Doctoral Degrees (Information Studies)

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A history of the University of Natal libraries, 1910-2003.
(2008) Buchanan, Nora.; Stilwell, Christine.; Raju, Jayarani.
The University of Natal was unique in South Africa for many years in that, unlike other South African universities, it was split between two geographically distant campuses, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The research problem which was central to this study was to document the development of the libraries of the University of Natal from inception in 1910 to the point of merger at the end of 2003 in order to arrive at an understanding of how the libraries in the two centres, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, developed. Linked to the central problem were two sub-problems which were, firstly to discover whether the two libraries had, as stated by a highly placed University Task Team, developed “too independently ...” (1) was true or at least partially true and secondly to find out whether the personalities of individual University Librarians had a significant influence on the development of the libraries. In order to solve the research problem and the two sub-problems as well as to guide the structure of the chapters, four research questions were posed: • What administrative problems were encountered as the libraries expanded and how did the dual-centred nature of the University affect their development? • What level of financial support did the University provide to the libraries and was this sufficient? • What impact did the introduction of information and communications technology (ICT) have on the development of the libraries? and lastly; • What services were offered to users of the libraries and how did these differ between the two centres. The broad approach to the study is interpretative. It has been written as a narrative, with interpretations interwoven throughout the discussion, in chronological order to best show change over time. Understanding the present and anticipating and managing change with some measure of success depends to an extent on our appreciation and understanding of history. This study, by investigating the historical record of the nine decades of existence of the University of Natal Libraries, is not only a revelation of the past but will also, it is hoped, assist in identifying possible future trends in academic librarianship in South Africa, particularly as far as the management of multi-centred university libraries is concerned. The value of the study also lies in the consolidation and interpretation of information in numerous unpublished records and scattered, ephemeral resources. The historical research method was chosen for this study. Given the nature of the research problem it was deemed to be the optimal method for the collection and analysis of data. In order to gain an understanding of the problem, evidence was gathered from primary sources, such as letters, library committee minutes, memoranda, newsletters, photographs and reports, including library annual reports, as well as secondary sources. Oral testimonies assisted in verifying information pertaining to the written record, shedding light on certain events and providing added insight. The research undertaken for the study showed that an offer of a Library Fellowship by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which would enable a staff member to undergo professional training in librarianship in the United States, was the catalyst for the unification of the two libraries. This system prevailed for 22 years. Thereafter the unitary library system was dismantled and the two libraries developed in completely different directions until economic necessity resulted in a concerted effort to bring the libraries together again in 1997, although this time as a federal rather than a unitary system. The research showed that the criticism that the two libraries had developed too independently was true and that a holistic approach to library services at the University of Natal was lacking. Secondly, the research also showed that the personalities of individual University Librarians did exert a significant influence on the development of the libraries although other elements also influenced their development. Although the study is an history of a university library rooted in a “first world” (2) culture there are lessons to be learnt which could be applied to other institutions, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South African higher education. Several dual- or multi-centred institutions now exist. The integration of different libraries, each with its own idiosyncrasies and its own ethos can be complex and is potentially divisive. There has to be institutional commitment to the idea of a unitary library system as the library service in any university is shaped to a large extent by the parent institution. The study was limited to an investigation of the historical record of the University of Natal Libraries. An historical analysis of university libraries on a national scale lay beyond the scope of this study. It was also limited to a focus on the institution itself and the difficulties encountered in the administration of a dual-centred library service rather than focusing on the library service from the users’ point of view. Lastly the study suggests several areas for future research. It is noted that there is a dearth of in-depth critical texts available on the history of South African university libraries. An historical analysis of university libraries on a national scale would become feasible if research is undertaken into the histories of more South African university libraries. (1) [University of Natal, Library Task Team], A report on the University of Natal Libraries submitted to the Executive Implementation Team, 1998, p. 31. (2) C. Darch & P. Underwood, Dirt road or yellow brick superhighway?, Library hi tech, vol. 17, no. 3, p. 285.
Implementation of policies and strategies for agricultural information access and use in Tanzania.
(2001) Chailla, Angela Mashauri.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
Agriculture is an important enterprise in Africa and indeed in Tanzania where it is one of the major economic sectors, embracing all its population. Agriculture contributes about 60% to the Gross Domestic Product, generates about 75% of the total export earnings and employs 84% of the Tanzanian active labour force. Information plays a critical role in agricultural development in most countries. However, one of the most serious reasons adduced for the low agricultural production in Africa is the limited access to adequate information support to all stakeholders in agricultural production. This affects all sectors of research, extension and training. Inadequate access to and use of agricultural information by research scientists undermines the potential to fulfil their information needs. They often lack access to current, relevant and timely information. This results in duplication of research efforts. Lack of access to scientific literature in the agricultural field in Tanzania has been attributed to the ineffectiveness of the various information providers in the country, among which the key ones are agricultural libraries and documentation centres. Studies by agricultural information specialists and international organizations have established that agricultural libraries and documentation centres in Less Developed Countries have not excelled in providing agricultural information to users. This has been attributed to several reasons. The major one being the non-implementation of policies, strategies and recommendations advanced by scholars, international organizations and consultants for more availability, accessibility and use of agricultural libraries' services and facilities. The main objectives of this study were to establish the extent to which Tanzania has implemented the key policies, strategies and recommendations for enhancing accessibility and use of agricultural libraries and documentation centres' services and facilities. Some of the key policies and strategies recommended by scholars include; increasing the libraries' capacity in human, financial and material resources. Such policies and strategies include, among many others: library staff development, cooperation and networking among agricultural libraries and documentation centres at national regional and international levels and formulation of national information policies to give guidance to agricultural information acquisition, organization, management and provision. They also include formulation of Information and Communication Technologies' policies for standardization in operating systems and data formats. Two main data collection instruments were used in the study namely; a self administered questionnaire