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1
Beheshti, Jamshid. "Library and Information Studies Curriculum." ALA, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105051.
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Based on a presentation at the 27th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Information Science, June 9 - 12, 1999.This exploratory study attempts to map the curricula of the ALA accredited LIS programs to provide a better understanding of the nature of LIS education as is currently prevalent in the United States and Canada. The mapping methodology is based on clustering keywords of individual course titles and course descriptions from each LIS program. Hence, the study provides a relatively accurate snapshot of the curricula through a concept intensity map of the subjects being presently taught in LIS programs. It is hoped that the map will contribute to discussions in designing a more cohesive LIS education.
2
Kennedy, Catherine. "Metaphor : Library." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8071.
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Includes bibliographical references.This literature review identifies and examines metaphorical concepts that have been associated with the word 'library' historically in an attempt to identify the possible role and function of libraries and librarians in the twenty-first century. Drawing on contemporary theories of metaphor, the various ways in which libraries have been represented metaphorically within literature are considered as external perspectives of the institution and profession. These images are compared and contrasted to those library metaphors evident in the professional literature - that is, internal perspectives of the library. Examples of other professions adopting the concept 'library' as a metaphor, most notably within the online environment, are also discussed in order to hone in on those concepts perceived to be represented by the label 'library' by those choosing to employ the term. The cross-cu!tural applicability of library metaphors is also considered, drawing on examples from African librarianship, and a cluster of metaphorical concepts likely to inform future library development are identified.
3
Farley-Larmour, Kim, and n/a. "Factors influencing students' choice of library and information studies." University of Canberra. Information Management & Tourism, 1999. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060707.161125.
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This study endeavoured to establish what influences students to undertake library
and information studies. Are prospective students of library and information
studies choosing their course and future occupation for the same sorts of reasons as
in the past? Are prospective students well informed about their future occupation
when they choose a course of study? What is the relative importance of some of
the factors influencing their choice? Do metropolitan, regional and isolated
students have the same understanding and expectations of their course and future
occupation?
A study of first year undergraduate students of library and information studies at
three universities sought to provide answers to these questions. A quantitative and
qualitative comparison of first year undergraduate students of Library and
Information Studies at the University of Canberra and a random group from the
same University was also undertaken in order to provide some comparative data.
The findings showed that reasons for choosing library and information studies have
generally not changed as much as one might expect. An interest in books and
reading still ranks as a relatively important factor in students' choice, though there
is some evidence of an increased interest in career and employment issues. Library
and information studies students without an occupational background in the
discipline generally have a hazy picture of what is involved in their future
occupation and this lack of knowledge is compounded where students are located in
regional or isolated areas. Generally most library and information studies
respondents expressed a desire to enter 'traditional' workplaces in libraries rather
than entering the broader information management field.
4
Coleman, Anita Sundaram. "William Stetson Merrill and Bricolage for Information Studies." Elsevier, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105517.
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This is a preprint published in Journal of Documentation 62 (4): 462-481.
Purpose: This paper examines William Stetson Merrill, the compiler of A Code for Classifiers and a Newberry Library employee (1889-1930) in an attempt to glean lessons for modern information studies from an early librarianâ s career.
Methodology/Approach: Merrillâ s career at the Newberry Library and three editions of the Code are examined using historical, bibliographic, and conceptual methods. Primary and secondary sources in archives and libraries are reviewed to provide insight into Merrillâ s life at the Newberry and his attempts to develop or modify tools to solve the knowledge organization problems he faced. The concept of bricolage, developed by Levi-Strauss to explain modalities of thinking, is applied to Merrillâ s career. Excerpts from his works and reminisces are used to explain Merrill as a bricoleur and highlight the characteristics of bricolage.
Research Implications and Limitations: Findings show that Merrill worked collaboratively to collocate and integrate a variety of ideas from a diverse group of librarians such as Cutter, Pettee, Poole, Kelley, Rudolph, and Fellows. Bliss and Ranganathan were aware of the Code but the extent to which they were influenced by it remains to be explored. Although this is an anachronistic evaluation, Merrill serves as an example of the archetypal information scientist who improvises and integrates methods from bibliography, cataloging, classification, and indexing to solve problems of information retrieval and design usable information products and services for human consumption.
Originality/Value of Paper: Bricolage offers great potential to information practitioners and researchers today as we continue to try and find user-centered solutions to the problems of digital information organization and services.
