Doctoral Degrees (Information Studies)

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Contribution of correctional libraries to rehabilitation and intergration of offenders to the community in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
(2024) Saiya, Precious.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
Rehabilitating offenders through education is a fundamental constitutional imperative in South Africa. Yet the contribution of correctional libraries to the development and employability of offenders remains underexplored and inconclusive. Crucially, the Desistence theory stresses the need for holistic development of offenders, while the Transformative Learning theory underlines the role of critical reflection in fostering personal transformation in offenders. Equally, the Context-Mechanism-Outcome model posits that organisational and social contexts should be constantly monitored as they impact significantly on correctional education programmes and outcomes. In this context, the purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of correctional libraries to the development of offenders in Mpumalanga Province. Through a multiple case study design and sequential explanatory approach, a combined total of 607 respondents was derived by using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. The latter included library managers, librarians, facilitators, former offenders, community members and employers. Data were collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research instruments involving self-administered questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Quantitatively, the study confirmed that 90% of learners (offenders) received Library and Information services in their centres, though such services were limited by staff shortages and a lack of funding. Strategies used by librarians and facilitators to mobilise learning resources included partnerships (24%), referrals (12%), book exchanges (13%), donations (35%), and loan systems (15%). Offenders had access to functional literacy programmes (90%), vocational skills training (85%) and higher education opportunities (20%). On average, 65% of the learners were generally satisfied with the quality of education in their centres. Career transition preparations included career exhibitions (15%), on-the-job training (22%), direct applications (30%) and partnerships with sector education and training authorities (26%). Stakeholder responsibilities included training delivery by Sector Education and Training Authorities, accreditation services by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, policy advice by the Department of Higher Education, tutorial support services by peer educators and employment facilitation by community organisations, government agencies and prospective employers. Qualitatively, evidence from semi-structured interviews confirmed that library and training programmes were provided through basic education, vocational education, higher education and pre-release programmes, as well as informal learning activities on the job. Prime examples were agriculture, baking, carpentry, construction, beauty and hairdressing, electricity and welding. Key training delivery strategies included peer educators, referrals, in-service training, internships, learnerships, experiential learning and mentoring by prospective employers. Common barriers to learning and career transition included limited budget allocation, understaffing, protocols, capacity, shortage of learning resources, stigmatisation, limited access to learning technologies, and learner disengagement. Quality assurance measures included accreditation, curriculum design, staff development, digitisation, records management, learner assessment, and training management. In light of these results, the study concluded that while librarians, facilitators and stakeholders contributed significantly to educating offenders, additional efforts are needed to improve career transition outcomes. Through a transformative learning perspective, the study enhances understanding of the strategic role of librarianship in correctional education, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. In contributing to the current body of knowledge on correctional education, the study recommended a context-specific Library and Information Services model to help improve both mobilisation and sharing of learning resources among Correctional centres in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
Measuring and communicating the value of special libraries in KwaZulu-Natal provincial government departments, Pietermaritzburg.
(2024) Nenungwi, Fulufhelo.; Garaba, Francis.
The study examined the various methods used to measure and communicate the value of special libraries in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial government departments (PGDs), Pietermaritzburg. The main purpose was to measure the value of special libraries (SLs) in PGDs and communicate this value to management to advocate their need for redevelopment. In terms of literature to demonstrate the value of SLs, there is a paucity of research that explores this problem, especially in the South African context in which the study was based. The models that underpinned this research were strategic measurement, service quality (SERVQUAL), library quality (LibQUAL), and total quality management (TQM) models. The study adopted the pragmatic paradigm and applied a convergent parallel design through a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 369 employees was drawn from a population of 7,866. In addition, six information professionals (IPs) and six heads of departments (HODs) were purposively chosen as participants in the research. Online questionnaires were used to collect data from library users while interview schedules were used to conduct online interviews with the four IPs and the four HODs who participated. To ensure the reliability and validity of the research instruments, pre-tests were conducted with employees who did not form part of the sample. Computer software, that is, SPSS and NVivo, was used to analyze descriptive statistics and thematic content from the findings. The major findings of the study reveal that there was significant awareness of the existence of the SL in the departments; however, the libraries are not being utilized regularly. The lack of library utilization may be due to the quality of the library being below the expected measures by users and below the zone of tolerance as per the desired-minimum (D-M) standard. However, there was a positive gap between service quality expectations and perceptions, which indicated that users expectations were surpassed. Most SLs in government departments are operating with an outdated library policy or framework. Furthermore, there was a lack of methods used to measure and communicate library value to management. According to library users and librarians, not enough attention was paid by management to the development of the library. Conversely, management confirmed the importance of having an effective library and that there is a budget allocated for the libraries in their departments. While there was a significant awareness of the importance of SPLs in PGDs, the lack of an adequate budget to develop these libraries makes them less effective in helping to achieve organizational goals. Some of the libraries under study were found to be strategically aligned to organizational goals. However, there were no methods used by IPs to measure the value of SLs and there was a lack of communication channels to convey the value of SLs to management. The study also established that various aspects of the library and its service affect how users determine the quality of the library. The functions of SLs are diverse based on the objectives of the parent organization. The roles of IPs in a special library involve determining the various methods that support the organization and its employees by enhancing information access. The study concluded that the value of SLs in PGDs is visible; however, the lack of support from management in the development of these libraries hinders the ability of IPs to showcase the significance of these libraries to the organization. The study recommended that SLs in PGDs adopt and implement the proposed strategic framework for measuring and communicating the value of these libraries. Lastly, suggestions for further research were provided such as the need for further research under the same topic conducted with employees from the regional offices of these departments to get their perspectives on the significance of having a library that is only situated at their head offices.
The impact of the collaboration between University of the Free State ideas lab and the Free State Department of Education on the academic achievement by Grade 12 learners.
(2025) Madiba, Aubrey Monde.; Olasina, Gbolahan.