and an interview schedule. The instruments were supplemented by on site observations of the libraries' operational activities. The sample size comprised 34 agricultural libraries and documentation centres located in all seven agricultural zones and 18 interviewees from the Ministry of agriculture, agricultural institutions and research stations. The Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows version 9.0 was used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. The problems facing agricultural libraries and documentation centres in Less Developed Countries today are many and varied, and differ from one country to another. In Tanzania, the study findings established that these problems can be classified into six major categories: lack of adequate resources/materials; inadequate number of qualified personnel at managerial, professional and technical levels; lack of cooperation and coordination among existing libraries and documentation centres; limited financial resources; lack of explicit and operational training programmes for library personnel and lack of a national information policy per se. Tanzania has a number of sectoral policies in place, related to information, technology and research. These "little sectoral policies" are fragmented and need a policy framework to provide the missing coordination. The study established that the number of skilled information staff in the national agricultural library system was small. Libraries and documentation centres in many agricultural institutions and research stations were poorly equipped and lacked professional trained staff. Furthermore, operational budgets were limited and hence lack of current and relevant library materials including Subscriptions to scientific journals. Contacts of agricultural information personnel with regional and international circuits on development were found limited. The study findings also revealed that the agricultural library information system in Tanzania was lacking in efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the diversified information needs of agriculturalists, particularly the research scientists. To this effect, where information was abundantly available, it was often inaccessible due to lack of technical know-how in documentation, organization and management for awareness of its availability to users. The study assumed that the global Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs) and current technological developments in the publishing industry could facilitate effective agricultural information organization and management, including repackaging of information for extension personnel and farmers, and resource sharing via electronic networking. However, the poor economic growth of Tanzania, as in other Less Developed Countries, has posed limitations to the full utilization of ICTs through lack of resources, policy guidelines and frameworks for the implementation of such policies. The study concluded that there has not been an effective and efficient implementation of policies, strategies and recommendations for access and use of agricultural information in Tanzania due to a number of problems, the main ones being: lack of awareness of the policies and strategies among the libraries, parent organizations and policy makers and lack of capacity of the libraries and documentation centres to implement the policies, strategies and recommendations. The study recommended that agricultural libraries and documentation centres in Tanzania be given priority in budget allocation for acquisition of basic equipment, such as photocopiers and microcomputers and for training library personnel at all levels. The more affluent libraries, such as the Sokoine National Agricultural Library and the Division of Research and Development library of the Ministry of agriculture, should audit their resources to determine the best ways to assist the documentation centres in remote research stations to organize and adequately present the required information to users. Agricultural libraries' managers and information specialists should become more assertive, focused, and committed in finding out about the policies and recommendations and eventually working out the requirements for their implementation and monitoring.
The use and sustainability of information technology (IT) in academic and research libraries in Tanzania.
(1998) Katundu, Desdery Rutalemwa Mushumbusi.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of information technology (IT) and strategies which academic and research libraries in Tanzania can adopt in order to facilitate the sustainability of information technology which has been acquired through external donor assistance. The motivation for undertaking the study emanated from the researcher's long working experience of twelve years in a university library. Through this experience it has been observed that many of the donor-funded or supported information projects like the introduction of information technology in libraries, thrive well and offer good information services when donor support is still available. However, once the donor project or donor support comes to an end very few of these have been able to continue delivering the intended information services and products. What this implies, is that very little is known by both donors and recipient libraries alike about factors or strategies which can affect the future sustainability of such donor-funded information projects in libraries. The study assumed that if information technology is effectively sustained it would reduce the vulnerable dependence of libraries on donor funding and support, and in turn facilitate effective local planning and development of the technology and related information services which responded to the needs of the library clientele. Eighteen libraries possessing and using some form of information technology were studied. The survey research method comprised the questionnaire; interview schedule and observation through visits as data and information gathering instruments was used in the investigation. Its selection was determined by the under-researched nature of the problem. Data and information generated by the instruments was content analyzed and formally presented by the use of descriptive statistics. The major findings of the study revealed that despite donor support to libraries, the status of information technology reflected early stages of its introduction in almost all the libraries. No all-round IT infrastructural development existed. Shortages or non-availability of various IT equipment and accessories resulted in differences in the quantity of the technology possessed by each of the libraries studied. Consequently, effective use of the technology was hampered by the scarcity or inadequate availability of the equipment and accessories as well as limited IT skills, knowledge and competence among library staff. While all the libraries indicated that they had great needs for IT training, the levels at which it was required differed from one institution to another. As a result, not many of the IT-related information needs were currently being satisfied. The findings also reflected positive concurrence on the feasibility of IT sustainability by the libraries. Most of the libraries agreed that despite being under-resourced, the sustainability of information technology based upon own library resources could be feasible provided all or most of the proposed sustainability strategies were effectively and concurrently implemented by the libraries. Proposed sustainability strategies have been presented in the study. These could be conceived within three broad categories namely, strategies related to: the need for adequate resource-generation, formulation of IT policy informed by effective IT planning and management practices, and the enhancement of the role and value of information and related services as vital elements for its adequate support. All these strategies affect library parent organization managements, library managements and professionals as well as donors of the technology. The study concludes that libraries need to become more involved in charting out the required direction of IT development which would ensure the availability of adequate and appropriate technology in response to user needs and its effective sustainability. This would involve improvement of the status of IT; formulation and actual implementation of IT policies and planning; the need for continuous assessment of user needs, and effecting continuous IT education and training in libraries. The recommendations and areas for further research put forward by the study were based on the implications reflected by the study findings.
Access to gender and development information by rural women in the Tanga region, Tanzania.
(1998) Kiondo, Elizabeth.; Stilwell, Christine.
