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Masters Degrees (Information Studies)

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    The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela district, Bergville Circuit.
    (2023) Mtshali, Noluthando Cynthia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
    The study aimed to explore the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in promoting reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit. The circuit currently has 110 schools, and only seven have functional libraries. The Circuit has one public library, which is in town. Studies on the reading culture have been done before, but studies have yet to be conducted within the Bergville Circuit. Most of the studies on this topic were conducted internationally, with a few in the African and South African contexts. The study was guided by an interpretivism paradigm and adopted a qualitative research method using a multiple case study design to collect data through in-depth interviews. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select teacher-librarians and principals from seven schools with functional school libraries. The researcher found that factors contributing to the poor reading culture of learners from uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, were: Access to the reading material, poor economic background, illiterate parents, educators’ workload, learners with special needs, and child-headed households. The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit were: opening the library, organising the books on the shelves, assisting learners in choosing the reading material, providing learners access to books and information, identifying and help learners who are struggling with reading, encourage learners to read, managing and keeping library books safe, monitoring library monitors and creating reading corners and reading competitions. Based on the findings, the study recommends that school libraries should effectively create and sustain a strong reading culture in schools at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, by ensuring the following: Proper library setup and infrastructure, ensuring learner’s favourite genres are stoked up, Curriculum Integration Plan by educators and school-librarians, attracting new readers and marketing the library, developing programs encouraging learners to read library material and read continuously, storytelling, book recommendation, book clubs, readers cup competitions, read aloud and speeches, getting all educators involved and having the SMT’s involvement in the promotion of the school library usage.
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    The use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus.
    (2022) Letsoalo, Lethabo Mohlago Rogator.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
    This ethnographic study investigates the use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus. The motivation for this study stemmed from the researcher’s experience of the majority of students did not know how to use library’s electronic resources to retrieve information for their work. A few years later, with the COVID-19 pandemic involved, the researcher wanted to understand how the pandemic has affected postgraduate students. Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory underpinned the study. The main objectives of the study are to determine whether students are aware of the EDs offered by UKZN, if they received user education during the COVID-19 as well as the challenges experienced with regards to using and accessing EDs during the pandemic. The study used the post-positivism paradigm. The study population consisted of 51 registered postgraduate students. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire, and it was distributed to students via email with the assistance of the supervisor and school administrator. The questionnaire sought to establish if postgraduate students used and accessed EDs during COVID-19, which EDs they used most, to identify challenges they encountered, the training they received and if they were aware of the available EDs. Of 52 registered students, 32 responded, yielding a response rate of 63%. The results were analysed and graphically presented in tables and graphs. The study found that postgraduate students were aware of the available EDs, but few students did not use them because of a lack of training. The UKZN e-journals A-Z list was the most used EDs. The study also found that students want to receive more training because EDs are based on the use of technology, and technology evolves over time. Several problems were experienced when using the databases remotely, such as a need for training on using the databases and improving access for off-campus users. Based on the study’s conclusions, liaising with lecturers for a class visit to increase awareness of EDs and training that includes different techniques to accommodate all students were presented as recommendations.
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    The awareness of copyright laws at the University of Venda.
    (2022) Ramabina, Maropene Thomas.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Barlow.
    Abstract available in PDF.
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    The use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg campus.