This study was conducted to determine the impact of the collaboration between the University of the Free State ideas lab and the Free State Department of Education on the academic achievement by Grade 12 learners. A dominantly post-positivist paradigm was adopted, using the combined (quantitative and qualitative) approaches. The quantitative part of the study made use of historical secondary data representing the pass marks of the selected Grade 12 learners in the Free State Province, which spans a five-year period (2014-2018). The qualitative part used interview data drawn from interactions with teachers from the selected schools (Further Education and Training Band) within the Motheo District of the Mangaung Metropolitan, the Motheo FET schools’ district subject specialists in three selected Grade 12 subjects under study, Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) head office FET schools’ subject specialists in three Grade 12 subjects that formed part of the study and staff from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Internet Broadcasting Project (IBP). Data collected in the form of the secondary data representing pass marks of Grade 12 learners between 2014 and 2018, was analysed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 29.0) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics, two-way ANOVA (Univariate Analysis of Variance, Descriptive statistical Dependent Variable, Levene’s Test of Equality of Error Variances and Profile Plots) for all the three selected subjects (English First Additional Language, Mathematics and Physical Science). The qualitative data in the form of interviews (teachers, FSDoE district, FSDoE head office specialist and UFS ideas lab staff) was analyzed, using content analysis and thematic analyses using the NVivo, a software that analyses qualitative data. The adopted theoretical framework was the original Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis and Davis (2003). The model’s constructs were aligned to the results obtained from the qualitative data to make sense of the impact the IBP has on achievement of the Grade 12 learners in the Free State Province. Ethical considerations were made regarding informed consent forms, approval seeking, permission and confidentiality. The response from the teachers showed that they were not only comfortable with the use of IBP, but also the commitment of their learners made it easier to integrate the technology in teaching and learning. Social influence like the other three constructs (PE, EE and FC) was equally influencing behavioural intention and ultimate usage of the IBP in teaching and learning. There was also a positive relationship between the UTAUT constructs and the dependent variable (achievement). The findings also showed that there was a better performance by IBP schools in comparison to the non-IBP, thus confirming that the technology had a significant impact on the Grade 12 learners’ achievement. The findings further indicated that the IBP service was evolving and increasing its portfolio to respond to the ever-changing times, thus ensuring that performance was sustainable, and the service was on par with the rest of the world. The study recommended that the focus should shift from the quantity or high number of passes to quality or improvement in Bachelor passes at higher levels of performance. Another recommendation is to consider expanding access to the IBP to all public high schools to ensure that all leaners have equal chances to achieve at higher levels, due to equal access to similar quality education that is offered through the integration of the IBP in teaching and learning.
Usability of digital institutional repositories (DIRs) by faculty and postgraduate (PG) students: Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
(2018) Shiweda, Tertu Ponhele.; Mutula, Stephen.
The aim of this study was to investigate the Usability of Digital Institutional Repositories (DIRs) by faculty and postgraduate (PG) students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).The study addressed the following research questions:1) What are the attitudes and perceptions of PG students and faculty towards DIRs? 2) To what extent are PG students and faculty at NUST: a) archiving their research output in the DIR, b) using content in the DIR? 3) What is the perceived usefulness of DIR by PG students and faculty? 4) What is the level of satisfaction of PG students and faculty with DIR? 5) What is the extent of system usability of the DIR by PG students and faculty? Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and post-positivist ontology were used to underpin the study. Interviews, survey questionnaire, document review, observation and expert evaluation methods were used to collect data. The population comprised of faculty, PG students, Librarians and system developers. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse Quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Reliability and validity were achieved through methodological triangulation, pretesting the questionnaires, and careful transcription of the data. The findings revealed lack of awareness about DIR among PG students and faculty. The findings further revealed weak institutional policy, which does not clearly stipulate processes and standards on the submission of scholarly works to the repository. he findings revealed misconception by faculty and PG students about DIR and open access. The findings further revealed that the usage of the repository was undermined attitudes, subjective norms, facilitating conditions, and publisher’s policies related to copy right issues. Nevertheless, the findings revealed that PG students generally perceived DIRs as useful. The findings of the study provide evidence based data upon which relevant academic library institutional repositories policies can be formulated. Moreover, the study provides data that is expected to inform budget allocation for ICT infrastructure development for academic libraries, human resource development, and staffing in academic libraries in Namibia. By using the TAM model, this research adds to literature on the aspects that influence the self-archiving and use of information systems such as DIRs in academic libraries from a developing country context.
Recordkeeping for good governance in Tanzanian public universities.
(2023) Kavishe, George Firmin.; Garaba, Francis.
Recordkeeping is a key feature of any institution's corporate governance and is critical to its transparency and accountability. Public universities cannot operate without records because they provide the foundation for sound decision-making. Without records, it would be impossible to hold public universities accountable. Records in an institution help identify what has been done and how it was done. In other words, records serve as tools for creating trust through time and across societies. Therefore, an organization's lack of sound recordkeeping practices hinders good governance. Although recordkeeping is crucial, it is becoming a challenge in enhancing good governance in universities. The prevalence of poor recordkeeping practices in African universities raises doubts about how top management and administrators have been making informed decisions. There is a need to create awareness of the importance of recordkeeping in universities. University records should be properly maintained and secured. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in most African academic institutions, including Tanzania. Therefore, this study investigated the role of recordkeeping in promoting good governance in Tanzanian public universities. The overall objective of this study was to investigate recordkeeping for good governance in Tanzanian public universities. To achieve this objective, the present study sought to answer the following research questions: What systems and processes are used in recordkeeping in Tanzanian public universities? What recordkeeping skills and training do staff need in Tanzanian public universities? What is the role of records legislation in recordkeeping in Tanzanian public universities? What is the level of security and confidentiality control in recordkeeping in Tanzanian public universities? What interventions required to be put in place in order to address recordkeeping in Tanzania public universities? The population of this study was drawn from eight (8) Tanzanian public universities, namely Ardhi University, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Moshi Cooperative University, Mzumbe University, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, the Open University of Tanzania, Sokoine University of Agriculture and University of Dar es Salaam. Purposive sampling was used to select these eight public universities. The study targeted a population of 105. Given that the population of this study is considered small, the study used a census sampling technique where all members of the population were included in the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to 89 records officers. To get in-depth information, a purposive sampling method was employed thereafter to select respondents from the study population for them to be interviewed. Sixteen senior officials were targeted for interviews. The records continuum model and the Information Governance Reference Model underpinned the study. A pragmatic paradigm using Mixed Methods Research with a bias towards a quantitative dominant was adopted, complemented by a qualitative follow-up. The questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while the interview schedule was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, while qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo software version 11. The findings revealed that the level of digital recordkeeping in the surveyed public universities was below standard. The issue of funding for recordkeeping featured prominently; the budget allocated for recordkeeping activities was limited. This limited budget was prohibitive in managing records in all the universities. Recordkeeping activities such as records appraisal, storage, and access were found to be insufficient in all the universities. The study established that the university's recordkeeping laws still needed to be fully implemented. The present study also found that a shortage of recordkeeping space/storage was one of the challenges facing universities. The study findings revealed that universities faced numerous risk exposures concerning recordkeeping. They included pest infection, rodents, computer system failure, fire, unauthorized intrusion, water damage and theft. The study recommends that Tanzanian public universities follow the proposed framework steps when managing their records from creation. The proposed framework addresses the challenges elaborated in this study and, if appropriately implemented, will help Tanzanian public universities perform recordkeeping effectively.
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.
An examination of information ethics standards in the management of open access electronic information resources (OAEIR) by Zimbabwean university libraries = Ukuhlolwa kwamazinga oLwazi lwendlelakuziphatha ekulawulweni kokufinyelela okuvulelekile emithonjeni kagesi ngemitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi yaseZimbabwe.