Rural women play significant roles in both food and cash crop production, however, the majority of them lack access to productive resources, including information. To enhance the process of development and to ensure that rural women participate in and benefit from rural development processes, it is important that productive resources such as land, technology and information are made accessible to them. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which rural women access gender and development information. It therefore investigated how the rural information delivery system is organised and operates in order to gain an understanding of the factors which hamper the accessibility of information to the majority of rural women. This understanding will enable rural development planners and information professionals to design and implement information services which are accessible to all members of the rural community. In conducting this study in the Tanga region of Tanzania, a sample of 773 households was drawn from an estimated 155,863 households to acquire a sample of rural women. A structured interview protocol was used to collect data from the rural women. A total of 64 human information providers out of a total of 90 targeted to be included in the study, was interviewed. Data was also collected through document reviews and informal discussion with key informants at regional and district levels as well as through personal observations during field work. The findings of the study indicate that at least 40 percent of rural women are still functionally illiterate and at least 30 percent head rural households. Tt:1e majority of them still live in poverty with limited incomes. On the other hand the information providers are predominantly male, constituting a male/female ratio of 3: 1. The information needs of rural women are practical and strategic in nature. Information providers used are mainly friends and relatives, village leaders, health extension workers and hospitals and clinics. The communications used in information exchange processes are oral in nature with face to face communication being the main channel used. Formal sources of information such as printed and audio-visual sources are rarely used. Furthermore, this study has shown that socio-economic factors impact on levels of access and use of information providers. Information made accessible to women is mainly health information, followed by community affairs which is mainly about community problems discussed at village meetings. Very few women benefit from rural training programmes and information on development projects because these are limited to specific project areas. Information delivered is therefore not adequate to satisfy rural women's needs whereas information accessed is moderately relevant as far as their health information needs are concerned. The main barriers to rural women's access to information include: workload, attitudes of information providers, customs and traditions and non availability of other sources such as printed and audio-visual sources, as well as low income and relatively low education levels of women. This study has identified several weaknesses in the rural information delivery system which need to be addressed. It is therefore recommended that in order to make information readily accessible to the majority of women, there is a need (i) to formulate gender sensitive policies and institute mechanisms for implementation, which should include the training of information providers in gender issues in services-provision; (ii) to make available adequate financial resources to support rural information seryices; (iii) to use a variety of sources of information to cater for ; the heterogenous needs of users; (iv) to have a political will not only to address gender issues but also to sensitize entire rural communities to gender issues.
A bibliometric study of the publication patterns of South African scientists.
(1998) Jacobs, Daisy.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
One of the legacies of the apartheid system was the discrepancy in funding and support for various activities, including research work in science and technology based on racial grounds. Some institutions of higher learning and research institutes were favoured more than others in terms of resources. Presently, despite the fact that there is national democracy, previously disadvantaged institutions with their culture of minimal research and poor publication output continue to produce inadequate quantities of research and publications while the historically developed universities are at the forefront of research and publication.This research is a bibliometric study of the publication patterns of South African scientists. The subjects were academic scientists from ten selected universities of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal, which vary considerably, with regard to standards of education, quantity of publications, development and overall progress. The general purpose of this study was to investigate the patterns used by scientists in publishing the results of their research, provide valuable information and play a significant role in evaluating the research and publication patterns of scientists from these different institutions The study collected two sets of data through lists of publications and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was pretested and the comments of the respondents enabled the investigator to make the necessary revisions in the subsequent questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to 350 full-time academic scientists in the departments of physics, chemistry, botany, zoology and biochemistry / microbiology in the selected universities. Out of the 350 scientists, 174 responded. Twenty one returns were discarded, hence only 153 were used in the data analysis. Further data was obtained from the Science Citation Index and the Foundation for Research Development. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA and Pearson Chi-Square test. The results obtained in this study showed that the five null hypotheses were rejected. It was found that there was a : - • direct relation between academic rank and productivity; academic status and productivity. • direct relation correlation between prestige and productivity. • higher impact of "A" grade scientists over non-"A" grade scientists. • significant difference in productivity between areas of science that are funded and areas which receive little or no funding.
A comparative study of concept-based and procedural teaching methods in user instruction of the OPAC at the M.L. Sultan Technikon.
(1999) Choonoo, Pearl.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The purpose of this research was firstly to compare the differences in online performance between two groups trained to use the Online Public Access Catalogue at the M L Sultan Technikon using two different types of instruction, namely the teaching methods of concept-based and procedural instruction. Secondly, the objective of the research was to compare these two teaching methods in relation to first year students at the M L Sultan Technikon with differing levels of library experience, computer experience and English language experience. To meet the objectives of the research, literature was reviewed and analysed from various sources. Original research was conducted using the method of a quasi-experiment. A random sample of 120 students were split between two teaching conditions, with sixty participants in a concept-based teaching condition and sixty participants in a procedural teaching condition. Research instruments used were a background questionnaire to collect demographic information, a pre-and post test to evaluate significant differences between the teaching methods, an evaluation questionnaire to collect affective responses, direct observation, and transaction log monitoring of the searches conducted. In a one-hour lecture the concept-based group were taught general search concepts using model-based instruction techniques and the procedural lecture demonstrated methods of searching in a step-by-step fashion. Data analysis made use of Microsoft Access 97 and Excell 97 software to code and verify the data, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), v9.0 to conduct statistical analysis. The research found that first year students were generally inexperienced in the use of the online information retrieval system. The majority of the participants in the study did not have any computer experience, and made use of English as a second language. Others, although not in the majority were found to have low levels of library experience. Performance on pre-tests were generally low for these participants while those who had experience in the use of libraries, computers and who regarded English as a first language were able to make fair use of the system for simple tasks such as author and title. This suggested that prerequisite competencies needed for online searching were, library literacy, computer literacy and some proficiency in the use of English. Performance on search tasks found no significant differences on simple tasks between the teaching conditions. However, variances in performance as a result of individual differences were found. On difficult tasks participants fared better with concept-based instruction resulting in significant differences in performance. The findings of this research supported the need for online instruction to novice end-users, taking cognisance of the need for suitable venues equipped with adequate hardware, provision of staff, and allocation of sufficient time for such instruction. The research proposes that model-based teaching be encouraged, especially for difficult tasks. In the decisions made however, instruction must take note of the background of participants. Further proposals for instruction and other related aspects are discussed in the research.