Paper Type: Research paper
5
Chebon, Philemon Kiprop. "Library funding : a study to identify reliable and equitable sources of public library funding in Kenya." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10181.
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Includes bibliographical references.The premise from which this research project begins is that public libraries particularly in the developing world, are unable to fully finance their services and thus should seek alternative sources of funding. This project attempts to identify sustainable funding options for the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) with specific reference to user fees for library services. In order to put the study into perspective, an outline of library history in Kenya is presented together with an overview of social, economic, technological, and social factors which influence the provision of library and information services. The literature review traces the origin of the user fee debate and summarises the arguments for and against fees in libraries. It also attempts to determine whether economic theory could present a theoretical perspective in reconciling the divergent views. The review shows that the issue of charging for library services is hotly contested within the LIS profession and that there is no easy solution. The position of the public libraries within the African continent is contextualised by briefly detailing prevailing conditions, particularly the pressures brought to bear in library budgets during difficult economic periods. An overview of user fee policy in Kenya and the current position of library funding and income generation in South Africa are presented.
6
Karelse, Cathy-Mae. "Alternative models of information provision with special reference to the International Research and Information Group and the Education Resource and Information Project." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13395.
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Bibliography: leaves 194-199.This study examines the contribution made by two alternative service or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to the provision and delivery of information in South Africa. A brief analysis of the role of information in impacting on and/or reproducing social formations is undertaken to provide an understanding of the way in which information has been used in the South African context to repress transformation of the apartheid state. This discussion frames an investigation into ways in which NGOs have attempted to counter information control on the part of the apartheid regime by mediating information to their constituencies. The relationship between information, education and development is addressed, providing insight into the educational role which service organisations play in delivering an information service on the one hand, the information role they perform in providing an education service on the other, and the developmental role they assume in both instances. Particular attention is paid to the way in which these services relate to their users in the process of imparting information to them. In this regard the interface between NGOs and their users is investigated and the very nature of this interaction assessed.
7
Lithebe, Matsie Theresa. "Investigation of information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Members of Parliament in Lesotho." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8070.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-105).Information plays a crucial role in people's lives. Members of Parliament (MPs) as decision makers therefore need to be equipped with information so that they can be able to make sound decisions based on facts. They need to have access to different types of information sources such as newspapers, both local, regional and international, journals and books. Libraries of parliaments are and should also be seen to be making it easier for MPs to access information. This study investigates the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of MPs of the Lesotho parliament. A survey was done where questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from 120 members of the National Assembly and 33 Senators who all comprise Members of Parliament of Lesotho. The questionnaire consisted of both the open-ended and closed ended questions. Through the open-ended questions, the researcher was able to get more details which could not be found in short-ended questions. Interviews were also used to give the respondents the opportunity to say more of what they could not be able to say in the questionnaire. However only a selected questions were picked where the researcher felt that the respondents could further express themselves. Only five willing respondents were used in the interviews as others were not willing to be interviewed. Telephone interview was chosen as more convenient by respondents since they do not have much time during the day due to their parliamentary work commitments.MPs in Lesotho have indicated their information needs as all information that can be helpful in their parliamentary work such as during debates, when attending meetings be it workshops, conferences and interviews on political issues. Besides other information sources, such as newspapers, reports and the Internet, MPs rely mostly on books. They also use other fellow parliamentarians as sources of information.