(2024) Hogo, Howard.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The information society has given university libraries new technological tools and platforms to connect with their clients, eliminating the need to constrain what the library publishes and provision of access to its clients. However, it also unlocked many unanswered ethical questions and dimensions. The proliferation of open access electronic information resources (OAEIR) has created more significant ethical challenges for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, from the privacy, accuracy, property, and access to ethical standards, more so from the African cultural perspective. LIS professionals' adoption of information ethics standards, ethical dimensions and associated dilemmas are increasingly becoming topical issues in the information society due to the proliferation of OAEIR. The study was conducted to determine the adoption of information ethics standards in managing OAEIR by LIS professionals. Additionally, the study sought to determine information ethics dilemmas encountered by LIS professionals in executing open access electronic information management processes. Finally, the study sought to establish contextual information ethics standards that LIS professionals could implement in the open access electronic information management processes. The study adopted the deontological ethics theoretical framework and PAPA information ethics framework to thoroughly interrogate the library information processes, which are creation, organisation, and dissemination. The study used a pragmatism worldview as a research paradigm, a mixed methods research approach, and a sequential explanatory research design. The study population was drawn from LIS professionals serving in nine Zimbabwean university libraries. The study used the census survey sampling techniqu e and purposive sampling for operational level LIS professionals and managerial level LIS professionals, respectively. Additionally, the study used document analysis, which looked at OAEIR related policies and standard operating procedures. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis procedures were employed through descriptive statistics analysis and the SPSS, and thematic content analysis, respectively. The findings revealed that there was generally a lack of information and awareness on information ethics available to LIS professionals. University libraries' affiliation to the LIS code of ethics was viewed in terms of being members of either AfLIA or IFLA, but with no clear policy guidelines on how they would draw from these institutions’ codes. Local professional associations such as ZimLA and ZULC were not doing enough to conscientise LIS professionals on the profession's ethics. Resultantly, university libraries lacked clear policy direction regarding LIS professionals' ethical obligations in electronic content, affecting how ethical issues were being implemented in everyday electronic library workflow operations. Information management in this contemporary library environment and the information-seeking behaviour of library clients have created many ethical dilemmas for LIS professionals. The electronic information revolution has created many problematic ethical grey areas for LIS professionals, and generally in all PAPA, in the management processes of OAEIR. LIS professionals' application of ethical standards in the day-to-day management of OAEIR was influenced by duty-based principles at the library level, aided by experience. LIS professionals' culture greatly impacted the adoption and application of ethical principles and decisions in the management of OAEIR, ushering in an African culture ethical dimension. The available global codes of ethics standards for LIS professionals applied to LIS professionals in Zimbabwe in a broader sense, hence the need for a contextualised code of ethics framework. The study's findings contribute towards awareness, perception, and adoption of information ethics standards by Zimbabwean university libraries and other local affiliated associations, including managing ethical dilemmas emanating from the management of OAEIR. The study findings contribute a cultural dimension to the deontology ethics theoretical framework, thereby enhancing appreciation of the theory. The findings also contribute to more research on information ethics in relation to the LIS profession, especially from the African perspective, in addition to the offering of the discipline in LIS studies across the country and beyond, especially as viewed through the eyes of the contemporary library field. Iqoqa. Inhlangano yolwazi inikeze imitapo yolwazi yasemanyuvesi ubuchwepheshe obusha ukuze axhumane namakhasimende awo, lokhu kuzonciphisa izinga lokuthi amanyuvesi ancike kakhulu kuyona ekuhlinzekeni izidingo kumakhasimende awo. Kodwa-ke, le nhlangano iphinde yavulela imibuzo eminingi engaphenduliwe ngokuziphasa, okudala izinselelo ezibalulekile zokuziphatha kwezobuchwepheshe bemitapolwazi, iLibrary and Information Science (i-LIS) ekulawuleni izinsiza zolwazi oludluliswa ngezobuchwepheshe, i-open access electronic information resources (OAEIR). Ngenxa yalesi sizathu, ukusetshenziswa kolwazi ngendlela efanele nokunengqondo ekuxazululeni izinkinga zansuku zonke kuya ngokuya kuba inselelo kulo mphakathi wolwazi. Ngenxa yalokho, ukwanda kobuchwepheshe obuningi futhi kamuva i-OAEIR ilethe ukubaluleka kwenzindlela ezilungile zokuziphatha. Ucwaningo lwenzelwe ukuhlonza ukwamukeleka kohlelo lokuziphathi ngokuyikho ngabasebenzi abaqeqeshiwe kwezobuchwepheshe be-LIS ekulawuleni i-OAEIR, kanye nezingqinamba zokuziphatha okuhlangatshezwane nazo. Ukwengeza, lolu cwaningo belucwaninga ngolwazi lwezimo zokuziphatha, ngokombono wamasiko ase-Afrika. Njengoba manje sekugxilwe kakhulu ekusetshenzisweni ezobuchwepheshe izingxoxo ezinobuhlakani sezigxile ekutholeni izimiso zokuziphatha, kuyanda ukunakwa kwezimiso zokuziphatha ngenxa yokukhula okukhulu kobuchwepheshe besimanje obuguqule indlela ochwepheshe be-LIS abathola ngayo, abahlela, futhi basakaze ngayo ulwazi kumakhasimende abo. Nakuba imitapo yolwazi yamanyuvesi ibilokhu yamukela ngokuqinile i-OAEIR, ukwamukelwa kwezindinganiso zokuziphatha ekuphathweni kwe-OAEIR kusadingeka ukuthi kuhlolwe kabanzi. Alukho ucwaningo oluningi olunamandla olwalutholakala, nokuthi ukucabanga okutholakalayo mayelana nezimiso zokuziphatha zolwazi e-Afrikha kwakusekuncane ngezindlela eziningi. Izifundo ze-LIS ezinikezwa njalo futhi ezindabeni zezimiso zolwazi kuphela zisantuleka kakhulu. Ucwaningo luze nendlela yokuziphatha ecacile kanye nohlaka lwezimiso zolwazi lwe-PAPA. Ucwaningo lusebenzise indlelakubuka egxile ekwenzeni, ipragmatism, indlela yocwaningo lwezindlela ezixubile, kanye nocwaningo oluchazayo ngokulandelana kwezinto. Abahlanganyeli balolu cwaningo abasebenzi abaqeqeshiwe be-LIS abasebenza emitapweni yolwazi yamanyuvesi ayisishiyagalolunye aseZimbabwe. Imiphumela iveza ukuntuleka kolwazi kanye nokusetshenziswa kwendlela elungile yokuziphatha kwabasebenzi be-LIS, okwenza kube nezinkinga eziningi abasebenzi be-LIS ababhekana nazo. Ukwengeza, abasebenzi be-LIS baphinde basebenzise amasiko abo ukulandela indlela elungile yokuziphatha, okufaka inhlese yamasiko endleleni elungile yokuziphatha.
Investigating the optimisation of South African university library budgets in an austerity environment = Ukuphenya ngokusetshenziswa kahle kweSabelomali somtapo wezincwadi wasenyuvesi yaseNingizimu Afrika endaweni ene-austerity environment.