An implementation plan for the development of school libraries in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
(1996) Bawa, Rookaya.; Horton, Weldon J.; Kaniki, Andrew M.; Verbeek, Jennifer Ann.
The study presents the status of school libraries in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa in the period 1990 to April 1996. The status quo is examined in order to provide a backdrop to the development of an implementation plan for resource provision in the region. This is because access to resources at school level is important for the enrichment of the learning experience and the development of skills needed to access information effectively. It was not easy to obtain data. Several different instruments such as questionnaires, interviews and talks were resorted to, to collect the information required in the study. The study reports on the library and education context in the Province in the period 1990 to April 1996, locating school libraries within both the education arena and the library and information profession. The study reflects on the policy, provision and service of the five former Departments of Education in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. International trends in school libraries and librarianship are also reviewed, particular attention being paid to the provision of school library services in Africa. The international perspective was reviewed to help inform the plan for school library provision in the KwaZulu-Natal region. The study suggests that a school library in each school in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal is not affordable in the near future. It suggests the planning of joint school/public libraries, for resource provision to schools in the region. This joint provision is suggested on the basis of incorporating the school library provisioning section into the Provincial public library system and the removal of the procurement function from the school library advisory service in the Department of Education. An exact plan to enable the above is suggested in the study, prioritising both short-and long-term goals. The study suggests the development of teachers' centres that promote resource-based teaching and learning at school level. It is clear that the exact details of the school/public library partnership have to be clearly mapped out, before the joint project is undertaken, in order to ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities, and that the provision of resources to enhance and optimise the teaching experience needs to interact with the cultural context of the child for the benefits of a library to be fully experienced. The above, will only be possible if a co-ordinated Provincial policy and plan for resource provision are accepted and acted upon; that is, translated into minimum standards for provision. The lack of policy, standards and plan have, in the past, led to ad hoc provision of resources in the Province. The challenge is to convince all stakeholders of the advisability of the above as an interim arrangement in the school sector.
Oxidation at the wet/dry interface in the deterioration of paper in library and archival collections in humid climatic conditions.
(1998) Peters, Dale Patricia.; Kaniki, Andrew M.; Ford, Thomas Anthony.
Three primary mechanisms of paper deterioration in library and archival collections are driven by climatic conditions of excessive relative humidity. These are chemical reactivity, mechanical stress and biological deterioration. It is the view of the researcher that the role of chemical reactivity has not been adequately assessed in relation to the deterioration of paper. The significance of an autoxidative phenomenon, similar to the brown tideline staining at the wet/dry interface, has not been previously recognised as a cause of deterioration as an accelerated function of time under humid conditions of the macroclimate, and as a function of the unstable equilibrium moisture content of materials in a microclimate, but has been obscured by the accepted explanation of biological deterioration. An analytical procedure was developed to enable the comparison of oxidative degradation products found in stained areas of naturally aged samples with those formed during a dynamic simulated ageing programme to induce cellulosic discolouration. A relationship between the degradative mechanism and humid climatic conditions was established. Based on the findings of the analytical investigation, this study forms a contribution towards the development of a theory of deterioration. Evidence is presented of a chemical process of degradation in the oxidation of paper at the wet/dry interface, following the condensation and evaporation kinetics induced by cycling relative humidity (RH) driven by temperature fluctuations in diurnal and seasonal ranges. Sites of moisture accumulation at which the oxidative reaction readily take place, and which constitute a wet/dry interface, are identified at surface areas exposed to atmospheric exchange, in physical defects, in uneven adhesive lamination, in local wet treatments, in impervious storage enclosures or adjacent to an impervious surface which acts as a vapour barrier to the transudational force of capillary action. In advancing the theory of a chemical response of library and archival materials in the fluctuating moisture content as an explanation for the causation of cellulosic staining, the evidence of foxing is redefined. Librarians, archivists and conservators are thus assisted in the identification of the basic chemical reactions involved in the process of deterioration, and in recognising the role of oxidative degradation relation to environmental conditions.
The management of audiovisual materials in the member states of the East and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA).
(2008) Abankwah, Ruth M.; Ngulube, Patrick.
This research investigated the management of audiovisual materials (AV) in the East and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA). The study employed questionnaires, interviews and observation to gather data from a population of fourteen national archives. The response rate from the questionnaires was 64.28%. The observations and interviews were carried out from a sample of three national archives and four national media organisations, as explained in Chapter Three. The study confirmed previous studies that attributed continued dissipation of AV materials to various factors such as climatic and environmental conditions, shortage or lack of skilled AV archivists and lack of a standard legal framework in the ESARBICA region. Most national archives did not cover audiovisual archives in their legislation. The study discovered that most of the national archives did not apply the following policies to AV materials: appraisal, acquisition, access, preservation, retention, digitisation and disposal. The study revealed that most of the national archives had a collaborative relationship with national media organisations, where the latter were required to deposit copies of AV materials in the national archives. However, some national archives relegated the responsibility of managing AV materials to media organisations. Poor infrastructure hindered effective management of AV materials. Most of the national archives did not have equipment to monitor environmental conditions. This could have contributed to the vinegar syndrome in some of the national archives. Poor structural placement of some of the national archives resulted in inadequate allocation of funds to the national archives. This invariably impacted on the way national archives preserved AV materials. The researcher discovered that there were very few training opportunities in AV archiving in the region. The few trained staff had intermediate skills obtained from conferences, seminars and workshops. Most importantly, the study revealed that most of the national archival institutions in the region were not applying the records life-cycle model (or any other model) to the management of AV materials. The major recommendations were a change in the structural placement of the national archives, where the directors of the archives would report to an influential ministry in the government service. Such a position would accord the national archives more recognition and thus more financial resources may be availed to the national archives to enable them manage the nation's heritage more effectively. An Integrated Records Management (IRM) model was recommended. The application of the IRM model requires a paradigm shift from the traditional image of archivists as mere custodians of archives to active participants in the decisions that affect the management of all formats of records, from the creators' organisations or departments before such records (including AV materials) are transferred to the national archives for long-term preservation.
Agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKISs) among small-scale farmers in Kirinyaga District, Kenya.
(2011) Munyua, Hilda Mantema.; Stilwell, Christine.
There has been growing interest, locally, nationally, and internationally in agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKISs) stemming from their important role in facilitating learning, innovation and the sharing and exchange of knowledge and information. Despite the fact that small-scale farmers and farmers‘ groups are among the key actors in an AKIS, little attention is devoted to their needs. This study aimed to understand the AKISs of small-scale farmers (male, female and the youth) in Kirinyaga district, Kenya. The study investigated small-scale farmers, and in particular farmers‘ groups as key actors in supporting agricultural development and linkages between actors, their information behaviour, sources of information and knowledge, linkages and flows of knowledge and information including the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The study also investigated the usage of these resources, barriers to accessing knowledge and information, and existing knowledge and information management practices. The study adopted multiple paradigms and perspectives but was mainly guided by the Social constructivist paradigm and the Soft systems perspective. The theoretical framework was constructed upon an integration of the Sense-making1 theory, Social cognitive theory, Social capital concept, Communities of practice (CoPs), Wilson‘s general model of information seeking behaviour, Meyer‘s information transfer model, Knowledge management theory and the Cynefin framework. The research design was a multiple methods approach that triangulated qualitative, quantitative Sense-Making, Participatory and Soft systems methodologies. Data was collected through interviews with individual farmers belonging or not belonging to a group; key informants; research, training and education institutions; civil society organisations (CSOs); and government departments using semi-structured interview guides unique to each category of informant. Focus group discussions were conducted with farmers‘ groups while questionnaires were sent to information providers. Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Knowledge Systems, participatory rural appraisal methods, unobtrusive observation of the activities of farmers and other actors in the community and secondary information sources were also used to collect data. The findings of the study showed that rich and deep data was collected through the multiple methods research design, and that no conflict arose from using multiple paradigms in a single multifaceted and multidisciplinary study where specific research questions were addressed. The Sense-Making methodology provided useful approaches to studying the information behaviour and decision making processes of small-scale farmers, and to investigate the feelings, emotions and dreams of farmers in Kirinyaga district. However, the experience of this study showed that using a multiple methods research design could result in a very large study. The findings show that small-scale farmers need information from diverse sources and on a wide range of topics along the production and marketing value chains, based on their enterprise(s), geographic location and the actors active on the ground. Male and female farmers expressed needs on similar topics but the needs were gender differentiated with variations in the priorities, types of information needed, the weight attached to each topic, and the information seeking behaviour. Most farmers and almost half the groups combined external information and local knowledge in their farming, and information and knowledge was shared orally along social and cultural lines. Most of the groups were legally constituted and had the status of farmers‘ groups; a few were cooperatives. Farmers‘ groups emerged as key actors in the AKIS of the district and provided platforms for learning, innovation, sharing and the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge among their members. The findings show that most groups did not share information with non-group members, which led to information asymmetries between farmers belonging or not belonging to a group. The findings of the study show variations in sources used by male only, female only, youth only and mixed groups. Male only groups relied mostly on private sector sources, while female only, youth only and mixed groups depended more on public extension services. The main sources of market information were local markets, followed by neighbours, other farmers and cooperatives and societies. Extension emerged as the most important source of advice, information and knowledge on farming in general, followed by the private sector and neighbours. Groups mainly obtained information on news, new technologies or farming methods from extension, media and private sector actors, while they obtained most answers to their farming questions from their groups, extension services, neighbours and other farmers. There were variations in the sources used by different types of groups for advice, information or knowledge in general, as well as in sources used by farmers belonging or not belonging to a group in different geographic divisions. There were more than 150 actors in the public, private and CSO sectors, and there were many AKISs in Kirinyaga district, which were location specific and depended on the enterprise(s) produced and the actors that were present on the ground. Most linkages were horizontal and were weak. Farmers‘ groups and social networks provided a unique linkage mechanism to other actors and access to services such as extension, markets and basic needs. This finding suggests the need to strengthen the capacity of farmers‘ groups and encourage farmers to join or form groups. There were variations in the importance, strength and quality of the relationships between actors in different divisions, locations and sub-locations, but the linkages with farmers were generally weak. The Kirinyaga stakeholders‘ forum and a few partnerships of actors facilitated vertical flow of information between actors but the linkages were equally weak. Farmers mainly used oral communication to access and share information and knowledge. While farmers belonging to a group generally used meetings, neighbours and radio, farmers not belonging to a group mostly used radio, neighbours and cellular phones. The findings indicate that farmers preferred to use radio, television and cellular phones for accessing agricultural information but the usage of modern ICTs was low and most of the users were male. Farmers encountered many barriers in accessing and sharing agricultural information and knowledge including insufficient sources in the community; lack of awareness of who the ―knowers‖ in the community were; limited availability of information providers; poor access to and quality of information on production, value addition and markets and prices; high cost of information services; inadequate information resources and few learning opportunities; personal, social and cultural barriers; communication barriers; and illiteracy. To address these barriers and constraints, farmers used diverse sources of external information and local knowledge for decision making, problem solving, innovation and for improving understanding. While most farmers obtained operational, technical and awareness information from major sources, there was little usage of ICT based information systems. There was no bibliographic control of agricultural information resources and there were very few resource centres in the community. Most local knowledge was tacit and was held in people‘s heads and therefore shared orally from elders to the younger generations and through CoPs in the groups. The study concludes that the AKISs in Kirinyaga district were complex, dynamic, and location specific, and although there were diverse and complementary actors, the information and knowledge within the AKIS was not sufficient to meet the needs of small-scale farmers. Public extension services emerged as the key source of information for small-scale farmers and private extension services such as those offered by horticultural exporting companies were a pillar of support for commercial farmers. There were insufficient numbers of information providers, which meant extension officers were not easily accessible. These findings suggest the need to formalise and strengthen linkages between actors, to improve access to agricultural knowledge and information, and to formulate policy and regulatory frameworks that are gender responsive. There is a need for policies that facilitate the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of external agricultural information and the capturing, documenting and sharing of local knowledge.