    (2022) Letsoalo, Lethabo Mohlago Rogator.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
    This ethnographic study investigates the use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus. The motivation for this study stemmed from the researcher’s experience of the majority of students did not know how to use library’s electronic resources to retrieve information for their work. A few years later, with the COVID-19 pandemic involved, the researcher wanted to understand how the pandemic has affected postgraduate students. Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory underpinned the study. The main objectives of the study are to determine whether students are aware of the EDs offered by UKZN, if they received user education during the COVID-19 as well as the challenges experienced with regards to using and accessing EDs during the pandemic. The study used the post-positivism paradigm. The study population consisted of 51 registered postgraduate students. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire, and it was distributed to students via email with the assistance of the supervisor and school administrator. The questionnaire sought to establish if postgraduate students used and accessed EDs during COVID-19, which EDs they used most, to identify challenges they encountered, the training they received and if they were aware of the available EDs. Of 52 registered students, 32 responded, yielding a response rate of 63%. The results were analysed and graphically presented in tables and graphs. The study found that postgraduate students were aware of the available EDs, but few students did not use them because of a lack of training. The UKZN e-journals A-Z list was the most used EDs. The study also found that students want to receive more training because EDs are based on the use of technology, and technology evolves over time. Several problems were experienced when using the databases remotely, such as a need for training on using the databases and improving access for off-campus users. Based on the study’s conclusions, liaising with lecturers for a class visit to increase awareness of EDs and training that includes different techniques to accommodate all students were presented as recommendations.
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    The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela district, Bergville Circuit.
    (2023) Mtshali, Noluthando Cynthia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
    The study aimed to explore the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in promoting reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit. The circuit currently has 110 schools, and only seven have functional libraries. The Circuit has one public library, which is in town. Studies on the reading culture have been done before, but studies have yet to be conducted within the Bergville Circuit. Most of the studies on this topic were conducted internationally, with a few in the African and South African contexts. The study was guided by an interpretivism paradigm and adopted a qualitative research method using a multiple case study design to collect data through in-depth interviews. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select teacher-librarians and principals from seven schools with functional school libraries. The researcher found that factors contributing to the poor reading culture of learners from uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, were: Access to the reading material, poor economic background, illiterate parents, educators’ workload, learners with special needs, and child-headed households. The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit were: opening the library, organising the books on the shelves, assisting learners in choosing the reading material, providing learners access to books and information, identifying and help learners who are struggling with reading, encourage learners to read, managing and keeping library books safe, monitoring library monitors and creating reading corners and reading competitions. Based on the findings, the study recommends that school libraries should effectively create and sustain a strong reading culture in schools at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, by ensuring the following: Proper library setup and infrastructure, ensuring learner’s favourite genres are stoked up, Curriculum Integration Plan by educators and school-librarians, attracting new readers and marketing the library, developing programs encouraging learners to read library material and read continuously, storytelling, book recommendation, book clubs, readers cup competitions, read aloud and speeches, getting all educators involved and having the SMT’s involvement in the promotion of the school library usage.
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    Students’ expectations and perceptions of the services provided by the Law Library, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
    (2022) Zulu, Sizwe Richard.; Leach, Athol Brian.
    The study aimed to investigate final (4th) year law students’ expectations and perceptions as well as satisfaction with the services provided by the Law Library on the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). A law library can be seen as the “heart” of a law faculty in a university and it is imperative that the services provided by the library are constantly evaluated to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the students. The study was underpinned by the SERVQUAL model developed by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985). The model is based on the idea of user-centred assessment and identifies five potential gaps between expectations and perceptions of service delivery. Gap 5 was the focus of this study which is the gap between the expected service offered to clients by an organisation and the perceived service delivered. In line with SERVQUAL use was made of the LibQUAL questionnaire the validity and reliability of which has been well established in the academic library context. LibQUAL-based studies done in academic libraries in South Africa were reviewed as well as a selection of LibQUAL studies done internationally (including Africa). The study adopted a largely quantitative approach and all 174 final-year law students registered on the PMB campus in the first semester of 2021 were surveyed using an online questionnaire made available via Google Forms. Thus, no sampling was done and 103 students completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 59.2%, which was considered “good” and thus adequate for analysis and reporting of results. As to be expected and in line with the literature, expectations of library services in all instances exceeded perceptions of those services and there were thus gaps between the two. However, the size of the gaps between the different services varied. The most problematic services were “Staff who instil confidence in users”, “Staff who are consistently courteous”, “Easy-to-use access tools that allow me to find things on my own”, “Staff who give users individual attention”, and the library “Helps me distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy information”. In terms of satisfaction with library services, while a majority of respondents were satisfied with how they were treated in the library and with the overall quality of the services provided these were small majorities. Finally, slightly less than half of the respondents were satisfied with the library’s support for their legal studies. Recommendations stemming from the significant findings and conclusions and directed at library management were made and suggestions for further research were given.