8
Matizirofa, Lazarus. "Information management and dissemination of HIV/AIDS information by NGOs in Zimbabwe: An explanatory study." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8726.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-119).The HIV/AIDS epidemic has become a serious health, social and economic problem in Zimbabwe. Almost 30 percent of the population had been infected by AIDS (Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome) by 2004. The epidemic has also affected almost the entire population in one way or another - domestically, socially and economically. Zimbabwe faces a long-term development disaster because of the effects of the disease across the societal spectrum. AIDS is threatening every fibre of the nation from food supply to economic productivity, and not least human resource development. Many households have lost their principal source of income to the disease and have become impoverished. The national budget is increasingly under pressure as scarce resources are channelled to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Despite a multitude of interventions aimed at preventing the scourge of the epidemic on the health system, the economy and human development, HIV/AIDS still presents a problem of enormous magnitude in Zimbabwe. It is argued that a major limitation of the various interventions to fight the pandemic has been the failure to extensively and effectively harness knowledge and disseminate information relating to all aspects of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. The NGO sector, because of its grassroots involvement with the disease, is particularly well placed to fulfil such a role. The main aim of this study was to explore information and knowledge management and dissemination by HIV/AIDS NGOS in Zimbabwe. A further objective was to identity in the literature strategies that have been used, vis-a-vis modern information and knowledge management practice, in cognate sectors of development in Zimbabwe and other countries. It is argued that by applying appropriate information and knowledge management practices valuable knowledge and information that relate to how communities experience the problems and the impact associated with HlV/AIDS can be gathered and disseminated. Information and knowledge management is recommended by the United Nations' UNAIDS as the best way to harness both tacit and explicit information related to all aspects of the epidemic. A survey was conducted amongst 64 HIV/AIDS NGOs based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation methods, and this was further supported by data collected from documentary and electronic sources. The main outcome of the study indicates that information and knowledge management is generally not well practised in the HIV/AIDS NGO sector in Zimbabwe. This is despite the fact that 75% of the NGOs had information services in place. Far too few qualified staff have been appointed to manage information services and this lack of professional skills has had a negative impact on HIV/AIDS information dissemination. It is argued that in a society such as in Zimbabwe, effective information dissemination measures are needed to assist social, economic and scientific interventions. It was further established that a sound information and knowledge management policy, and information technology developments were needed to address the information service challenges. The other main outcome showed that NGOS were not networking effectively among themselves, with government and other role players such as the private sector, educational institutions and churches, etc. Lastly, there was a strong indication that information technology, i.e., computers and accessories, the Internet, intranets, databases and audio-visuals, etc.. were not fully utilised, this is despite the fact that in other countries they have been very effective to assist in the creation, generation, gathering and diffusion of information. Based on the research outcomes, the researcher thus proposes that information and knowledge management practices should be set in place in the HIV/AIDS sector of Zimbabwe. NGOs should ensure that information services are run and manned by skilled and trained information officers. It is also suggested that government should be encouraged to become more involved and complement the work done by NGOs by reviewing the 1985 NLDS Act and other policy instruments. The study further recommends that, HIV/AIDS NGOs should work towards networking and providing a single shared dissemination source to the public, such as a national database, which would be hosted via a web-based internet portal. This would also enable NGOs to explore further networking efforts such as communities of practice (expert forums), a national HIV/AIDS bibliography and electronic publishing.
9
Ramaiah, Chennupati K. "Hypertext and the training of library and information studies students." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1993. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/26896.
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As a result of the introduction of computers into teaching, a number of computer interfaces have been developed and used for teaching students at all levels. Among them, hypertext is one of the best known and most frequently discussed. Hypertext, as a non-sequential presentation of information, is a fairly old concept, but it has only recently become available for teaching purposes in a cheap and flexible form.
10
Rose, Diana Florence. "Evaluation of computer-based aids in library and information studies." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1998. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7172.
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The idea that computers are important as an aid to learning has gathered momentum due to ecomomic and social conditions. Moreover, the number and flexibility of computer hardware and software has lead to them being used at all levels of education, from primary school to higher education. This is learning at a distance as it involves no direct contact with the teacher in the traditional sense. This study, which is in the form of a formative evaluation, involves computer-based aids used to deliver commercial packages and reading lists in information and library studies topics. The evaluations involved tutors, academic librarians and students at all levels; research and undergraduate. Staff and students from Loughborough University and the Department of History at Leicester University were participants, as well as tutors and academic librarians from various British universities. To complete the study, questionnaires and interview questions were designed to reflect the backgrounds of participants, their views on the success, or otherwise, of the aids and their views on computer-based learning in general. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were to determine outcomes. Commercial packages were highlighted and some comparison was made between staff and students with regard to outcomes. Features which were more successful were identified, and information was gathered on how students use automated reading lists. The value of this study is two-fold. First, it brings forward information which can be used to improve computert-based learning and, second, it pinpoints the situation as it was during the years of evolution, i.e. 1992-1996.
11
Weideman, Melius. "Internet searching as a study aid for information technology and information systems learners at a tertiary level." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8754.
