings of the study indicate that the main purposes for which level four managers in the Msunduzi Municipality require information is for keeping abreast of developments in their fields, broadening their knowledge and for decision-making. In terms of managers‟ information seeking patterns, managers spend a significant amount of time actively seeking information. They prefer seeking information themselves, as opposed to using intermediaries. The use of libraries for information seeking is minimal and managers accumulate information which gets deposited in their cognitive storehouses for when the need arises. The internet was by far the information source of preference. Reliability is the main factor that influenced source preference and a lack of time was the greatest barrier to information seeking. The study will have practical implications for the Msunduzi Municipal Library services, as well as for management practice. The researcher makes recommendations for adapting the existing library services according to the outcomes of the current study. Recommendations for further research, including qualitative studies which allow for further probing of the findings of this indicative study, are also made.
Information literacy self-efficacy in the use of electronic information resources by library and information science postgraduate students in South South Nigeria.
(2018) Odede, Israel Oghenerukevwe.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
This study was carried out to investigate information literacy self-efficacy (ILSE) in the use of Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) by Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students in South-South, Nigeria. Three universities accredited by the National University Commission to offer postgraduate programmes in Library and Information Science in South-South, Nigeria were studied. The universities are: Delta State University, Abraka; University of Uyo, Uyo and University of Calabar, Calabar.The objectives of this study were guided by the five research questions:What information literacy skills do postgraduate students have to use electronic information resources? What is the relationship between postgraduate students’ information literacy self-efficacy and their use of electronic information resources? What are students’ usage patterns of electronic information resources? What are the barriers related to information literacy that hinder postgraduate students from using electronic information resources? How can information literacy self-efficacy be enhanced amongst library and information science postgraduate students? The study was informed by post-positivism research paradigm and applied Kuhlthau (2004)Information Search Process (ISP) model anchored on social constructivism approach.The mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative approach) were employed. The population for the study consisted of 115 postgraduate students admitted for the 2016/2017 academic year and 3 subject librarians at the three universities. A survey questionnaire was used to solicit quantitative data from the postgraduate students, while an interview was used to solicit qualitative data from the subject librarians. Quantitative and qualitative data collected were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and thematic content analysis (TCA) respectively. The SPSS was specifically used to generate frequency counts, percentage and descriptive statistics.The study adhered to the ethical standards of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The findings revealed that the use of EIRs is determined by the competency in information literacy. Findings further showed that tool literacy, critical literacy, social-structural literacy, emerging technology literacy and publishing literacy determine postgraduate students’ use of EIRs. The study further revealed that there is a strong relationship between information literacy self-efficacy skills and the use EIRs as information literacy self-efficacy skills have impacted on postgraduate students’ usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) components, especially those related to the use of EIRs such as the use of a computer and its software and applications. The usage patterns of EIRs were determined through the frequency and purpose of using EIRs. Findings indicated that e-journals, e-books, e-newspapers and e-reference sources were the most frequently used EIRs by the postgraduate students. Results also indicated that EIRs were used for different academic purposes. The study provides new insight into barriers faced by postgraduate students while using EIRs. Details of the findings revealed that postgraduate students were faced with information literacy related barriers such as information overload, difficulties in downloading, credibility of information and a lack of adequate knowledge of Information Technology (IT).Furthermore, the study revealed that a number of strategies such as the introduction of IL related courses, adequate orientation to the library and its resources, mastery experience (the use of personal past experience to a particular task), sharing experiences relating to information literacy, strategic training on information literacy self-efficacy and constructive feedback could be employed to enhance postgraduate ILSE skills. The study concludes that the intricacy of the electronic atmosphere requires that postgraduate students possess ILSE skills to effectively and efficiently use EIRs. Therefore, the study recommends among others that universities introduce programmes such as IL certificate programmes, workshops, seminars and others that would increase information literacy of postgraduate students. Moreover, it is recommended that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) should be involved in advocacy for IL as well as lobby for the incorporation of IL in the curriculum to promote information literacy skills. This study has implications for policy, practice and theory as policy makers and university management can apply a set of recommendations from this research study to formulate policies that would be beneficial for the enhancement of ILSE skills among undergraduate and postgraduate students. Similarly, the current study contributes to the body of knowledge from the perspective of postgraduate students’ ILSE skills in using EIRs. Furthermore, the strength of the ISP model adopted for this study was re-affirmed as its constructs adequately addressed the entire research questions formulated for this study.