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    The use of information and communication technologies (ICTS) by Grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
    (2021) Ndimbovu, Andile Pheneus.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Barlow.
    The study examined the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. It looked into the types of ICT resources that are used by learners and teachers; the learners and teachers’ attitude towards using ICTs; the learners and teachers’ competence in the use of ICTs; challenges faced by learners and teachers in using ICTs; and, finally, solutions to improve the ease of use of ICTs. Two public secondary schools, namely Sonyongwana High School and Ginyane High School were surveyed. The survey design allowed methodological pluralism for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The tools used for data collection were a questionnaire for the learners and a semi-structured interview schedule for the teachers. Pre-testing of the research instruments, triangulation of research data, and consideration of ethical issues helped ensure the validity and reliability of the results. The quantitative data were analysed with SPSS and the qualitative data were analysed through the use of content analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Venkatesh and Davis, 1996) was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. All learners (100%) sampled completed the questionnaire while 64% of the sample of teachers were interviewed. The study found that the ICT infrastructure is not adequate in secondary schools with the learners using their smartphones and tablets to access information. Most of the surveyed learners have a positive attitude towards using ICTs while only a few learners viewed the use of ICTs in a negative light. The majority of learners felt that they had sufficient skills to use ICTs but there was a substantial minority (39%) who felt that they did not have such skills. The majority of learners indicated that learning to use ICTs would be easy for them. Most teachers interviewed were positive towards using ICTs for curriculum delivery with only a few having a negative attitude in this regard. As with the learners, most teachers in the two secondary schools considered themselves competent in using ICTs. However, challenges that faced secondary school learners and teachers included the cost of access to ICTs, the lack of training for ICT usage, viruses, unreliable sources and the shortage of computers. Recommendations, in the main, revolved around the need for ICT infrastructure and training both of which are contingent on adequate funding being provided. Also pointed to is the need for government to provide free data and tablets to learners.
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    The use of social media for academic purposes by postgraduate Information Studies students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
    (2021) Kutu, Idowu Febishola.; Leach, Athol Brian.
    The study investigated the use of social media for academic purposes by postgraduate information studies students on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of KwaZulu- Natal (UKZN). The study was prompted by the recognition, as reflected in the literature, of problems associated with their use and uncertainty regarding their use in the South African context. It was anticipated that the findings of the study would contribute to the debate and literature on the use of social media for academic purposes. The theoretical framework underpinning the study was provided by the new “paradigm of collaboration and communication” and rooted in communication theory. The study employed a quantitative research design in the form of an online questionnaire using Google Forms. Fifty-five post-graduate students were sampled of which 51 participated, giving a response rate of 93%. Findings, in the form of frequencies and percentages, were presented via tables and charts. The vast majority of the respondents (94%) indicated that they used social media for academic purposes, and the most used social media for such purposes was WhatsApp and Zoom, mentioned by 83% and 79% of the respondents, respectively. WhatsApp was also the most frequently used social media, followed by Google+, YouTube and Facebook. The two least used social media were Pinterest (10%) and Instagram (15%). Smartphones (96%) and laptops (88%) were the two most used methods to access social media, while 85% of respondents accessed social media for academic purposes from their homes. The main academic purposes for which respondents used social media were learning, personal research/development, personal growth and assignments. Finally, the high cost of data bundles (78%), poor Internet connectivity (77%) and high cost of social media enabled phones (69%) were identified by respondents as the main challenges to the use of social media for academic purposes. The practical implications of these findings are that students may find it difficult to cope with the disruption to their studies brought about by the global pandemic (COVID-19) as well as take full advantage of using social media for academic purposes to enhance their academic performance. Being unable to do so could have a negative effect on students’ success rate especially postgraduate students at UKZN. Recommendations made included the need for the government, in collaboration with institutions of higher learning, to investigate the increased distribution and provision of laptop computers and Internet data bundles. University library staff need training and awareness-raising on how staff and students can be kept up-to-date in using, integrating and taking advantage of social media application software in their teaching and learning. Library staff can then offer such training as part of their user education services. The study ended with suggestions for further research.
