Browsing Research articles (Dept of Library and Information Studies) by Title
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Mnjama, N. (Library Management; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.; www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister; www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This article seeks to answer one basic question: “Are archival institutions in the Eastern and Southern African region developing, stagnating or receding backwards?” Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews the state of archives and records management in the Eastern and Southern African region. It argues that many archival services in the region have gone through a period of retardation and are in dire need of revitalization. Findings – The article indicates that the challenges of managing electronic records are enormous and that unless measures are taken the region stands to lose much of its valuable historical and cultural heritage. Originality/value – The article suggests various ways of revitalizing archival services in the Eastern and Southern African region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/57 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_archival_landscape.pdf (4.734Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services is seen as a success story by many other African archival institutions. The Department has made major strides in developing records services, opening five regional centres and partially automating most of its finding aids. However, as this article indicates, major aspects of managing public sector records remain chaotic and regulations governing the management and disposal of public records are flouted by many Civil Servants. The article concludes by suggesting that the time has now come for the National Archives to focus on the management of the entire life cycle of records rather than managing only the preservation stage. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/108 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_kenya_2003.pdf (1.793Mb) -
Gerhan, D.R.; Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the technical reasons for excessively slow internet speeds at the University of Botswana, to discover the present state of development efforts addressing such examples of the qualitative digital divide, and to recommend remedies. Design/methodology/ approach – Surveys of students, the authors' professional experiences, and reports from corporate, public, and intergovernmental organizations provided insights into the effects – and causes – of internet slowdown. Findings –Bandwidth bottlenecks were identified in successive stages of intercontinental internet traffic. Causes included network design and capacity, telecommunications regulations, and competing budgetary demands within Botswana. Research limitations/implications – Much of the literature on the digital divide has stressed plentiful hardware and internet connections in affluent societies versus their scarcity in developing societies. This study illustrates that hardware and connections are necessary but not sufficient for adequate online performance. Technological advance and development can each stimulate the other, and that two-way interconnection necessitates more than a simple call for more spending to increase developing countries' bandwidth. The paper presents recommendations in addition to higher funding. Originality/value – Student and other micro-level data serve as measures for the local performance of a global utility, the internet. Tracking message transmission uncovers bottlenecks along the path of the intercontinental internet, specifically as it reaches Africa. These “street-level” approaches can assist the international aid community, the telecommunications industry, and the public sector in Botswana and elsewhere in removing obstacles to the internet as a potentially important tool for national- and human-development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/796 Files in this item: 1
Gerhan_LHT_2005.pdf (1.566Mb) -
Jain, P.; Thapisa, A.P.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The question of low productivity in Botswana is a cause of concern and a study has been carried out into perceptions about productivity in a sample of academic and public librarians. The main barriers to productivity were a lack of: job satisfaction, technological facilities and employee empowerment, together with poor management, working environment, relationship among staff, and inefficient use of human and material resources. The authors suggest that a serious culture change is required which would involve modifying both management and employees attitudes towards work, behaviour and commitment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/824 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LM_2000.pdf (709.6Kb) -
Kalusopa, T. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – This paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small-scale farmers. Design/methodology/ approach, A survey of information needs of small-scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small-scale farmers in Zambia. Findings - The paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small-scale farmers anchored on ICTs. Research limitations/implications – This study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized. Originality/value – The changes in the socio-economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small-scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/764 Files in this item: 1
Kalusopa_LHT_2005.pdf (897.5Kb) -
Bwalya, Kelvin Joseph (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The emergence of knowledge economies and extensive use and adoption of ICT in business entities have placed more pressure on governments to implement e-Government in their public service delivery platforms. For some of the governments, implementation of e-Government follows no explicit strategy but is done with a loosely coordinated approach. A properly designed e-Government implementation strategy with input from the local context is desired if implementation were to be deemed successful. Because of efficiencies brought about by the adoption and appropriate use of ICT in businesses and other private sector entities, e-Government is slowly becoming a sine qua non for responsive and transparent governance and is seen as one of the most important ingredients to national competitiveness. Using a desk literature review, this paper emphasises the different factors that should be considered when developing e-Government projects, especially in Africa. The paper discusses the basics of e-Government readiness in Zambia by analysing the different initiatives that are being put in place to encourage e-Government development, and analyses the balance between the back-end and front-end applications in public delivery platforms. The paper posits that a lot needs to be done if proliferation of e-Government applications was to be attained in Zambia and that future Zambia and that future e-Government strategies should be implemented within the realm of community informatics. This entails the application of ICT aimed at personal, social, economic, cultural and governance development of and within communities. It is anticipated that the adoption of a community informatics approach will enable the citizens to buy-in to the different e-Government applications and thereby guarantee continued usage. This paper presents factors which may act as reference points when e-Government strategies are being drawn for the SADC region. Description: A discussion paper URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1146 Files in this item: 1