Information needs of University of South Africa students using the adult reference department at Msunduzi Municipal Library, Pietermaritzburg.
(2018) Vidima, Penelope Gugulethu.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Library services are one of the critical services that are needed by scholars, students and researchers to fulfill their information needs so as to operate effectively in today’s academic world. This study sought to determine what the University of South Africa (UNISA) students using the Adult Reference Department (ARD) at Msunduzi Municipal Library (MML) need to satisfy their information needs, whether they were getting what they required from the services offered by the library, and whether any existing services needed to be amended or any new services needed to be introduced. The theoretical framework used as the background to guide this research was Wilson’s 1996 model of information behaviour. It was used in conjunction with the extension of Wilson’s model for the information behaviour of distance learners as it was found to be more relevant to distance learners. The research approach used by the researcher was a quantitative one and the collection of data was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Multiple copies of the instrument were made and distributed. A sample of 130 students was surveyed, of which 116 completed and returned the questionnaires giving a response rate of 89%. The validity and reliability of the data collection tool were established by pre-testing the questionnaire on 10 colleagues who were studying part-time. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and findings were presented in the form of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The findings of the study revealed that although respondents used textbooks regularly, there was a lack of relevant and up-to-date textbooks. It was also established that not all the respondents used the Internet, mainly due to lack of access, low bandwidth and lack of requisite search skills. It also emerged that, students need library training in order to use and explore all library services available and fulfil their information needs. Recommendations included that the library must look into extending library opening hours, the provision of a discussion area, overnight loans for reference items, the provision of both print and electronic format of scholarly articles and international journals and, in terms of the Internet, the provision of faster broadband Internet access.
Internet-based information behaviour of high school learners in Ashanti region of Ghana.
(2018) Kankam, Philip Kwaku.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study examined the Internet-based information behaviour of high school learners in the Ashanti region of Ghana. It looked into the online information needs of learners, how they retrieve and evaluate online information sources as well as the challenges they face when accessing online information. The survey design was used to survey three public schools for the study. The three participating schools for the study were St. Louis senior high school (SHS), Effiduasi SHS and Simms SHS. The survey design allowed methodological pluralism for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data for the study. The tools for data collection were a self-administered questionnaire for the learners and ICT teachers as well as semi-structured interview schedules used to interview the Heads of ICT departments (HICTDs) and librarians. Pre-testing of research instruments, triangulation of research data, cross-tabulation of results and consideration of ethical issues were carried out to ensure validity and reliability of the results. The quantitative data were analysed with SPSS and the qualitative data were analysed through the use of thematic content analysis. Wilson’s (1999) model of information behaviour and Ellis’s (1989) behavioural model of information seeking strategies were employed as the theoretical framework for the study. A hundred percent response rate was achieved from the learners, HICTDs and librarians, and 81.8% from the ICT teachers. The results showed that learners could access the Internet at their school’s computer laboratories. It was revealed that learners had both academic and personal online information needs, and were accessing multiple Internet sources to satisfy their online information needs with search engines as the predominant source and Google as the most popular. The study discovered that learners lacked the competencies needed for effective retrieval of online information. Learners were found not to apply advanced search options but relied on basic strategies like ‘keyword’ search. The study also found that learners’ evaluation of online sources was poor. Clearly, learners were not introduced to advanced search options and online evaluation criteria, and this affected their Internet-based information behaviour. The study highlighted that librarians were not playing the required role to develop learners’ information literacy skills. The major challenges learners faced when accessing information on the Internet were slow Internet connection and Internet access restrictions. The study recommends improvements in information literacy instructions and Internet infrastructure at schools for learners. The study has also developed a proposed guideline on Internet information literacy instruction based on the findings of the study to inform policy on the curriculum.
Predictors of users' preferences for digital information at the oceanographic research institute (ORI), Durban.
