Academic literature on the topic 'Academic libraries – Effect of technological innovations on – South Africa'

Thesis (Master in Education) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014
It is generally believed that Information Communication Technologies can extend knowledge and education to poor and marginalised people in South Africa. However, African countries still face many challenges in trying to provide appropriate and sustainable solutions for improving education and skills that will support the development of educators in all communities; this can be viewed in light of the millennium developmental goal. Thus the Department of Education put measures in place to bridge the gap in knowledge, skills and understanding of Computer Application Technology (CAT) educators through the provision of in-service training (INSET) programmes. The research study aimed at assessing the impact of in-service training programmes offered to CAT educators in Secondary Schools in the Free State province. The study made use of a survey and an evaluation research design. The target population for this study was all Further Education and Training (FET) Phase educators in all secondary schools in the Free State Province. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study revealed that the INSET programme still needs to improve on its content relevance to syllabus and it should provide educators with skills in dealing with the challenge of teaching learners with disabilities. The majority of educators were satisfied with the INSET programme as they indicated that it assisted in enhancing their skills and content knowledge; they further indicated that it gave them motivation to go into classrooms and teach. One educator quoted “I am now able to make some functions that usually gave me headaches. It greatly changed and developed the knowledge I had”. This indicates that the challenges that were experienced in classrooms were also met. It can thus be concluded that the INSET programmes did have a positive impact to the skills and challenges that educators experienced. That the study did achieve its v goal which was to assess the impact of INSET programs for CAT educators in the Motheo District, Free State province.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology Design in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Supervisor: Prof J Messeter Cape Town, 2013
The aim of this research project was to provide an answer to the question: “How can an understanding of online trust be used to build valuable online applications in Higher Education?” In order to present an answer to this question, a literature survey was conducted to establish: • An understanding of the phenomenon of online trust • What the factors are that influence a loss of trust in the online environment The literature survey highlighted several factors that influence a loss of trust in the online environment, called trust cues. These factors, however, were often tested within the E-commerce environment, and not in organization-specific contexts, such as online platforms in use in Higher Education. In order to determine whether or not these factors would influence the development of trust in context-specific environments, the author of this research grouped the indentified trust factors into three focus areas, i.e. content, ease of use, and navigation. These factors were then incorporated into a series of nine different prototypes. These prototypes were different versions of a particular online platform currently in use at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The prototypes were tested over a three week period, with certain staff members at the institution in question recruited as test participants. During each week of user observations, a different focus area was targeted, in order to establish the impact that it would have on the perceived trustworthiness of the platform in question. User observations were conducted while test participants completed a standard process using the various prototypes. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted while participants completed the specific process. Participants were asked to evaluate each screen in the process according to its perceived trust worthiness, by assigning a trust level score. At the completion of the three rounds of user observations, in-depth interviews were conducted with test participants. The participants’ trust level scores for each prototype were captured and graphed. A detailed description for the score given for a particular screen was presented on each graph. These scores were combined to provide an analysis of the focus area tested during the specific round. After the three rounds of user observations were completed, an analysis of all the trust factors tested were done. Data captured during interviews were transcribed, combined with feedback received from questionnaires, and analysed. An interpretation of the results showed that not all trust factors had a similar influence in the development of trust in the online platform under investigation. Trust cues such as content organization, clear instructions and useful content were by far the most significant trust factors, while others such as good visual design elements, professional images of products, and freedom from grammatical and typographical errors had little or no impact in the overall trustworthiness of the platform under investigation. From the analysis done it was clear that the development of trust in organization-specific contexts is significantly different than developing trust in an E-commerce environment and that factors that influence the development of trust in one context might not always be significant in another. In conclusion, it is recommended that when software applications are developed in organization-specific contexts, such as Higher Education, that trust factors such as good content organization, clear instructions and useful content be considered as the most salient. Organization-specific contexts differ quite significantly in that the users of these systems often convey a certain degree of trust toward the online platforms that they work with on a daily basis. Trust factors that are geared toward developing an initial or basic trust in a particular platform, which is often the case with first time users engaging in an E-commerce platform, would therefore not be as significant in the development of a more developed level of trust, which is what is needed within the development of organization-specific online platforms.

