Browsing Research articles (Dept of Library and Information Studies) by Title
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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) -
Sebina, P. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The passing of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa in 2000 ushered in a new era in accessing government records. Members of the public no longer have to wait for 20 years for government records to become archives in order to gain access to them. PAIA gave the public the right of access to all records irrespective of age except for those exempted under the provisions of the Act. This chapter evaluates the impact that Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in general and PAIA in particular have had on access policies and practices in South Africa, and examines the extent to which this legislation has been used successfully by historians, journalists and other researchers. While the focus is on South Africa, the chapter further examines the lessons that the rest of sub-Saharan Africa could draw from the implementation and use of PAIA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/755 Files in this item: 1
Sebina_JSA_2009.pdf (1.558Mb) -
Mutshewa, A. et al (Archlib and Information Services, http:/www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Public libraries are established to be used by communities. Surprisingly, many people in communities where there are public libraries do not make use of them. This descriptive study investigated the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of such non-library users, so that the libraries could redesign their services to attract them. Also examined are the barriers encountered by non-library users in getting information, their reasons for not using the library, and their perceptions on current outreach efforts by libraries in the communities. The target population for this study was the community of non-library users in Botswana. The snowball sampling method was used to select 302 respondents from 34 research sites in the country. The findings indicated that respondents knew about the existence of the library through friends, Kgotla meetings, and advertisements in local media, and they were also willing to participate in the activities of the library. However, lack of time, distance to the library and inadequate relevance of the library resources and services to the activities the respondents were engaged in seemed to be the main barriers to library use. In terms of information required, it was difficult for the respondents to express their information needs; nevertheless, the study was able to establish that the respondents often needed information on current affairs, education, business and agriculture, and they used radio, newspapers, friends, work supervisors and personal experience to meet their needs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1099 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_AJLAIS_2010.pdf (376.1Kb) -
Snell, R.; Sebina, P. (Australian society of Archivists, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper puts forward ideas about trying to take public access to government information from where it currently is - a few painful, costly and hard fought steps from its strongly resisted implementation - towards where it should be in an information age. The current state of play in Australia after more than twenty years of experience is barely measurable. The comments in this paper are focused on the capacity of citizens to access non-personal affairs information on a routine and relatively unproblematic basis. If in other areas of the information revolution we had accepted the same minimal results as we have with Freedom of Information (FOI) then the Internet, laptop computers, iPods and BlackBerries would have all remained unbelievable elements of speculative science fiction. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/424 Files in this item: 1
Snell_AM_2007.pdf (1.239Mb) -
Oladokun, O. (Routledge (Taylor and francis)/www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The focus of this study is on the information-seeking behavior of the off-campus students in 2 of the 7 satellite centers of the Centre for Continuing Education, the outreach arm of the University of Botswana. Although the university deeply committed itself to the project, the university library could not afford to establish branch libraries in all the off-campus centers. With the nearest university branch libraries located some 160 km and 200 km away from the centers of study and only branch offices of the public library available, the findings revealed that the library and information needs of the students were not significantly met. As printed sources were revealed as their preferred choice of information format, e-mail and the Internet sources were not given much priority, even though there was evidence that suggests the students were adequately equipped through the teaching of information skills. Questionnaire and interview tools were used. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1000 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_JLA_2010.pdf (1.118Mb) -
Raseroka, K. (Elsevier, http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reflects on factors that need to be considered for establishment of an equitable knowledge society that will secure the Indigenous Knowledge space. While information communication technology facilitates the capture of a predominantly oral-based indigenous knowledge, its contribution to exploitative approaches to information access, also encourages the development of such knowledge as a commodity for competitive advantage, a factor that requires serious consideration. The basis for this consideration should be the World Summit on the information Society (WSIS) Principles which provide the promise of equitable access to information as a base for creation of the knowledge society through ethically grounded information use and sharing. ª 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/489 Files in this item: 1
Raseroka_IILR_2008.pdf (1.088Mb) -
Mutula, S. (Emerald Publishing Group Ltd; www.emeraldinsight.com/nlw.htm, July NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is a spin off of a keynote address that was delivered by the author at the IFLA-Africa section workshop on 'developing and managing digital libraries'that was held in Gaborone Botswana from 23-27 February 2004. The author points out that libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa like their counterparts in the rest of the world are continuing to experience a period of rapid change as they prepare to participate in the global information society. In this endeavour, the libraries face various challenges of economic, technological, content, and information literacy nature. In a global information society, there is need to democratize access to information using ICTs, provide adequate and relevant local content to users and equip them with requisite information literacy skills to efficiently find their way in a maze of information networks. This paper discusses the patterns of ICTs diffusion within libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the implications for the development and management of digital libraries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/167 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutula1.pdf (111.9Kb) -
Moahi, Kgomotso H. (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper outlines the initiatives the Government of Botswana has put in place with the aim to provide information access even to the most undeserved. The premise of the paper though, will be that in as much as there are many initiatives in place, there are still pockets of the population who do not get the infromation that they require in order to become a meaningful part of development in the country. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1145 Files in this item: 1
Moahi_Unpublished_2010.pdf (4.897Mb) -
Jain, P.; Mutula, S. (Emerald, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The concept of a learning organisation is relevant to all twenty-first century organisations because of increasing complexity, uncertainty and change (Malhotra, 1996). Libraries can benefit significantly as learning organisations through reducing complacency; continuous learning, improvement and innovation (Michael and Higgins, 2002); being better equipped to deal with independent and distance learning (Brophy, 2005); serving as a source of competition (Fowler, 1998); promoting inquiry and dialogue; encouraging collaboration and team learning; establishing systems to capture and share learning; empowering people toward a collective vision; and connecting the organisation to its environment (Watkins and Marsick,1993). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/751 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LHTN_2008.pdf (66.00Kb) -