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Bibliography: leaves 289-318.In this thesis, the author attempted to develop a method to help information Technology/Systems learners find relevant information on the lnternet. The literature indicated that it is essential that learners should be able to retrieve relevant information from electronic sources. However, it was also stated repeatedly that searching on the Internet using standard search engines is not an easy task. It was also noted that a move was taking place away from traditional teaching methods to those with more learner involvement, making use of new computer and communication technologies. Initial experiments were done with IT/IS learners to determine how and where they search on the Internet, and what degree of success they had. The most important data gathered from these experiments was the tack of search strategy displayed by learners; the search engines chosen by them; and their success rate. Only 32.2% of all learners in this study managed to find one piece of relevant information in 30 minutes without any assistance. The data was used to design and later improve a tool to guide them in their searching endeavours. This tool, called "Finder Of information On The Internet" (FOIOTI, at http://www.mwe.co.za), was then extensively tested by measuring searching success, with and without using it. The data was gathered by examining and summarizing the forms completed by the learners during the searching experiments. During this study the author found that most learners had little or no training on Internet usage; often worked on the Internet; could not specify their search properly; used very few of the operators offered by search engines; and had a low success rate in finding relevant data. The two final phases of experiments proved that FOIOTI, as a searching tool, was successful. During these two phases, 71.0% of the participants claimed that they found the specified information when using FOIOTI within 30 minutes. A total of 1109 learners from three continents and 20 institutions took part in the study, spread over 46 sessions. Every session was administered personally by the author. This research project has contributed to the existing body of knowledge on Information Retrieval and education by having developed a tool that enhances learner involvement in the learning process. It enables educators to explore easier alternatives of locating educational resources by drawing on the experience of other website authors in their field. It also entices the average learner to re-skill him/herself on the use of an exciting and promising new technology: Information Retrieval through the Internet.
12
Dick, Archie L. "Towards establishing an epistemological position for library and information science." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13534.
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Bibliography: leaves 497-531.This study examines the need for and value of a theory of knowledge for library and information science that would account for the 'Ways in which given philosophical assumptions lead to certain modes of professional practice and styles of academic research. Since given theoretical standpoints influence the nature of library practice and tend to structure the way in which library and information science research is conducted, this investigation focuses on an analysis of the fundamental conceptions of knowledge, information, truth and reality in the context of the unique complex of functions of this profession. The main method applied in this study is a representative consultation and review of the literatures of library and information science, and of a few cognate or classical fields of study. A special focus is the examination and analysis of the writings of more than 40 selected library and information science theorists, as well as those of non-librarians. The inductively-derived results of this examination are reflected in analytical typologies. The holistic intellectual tradition that underlies the presumed continuities and commonalities in the typologies is developed as a framework for developing suitable criteria to establish and evaluate an appropriate epistemological position for library and information science. An epistemological position called holistic perspectivism is proposed as one which satisfies the postulated criteria. A graphic model of this position is explained as a means of demonstrating the application of holistic perspectivism in given areas of the knowledge-transfer role of library and information science.
13
Davies, J. Eric. "Studies in technical and social influences on information and library management." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1997. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/32811.
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The works in this submission explore a specific segment of information management and the way technology and social forces, including political and legal aspects, have impinged upon it. The specific area of data protection in theory and practice was chosen as an exemplar of the many and varied influences in this context which have to some extent, changed irrevocably the manager's world. Other examples such as computer misuse, information technology health and safety implications and electronic intellectual property issues might equally have been candidates for consideration since they all embody similar combinations of technological and sociolegal components. Data protection was, however, considered worthy of treatment as it is a relatively neglected area in terms of the attention it has claimed both from practitioners and researchers. Moreover, it does neatly represent the interesting juxtaposition of broadly technical and social factors that confront the manager.
14
Mugabe, Mover M. "Information resources, information skills and education : an exploratory study of information literacy education in community junior secondary schools in the North-East district of Botswana and the role of teacher-librarians and school libraries." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10927.
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Bibliography: leaves 155-160.One of the fundamental challenges of the information era is how to ensure that the majority of the members of a given society are information literate in order to deal with problems of inequitable access to and use of information as an empowerment tool for socio-economic progress. A variety of educational and training strategies have been developed and tried in different parts of the world to address this challenge. This study investigates the nature of information literacy education in community junior secondary schools in the North-East district of Botswana and the role of teacher-librarians and school libraries in such a process.
15
Mfengu, Andiswa Yolanda. "Analysis of the approaches of senior management teams towards adoption of next generation library management systems: case study of Cape Library Consortium Institutions." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13734.