"The road is made by walking ..." : a case study of learning, knowledge creation and knowledge sharing at The Valley Trust, a South African NGO.
(2010) Bruzas, Clive Anthony.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.; Stilwell, Christine.; Morris, Craig Duncan.
This thesis explores, from a very personal perspective, the engagement of one South African non-government organization, The Valley Trust, with knowledge work as an integral dimension of its practice. The thesis is written as an autoethnographic case study, drawing on the complementary methodologies of writing inquiry and arts-based inquiry, including the use of metaphor as an aid to understanding learning and knowledge creation as ongoing flow and movement. It is also strongly influenced by narrative theory, and it incorporates participatory action research, with a cooperative inquiry group made up of 12 colleagues playing a key role. Although the inquiry set out to address the question: How can The Valley Trust integrate its learning processes and its knowledge creation and sharing so as to improve its effectiveness and contribute to the broader discourse around health and development?, what emerged during the inquiry process was that there are no simple answers to this question, and confirmed that within the context of the organization‟s work and the author‟s lived experience, knowledge is indeed a “…process, a temporary state…scary to many” (Eisner, 1997:7). For this reason, and to honour the importance of the co-creation of meaning which was a key theme in the inquiry, the thesis avoids conclusions and relies rather on the reader‟s engagement with the process as represented in the text and the images to allow meaning to emerge. The thesis also creates spaces for multiple voices to be heard, although not to the extent originally intended. The thesis foregrounds those dimensions of knowledge work which are neglected in many other writings on the subject: the practical difficulties of finding organizational time for conversation, reflection, and the co-creation of meaning; the challenges introduced by organizational change processes; the tensions which inevitably occur between colleagues; and the challenges of promoting a shared understanding of knowledge work and its significance in an organization where multiple paradigms help to determine priorities. Other key themes which emerged during the inquiry were the importance of seeing knowledge work within the context of the whole organizational landscape rather than as an isolated component of the organization‟s practice, and the critical importance of locating knowledge creation and sharing in relationship. The thesis closes with a reflection on the process of writing, emphasizing the primacy of process in knowledge work, and recognizes the challenges confronting the representation and sharing of knowledge work as process in the complex context of an organization working in the fields of health and development.
A contextual study of the information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria.
(2012) Lawal, Victoria Ladi.; Stilwell, Christine.; Underwood, Peter Graham.; Kuhn, Rosemary Jean.
This study investigated the information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria and examined the steps undertaken to restructure the legal education system in Nigeria. It explored the connection between contextual influences and professional development, particularly with respect to the concept of legal information literacy and the value of acquired educational skills in the context of legal practice in Nigeria. The theoretical framework that underpinned the study was derived from the application of Kuhlthau’s (1993) Information Search Process (ISP) and Byström’s (1999) theory of Information Activity in Work. Kuhlthau’s model was relevant for investigating issues of uncertainty in the information seeking behaviour of the aspirant barristers and further confirmed the empirical validity of the model in the educational and workplace contexts. Byström’s theory was also valuable in analysing problems of task complexity experienced by the aspirant barristers in information use. The study employed a case study method; the data collection process involved the administration of questionnaires to the aspirant barristers and law firms to which they were assigned for vocational training. A mixed method approach was used to provide complementary insights to the findings of the study. Key findings from the study were supportive of the importance of information literacy as being central to the development of professional competence of the aspirant barristers which can be achieved through re-structuring the teaching methods and curricula of the Nigerian Law School. Outcomes from the study also pointed to a need for greater collaboration between the legal education system and the legal profession in narrowing the gap between the teaching and practice of law in Nigeria. Collaboration with academic librarians and legal information specialists is also necessary with respect to the role that these two groups can play in the design and implementation of an information literacy framework for the legal education system in Nigeria. The study makes recommendations for the adoption and integration of information literacy as a conceptual framework into the curriculum of the Nigerian Law School. In this way skills training can be enhanced. The information literacy model, designed as part of the recommendations from this study, provides guidelines for the various processes by which a teaching model that is unique to the context of the legal education system in Nigeria can be developed, tested and implemented.
Information literacy in the classroom : assessing the competency of Western Cape teachers in information literacy education.