(2013) Mutsvunguma, Grace.; Mutula, Stephen M.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
This research was a case study that investigated predictors of users’ preferences for digital information at the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) Library in Durban, South Africa. The objectives of the study were to determine the predictors of users’ preferences for digital information, examine user attitude towards use of digital information, evaluate user competencies in the use of digital information, examine available ICT infrastructure to facilitate access to digital information and assess usage patterns of electronic resources. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to underpin the study, using the mixed method paradigm consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods. A census of the study population, consisting of 26 respondents, was taken. Data was collected using focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations, document reviews and survey questionnaires. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that there was increasing preference of digital information to print by scholars. Moreover, usage of digital information was high by virtue of being easy to use and useful for scholarly work. The findings revealed that scholars had developed a positive attitude towards digital information. In addition, user experience with computers and the availability of infrastructure within the organisation were found to be facilitating conditions for digital information usage behaviour. The findings showed that respondents lacked relevant skills for the effective use of digital information and the ORI Library lacked adequate computers and electronic resources to satisfy user needs. The study recommended the development of a digital repository, user training to improve use of digital information resources. Suggested areas for research included examining the use of electronic resources in marine and aquatic institutions in Africa to establish grounds for collaborations and resource sharing. A study to assess the quality of research output by scholars was also recommended, as a way of exposing the critical or non-critical use of digital sources.
Preservation of public records and archives in Swaziland government ministries and the Department of Swaziland National Archives (SNA).
Msibi, Nqoba Maxwell.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study investigates preservation of public records and archives in Swaziland Government Ministries and the Department of Swaziland National Archives. The proper preservation of public records ensures continued access to a nation’s documentary heritage. If public records are not properly preserved, efficiency in government is compromised. This results to poor-decision making, increased fraudulent behaviour and unguided development of operational policies. Failure to implement proper records preservation initiatives in Swaziland government ministries headquarters has resulted in many valuable public records not finding their way to the Department of Swaziland National Archives (SNA). The main aim of the study is to investigate records preservation practices in the Swaziland Government Ministries and the SNA, in order to develop a records preservation framework. An integrated records management approach which utilises both the Records Life Cycle and the Records Continuum Models was used to underpin the study in the theoretical framework. The study used a mixed method approach of both qualitative and quantitative to complement each other and to obtain in-depth analysis. Methodological triangulation was used to approach the study in different ways. A response rate of 67.8% was achieved for questionnaire 1 and a response rate of 100% was achieved for questionnaire 2 and the interviews. The results of the questionnaires and observation schedule were analysed, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and data collected using the interview schedules was analysed qualitatively. The finding of the results reflect that the government ministries are putting a remarkable effort into the preservation of public records. However, the absence of legislation that caters for the proper management of records throughout their life cycle, as well as considering issues pertaining to the management and preservation of electronic records, has been a major challenge. The different records preservation challenges that government ministries faced included: The absence of policies relating to the management and preservation of records, insufficient budget allocated to support records preservation activities, Inadequate records preservation training for most officers working in government ministries and Uncontrolled access to records storage areas. The study’s conclusions includes that government should make all staff responsible for the management of public records aware of the available procedures and policies that govern the management and care of records.
Preservation of, and access to audio-visual records at the National Film, Video and Sound Archives of South Africa.
(2017) Ncala, Bongekile Nthabiseng M.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study investigated the preservation of, and access to audio-visual records at the National Film, Video and Sound Archives of South Africa in Pretoria. The ability to hear or see the recorded sound/images depends on the physical integrity of the carrier and functionality of projection/playback equipment. If collection is not properly safeguarded, deterioration emerges that complicates access. This results in the loss of valuable information. A deteriorating audio-visual records carrier and failure to properly prioritise and plan for the “collection at risk” has resulted in many records being compromised of their integrity and stability, hence they are unplayable. Most audio-visual records at the National Film, Video and Sound Archives were not in a useable condition, and therefore inhibited appropriate access to the content. The aim of the study was to assess the preservation of, and access to audio-visual records at the National Film, Video and Sound Archives of South Africa. The focus on the risk factors to preservation. As a result, plan and prioritise the “collection at risk” and give recommended practices and strategies on solving these problems. Conaequently slow down and minimise the deterioration processes, which in turn might enhance access to the carrier and content. The records life-cycle model was used to underpin the study in the theoretical framework. The quantitative approach, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was used. A response rate of 76% was achieved. The results of the structured, self-administered questionnaire, structured interview and observation schedule were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results of the study show that the archives had on-going preservation strategies and activities practiced over the years. However, the lack of articulation of a preservation policy and an inappropriate environment, were the persistent challenges faced by the National Film, Video and Sound Archives of South Africa. Other risk factors to preservation that the National Film, Video and Sound Archives faced included the following aspects: failure to conduct preservation assessment and planning; lack of tools to detect deterioration; inadequate training for staff working with Audio-visual records; massive uncatalogued Audio-visual records; lack of finding aids and playback equipment; and a degraded collection, which was mostly originals. The study recommends that the archives should involve staff when they plan and prioritise for the “collection at risk”. The collection must be digitised. At least two copies of all archival items in their custody should be kept.