Bwalya_Unpublished_2011.pdf (3.081Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – This paper analyses the opinions of the Botswana National Library Service’s (BNLS)Headquarters (HQ)staff and staff of the Botswana public libraries on strategic human resource management issues, which were tested by six hypotheses. Design/methodology/ approach – The analysis was carried out by statistical means. The t-test was the method used for comparing the two groups’ mean scores. Analyses were repeated using the Chi-squared test. Findings – The study identified a number of issues where staff had differences of opinion: changing employees’ expectations about work, transformational leadership, job satisfaction, performance feedback and delegation of responsibility. The paper briefly discusses the issues where the status of the library influenced staff opinions. Research limitations/implications – It is to be noted that the data collected from HQ has to be used with caution because the number of respondents there was smaller than the respondents from public libraries. Practical implications – The author throws light on human resource management techniques in the everyday library environment. This paper may help policy makers to identify ways in which they can motivate their employees; it may help policy planners to identify their staff’s different requirements. Originality/value – This paper provides a useful and insightful application of a general human resource management tool to the specific organizational context of public libraries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/771 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2005.pdf (1.185Mb) -
Oladokun, O. (Routledge (Taylor & Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The study investigated the information seeking behaviour of two categories of distance learners in Botswana, comprising the cross border students and those that registered with the University of Botswana. The return of 364 duly completed questionnaires recorded 70.1 percent response rate. Cross tabulation and chisquare were made to relate the independent variables to the findings and establish possible influence where appropriate. The study made recommendations that could assist the providers of distance education on the information milieu in which distance learners operate generally in Africa and Botswana in particular and also lead to the improvement of students’ use of information resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/656 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_JLISDL_2010.pdf (1.331Mb) -
Ojedokun, A.A.; Lumande, E. (Sage Publications, http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The development of cooperative electronic networks and consortia by academic libraries in Southern Africa allows them to provide seamless access to electronic information resources while sharing the cost of access. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/925 Files in this item: 1
Ojedokun_ID_2005.pdf (858.6Kb) -
Mnjama, N. (SAGE Publications, http://idv.sagepub.com/, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Discusses the problems associated with managing semi-current and non-current in many archival institutions in eastern and southern Africa. The article seeks to answer some basic questions such as: Why do archival institutions in the region have backlog accumulations? What is the level of awareness of the problems associated with backlog accumulations? What is the capacity of archives to handle records created by governments? What mechanisms need to be put in place to avoid backlog accumulations ever becoming a problem again in the region? Finally the article proposes a strategy for dealing with backlog accumulations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/600 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_ID_2006.pdf (1.317Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students’ competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other’s work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of elearning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/743 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_OIR_2006.pdf (1.931Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald Publishing Group td; www.emeraldinsight.com/oir.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach - The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings - Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Practical implications - The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Originality/value - Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e-learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/168 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutulakalusopaetal2.pdf (498.7Kb) -
Jain, P.; Nfila, R.B. (Emerald, http://www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with Government and other stakeholders. Methodology - The paper is based on literature Review and practical examples. Findings - The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) through the Sesigo Project, and another partnership has been between parastatal organizations such as Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS). Originality - The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/840 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2011 (60 (5).pdf (1.072Mb) -
Jain, P.; Mutula, S.M. (Sage Publications, www.sagepub.com, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out to determine the scope of IT diffusion in Botswana in the context of the National Vision 2016. The study was aimed at establishing the extent of IT use in the country; identifying the constraints and opportunities of IT diffusion and recommending the way forward. The target population comprised of IT-related government departments, IT training institutions, IT vendors and IT-oriented parastatals. The survey was confined to the capital, Gaborone and produced a response rate of 90 percent. The results showed that 98 percent of participants believed that the scope for IT diffusion in the country was good. However, several constraints were identified, including lack of skilled manpower, lack of IT policy, inadequate IT infrastructure, inadequate private sector participation, tendering procedures that favour foreign companies more than local companies, absence of clear mission statements for IT diffusion within organizations, lack of understanding of the use of IT by management and fear of retrenchment by staff. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/842 Files in this item: 1