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Sophistication of technology has resulted in libraries having to manage print, digital and electronic resources. Managing all resource types and formats with traditional integrated library systems is ineffective as the systems were designed for physical resources. Next generation library management systems are expected to change this by integrating all library resources and providing access through a single platform, reducing the number of transaction the user has to perform. Additionally libraries will save large proportions of their budgets on hardware and software, as the systems are accessed through a web browser this will be an added benefit for libraries as the cost of acquiring electronic resources is continuously increasing. Next generation library management systems are not yet implemented in academic libraries in the Western Cape Province. To investigate the reasons for this, the author employed a qualitative case study approach in which a minimum of two members of the Executive Management of each of the four Cape Library Consortium institutions were interviewed. Data collected was analysed using NVivo analysis software, responses being analysed within the institution and compared across the other institutions.
16
Richter, Caroline Julia. "The Prentis Family and their Library." W&M ScholarWorks, 1985. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539625287.
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Taljaard, Louise. "Mapping the relationship between knowledge management and information architecture." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8072.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-115).This dissertation defines knowledge in terms or traditional epistemological ideals and as a strategic resource. Knowledge management is defined in terms or the ability or organizations to manage knowledge as a strategic resource in order to gain all advantage from it. In the knowledge management framework, knowledge is presented as a continuum consisting of tacit, implicit and explicit knowledge. Tacit and implicit knowledge is managed through the acknowledgement of the social nature of knowledge. One method to achieve this is communities of practice. On the other end of the spectrum, explicit knowledge is very close in nature and character to information. Due to the expansion of available information resources the design and structure of information (explicit knowledge) for effective retrieval has become very important. Information architecture is a field that specializes in the design and structure of information for effective retrieval. Traditional information architecture tools such as metadata and subject classification address some of the issues, but experience difficulty in heterogeneous environments such as the Internet. Topic maps are considered as a possible solution to the concerns of metadata classification and subject based classification. Due to the extent and nature of the information recorded in a topic map, it becomes an information resource in itself. Topic maps also act as an enabling technology for knowledge management as it maps the complex relationships between concepts and include a range of information resources. The conclusion of this dissertation is the representation of a conceptual model based on the themes developed in this dissertation. The main advantage of the conceptual model is the clear and direct link between knowledge management and information architecture.
18
Lin, Chihfeng. "Library & Information Studies (LIS), Information & Communications (ICS), and to join the College of Information: To lead or to follow?" School of Communication & Information, Nanyang Technological University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105713.
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In accordance with social changes, Library Science (LS) schools have transformed themselves into Library and Information Studies (LIS) schools in the last decade. The first LIS school in Taiwan to take the lead into Information and Communications (IC) was the Department of Library and Information Studies in Shih-Hsin University. Curriculum reform has resulted in a broader range of jobs for students, leading to increased enrollment. A potential move to join the College of Information has become an issue among students and faculty members. This paper presents the results of a preliminary survey among students and faculty members regarding the move. Asked the open-ended question: "What do you think of the Department of Information and Communications joining the College of Information?", full time students and students from the Continuing Education (CE) program gave different answers. Responses received from faculty and students were sorted into categories of reasons and concerns.
19
Masango, Charles Akwe. "User preferences in the use of Law Library collections : a case study of the Brand van Zyl Law Library of the University of Cape Town." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13397.
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Bibliography: leaves 129-134.Law libraries are specialised libraries consisting primarily of printed and electronic legal literature which assist their patrons in legal research and the teaching of law. The use of the law library by the entire university often causes concern on the part of the legal patrons and staff who use and manage the library and its collection. This dissertation investigates the nature and purpose of the law library of the University of Cape Town, with a view to establishing patterns of use and revealing the problems encountered by patrons and members of staff in the use of this library and its collections. In the investigation, two types of questionnaires were prepared and administered to the patrons and members of staff of this library in order to establish their library usage and preferences. The researcher undertook the quantitative approach since the qualitative approach in the form of interviews and observations had earlier been effectuated by the researcher during his internship in this library. In the investigation during which a total number (60) of students, academics (14) and four members of staff responded, it was revealed that the patrons encounter problems of space, noise and movements. The members of staff noted inter alia that in addition to the problems of space, noise and movements, there were also problems of mutilation of the library's materials (underlining passages and tearing pages) and of the deliberate mis-shelving of materials. In the light of these identified problems, this dissertation makes a number of recommendations designed to alleviate the problems experienced by the respondents.
20
Hjørland, Birger. "Social And Cultural Awareness and Responsibility in Library, Information and Documentation Studies." Scarecrow Press, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105676.