Preservation of, and access to oral history records at Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository.
(2019) Tembe, Mbongeni Andries.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study investigated the importance of oral history and how oral history is preserved and accessed at the Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (PAR), specifically at its Oral History Unit (OHU). Oral history confirms information about historical events by enhancing and verifying the event. It also recovers certain aspects of the past event that may not have been captured. Data were collected through three different semi-structured interviews, observation and graphic data in the form of photographs. Qualitative analysis of the data was done via content, conceptual and thematic analysis. The study found that the preservation and access to oral history records have been ineffective since the OHU was established in 2013. Issues identified included legislation which does not provide for oral history records in the contemporary digital era, the lack of policy, deficient strategies for preservation and access, the inadequacy of the adapted building and a shortage of resources, funding and qualified staff. The overall recommendation arising from the findings was a need to improve the preservation and access of oral history records in the PAR. More specifically, the study recommends the modification of the KwaZulu-Natal Archives and Records Services Act (No. 8 of 2011 as amended) to fully accommodate the oral history records and the preservation and access of audio-visual material, the formulation of policy, the establishment of a new archival building, the recruitment of information professionals who understand the pros and cons of archival science, further training of existing staff members with regard to preservation and access of oral history records, and finally, the need for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture to increase the budget allocation for the Provincial Archives. A suggestion for further research ended the study.
Preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Library, Pietermaritzburg.
(2007) Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The study investigated preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library. Constant access to legal deposit materials will depend on proper preservation methods from the time they are first produced. The focus was to identify how the different materials are preserved and stored, especially because every institution has unique needs, especially with regard to the climatic conditions of the area. The study also examined challenges faced by the depository, skills and knowledge of the depository staff about preventative preservation methods, resources for conservation and collection management strategies. The methods to help make materials accessible were established by examining the means and processes used. Methodological triangulation was used to look at the study in different ways and this included a questionnaire, interviews, observation and collection of graphic data. The units of analysis were the staff of the legal deposit department and the whole population was surveyed. In this study, quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. The results of the self-administered question and observation schedule were analysed using SPSS. Data collected using the interview schedule was analysed qualitatively. The results of the study show that there are inadequate preservation activities and strategies for legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library. The legal deposit collection was at risk of being lost and inaccessible to present and future generations. This was mostly due to lack of preservation activities and strategies as a result of lack of knowledge in preservation, adequate funding, staff training, preservation policies, environmental control of stack rooms and the proper handling and storage of materials.
Preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials in South Africa.
(2012) Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.; Stilwell, Christine.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The study investigates the preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials in South Africa. The rapid development of technology has led to an increase in electronic publications as well as no considerable decrease in the production of printed materials making legal deposit a multifaceted and dynamic area of research. The primary purpose of legal deposit collections is to provide access to materials, both those published recently and produced years ago; these materials are deposited and need to be properly preserved for future generations. The specific objectives of the study were to, examine the activities and strategies in place to preserve materials while being used as well as the accessibility of these documents to the South African population. This study builds on and extends the candidate's investigation carried out in her master‘s thesis in 2007, about how legal deposit materials are kept and preserved. The highlight of the study includes identifying systems that assist with the collection of print and electronic documents. The means and processes to help make both print and electronic documents accessible in the long run are also identified. In addition, the study examines the challenges faced by legal deposit staff including their skills and knowledge in preservation management. The National Library of South Africa (NLSA), Mangaung Library Services, Msunduzi Municipal Library, Constitutional Court Library, R J R Masiea Public Library (Phuthaditjhaba) and North West Provincial Library Services were the units of analysis in this study. The study population included members of the Legal Deposit Committee, the heads of the libraries and departmental heads of legal deposit sections of each library. The whole population was in each case studied. Methodological triangulation was used to look at the problem from different angles using different tools in order to get a more accurate result. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods, using self-administered questionnaires and interview schedules to collect data. A response rate of 78.6% was achieved for the questionnaire and results were analysed using SPSS. The qualitative method of conceptual content analysis was used to analyse the open-ended questions for the interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data in graphs, tables and pie charts. The major research findings indicate that preservation is not carried out properly at present due to the combined lack of preservation policies, funding, staff training and expertise. Most of the legal deposit libraries do not have preservation policies to improve preservation conditions, develop conservation facilities or to train and recruit staff. Furthermore the study concludes that various critical issues surrounding and affecting all facets of legal deposit stem from a lack of policy. Recommendations based on the findings and conclusions are made and the study establishes that effective implementation, preservation and access of legal deposit are dependent largely on many factors. The most important of these are a proper legislative framework that provides a firm foundation for legal deposit, adequate funding as well as skills and knowledge in preservation management.