(2023) Chatikobo, Chiratidzo Nyadzai.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
South African Research University Libraries (SARULs) strive to provide essential information resources to support their universities' learning, teaching, research, and community engagement functions. However, the ever-tightening library budgets reduce library resources in South Africa (SA) and worldwide. The existing optimisation strategies appear to be short-term, spontaneous, and unsustainable. There is, therefore, a need to develop long-term sustainable optimisation strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimisation of South African university library budgets in an austerity environment. In so doing, the following research objectives were pursued: firstly, to determine if austerity budgets were the only problem causing the shrinking of library resources. Secondly, this study sought to establish what optimisation strategies were in place and their sustainability. Thirdly, to investigate if the Theory of Constraints (TOC) could be used successfully to optimise SARULs’ budgets in an austerity environment. This study adopted the qualitative research approach and employed in-depth interviews to collect primary data from purposively sampled respondents through WhatsApp, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. The study’s target population consisted of 42 respondents selected from six research universities in SA according to the Carnegie Cooperation of New York (CCNY) classification. The universities were Rhodes University (RU), Stellenbosch University (SU), University of Cape Town (UCT), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Pretoria (UP), and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Data on the reasons for shrinking library resources and optimisation strategies were collected. Thematic content analysis was used to clarify the meaning of the qualitative data. Qualitative data collected were analysed using ATLAS ti.22. The findings of this study revealed that only paid-for resources were shrinking, while there was an information explosion on alternative Open Access (OA) resources for libraries to access. Several reasons for the shrinking of library resources and optimisation strategies were brought to the fore by the librarian and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research (DVC:R) respondents. It was of concern that some optimisation strategies were not long-term but aimed at short-term solutions. The study concluded that there was a need to develop long-term, sustainable optimisation strategies that would help strengthen SARULs role as a learning resource centre. The study would contribute to the body of knowledge by recommending policies and practices that would help optimise budgets. This would help decision-makers make informed decisions when supporting libraries with financial and technical assistance. Extending this study to other SA universities with different resources and experiences could be a valuable avenue for future research. Iqoqa. Imitapo yolwazi yamanyuvesi aseNingizimu-Afrikha ilwela ukuhlinzeka ngezinsiza zolwazi ezibalulekile ukuze isekele ukufunda, ukufundisa, ukucwaninga, kanye nemisebenzi yamanyuvesi. Kodwa-ke, isabelomali semitapo yolwazi esihlale sincipha siletha izithiyo ekuhlinzekweni kwezinsiza eNingizimu-Afrikha nasemhlabeni jikelele. Amasu okuthuthukisa akhona abonakala engezesikhathi esifushane, ayazenzekela, futhi angasimami. Kunesidingo sokuthuthukisa amasu okuthuthukisa okuzoletha imiphumela yesikhathi eside. Lolu cwaningo luphenye ukwenziwa kahle kwesabelomali semitapo yolwazi yamanyuvesi aseNingizimu-Afrika esimweni esinzima. Izinhlosongqangi ebezifezwa yilolu cwaningo yilezi: okokuqala, ukuthola ukuthi ngabe isabelomali sokungabi namali bekuyiyona yini inkinga edala ukuncipha kwezinsiza zomtapo wolwazi. Okwesibili, ukuthola ukuthi yimaphi amasu okwenza kahle abekhona kanye nokusimama kwawo. Okwesithathu, ukuphenya ukuthi injulalwazi yokuncishishwa kwezinto, iTheory of Constraints, ingasetshenziswa yini ngempumelelo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ibhajethi yomtapo wolwazi. Lolu cwaningo oluyikhwalithethivu lukhiqize imininingo lusebenzisa izingxoxo ukukhiqiza imininingo njengoba injalo kubahlanganyeli abakhethwe ngenhloso kusetshenziswa uWhatsApp, iSkype kanye neMicrosoft Teams. Abahlanganyeli bocwaningo kwakungabantu abangu-42 abakhethwe emanyuvesi ayisithupha eNingizimu-Afrikha kulandelwa uhlelo lweCarnegie Cooperation yaseNew York. Amanyuvesi abandakanyeka kulolu cwaningo yiRhodes, iStellenbosch, iNyuvesi yaseKapa, iNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natali, iNyuvesi yasePitoli, kanye neNyuvesi yaseWitwatersrand. Kwakhiqizwa imininingo ngezizathu zokuncipha kwezinsiza zomtapo wolwazi namasu okuzithuthukisa. Imininingo eyikhwalithethivu yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa indlela yokuhlaziya ngokwezindikimba kusetshenziswe ukucacisa incazelo yedatha yekhwalithethivu. Imiphumela yalolu cwaningo iveze ukuthi izinsiza ezikhokhelwe kuphela ebezincipha, kanti ukusebenzisa ulwazi olutholakala kwezobuchwepheshe kona kwenyuke ngesivinini esikhulu. Izizathu ezimbalwa zokuncipha kwezinsiza zemitapo yolwazi kanye namasu okuzithuthukisa zabekwa phambili ngabahlanganyeli ukuthi amanye amasu okuthuthukisa ayengezona izixazululo zesikhathi eside. Ucwaningo luphethe ngokuthi kunesidingo sokuthuthukisa amasu aletha imiphumela yesikhathi eside naqhubekayo azoqinisa imitapo yolwazi njengezikhungo zezinsizakufunda. Lolu cwaningo lukwazile ukwengeza olwazini olukhona ngokuphakamiswa ukubhalwa kwezinqubomgomo nezinqubo ezingasiza ekuthuthukiseni isabelomali. Lokhu kuzosiza abasemandleni ukuthi benze izinqumo ezinolwazi lapho besekela imitapo yolwazi ngosizo lwezezimali nobuchwepheshe. Ukusabalalisa lolu cwaningo nakwamanye amanyuvesi anezinsiza ezahlukene kanye nolwazi kungasiza ekwenziweni kocwaningo lwangomuso.
Performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in selected Zimbabwe university libraries.
(2024) Ndinde, Shadreck.; Olasina, Gbolahan.