The study is based on the assumption that there is an underutilisation of ICT resources in the university libraries of KwaZulu-Natal amongst subject librarians due to a lack of appropriate ICT knowledge and skills. The subject librarian's role has changed rapidly in recent years, in response to new forms of information and new methods of teaching and learning. Therefore, for subject librarians to perform their roles effectively and efficiently in such a demanding electronic environment they will need the necessary ICT knowledge and skills, that is, they will have to be computer literate. Also, the explosion of electronic information requires subject librarians to continuously update their knowledge and skills. A study population consisting of 43 subject librarians, in the university libraries of the Universities of Durban-Westville, Natal (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), and Zululand were surveyed by means of a mailed questionnaire to establish in what ways the subject librarians were using ICT, what the level of lCT knowledge and skill was amongst the subject librarians, what the ICT education and staff training and development needs were amongst the subject librarians and what problems the subject librarians faced in the use of ICT. A total of 3l subject librarians (representing 72.1 %) responded. Results were analysed in terms of frequency of responses. Results are graphically displayed in the form of pie charts and tables. Interpretation of the results reveals a low level of lCT knowledge and skill amongst subject librarians and a general lack of formal training for ICT amongst the subject librarians. Problems experienced by subject librarians were the result of a lack of ICT knowledge and skills and training. Recommendations for lCT education and staff training and development are made in light of the results of the survey and the literature review.
Thesis (M.I.S)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The aim of the study was to examine the implementation of digital preservation practices in academic libraries in South Africa in the light of the rapid changing information environment. The study looked into the strategies, systems and tools being employed to support digital preservation programmes and the costs associated with the various digital preservation programmes. The study was guided by various digital preservation theories and models,namely Davies’ (2000) Policy, Strategy and Resources (PSR) troika model, Kenney and McGovern’s (2003) three leg stool, Corrado and Moulaison‘s (2014) preservation triad and the Carnegie Mellon University’s (1990) Digital Preservation Capability Maturity (DPCM) model and Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model by OCLC (2002), underpinned by the survey research design, triangulation of questionnaires and document analysis as data collection methods. Out of 27 questionnaires distributed to academic institutions, 22 (81.5%) were completed. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis whilst content analysis was used for qualitative data obtained from document analysis. Findings revealed that academic libraries in South Africa were significantly affected by the changes to the digital environment. Most academic libraries face many challenges that hinder the effective implementation of digital preservation. The problems include: lack of funding, lack of skills and training and technology obsolescence. The study identified migration, bit preservation, replication and risk management approaches as the most widely implemented preservation strategies to address preservation challenges faced by academic libraries in South Africa. Although various preservation systems and tools are being developed to enable description, discovery, delivery and preservation of digital collections, there was expressed lack of awareness about digital preservation standards and preservation support organisations. The study also observed that, in some instances, the academic institutions were not fully involved in collaborative and partnerships with other institutions. By collaborating and partnering with other institutions, they would be exposed to new ideas, strategies and tools, and be able to acquire knowledge and skills needed to successfully preserve and manage their digital resources. The findings revealed that the implementation of policies and strategies, provision of adequate resources, sufficient funding and digital preservation knowledge and skills are some of the major factors influencing digital preservation sustainability in academic libraries. This study, therefore, recommends that these institutions can address some of the digital preservation challenges if they leverage on these factors. The study also made several recommendations on how digital preservation can be successfully implemented, and it further proposed a framework for preservation of digital resources in academic libraries, mapped to international preservation models and standards.
Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Management Sciences in Library and Information Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.
This study investigates the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology in higher education institutions in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The objectives of the study were to identify different technologies that subject librarians use, also to investigate the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology as it changes rapidly. Furthermore to determine the areas in their technological skills that subject librarians need to improve or strengthen; and to investigate whether the surveyed institutions are providing training and development programmes to re-skill and update subject librarians on new technologies. The target population for this study was subject librarians from major academic institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Electronic questionnaires were administered to subject librarians for data collection purpose. The study revealed some weaknesses in the use of some technology as well as challenges being faced in skills transfer using technology. Recommendations were made on support from the management of universities in re-skilling subject librarians and pro-active actions from subject librarians should they encounter something new in technology.
M

This study was conducted at the UNISA Library. The study sought to investigate the information technology skills and competencies of the library staff members in the Information Resource Distribution directorate of the University of South Africa Library, with regard to the utilisation and application of information technology tools to handle or process online requests from remote clients timeously and efficiently. Observation, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data, whereby all the information resource distribution staff members and their supervisors were asked to participate. The study found that information resource distribution staff members were skilled and competent with regard to processing online requests from remote clients. This means that they were able to use IT to process and deliver requested information resources. However, observation indicated that staff members lack the dedication and commitment to ensure speedy processing and delivery of requests. In addition, they were faced with problems and challenges that impacted on them not providing quality services to remote clients. The researcher outlined some recommendations that could be helpful in solving these identified challenges.
Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)