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    An analysis of the curricula of school librarianship programmes in colleges of education in Transkei, Venda, Bophuthatswana and Ciskei.
    (1994) Majaja, Vatiswa Violet.; Horton, Weldon J.
    Abstract available in PDF.
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    Knowledge sharing practices in public libraries: a case study of eThekwini Municipal Libraries (EML)
    (2020) Ngcobo, Judith Busisiwe.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
    In the information age, knowledge is predominantly seen as one of the most important assets in both private and public organisations and should therefore be managed carefully. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge sharing practices in public libraries: a case study of eThekwini Municipal Libraries (EML). Knowledge management (KM) and knowledge sharing (KS) in public libraries has increasingly come into focus but very little literature is available on knowledge sharing in public libraries in the South African context. eThekwini Municipal has adopted a number of KM initiatives in order to improve the municipalities’ service delivery and to meet its strategic vision. The study was guided by the following research questions: What was the extent of knowledge sharing at EML? What knowledge sharing practices were undertaken at EML? What was the attitude and perception of library staff towards knowledge sharing? What were the challenges facing the library staff with regards to knowledge sharing? What strategies could EML use to overcome such challenges. The study was informed by the Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation (SECI) Model of knowledge creation, also known as the Knowledge Conversion Theory. This study was guided by the post-positivism paradigm and used the mixed methods research design, which included both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The targeted population consisted of 168 respondents. A census was used to collect data from professional library staff. Qualitative data was collected from district managers by means of face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews and quantitative data was collected from the senior librarians, librarians and assistant librarians by means of self-administered questionnaires administered online via email. The computer software program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data obtained from the set of closed questions in the questionnaire. Results of data analysis were presented in the form of tables, figures, charts, and verbal descriptions. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis; qualitative data was organised and presented according to the research questions and involved the discussions of themes and categories. The major findings were that library staff at EML had strong feelings that knowledge sharing with co-workers was a good practice. The findings also revealed that there are a number of problems associated with knowledge sharing at EML. There was consensus between interview and questionnaire respondents that there was knowledge sharing challenges at EML. Such challenges were divided into individual and organisational factors. In line with these findings, respondents were asked to recommend strategies for improving knowledge sharing at EML. The top five recommendations made by respondents included top management support, organisational culture, organisational structure, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), and a budget to support knowledge sharing projects.
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    Adult users’ perceptions of library services provided by Nongoma Public Library, Kwazulu-Natal.