This study examines the performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in selected Zimbabwe university libraries. The study objectives were to establish reasons for the criticality of performance evaluation in university libraries, to identify the aspects of performance evaluation standards that contribute the most to service quality and user satisfaction, to examine how the service quality of libraries is affected by technologies, to assess service quality characteristics that contribute to user satisfaction, and to evaluate the decline in the usage statistics of the selected university libraries This study aimed to determine the centrality of the performance assessment of service quality and user satisfaction. The focus is on the selected institutions in Zimbabwe. The study further identifies the contextual areas affecting service quality, user satisfaction, and performance evaluation methods. It provides an opportunity to advance our knowledge of library operations and services, improve our understanding of user expectations, and enhance efficient service delivery. This is crucial in the Information Science fraternity in several ways. For instance, the theoretical perspectives of the study are intended to provide and contribute to the knowledge of performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in university libraries in Zimbabwe. The study adopts the Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) as the theoretical lens to view the research hypotheses. It also uses a pragmatic paradigm to address the different research questions. The study also employs a combined quantitative and qualitative approach using a survey questionnaire, interviews, and observation for data collection. A survey questionnaire was administered to 1330 postgraduate library users, and semi structured interviews were conducted with nine purposively selected library managers. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) 2021 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics to actualise the study's objectives. The reliability and validity of the instruments were ascertained through test retest reliability using Cronbach’s alpha on 30 postgraduate students from a university that was not selected. A reliability analysis was conducted on an instrument comprising 43 items. The Cronbach’s alpha showed that the questionnaire had acceptable reliability (α = 0.852). The study adhered to the ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu Natal. The study findings established that respondents strongly felt that performance evaluation, user feedback, and user suggestions of library services are more critical to library performance and improving library services. The results revealed that library policies, procedures, and regulations affect most service quality and user satisfaction. The findings of this study showed that the use of computers has increased library performance. It was also found that physical library visits declined owing to the proliferation of technologies. The findings indicate that libraries have resources and facilities that meet users’ needs. The library staff were highly commendable. The study concludes that variables such as performance evaluation, service quality, and user satisfaction contribute to library service quality. The study also concluded that university libraries that subscribe to local and international associations and organisations develop more in their management. The selected libraries can raise their standards by becoming members of local and international associations. It was concluded that the availability of electronic resources enhances research quality by supplementing hard copies. University libraries should invest in electronic resources and ensure that they subscribe to various of these resources to increase the accessibility of their collections. The study recommended that work on performance measurement and evaluation be performed regularly. Every academic library's measurement and evaluation team must suggest proper planning for conducting performance surveys. The study also recommends that specific standards be observed to allow university libraries to use different indicators and the revised standards procedures in their operations. There was a need for collaborative efforts through national associations (ZimLA), Zimbabwe Library Consortia, and other international associations (IF LA, AFLIA and American Library Association (ALA). The study recommends that university libraries keep pace with the latest technological advancements. The study also recommends that library management create a section in the library dedicated to eliciting user needs. This study also recommends that library staff be trained and retrained on how to maintain library statistics. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations will help university libraries strengthen their systems and strategies for improving the provision of their services. More importantly, evidence based modern benchmarking tools will usher in a new dimension of managing university libraries. The study proposes a more refined model and instrument for measuring the service quality and user satisfaction of libraries. Finally, this study has the potential to improve the user experience of university libraries. Iqoqa. Lolu cwaningo luhlola ukusebenza kwezingabunjalo kanye nokwaneliseka kwabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo enyuvesi yaseZimbabwe. Inhloso yocwaningo ngukuthola izizathu zobucayi bokuhlola ukusebenza emitwapweni yolwazi yenyuvesi, ukuveza izinkomba zamazinga okuhlola ukusebenza aholela kakhulu ezingabunjalweni lokusebenza kanye nokwaneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo, ukuhlola ukuthi izingabunjalo lokusebenza kwemitapo yolwazi linomthelela onjani ekusebenzeni kwezobucwepheshe, ukubheka ubunjalo bezinga lokusebenza obunomthelela ekwanelisekeni kwabayisebenzisayo, kanye nokuhlola ukwehla ekusebenzisekeni ngokwezinombolo kwemitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo enyuvesi. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuthola isizinda sokuhlola kokusebenza kwezingabunjalo lomsebenzi kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo. Kugxilwe ezikhungweni ezikhethiweyo eZimbabwe. Ucwaningo luphinde lukhombe izizinda okugxilwe kuzo ezinomthelela wezinga lokusebenza, ukweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo kanye nezindlela zokuhlola ukusebenza. Lunikeza ithuba ukuthuthukisa ulwazi lwethu lokusebenza kwemitapo yolwazi kanye nemisebenzi yayo, ukuthuthukisa ukuqonda kwethu kokulindeleke ngabayisebenzisayo, kanye nokukhulisa izidingo zokusebenza ezigculisayo. Lokhu kusemqoka kakhulu emphakathini weSayensi Yezolwazi ngezindlela eziningi. Njengokuthi nje, izindlelakubuka ngenjulalwazi yocwaningo zihlose ukunikeza futhi zibe nomthelela elwazini lokuhlola ukusebenza kwezingakusebenza kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo emitapweni yolwazi enyuvesi yaseZimbabwe. Ucwaningo lusebenzisa iNjulalwazi Yokuvumelana Kokulindelekile, i-Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) njengesibuko senjulalwazi ukubuka izihlawumbiselo zocwaningo. Lusebenzisa futhi ipharadaymu yokungenzeka ukuphendula imibuzo yocwaningo eyehlukene. Ucwaningo luphinde futhi lusebenzise ngokuhlanganyela indlelande yezinombolo kanye neyobunjalo botho ngokusebenzisa uhlamibuzo lwesaveyi, izingxoxo, kanye nokubukela ukuqoqa imininingo. Uhlamibuzo lwesaveyi lwasetshenziswa kubasebenzisi bomtapo wolwazi asebeneziqu abayi-1330, kanye nezingxoxo ezisakuhleleka zenziwa nabaphathi bomtapo wolwazi abakhethwe ngenhloso. Imininingo yekhwalithethivu yahlaziywa ngokusebenzisa ukuhlaziya ngezindikimba, kanti imininingo yezinombolo yahlaziywa ngokusebenzisa iStatistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 2021 ukuthola izinombolo ezichazayo kanye nezibalo zokungase kwenzeke ukuqondisa kahle izinhloso zocwaningo. Ukwethembeka kanye nokukholakala kwamathuluzi asetshenzisiwe kwaqinisekiswa ngokuvivinya okuphindaphindayo kusetshenziswa iCronbach’s alpha kubafundi asebeneziqu abangama-30 basenyuvesi ekhathethiwe. Ukuhlaziya kokwethembeka kwenziwa ngethuluzi elinezinhlaka ezingama-43. ICronbach’s alpha yaveza ukuthi uhlamibuzo lwaba nokwethembeka okwamukelekile (α = 0.852). Ucwaningo lwahambisana nenqubo yenkambiso elungileyo yasenyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natali. Imiphumela yocwaningo yaveza ukuthi abahlanganyeli bezwa sengathi ukuhlola kokusebenza, izimpendulo zabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi, kanye neziphakamiso zabasebenzisa umtapo wolwazi ngokusebenza komtapo wolwazi kugxile kakhulu ekusebenzeni komtapo wolwazi kanye nasekuthuthukiseni ukusebenza komtapo wolwazi. Imiphumela yaveza ukuthi imigomo yomtapo wolwazi, izinqubo, kanye nendlelakusebenza kunomthelela omkhulu kwizingabunjalo lomsebenzi kanye nokweneliseka kwasebenzisi bemitapo yolwazi. Lolu cwaningo lwaveza ukuthi ukusebenzisa amakhompyutha sekwenyuse ukusebenza komtapo wolwazi. Kwatholakala futhi ukuthi ukuvakashela umtapo ngumuntu bukhoma sekwehlile ngenxa yokusabalala kokusebensa ngobuchwepheshe. Imiphumela iveza ukuthi imitapo yolwazi inezinsizakusebenza ezihlangabezana nezidingo zabasebenzisi bemitapo yolwazi. Abasebenzi basemtapweni wolwazi banconywa kakhulu. Ucwaningo luphetha ngokuthi amavarebhuli afana nokuhlola ukusebenza, izingakusebenza, kanye