The provision of library and information services to the visually impaired (VI) users by the Msunduzi Municipal Library (MML).
(2018) Marwexu, Namhla.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Public libraries have a moral obligation to make information available to all categories of users regardless of their gender, age, race, political affiliation or disability and therefore the library’s potential user group is the entire population. However, more often than not, people living with disabilities, particularly visual impairment found themselves wondering if this statement is ever be a reality. This thesis investigates the provision of library and information services to the visually impaired library users by the Msunduzi Municipal Library (Bessie Head) (MML). This study is not suggesting that the MML should divert its services towards the VI, as it is not specialised in this regard, however, as a public library MML should be able to respond to the needs of its community without discriminating against any form of disability. The study’s research questions tried to understand: when/how often do the VI users use the MML and what are the services they use and why?; what are the accessibility problems experienced by the VI users with the resources offered by the MML?; what policies does the library have in order to promote inclusivity and equality with regard to the VI?; what challenges are experienced by the MML in seeking to provide services to the VI and what, if necessary, needs to be done to improve the services?; what kind of training do the library staff receive in relation to services to VI, what kind of training is needed? The Human Rights Model of disability guided the present study. This study sought to solicit as much information/data as possible and thus qualitative research approach was employed using semi-structured interviews in order to better understand the experiences of VI users. The sample consisted of 17 VI registered library users, seven library assistants, the librarian, the senior librarian as well as the principal librarian. The main barriers to accessing the resources offered by MML are the lack of transport to and from the library, information in an appropriate format and in the preferred language, limited number of computers and outdated software. As for the MML staff, they experienced challenges when it comes to the functioning of the devices used by the VI users, lack of awareness of the service itself, and lack of skills on how to serve the VI. Workshops were conducted by representatives from the South African Library for the Blind (SALB) but the staff is still finding it difficult to serve the VI with confidence. The MML has not used/explored the platforms that are available to the library in order to market and publicize the services they have available for the VI. This study concludes by making recommendations for improving the library and information service to the VI. The MML is one of the public libraries identified by the Department of Arts and Culture to bridge the information gap thereby keeping the VI abreast of what is going on in the province, country and the world at large. Therefore, the recommendations offered in this study could be useful to other public libraries offering services to the VI.
Records management practices in selected municipalities in Limpopo province of South Africa.
(2021) Makgahlela, Lefose Alfred.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The high level of corruption and maladministration, lack of accountability and transparency in municipalities has become endemic and is a cause for concern in many municipalities of South Africa. The ability of any municipality to effectively perform its constitutional duties depends on the availability of relevant and comprehensive information from records. The poor state of records management in the government and public sectors in South Africa is a well-documented phenomenon. In considering poor records management practices in the public sector of South Africa, it is necessary to establish records management practices in municipalities. The purpose of this study was to examine records management practices in selected municipalities in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The underlying principle of the study was that municipalities in South Africa are mandated by legislation to manage records systematically. The study sought to establish the current records management practices in the municipalities of the Limpopo Province, to establish the level of knowledge that staff members in municipalities have of records management, to identify the activities and strategies used to support records management practices and, finally, to identify the challenges faced by municipal officials in managing records. The Records Life Cycle and Records Continuum models were adopted in the study. Data were collected from 86 registry clerks using questionnaires and from five municipal managers and six records managers using interviews in the selected municipalities in the Limpopo Province using purposive sampling. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data to generate frequency counts, percentages, bar charts and tables while Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu-Natal was adhered to. The findings of the study revealed that paper-based records are the main formats of records created in municipalities in the Limpopo Province. The study further revealed that most of the municipal officials working with records in the selected municipalities in the Limpopo Province do not have formal qualifications in records management. It is evident from the findings of the study that while municipalities have records management policies, their employees, generally, are uninformed of their existence. The study recommends that records storage facilities in municipalities be improved to ensure that records are kept safe and conveniently accessible. Top management and political office bearers are encouraged to support effective and efficient records management practices in their municipalities. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on records management practices, especially in the context of the Limpopo Province.