(2012) Zinn, Sandra Edna.; Stilwell, Christine.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
This study investigated teachers’ competency in mediating information literacy in the classroom. At the heart of the problem was teachers’ own understanding of information literacy and their competency in information literacy education. The significance of the study is based on the following premises: information literacy is inferred in all the national curriculum statements; first year university students are expected to be able to learn independently from information resources, access and use information increasingly available online only, and write assignments based on research papers but their preparation at the school level appears inadequate and disparate; the education ministry has queried teachers’ lack of abilities in teaching research assignments and projects, often the vehicle for information literacy; and school librarians, the traditionally accepted purveyors of information literacy education, are scarce in South Africa making teachers the default information literacy educators. Further support for the study comes from the international literature: there is continued vocalization of the importance of information literacy through its association with inquiry-based learning. In teacher education certain assumptions have been questioned such as teachers’ innate abilities to mediate information literacy through their subject; and trainee teachers not needing information literacy education. Twenty nine participants in an information literacy education course at the University of the Western Cape formed the purposive sample. A mixed methods approach combined quantitative and qualitative modes of research and data. Data collection methods and tools included a pre- and post-course questionnaire, journals, interviews and assignment artefacts. The overriding mode of inquiry for the current study was qualitative. The principal theories guiding the study are constructivism, inquiry-based learning, and the process-based approach to information seeking behaviour. The important elements of an inquiry model, that incorporate information literacy, such as process learning, asking good questions, motivation, scaffolding, mediated learning and metacognition formed the kernel of the study. The study achieved its purpose in showing in a nuanced way that teachers, having undergone information literacy education, could teach their learners information literacy to a greater or lesser extent using a guided inquiry project. The course intervention saw participants progressing from a limited, unclear understanding of information literacy to having a satisfactory grasp of information literacy (education). Formerly, participants presented learners with a research project accompanied sometimes with a list of instructions, but only saw the completed project at the end. The course taught participants that information literacy needs to be made explicit in the classroom. One of the biggest challenges was using web-based information. The research shows that teachers need to be conversant and comfortable in the web environment and this conversion takes time and persistent breaking down of barriers. Using a change agency continuum, the study shows the participants’ varying degrees of change of beliefs from transmission teaching to using a guided inquiry approach. In comparing a (school) librarian’s approach to information literacy to the teachers’, the most glaring differences were teachers’ initial acceptance that information literacy occurs instinctively; that libraries were storehouses of “stuff” such as books; that textbooks are adequate for research projects; and that the ethical use of information was inconsequential. The study suggests that alternative sociological theories such as ICT for Development or Chatman’s Information Poverty could better explain the historical effect of teachers’ unequal access to information and the challenge of educating teachers in information literacy education in developing countries. The study recommends that all teachers receive information literacy education as part of their pre-service teacher training and that practicing teachers receive effective in-service training in mediating projects in the classroom. Teacher education policy documents need to make more explicit reference to information literacy education. The absence of the position of school librarian requires serious consideration as the lack of access to an organised, functioning school library continues to thwart literacy and information literacy.
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 user-friendliness of a hospital information system using telemedicine in a traditional personnel culture at tertiary Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
(2010) Magaqa, Vuminkosi Lionel Longsdale.; Stilwell, Christine.
The research study assessed the user-friendliness of a hospital information system within a telemedicine context at Tertiary Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in order to achieve the broad objective of developing a model for managing the implementation of these systems in the province. The current situation with the Hospital Information System implemented in IALCH is that doctors and nurses have difficulties in accessing the X-Ray images; ordering drugs, making patient notes, and accessing patient records at follow up sessions at a later date in the format they want. There are also problems with patient and staff confidentiality for some types of records. These problems raise the following questions: Have doctors adapted to change from traditional to computerised Hospital Information Systems implemented in IALCH? Have nurses adapted to this change and how user-friendly is the Hospital Information System at IALCH? The effectiveness and efficiency of the MEDICOM hospital information system and telemedicine system at IALCH for these groups in relation to their participation in the hospital information system and telemedicine system related activities was investigated using Geyser’s (1992) framework for a user-friendly information system and frameworks from Coiera, Westbrook and Wyatt (2006), Rigby (2006), and IMIA (2006). The population of the study were seven hundred and eighty six (786) doctors and one thousand eight hundred and sixteen (1816) nurses working at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Pertinent questions regarding the user-friendliness of the MEDICOM hospital information system and telemedicine system were addressed and answered. Based on surveys by questionnaire survey, focus group interviews and observation the factors that affect the user-friendliness of MEDICOM hospital information system and telemedicine system were identified. The survey data was evaluated and analysed manually. The study revealed that the nursing, pharmacy and billing modules of MEDICOM hospital information system were not user-friendly, but the system was reliable and always in operation when needed. The users could manipulate the logical operators of the system effectively, generally could control the system and handle errors. They were happy with the output of the hospital information system in terms of layout. However, the system provided technical support only and users wanted more training on the system. In summary, the study concludes that the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal should not roll-out the MEDICOM hospital information system to all hospitals in the province as yet. Since there is no single hospital information system or health information system in South Africa, it is therefore time to develop an eHealth Strategy for South Africa to enable a patient-centric focus to health care delivery across a networked model of care. Therefore, a single integrated and comprehensive hospital information system could be implemented in South Africa provided the issues raised for attention in the study are addressed.
Library services' provision for people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs in academic libraries in Tanzania.
(2014) Majinge, Rebecca Mgunda.; Stilwell, Christine.
This study examined library services’ provision for people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs in academic libraries in Tanzania. It looked into access to the information resources available and the layout of library buildings in five universities. The universities studied were University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU) and St. John’s University of Tanzania (SJUT). The broader issues in this study were drawn from issues relating to the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right. The main research question the study sought to answer was what services do academic libraries provide for people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs? Specific subsidiary research questions were what is the physical layout of academic libraries in Tanzania? what information resources are provided by academic libraries for people with visual impairments ? what are the challenges facing people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs in accessing and using library services? what is the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in facilitating provision of information resources to people with visual impairment and in wheelchairs? and what challenges are experienced by the library in seeking to provide services to people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs? The study was guided by the social model of disability of Oliver and used the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework to address the research problem in the context of the academic library. The pragmatism paradigm was employed in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Regarding the respondents 113, (of a population of 139) were surveyed by questionnaire and 57 of 67 were interviewed. The population of the study involved library directors, professional library staff, disability unit staff, and people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs. Snowball sampling was used to identify the people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs. In order to obtain good measures of validity and reliability three data collection methods were employed: questionnaires, interview schedules and an observation checklist. The overall response rate from the questionnaires was 81%. Data gathered through the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics facilitated by SPSS and data gathered through interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research conformed to the research ethics policy of University of KwaZulu-Natal. Access to information is a fundamental right of every human being and academic libraries exist to support learning, teaching, research and consultancy to all in a university’s community of users, including people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs The study confirmed that academic libraries in Tanzania provide services to people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs which are not inclusive or universal. The study put forward a new non-recursive interactive model for application and testing. It offered guidelines for academic libraries in providing inclusive and universal services to people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs For academic libraries to provide services which are inclusive and universal, the layout of library buildings need to include working lifts and ramps for people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs so that they can easily access the information resources housed in the library. In addition, information resources which are in Braille and large print are required for people with visual impairments to read easily as well as assistive equipment to help them read the information resources available. Furthermore, having staff trained and experienced in special needs requires university programmes and curricula to include components, at all levels of qualification, on special needs for people with disabilities. Positive attitudes to both library staff and people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs are needed to allow access and use of information resources. In addition policy addressing library services for people with disabilities is important for the library, to not only guide the provision of universal services, but also to ensure adequate allocation of funds to support library services to people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs.