Oladokun, Olugbade Samuel (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: With the constantly unfolding changes in the educational horizon, the survival and relevance of the library as a repository of knowledge and provider of information services can only be assured in being proactive, swift and responsive. Lifelong learning targets the improvement of “knowledge, skills and competence, within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective”. It strives to provide learning opportunities on an on-going basis, among others, to the marginalized, isolated, underprivileged and the unreachable. It provides further learning opportunities to adults from diverse backgrounds, already working and people with families and other commitments. It promotes the development of knowledge and capabilities that enable people get accustomed to a world that is knowledge based and equip them to function effectively in the socio-economic milieu in which they live. The resultant liberalisation of learning which brings along such system as open and distance education ensures that where learning takes place and is accessed does not have to be confined to a particular place or time. The controlling variables may depend on the learners and the learning requirements. The swiftness and responsiveness of the library would then require that the old stereotyped order where the library consults or is consulted within its own limited four walls has to be jettisoned, for the emerging and workable new system that is redefined, reshaped and refocused. This paper notes that all the stakeholders of this form of learning who can be found anywhere and everywhere, and may live thousands of kilometres away, require library resources and services. The paper discusses how library should respond to the challenging role in this dispensation. The strategies including possible coalition of libraries, getting the customers equipped with such competencies that will make them information literates, among others, are brought into play. The experience from the University of Botswana’s continuing education programmes and the involvement of the library is factored in. The e-learning initiatives and immense possibilities of other modern technologies, which have not only transformed teaching, learning and interaction processes but are also applicable in the library environment are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1142 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_Unpublished_2006.pdf (6.827Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (SAGE Publications, http://idv.sagepub.com, June NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: More and more companies in the developing world are desiring to export their products to the western world. How ever, in as much as the western world would wish to trade with developing countries, they need some assurance that the products are of the highest possible standards. To date the only standards that are recognized by both western and developing countries are ISO standards. The certification process demands among other things an assurance by the supplier that he (the supplier) has a well documented, effective and efficient procedures for maintaining all records pertaining to its products. This article looks at the case of Botswana Meat Commission, one of the major exporters of beef products in Africa, and shows the procedure it has followed to establish a quality system for managing its records. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/703 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_ID_2000.pdf (560.8Kb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose is to trace the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and changes in this wake such as globalization, digital divide, information society, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and e-government and how these changes impact on the provision of library and information services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is largely based on review of literature both online and print. Findings – The paper concludes that the paradigm shifts occurring in the information environment have affected the concept of library; the perception of ownership versus access of library resources; the nature of information resources and services; and the role of the information professional among others. Research limitations/implications – The paper advocates for a proactive strategy on the part of information professionals in order to re-engineer and adapt the library to the volatile global information environment in order to remain relevant in the wake of new paradigm occurrences. Practical implications – Effective access and use of information will inevitably have great influence on the realisation of positive effects that the new paradigms occurrences engender in the global environment. It is desirable at this point in time to research into how information access and use can be brought to bear on the attainment of MDGs, bridge digital divide, enhance attainment of information society, promote e-government, etc. Originality/value – Despite, the rapid changes within the global information environment that has been occasioned by ICT, there is lack of critical mass of information science literature that addresses issues such MDGs, globalisation, information society and digital divide from the perspective of the information professional. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/768 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LHT_2007 (1).pdf (1.058Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Archlib and Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the state of the audio-visual collections held by different government institutions in Botswana. The rationale of such review rests on the observation that although audiovisual materials constitute a vital information resource in such institutions, they are often not adequately managed after they are created. The paper identifies the types of audiovisual materials found in the public sector and the challenges in the management of the materials. The paper shows that many of the problems related to the management of audiovisual materials in the country emanate from weak legislative framework, lack of trained personnel in the management of audiovisual materials, technological challenges, inadequate storage facilities and the perception by users that audiovisual materials are not as valuable as records in other formats. The paper proffers strategies for dealing with the challenges of preserving and improving the use of audiovisual materials in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1090 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_AJLIS_2010.pdf (117.8Kb) -
Mnjama, N. (Sage Publications http://idv.sagepub.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Seeks to demonstrate that successful implementation of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation is directly linked to effective and efficient records keeping regimes. Where records keeping systems are poor or ineffective, the implementation of FOI will either be problematic or fail to achieve the desired results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/250 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Mnjama_ID_2003.pdf (1.112Mb) -
Mnjama, N.M. (Archlib and Information Services, http:/www.hwwilson.com/journals, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This article provides a summary of the major issues addressed during the general conferences of the Eastern and Southern African Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) held between 1969 and 2005. It discusses some of the major resolutions passed during the general conferences showing the progress that has been made in implementing them within ESARBICA member states. The article concludes by suggesting that, as a professional association, ESARBICA has been a major instrument in the development of archives and records management programmes and services in the region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/758 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_AJLAIS_2007.pdf (896.6Kb)