    (2020) Buthelezi, Nombuso Portia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
    The study investigated adult users’ perceptions of the library services provided by the Nongoma Public Library (NPL) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It examined the quality of service provided by the library to its adult library users, by determining their expectations and perceptions of the services provided and whether there were any gaps between users’ expectations and perceptions. It also investigated users’ level of satisfaction with the quality of services rendered. Since its inception in 1996 and despite its importance, no assessment of the NPL had been conducted from the perspective of its users. This study intended to fill this gap and it is assumed that the findings will form a baseline and framework for future services provided by the library. Using convenience sampling a sample of 262 adults was selected from the 819 registered adult library users. One hundred and thirteen (113) users completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 43.1% which was considered acceptable for purposes of analysis and reporting. The study adopted a quantitative approach using the survey design. The LibQUAL+TM survey instrument which was used to collect data was modified and adapted for use in a public library. In line with the quantitative approach, the majority of the questions asked were closed. The results from the questionnaire survey were analysed using SPSS to determine the frequency of responses and were presented in the form of tables and figures. The results of the survey support the usefulness of the LibQUAL+TM instrument used in the study and its importance in the context of public library services. The findings indicate that in most instances, expectations exceeded perceptions regarding the quality of the services provided by the library. However, the gaps between the two were, for the most part, not significant and the extent of the gap depended on the individual services. Significant gaps were found in the categories “Library facility” and “Access to information”. Certain aspects of the category “Staff services” were found to be of concern. Findings revealed that the majority of adult users ranked the overall quality of services as good and that the library is, to a large extent, excelling in service provision. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address the problems identified in the study. The results will be used for service improvements and to make informed decisions concerning the quality of services that are offered at the NPL. The thesis concluded with suggestions for further research. The findings of the survey that indicated that although the adult library users were satisfied with library services they received from Nongoma Public Library but there was a room for improvement. The respondents mentioned the most problematic services as the lack of adequate computers and access to Internet. The respondents further reported that there were gaps in sections involving Access to Information, Access to Electronic Resources, Library Staff and the Library facility. The study recommends that service quality be improved, in a way that the library would satisfy its adult user.
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    Third-year students' perceptions of the library services at the Butterworth campus of the Eastern cape technikon, south Africa.
    (2005) Mgqalelo, Nomonde.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Ngulube, Patrick.
    The purpose of the study was to investigate third-year students' perceptions of library services at the Butterworth campus of the Eastern Cape Technikon (ECT) in South Africa. The study was conducted with full-time and part-time third-year students in all the three faculties, namely the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Business Sciences and the Faculty of Applied Technology. The methodology included a review of related literature and the data collection involved a descriptive survey using self-administered questionnaires. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from all three faculties. Out of the 274 questionnaires distributed, 220 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 80%. The questionnaires focused on the library resources and services available to third-year students of the ECT, ranging from the extent of awareness and usage to the level of satisfaction with various library resources and services. The data collected was analysed by means of SPSS®. A coding list was developed from the variables in the study and the results were interpreted in relation to these variables. The findings of the study revealed that third-year students were aware of the resources and services available in the ECT library. However, the study also revealed that the resources and services are not fully utilized by the ECT students whom they are supposed to serve. There were a variety of problems perceived by the students which emerged from the results of the study. These were: the lack of space in the library, the shortage of computers, out-dated library books, the attitude of librarians, library opening hours, long queues, lack of individual user instruction, level of noise, the need for a study room, the need for training of library staff, lack of photocopiers and difficult access to the electronic room. Many respondents found the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to be inadequate, in the sense that it did not give a true reflection of all the books on the shelves in the ECT library. However, the majority of them were generally satisfied. Recommendations for possible future library services were made in the light of this discussion. Suggestions for future research form part of the conclusion of this study.
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    The impact of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme on small and medium-sized special libraries in Zimbabwe.
    (1995) Chanetsa, Bernadette.; Verbeek, Jennifer Ann.
    Abstract available in PDF.
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    An investigation into staff development activities at the University of Natal libraries on the Durban campus.
    (2001) Mabengu, Mabel Ncumisa.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
    Abstract available in a PDF.
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    Preservation of, and access to oral history records at Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository.
    (2019) Tembe, Mbongeni Andries.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Barlow.
    The study investigated the importance of oral history and how oral history is preserved and accessed at the Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (PAR), specifically at its Oral History Unit (OHU). Oral history confirms information about historical events by enhancing and verifying the event. It also recovers certain aspects of the past event that may not have been captured. Data were collected through three different semi-structured interviews, observation and graphic data in the form of photographs. Qualitative analysis of the data was done via content, conceptual and thematic analysis. The study found that the preservation and access to oral history records have been ineffective since the OHU was established in 2013. Issues identified included legislation which does not provide for oral history records in the contemporary digital era, the lack of policy, deficient strategies for preservation and access, the inadequacy of the adapted building and a shortage of resources, funding and qualified staff. The overall recommendation arising from the findings was a need to improve the preservation and access of oral history records in the PAR. More specifically, the study recommends the modification of the KwaZulu-Natal Archives and Records Services Act (No. 8 of 2011 as amended) to fully accommodate the oral history records and the preservation and access of audio-visual material, the formulation of policy, the establishment of a new archival building, the recruitment of information professionals who understand the pros and cons of archival science, further training of existing staff members with regard to preservation and access of oral history records, and finally, the need for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture to increase the budget allocation for the Provincial Archives. A suggestion for further research ended the study.