School library resource centres in Iringa and Njombe regions of Tanzania : their status and role in resource-based learning.
(2014) Simba, Cornelius Asyikiliwe.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The school library system is the most valuable facility of the school and an integral part of the educational process and a tool for teaching and learning. This study explored the status and role of secondary school library resource centres in resource-based learning in Iringa and Njombe regions of Tanzania. The role of the secondary school library resource centre in the education process has not fully been prioritized and exploited to support resource-based learning and foster the development of deeper understanding, critical thinking and independent learning through the provision of accessible resources in Tanzania. The problem that this study attempted to investigate was the status and factors influencing the condition of school library resource centres which are essential for resource-based learning and consequently affecting the quality of education that learners receive. Given this problem the study examined the current condition of school library resource centres, factors affecting such conditions, the role of secondary school library resource centres in resource-based learning, and measures which should be taken to curtail the problems that secondary school libraries face. This was done to ascertain whether the practices followed by secondary school library resource centres were in line with the Tanzanian Education (School Library Resource Centre) Regulations of 2002, and to establish what strategies could be adopted to overcome the weaknesses of secondary school library resource centres in Tanzania. The study was informed by the resource-based learning model developed by Manitoba Department of Education and Training. The study used a mixed methods approach and a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The study involved 140 heads of secondary schools, 36 school librarians, eight District Education Officers for secondary schools, a Zonal Inspector of Schools and a Regional Public Librarian. The types of secondary schools studied included public (community and central government), private, and seminary. The data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. The study found that a majority of secondary schools, 89 (62.1%), had no libraries and of those with libraries, 53 (37.9%), the status regarding infrastructure, staffing, information resources, funding, and services was poor. Such poor conditions are a result of inadequate funding, absence of library committees and collection development policies, failure to implement the education policy and the Education (School Library Resource Centre) Regulations, absence of a national school library resource centres’ policy, standards, and an inspectorate at the Tanzanian Ministry of Education and Vocational Training to coordinate and inspect the school libraries. This study has also found that the secondary school library resource centres were vital in providing adequate and quality resources and professional expertise to enable teachers and learners to effectively use the resources and services to foster critical thinking and lifelong learning. However, their role in the educational process has been hindered by their poor condition and the consequent undermining of resource-based learning.Remedial strategies suggested by the study to address the challenges faced by secondary school library resource centres, included political will and government support in terms of funding, legislation, policy, standards and the establishment of an inspectorate for coordinating and managing secondary school library resource centres in Tanzania. The strategies are reflected in a new model developed for Tanzania.
Predictors of legislators' ICT acceptance and use in the performance of legislative functions at the Nigerian National Assembly.
(2014) Gbolahan, Olasina.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This study was conducted to determine the predictors of legislators’ acceptance and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the performance of legislative functions in the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, Nigeria. A dominantly positivist paradigm using quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. The survey methodology was used and the questionnaire was distributed to all the 469 federal legislators of NASS. An in-depth interview was conducted on five principal officers of the NASS, namely the Chairs of House Committees on ICT and Education; the Chair of Senate Committee on Communication; Director of ICT; and the Clerk of NASS. The data collected through a survey questionnaire was analyzed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate summary and descriptive statistics, Pearson Multiple Correlation, Analysis of Variance, Stepwise Multiple Regression and Path Regression Analysis; while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and thematic analyses. The theoretical framework used for the study was an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis and Davis (2003). A test-retest reliability method of two weeks interval using Cronbach Alpha was conducted on 24 state legislators. The expected reliability stood at r=0.92, which was adequate for the study. Ethical considerations were taken into account with informed consent forms, approval seeking, permission and confidentiality. The findings showed that culture, academic qualification, attitude, behavioural intention, age and organizational impact were the most important predictors of ICT acceptance and use among legislators in NASS. The findings affirmed the ease of use of ICT of the legislators and suggested that legislators have a positive attitude towards ICT use. The findings showed that the legislators perceived ICT as useful and relevant to legislative work. The ICT usage level by legislators was generally low. The inhibitors of ICT acceptance and use that were found in the present study include: lack of exposure to e-parliament systems and fear of technology manipulation and political alienation. The findings on the relationships between independent and dependent variables (culture, ICT availability, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, social influence, and performance expectancy) and the dependent variable (ICT acceptance and use) by legislators revealed that culture, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, social influence and performance expectancy were positively correlated with ICT acceptance and use. ICT availability and performance of legislative functions, behavioural intention and gender were found to be negatively correlated with ICT acceptance and use. The findings of the tested hypothesis showed that independent variables (ICT skills, gender, age and level of education) were positively related. Findings revealed that independent variables (culture, ICT availability, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, social influence and performance expectancy) jointly contributed 7.1% and 32% to the total variance in behavioural intention and user behaviour (moderator variables), respectively. The findings of the study contribute towards creating awareness of the potentials of ICT to support representative democracy in Nigeria. The study made recommendations that have the potentials to improve policy and practice of e-parliament by recommending the provision of ICT for legislators to fit cultural contexts in Nigeria and theoretical interventions to the model of technology adoption by using culture to extend the UTAUT to better explain the phenomenon in Nigeria. The overall conclusion in this regard was that variables such as trust, security, accessibility, power supply, motivation, ICT policy, often used to extend technology adoption models such as UTAUT in studies in Asia and South America, were not found relevant in the context of legislators in Nigeria. The study recommended the need for ICT change agents from among the legislators to support members to become truly mobile workers.
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.
The application of microcomputer technology for information retrieval in library resource centres of Indian secondary schools in South Africa.
(1990) Govender, Gopal.; Horton, Weldon J.
Abstract available in pdf file.

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