nokweneliseka kwabasebenzisi bomtapo wolwazi kunomthelela kwizingakusebenza lomtapo wolwazi. Ucwaingo luphinde luphethe ngokuthi imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi iyahambelana nezinhlangano zangaphakathi zezwe nezamazwe angaphandle futhi izinhlangano zithuthukisa amakhono azo okuphatha kakhulu. Imitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo ingaphakamisa amazinga ayo ngokuba amalunga ezinhlangano zamazwe angaphakathi kanye nezamazwe ngamazwe. Kwavela ukuthi ukuba khona kwezinsizakusebenza zobuchwepheshe kukhuphula izingabunjalo locwaningo ngokuthatha indawo yamakhophi aqoshiwe. Imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi kumele ifake amandla emali ezinsizeni kusebenza zobuchwepheshe bese iqinisekisa ukuthi bayabhalisa kulezi zinsizakusebenza ezahlukehlukene ukukhuphula ukungeneleka kwamaqoqo abo olwazi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi umsebenzi wokukala ukusebenza kanye nokuhlola kumele kwenzeke njalo. Zonke izikalo zomtapo wolwazi wemfundo kanye nethimba lokuhlola kumele kuphakamise uhlelo olufanelekile ukuqhuba umsebenzi wamasaveyi. Ucwaningo luyaphakamisa futhi amazinga athile kumele abhekwe ukuvulela imitapo yolwazi yenyuvesi ukusebenzisa izinkomba ezehlukahlukene bese kubuyekezwa izinqubo sokusebenza. Bekunesidingo semizamo yokusebenzisana nezinhlangano zesizwe (ZimLA), Inhlangano Yemitapo Yolwazi yaseZimbabwe, kanye nezinye izinhlangano zamazwe angaphandle (IFLA, AFLIA kanye ne-American Library Association (ALA)). Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi ihambisane nokuthuthuka kokusebenza kobuchwepheshwe. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi ubuholi bomtapo wolwazi buqambe uhlaka olubhekelela izidingo zabasebenzi bomtapo wolwazi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa futhi ukuthi abasebenzi bomtapo wolwazi baqeqeshwe ngokuphindiwe ukugcina izinombolo zomtapo wolwazi. Imiphumela, isiphetho, kanye neziphakamiso kuzokwelekelela imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi ukuthi kukhulise izindlela zabo kanye namasu okuthuthukisa ukunikezela ngemisebenzi yabo. Ikakhulukazi, amathuluzi okusebenzisana nabanye esimanje nanobufakazi kuzokwelekeleka ukubhekelela ubungako obusha bokwengamela imitapo yolwazi enyuvesi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa imodeli ecolisekile kanye nethuluzi lokukala izingakusebenza lemitapo yolwazi kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo. Okokugcina, lolu cwaningo lunokukwazi ukuthuthukisa isimo sabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi yenyuvesi.
Electronic records management and information culture in Botswana's parastatals.
(2023) Thabakgolo, Mogogi.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Abstract available in PDF.
The role and value of special library services in the information age: a case study of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
(2022) Rajagopaul, Athena.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
With technological advancements and the rise of the information age, this study investigated the role of special library services in the information age specifically in the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). While observations reveal that other special libraries have closed or down-sized, the SABC libraries have been in existence since 1961 and continue to function. For this reason, the aim of the study was: 1) To ascertain the value and role of the special library service in the information age at the SABC; 2) To determine the extent to which the SABC libraries have been influenced by ICTs; and 3) To draw on possible best practices and trends that can be implemented by the SABC libraries. The study’s population was the SABC staff in the hub cities of South Africa, namely, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Mixed methods approach was employed for the study. Two different web-based questionnaires targeted the SABC library staff and library users. Interviews were conducted with selected managers. The study was underpinned using the Organization Theory (Systems Approach), Technology Acceptance Model, The Embedded Librarianship, Librarian/Library 2.0, Blended Librarian models. Microsoft Excel was utilized for data analysis and to extract quantitative results. Triangulation was done within each case and across populations holistically to provide in-depth and rich data. The study was rooted in the interpretivist and pragmatism paradigms. Qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis together with hermeneutic phenomenology methods were employed for qualitative responses. Electronic analysis using Microsoft Excel was used as the nature of the case study allowed the researcher to engage thoroughly with the findings for better reporting. The study revealed a general satisfaction with the SABC library services with digitization being a necessity for the library service. A refreshing practice trending was that of benchmarking LIS graduates for employment in the special library services.
A framework for digital archiving at selected public universities in Kenya.
(2022) Erima, Juliet Awinja.; Garaba, Francis.
Archival records are knowledge assets that preserve the overall historical scholarship, memory and identity of organisations and institutions of higher learning. The rapid transformations witnessed on the digital landscape today have led to the increased generation of digital records, prompting the growing interest by universities to adopt sustainable digital archiving implementations to ensure the continued access of archives. This research investigated digital archives management practices in selected public universities in Kenya. The objective of the study was to develop a digital archiving framework for the archival repositories at the institutions. To achieve this objective, the study sought to answer five research questions which were: what is the state of digital archiving readiness of public universities in Kenya? How are digital archives identified and administered in Kenyan public universities? Which legal and regulatory frameworks govern digital archives management in Kenyan public universities? Which risk factors are digital archives exposed to in these universities? What possible solutions can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks and support sustainable digital archiving implementations in Kenyan public universities? The study subscribed to the pragmatic school of thought which formed the basis for adopting a mixed methods approach that prompted the use of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with a qualitative priority. The study was underpinned by the records continuum (RC) model, Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference model and the Archives and Records Management Association (ARMA) Records Management Maturity model which were triangulated to coin a conceptual framework for the study. The study adopted a multiple-case (embedded) design using cross-sectional survey. Six universities were purposively selected from 23 fully accredited public universities in Kenya namely: the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi, Kenyatta, Maseno and Egerton Universities. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 205 respondents comprising of deputy vice-chancellors, finance officers, legal officers, ICT directors, archivists, records managers, records officers, ICT staff and administrative staff. Questionnaires were administered to 169 respondents; 36 participants were targeted for interviews, and document review was used to confirm the data. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using inferential and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using NVivo and presented using charts, graphs and tables as applicable. The key findings suggested that public universities in Kenya have not attained the desired optimal state of readiness for digital archiving. This was evidenced by the absence of functional archival repositories in five of the universities, insufficient harnessing of the available ICTs for d-archiving, inadequate skilled and competent staff, low prioritization for the education and training of recordkeeping staff and absence of dedicated budgets for records and archives management functions in the institutions. Furthermore, there were no formal processes guiding the lifecycle management of digital records and the generated metadata. The situation was exacerbated by weak and/or non-existent legal and regulatory frameworks for recordkeeping at national and institutional levels. Subsequently, digital records were exposed to risks at various stages of their lifecycle which included records technology risks, legal and regulatory risks, administrative risks and records control risks. The risks further occasioned a cocktail of challenges that called for urgent interventions. The overall conclusion of the study was that even though the institutions have instigated various approaches and strategies to mitigate the identified risks, a lot needed to be done to improve the state of digital archives management in the universities. Taking into consideration the study findings, this research recommends a framework for digital archiving that brings into perspective a collaborative approach, whose core focus is to enhance d-archiving practices in archival repositories of collaborating institutions.