Background: Over the years, the traditional academic library has been the quintessential repository for hard-copy materials and relevant information resources to support the teaching, learning and research activities of their parent universities. Accordingly, the reinvention of the academic library and its transition to the research commons model was induced by the combined effect of historical and momentous developments such as :globalisation; the worldwide democratisation of societies; the advent of mass higher education; as well as the irreversible proliferation of information and communication technologies and their tectonic impact on the knowledge economy. Purpose: This research study investigated strategies applied when converting traditional university libraries to the research commons service delivery model in South Africa. The study also sought participants’ perspectives in the identification of success factors and constraints to such conversion strategies. Methodology :The study adopted a combined qualitative-quantitative approach involving interviews, observations and questionnaires. Three public university libraries in Gauteng Province were involved as case studies to determine the extent of their orientation to the research commons model. In this regard, the study sample consisted of a manager/librarian from each of the three university libraries. Data was collected primarily by means of a survey questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews. Explorative, descriptive and interpretive elements were applied to complement the data collection and analysis processes. Thematic data analysis was used for the ultimate categorisation and merging of both the questionnaire- and interview-based data accrued rom the selected participants. Results: Overall, the study found that careful planning and identification of positive conversion factors were critical aspects for successful implementation and evolution of any current or future research commons model. Critical factors included :formation of a research library consortium; establishing one-stop multifunctional spaces; and ongoing user and space assessment to adjust services, resources and spaces accordingly to suit changing technologies, postgraduate needs and contemporary learning styles on time and as required .Meanwhile, conversion hindrances included: model misconception by university leadership; strategic planning and change management deficiencies; poor communication; homogeneous staffing models and budgetary constraints.
Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the document delivery service (DDS) at an open distance learning institution (ODL). A quantitative survey was conducted using a convenience sample (N=107) of the students registered in the Master’s programme with the College of Education (CEDU) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Pearson’s correlational analysis was used to determine the students’ perceptions of the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the DDS at an ODL institution. The results indicated a negative relationship between computer literacy and communication channels. Furthermore, the results indicated that information literacy skills positively and significantly predict the means of access to the Internet and library skills training predict access to information. The findings of this study show a need for future research in exploring the association between the use of ICTs and document delivery services. In order to rectify the challenge in an ODL institution, it is suggested that ODL institutions should ensure that both librarians and students possess the required skills and competencies. It is recommended that future research takes into consideration the limitations of this study.
Information Science
M. Inf.

This study surveyed Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) technology in South African university libraries. The survey instrument used to elicit data was a questionnaire which was distributed via electronic mail (e-mail). CD-ROMs have been in the marketplace for over a decade and the extent to which South African university libraries have embraced CD-ROM technology was surveyed. Libraries offer CD-ROM services to internal staff and end-users, who in this study were students and academic staff. The study highlighted some of the CD-ROM related management issues such as budgeting, networking, resource sharing and end-user training. Survey results from the respondents indicated that they had all adopted CD-ROM technology. However, the level of CD-ROM technology and services in Historically White Institutions (HWI) and Historically Black Institutions (HBI) differed. This was evident in areas such as the year in which CD-ROMs were acquired, collection sizes and network access. The results showed that all libraries offered some form of enduser training to academic staff and students. The evolving nature of CD-ROM . technology presents a great challenge for libraries trying to keep up-to-date with the technology. This was highlighted in the open-ended questions about CD-ROM development plans and comments in general about CD-ROM technology in the different libraries. All libraries had access to the Internet and were working towards providing electronic information resources via the Web. Resource sharing and the establishment of consortiums can address the exorbitant costs of providing electronic information resources. Recommendations for further research on different aspects of CD-ROM technology were made. The development of the Internet as an information delivery system for the distribution of on-line information will emphasize the extent to which librarians and end-users are using the Internet for on-line information, as compared with CD-ROM services. Increasingly, aggregators are publishing information on the Internet and South African university libraries are already seeing this as an alternative to maintaining CD-ROM technology and services.
Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

The use of the digital school library depends on many factors, including end-users‘ acceptance. The issue of designing information systems that will be used appropriately is growing and thus user acceptance of new technology is now receiving much attention by researchers. Without acceptance, discretionary users will seek alternatives, while even dedicated users will most likely manifest dissatisfaction, negating many, if not all, the presumed benefits of the digital library. Whereas the traditional focus of digital libraries has drawn research on technological developments, there is a call for user-focused research. This study sought to identify the dynamics of elementary children‘s (11- to 13- year olds) decision-making in the context of accepting or resisting making use of digital school libraries at Crawford Preparatory Pretoria School in Gauteng. To be accepted, the digital library must satisfy basic usability requirements and be perceived as useful by the children. The constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were used to generate an understanding of acceptance of the digital school libraries. The study adopted a quantitative case study research approach to compare the empirical data and the TAM theory. Data triangulation of a wide range of data collection methods, including observation, questionnaires, focus groups and tasks given to the children to work on using the International Children‘s Digital Library was analysed. The findings revealed that, just like adults, children make decisions regarding accepting and using the digital school library based on how easy it is to use and how relevant it is to their needs. The study recommends that software designers, teachers and librarians work with the children when designing digital school libraries to ensure that their acceptance factors are taken into consideration when designing for them.
Information Science
M. Inf.