The awareness of copyright laws at the University of Venda.
(2022) Ramabina, Maropene Thomas.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Abstract available in PDF.
The role of school libraries in teaching and learning in the Umhlali Circuit, ILembe District, KwaZulu-Natal: a case study of Dinuphozo Primary School library.
(2023) Mnyandu, Phumelele.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The school library is arguably the backbone of the teaching and learning process in South Africa. The National Curriculum Statement Grade R-12 (28 December 2012) clearly states that schools must “produce learners that can identify, solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking and also learners who can communicate effectively….” and an efficient and effective school library is crucial in this regard. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of school libraries in teaching and learning. In pursuing this aim, a case study approach was adopted and the focus was on the Dinuphozo Primary School in the Umhlali Circuit of the ILembe District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The resource-based learning model based on constructivism theory underpinned the study. Resource-based learning is a model where learners, teachers and teacher-librarians use a range of print, non-print and human resources efficiently and effectively. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. The participants, who were all members of the School Library Committee, comprised the Acting Principal, the Deputy Principal, Heads of Department, a teacher from each of the phases (foundation, intermediate and senior phases) and the school’s teacher-librarian – a total of nine participants. The study adopted a qualitative approach using telephonic interviews, observation and document analysis as data collection methods. The findings revealed that teachers and the school teacher-librarian require basic library services training. It was found that teachers do not utilise the library and its information resources sources for daily teaching and learning. It was also found that the library collection does not satisfy either the teachers’ or learners’ needs; hence, they seek information elsewhere. Recommendations included the need for the School Management Team, the School Governing Body and the teachers to be involved in discussions on how to improve the school library and its financing.
The use of information and communication technologies (ICTS) by Grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Ndimbovu, Andile Pheneus.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study examined the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. It looked into the types of ICT resources that are used by learners and teachers; the learners and teachers’ attitude towards using ICTs; the learners and teachers’ competence in the use of ICTs; challenges faced by learners and teachers in using ICTs; and, finally, solutions to improve the ease of use of ICTs. Two public secondary schools, namely Sonyongwana High School and Ginyane High School were surveyed. The survey design allowed methodological pluralism for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The tools used for data collection were a questionnaire for the learners and a semi-structured interview schedule for the teachers. Pre-testing of the research instruments, triangulation of research data, and consideration of ethical issues helped ensure the validity and reliability of the results. The quantitative data were analysed with SPSS and the qualitative data were analysed through the use of content analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Venkatesh and Davis, 1996) was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. All learners (100%) sampled completed the questionnaire while 64% of the sample of teachers were interviewed. The study found that the ICT infrastructure is not adequate in secondary schools with the learners using their smartphones and tablets to access information. Most of the surveyed learners have a positive attitude towards using ICTs while only a few learners viewed the use of ICTs in a negative light. The majority of learners felt that they had sufficient skills to use ICTs but there was a substantial minority (39%) who felt that they did not have such skills. The majority of learners indicated that learning to use ICTs would be easy for them. Most teachers interviewed were positive towards using ICTs for curriculum delivery with only a few having a negative attitude in this regard. As with the learners, most teachers in the two secondary schools considered themselves competent in using ICTs. However, challenges that faced secondary school learners and teachers included the cost of access to ICTs, the lack of training for ICT usage, viruses, unreliable sources and the shortage of computers. Recommendations, in the main, revolved around the need for ICT infrastructure and training both of which are contingent on adequate funding being provided. Also pointed to is the need for government to provide free data and tablets to learners.