Jain_ID_2001.pdf (916.6Kb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald/www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small-scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM. Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers. Research limitations/ implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in-depth knowledge related to KM. Practical implications – This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs. Originality/value – Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/874 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2007.pdf (1.409Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on a literature review. Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa’s development. Research limitations/ implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in-depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country. Practical implications – The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people. Originality/value – Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa’s development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/846 Files in this item: 1
Jain_EL_2006.pdf (1.502Mb) -
Mutshewa, A.; Rao, K.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Libraries are changing their modes of delivery at a very fast rate. This article describes how the University of Botswana library has advantage of the new technologies to enhance its service to its patrons. The University local network is used to bring library electronic resources to the desktops of the patrons in their offices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/423 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_LHT_2000.pdf (563.3Kb) -
Oladokun, Olugbade (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The desirability and usefulness of library and its services in any academic programmes is never a contentious issue as they promote quality in education. Success stories of programming and implementation of open and distance education programmes have been told in several parts of the world. Among other things, students in this system sit in their homes and work places to receive their teaching either through the web or hard copies of modulles. Library and information services including the teaching of lifelong information literacy skills (ILS) to distance learners are as well suppossed to be within their easy reach to meet their information needs. Yet for reasons of distance and dispersal, library and information services to the ubiquitous students may be fraught with lots of difficulties. But are these irredeemable? Lest distance learners continue to suffer the disadvantage of increasingly getting marginalised, a sizeable number of professional library associations in various sparts of the world enacted some regulations that guarantee a need to pay attention to their information needs. A lot of efforts, including building the capacity of students on knowledge economy in the use and application of e-resources, are now being exploited. This paper aims at, among others, discussing how technoogy comes to the rescue in service delivery even in some African institutions. Painfully however, even the pedestrian attempt to adequately cater for them in some places is not without its drawback. Is equitable library and information service to open and distance learners possible, particularly in Africa? Is it a myth or reality? URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1144 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_Unpublished_2005.pdf (6.446Mb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Archlib and Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals;http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The networked world is characterised by the ubiquity and ever increasing application of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in various sectors of an economy, including education, government, libraries, businesses, healthcare and homes. The networked world generates and moves large amounts of electronic information in the form of text, video, audio, graphics, and animations. A networked world affords opportunities for people, for example, to use e-mail for communication, use Web portals to access government information, access digital libraries from any point with a Web connection, and undertake formal and lifelong learning electronically. The evolving networked world has fuelled several paradigm shifts that are greatly impacting the way information and knowledge are created and managed. These paradigm shifts include information society, e-government, digital divide, and e-learning/digital scholarship. This paper provides an overview of the paradigm shifts sweeping the information landscape in the networked world and the implications for the creation and management of information, especially in African libraries URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/476 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_AJLAIS_2008.pdf (1.851Mb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Abstract Purpose – To argue that developing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region should embrace the concept of freedom of information to enable better human rights and economic development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the current situation through discussion of current legislation and proposed policies. Findings – Whereas several theories abound as to why there has been little development in sub- Saharan Africa, this paper discusses the status of freedom of information legislations within the SADC region and the implications for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests the importance of further research into the importance of freedom of information legislation for economic and human rights development. Practical implications – The paper has practical implication for those considering the potential of freedom of information legislation in developing countries. Originality/value – Freedom of information has largely taken a back seat amidst several social, economic and political reforms that have been instituted collectively or by individual countries. It is the view of this paper that freedom of information provides an important link for the economic, social and political reform initiatives URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/438 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LR_2006.pdf (917.1Kb)
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