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    The effects of teacher-librarianship training at the colleges of education in the former Transkei on school libraries.
    (1994) Pholosi, Tsosane Jonas.; Horton, William H.; Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.
    This study investigated whether there is any significant difference between the training of teacher-librarians with the use of library facilities and the training which does not use library facilities. The study was based on the colleges of education in the former Transkei where the training of teacher­ librarians is mostly conducted with the use of very little or no library facilities. The research sample of 50% was selected from second year teacher-librarianship students who do the course as part of their teacher training at one of the colleges of education in the region mentioned above. This college was chosen on the basis that it has the best library facilities of all of them, and also that the teacher-librarianship programme offered in all these colleges is the same. A test was used as a method of gathering data. The statistical testing of the data indicated a significant difference between the two methods of instruction mentioned above, thus leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis in favour of the research hypothesis. The major conclusion drawn was that: The use of school modelled college library facilities in the training of teacher-librarians is the basic and useful tool towards the provision of functional school libraries.
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    An investigation into the effects of closed market book distribution on libraries in Kwazulu Natal.
    (1994) Vahed, Laila.; Horton, William H.
    The usual route for purchasing a book is for an end user, eg. a library to place an order with a bookshop, eg. Mast. The bookshop places the order for that book directly with the publisher, who may be overseas or local. There are however, some overseas publishers who do not supply their books directly to bookshops in South Africa. Their books are available through one wholesale distributor of books in South Africa who is given an exclusive contract for the supply of that imprint to the local market. The route for an order therefore is from the end user to the bookshop, from the bookshop to the book distributer, and then from the book distributor to the publisher. The book is shipped from the publisher to the book distributor, from the book distributor to the bookshop, and finally from the bookshop to the end user. This is closed market book distribution. The market has effectively been closed to all but one supplier for South Africa. A contract to this effect exists between the book distributor and the publisher.
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    An exploratory study of the information needs of secondary school students in MdantsaneTownship, Eastern Cape.
    (1999) Rubushe, Bulewa Promotia.; Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.; Stilwell, Christine.
    The Study investigates the information needs of high School students in the Mdantsane Township,in the Eastern Cape and is based on the view that high School Students have information needs other than their School-related needs.The building of a Library in the Township made the investigation of this substantial group's,information needs was important in establishing what sort of information service was required.
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    An investigation of the reading interests of Zulu speaking standard two children in the Department of Education and Training (DET) in Pietermaritzburg 1 circuit.
    (1995) Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.; Stilwell, Christine.
    The reading interests of black Standard Two children in Pietermaritzburg were tested in the study. This was in response to the need, expressed by parents, teachers, information workers, media-teachers and publishers, for information and guidance regarding reading interests of black children in South Africa. Two opposing trends were identified in the international literature (including South Africa) on the reading interests of children. The literature is reviewed and the two trends are discussed. A sample of children was selected from a sample of primary schools in the Pietermaritzburg 1 Circuit of the former Department of Education and Training. A sample of children's books was selected and presented to the children to test their interests. Some of the findings were: The children did not necessarily prefer settings and situations which were familiar to their own circumstances; they did not necessarily prefer books which were written in their vernacular; reading emerged as an individual matter regardless of ethnicity or race; children's preferences had no significant relationship to the ethnic origin of the story. From the children's preferences of books and from their responses to questions regarding their reading involvement, conclusions are drawn and suggestions are made.