E-records security management at Moi University, Kenya.
(2019) Musembe, Carolyne Nyaboke.; Mutula, Stephen M.
E-records are vital for the operation of the state as they document official evidence of the transactions of a business, government, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and even individuals. Therefore, e-records generated in organizations and institutions including universities in Kenya are considered a vital resource used as a tool for the administration, accountability, and efficient service delivery. Despite the importance of records to the growth and sustainability of any organization, e-records security management at Moi University seemed to be not well established thus exposing the records to among others, unauthorized access, risks of alteration, deletion and loss and cyber security threats. This study sought to investigate e-records security management at Moi University in Kenya. The following research questions were addressed: How are e-records created, maintained, stored, preserved and disposed? How is security classification of e-records process handled to facilitate description and access control? What security threats predispose e-records to damage, destruction or misuse and how are they ameliorated? What measures are available to protect unauthorised access to e-records? How is confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity, possession or control and utility of e-records achieved? What skills and competencies are available for e-records security management? The study employed pragmatic paradigm using embedded case study research design. The target population for the study was one hundred and forty five (145) respondents consisting of top management, deans of schools and directors of Information Communication and Technology as well as Quality Assurance directorates, action officers, records managers and records staff. A complete enumeration of the population was taken, therefore a choice of sample size was not necessary. The data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to action officers, records managers and records staff, while interviews were administered to top management, deans of schools and directors of Information Communication Technology as well as Quality Assurance directorates respectively. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in a narrative description, while quantitative data was organized using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) and summarized by use of descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and percentage for ease of analysis and presentation by the researcher. The findings of the study revealed that university core business functions of teaching, research, and outreach services generated massive e-records. However, the management of such records was compromised largely because of the lack of integration of e-records management into the business process. Besides, the university lacks an e-records management programme. Moreover, there is lack of policy framework; thus, hampering e-records security management. Security of the erecords were also compromised because this activity was left until the last stage of the e-record with minimal priority. There was also lack of guidelines on e-records classification. The findings revealed challenges related to cyber-attacks, non-adherence to ethical security values, and inadequate skills that affected e-record security management. The study recommended the development and implementation of a records management programme and policies, adoption of relevant standards, developing skills about the cyberspace, provision of adequate budget, education and training.
Marketing to enhance the use of information resources and quality of services in medical libraries of public universities in North-West Nigeria.
(2022) Abule, Mudassir Abubakar.; Garaba, Francis.
Abstract available in PDF.
An ethnographic study of the utilisation of electronic library databases by academic staff in North-Central Nigeria.
(2021) Chollom, Kachollom Monday.; Olasina, Gbolahan.
This ethnographic case study is an exploration of the utilisation of electronic library databases by academic staff in North-Central Nigeria. The motivation for this study stemmed from the researcher's experiences as a Subject Librarian as well as context-specific issues that arose from the existing literature. For instance, there was under-utilisation of e-library databases by academic staff at the University of Jos, Plateau State, alongside similar institutions in North-Central Nigeria. Many previous studies on the use of e-library databases by academic staff in Nigerian universities were centred on the quantitative survey methodology. Hence, this study aimed to improve an understanding of the personal/individual experiences, environmental contexts and socio-cultural factors affecting academic staff e-library database utilisation, through ethnographic research. Accordingly, the Symbolic Interactionist Ethnography-SIE underpinned the study. The application of the theory was anchored by the Interpretivist approach, which was supported by the execution of a case study method of research in which academics from the University of Jos, Plateau state and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue state were targeted. The probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling procedures were used in selecting participants. Specifically, the purposive and stratified sampling methods were used. The qualitative research approach adopted for the study gave the researcher the opportunity to elicit detailed views of academics' perspectives on the phenomenon through observation, photovoice, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Also, documents were evaluated for triangulation of results. Data were thematically analysed according to the criteria for trustworthiness, such as credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. A constant comparison approach was used in the analysis of data. The study also compared findings from all sources of data collection and cases focused on in this study. Consequently, the study's findings indicated academics engage with the e-library databases for research from their offices, as the office is their workspace that provides a suitable environment for the academics to engage in research and prepare for lectures. The study's core results revealed academics' leaning toward printed sources of information for teaching and research. The decision could be linked to their human nature, individual differences, and personalities, such as a resistance to change. The results revealed negative/unsatisfying experiences due to several limitations, such as inadequate skills, and library staff assistance in academics' use of online databases as the main reason for low use. Also, the results showed shared experiences with colleagues in the faculty influenced academics' use of e-library databases. The study further discovered a lack of interest in academics' use of online library databases as the main reason for low usage. The study concluded that socio-cultural factors and environmental contexts affect academics' utilisation of e-library databases. Therefore, the study recommends that the university authorities scrupulously comprehend modern technology connected with the organisational culture and encourage academic staff of its value and benefits. There is as well the need for university libraries to develop e-database policies and frequently review and update the policies and practices associated with utilising e-library databases. The university management can do that by establishing interventions to tackle inappropriate e-library database use. Finally, actors in universities must be committed to integrating the socio-cultural work environment as an intended benefit (essential factor) in enhancing e-library database use.
Strategies for sustaining the provision of electronic information resources services in university libraries of North Central Nigeria.
(2020) Ojukwu, Njideka-Nwawih Charlotte.; Mutula, Stephen M.
Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) is trending as a system of information provision and services in libraries, an alternative to the traditional information services system. EIRs presently constitute vital sources of knowledge and information in all university libraries. The 21st century has witnessed a global revolution in university library services via the integration of EIRs, and University libraries in Nigeria are catching up to this trend. They have adopted EIRs services in the selection, subscription registration, registration validation, materials organisation, and dissemination of information resources within the libraries that are currently using EIRs. Thus, the initiatives adopted for the provision of EIRs services focusing on their sustainability by university libraries can enhance the delivery of such services if adequately employed, which is the focus of the present study. The strategies applied for sustainable provision of EIR services in University libraries in Nigeria and their implementation in university libraries in North Central Nigeria remain unknown and under-researched. Therefore, the study aimed to: assess the effectiveness of the provision of EIRs in University libraries in North Central Nigeria; investigate the sustainability of funding sources for EIRs; examine strategic planning and policies implemented to impact the sustainable provision of EIRs; examine the extent to which economic, social, and environmental strategies were employed in sustaining EIRs services in the selected libraries; and identify the challenges faced in the provision of EIRs and how libraries ameliorate these. The research questions were deduced from the research objectives. The HC Bridge Decision Model, the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory, and the conceptual framework were drawn from the model and theory variables that guided the study data collection. The pragmatic paradigm was the theoretical lens applied for the investigation of the research questions. The methodological approach used was a multi-method design. The study population comprises professional librarians, ICT services provider, and Library management team from the four selected University libraries of North Central Nigeria. A quantitative questionnaire was applied to collect data from the service providers, the professional librarians, and the selected ULs’ ICT support staff. The qualitative data was collected through an interview from the library management team, document evaluation on the library funding documents, strategic planning and policy documents, and the observation checklist on the available EIRs from the university web site. The study analyses applied the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to generate frequency tables and percentages and the charts from quantitative data. Qualitative data from the interview, document analysis, and Observation checklist were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study results revealed the availability of electronic information resources, services in the surveyed libraries and their effectiveness. Nevertheless, from the management response, there is high dissatisfaction with available EIRs services in some libraries. The study further revealed that government interventions through TETFund sustain EIRs services in higher institutions in Nigeria, significantly impacting EIRs’ provision in Nigerian ULs. Despite the government efforts, EIRs services funding was inefficient. The strategic planning implementation has a low impact on providing sustainable EIR services in ULs of North Central. Similarly, the policy guide for EIRs’ services provision was also lacking. Besides, the surveyed university libraries had applied various economic, social, and environmental strategies for the sustainable provision of EIRs services. Although inherent challenges hinder the EIRs’ management in most surveyed libraries. Finally, the study recommends applying the library sustainability team for EIRs and services effectiveness and having alternative sources for adequate funds. Besides developing and implementing strategic planning and policy for positive impact on EIRs, further recommendations point out that evaluating more innovations in economic, social, and environmental strategies for sustainable provision of EIRs services, and some identified strategic measures need a thorough review.
The training of teacher librarians and the development of school libraries in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
Libraries are the important resources that knowledge production institutions such as schools must have in order to effectively realise their objectives. It is important to note that libraries are hubs of the learning environment; hence they need to be managed by skilled people who are well aware of their functions, purpose and role in terms of meeting the school’s vision, mission and goals. It was for this reason that institutions of higher learning such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offered the Advanced Certificate in Education in School Library Development and Management (ACESLD) as a specialist qualification for educators to enable them to acquire the necessary skills to develop and manage libraries in their respective schools. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) provided funding to support the training of qualified teacher librarians. However, there has been no comprehensive report on the success and failures of this initiative since its inception in 2004. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACESLD Programme through tracing the educators that have graduated from the Programme and determining the impact it has had on their work as teacher librarians as well as on the development and management of their school libraries. The objective of the study was to determine the influence that the ACESLD Programme has had on the development and management of school libraries in the KwaZulu- Natal (KZN) Province. The study adopted the postpositivist paradigm. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to investigate the problem, although the overall approach was more qualitative in nature. The postpositivist paradigm allows both methods to be used to collect data. Data was collected from teacher librarians, the Education Library Information Technology Services (ELITS) Director and the UKZN ACESLD Programme Coordinator. The study found that the ACESLD Programme had a major influence on the teacher librarians’ contribution to the development and maintenance of school libraries in the Province. Most of the teacher librarians contributed to the development of their school libraries and used the knowledge and skills gained from the ACESLD Programme. It was also found that ELITS had a much broader role to play given that their focus is not only the provision of access to functional school libraries but also necessitates that they provide library-related professional development and support for targeted schools within the Province. The study recommends that the Directorate must compile a report on the progress ELITS has made regarding the school library development in the Province. It was further recommended that ELITS conduct extensive monitoring and evaluation to determine if the teacher librarians are maintaining the school libraries, given that they were provided with the initial resources to develop school libraries.
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.
Availability and utilisation of information resources by academic librarians for job performance enhancement in selected university libraries in North-Central Nigeria.
(2020) Kutu, Jacob Oloruntoba.; Garaba, Francis.
The study examined availability and utilisation of information resources by academic librarians for job performance enhancement in selected university libraries in North-Central Nigeria. Five research questions and four hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Task-Technology Fit were the theoretical frameworks underpinning the study. Research questions were matched to the theories while post-positivism research paradigm with survey research design was employed. The extant literature reviewed showed that job performance of academic librarians in African university libraries, particularly Nigerian university libraries was low, when compared with that of their counterparts from the developed parts of the world. The literature also revealed that little or no attention has been paid to examine the importance of information resources use in achieving academic librarians' job performance. The study used explanatory design as a choice of mixed method research. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from the academic librarians from seven selected universities in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The data arising from the study were analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 24.0). For the research questions, descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation) were employed to describe the variables and their occurrences among the respondents. Inferential statistics were used to test the hypotheses. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the evaluation contributed immensely to enhancing the researcher’s confidence in the reliability of the instruments and the data emanating from such procedures. The ethical aspect of this study was achieved by adhering to the ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was computed using Cronbach’s alpha (α) through a pre-test reliability method. A Cronbach’s alpha (α) value of r = 0.876 was obtained. The total enumeration technique was thereafter used to select academic librarians in the seven selected federal universities in the north-central region of Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-eight (128) copies of a questionnaire were administered across the seven university libraries. Out of this total, 103 copies were duly completed and returned for quantitative analysis, giving a response rate of 81%. However, a response rate of 100% was achieved for the qualitative data. In addition, the census method was used, in line with Israel (1992). Copies of the survey questionnaire were used mainly to collect quantitative data from the academic librarians, while interviews were used to collect qualitative data from university librarians (heads of library). The findings indicated that 90% of the respondents noted that there is high availability of information resources for their job performance. A relationship between level of information resources utilisation and academic librarians job performance was established in the selected university libraries at (β= 0.591; p<0.05). The hypotheses tested revealed that job performance was significantly related to information accessibility and information utilisation. Though, information availability was found to be positively related to job performance, the relationship was not statistically significant (β= 0.081; p>0.05). Theoretically, the study contributed to validating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Task-Technology Fit. The need for university libraries to sustain awareness among library staff on the importance of engaging in the use of cataloguing services for effective job performance, maintenance of acquisition policy on selection of print and non-print information resources, provision of regular electricity supply, improved Internet connectivity, attendance of periodic ICT-based training and improved library budgetary allocation were recommended as strategies for effective job performance among the academic librarians in the selected university libraries in North-central, Nigeria.
Information and communication technology skills on knowledge sharing among librarians in federal university libraries in South-West, Nigeria.
(2019) Quadri, Ganiyu Oluwaseyi.; Garaba, Francis.
Abstract available in PDF.

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