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Demonstrates that knowledge concerning social and cultural awareness and responsibility (SCAR) is not opposed to efficiency in information systems development. On the contrary, such knowledge is a prerequisite for developing effective systems. An information system is supposed
to provide relevant information and help fulfil the â information needsâ of users and potential users. The concepts of â relevanceâ and information needsâ in information science should be defined in a way that reflects social responsibility. Approaches that are not open to consider SCAR in user needs and relevance criteria cannot be regarded as being efficient.
Questions related to SCAR are not only relevant for the methodology of information science as a research discipline, but involveâ more or lessâ all kinds of knowledge production. Some theories of knowledge deny this thesis about the role of values, goals, and consequences in scientific activities, while other epistemologies approve it. The hermeneutic insight, that there is no neutral platform from which knowledge can be evaluated, implies that the seemingly neutral epistemologies are wrong: they are never neutral, they just do not acknowledge and discuss their basis, values, and consequences. Epistemological questions should never remain invisible or unconscious.
21
Mbabu, Loyd G. "A content analysis of information literacy courses in Master's degree programs of library and information studies." Ohio : Ohio University, 2007. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?ohiou1178045906.
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Mbabu, Loyd G. "A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION LITERACY COURSES IN MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1178045906.
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Madumo, Kepi David. "Information-seeking behaviour of grade R practitioners in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/25336.
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In this study, the information-seeking behaviour of Grade R practitioners in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa was investigated. The investigation included determining information needs, information sources often consulted, actions and strategies used when seeking information and challenges faced by these practitioners when seeking information. Early Child Development practitioners need information to increase their knowledge for optimum performance of their duties. Literature points to a possibility that if the Grade R practitioners can have access to relevant, accurate and timeous information and gain essential information retrieval skills, they might develop capacity for innovation, creativity and ultimately improve their teaching. Currently, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality libraries do not have any service dedicated to Early Child Development practitioners, yet Early Child Development is a national government priority stipulated in the National Development Plan. In the interest of developing relevant information services for Early Child Development practitioners, as Early Child Development is one of the national priorities, the researcher needed to ascertain their information needs and information-seeking behaviour. Using Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain's General Model of the Information Seeking of Professionals as the theoretical framework; and situated within interpretivist paradigm, the study took a qualitative approach to collect data through group discussions and an interview with a key informant. The results are based on seven focus group discussions with the practitioners from public schools, independent schools and community-based Early Child Development centres. These show that the practitioners' most popular information sources are Google, social media, especially Pinterest, and their colleagues. The major barriers to information access are time restraints and language. The nature of information needed to perform their tasks ranges from curriculum-related information, various child development oriented topics, legislation and information related to their personal and professional development. A few participants who claimed to use libraries indicated that they use neither the library catalogue nor the online databases in the library. In fact, they preferred to browse the shelves to find books and had never asked the library staff for any assistance. The majority of the participants do not use libraries, even though they appreciated the importance of information and library services in providing critical information for execution of their duties. To satisfy the demand for information, it is recommended that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality libraries and the Gauteng Department of Education school libraries should consider a coordinated and accessible library and information service that supports Early Child Development practitioners. The plans and design of library and information service in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality should accommodate the information needs expressed by the Grade R practitioners. Keywords: Early childhood practitioner, Grade R, pre-preparatory, pre-school, pre-primary, information-seeking behaviour, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, early childhood development, library and information service(s).
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Thupe, Benjamin O. "Assessing information needs of users of the Career Information Centre (CIC), UCT : working towards a framework for promoting better use of career services, in particular, resources in the CIC." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7954.
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Includes bibliography.This study is an assessment of the career information needs of users of the Career Information Centre (CIC), at the University of Cape Town. The study was conducted because it was clear to the CIC staff that the CIC was under-utilised by the student community. A thorough investigation of the literature on career needs and needs assessment was conducted in order to get an overview of issues that would characterise the study.
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Matingwina, Thomas. "Health information dissemination among undergraduate students in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the National University of Science and Technology : a study in developing an integrated framework for health information dissemination." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15574.
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University students in Zimbabwe lack immediate access to accurate health information. There is lack of explicit and integrated structures for disseminating health information to students in Zimbabwe. This inductive study proposes a needs-based, integrated information dissemination framework for promoting health amongst students at the National University and Science and Technology (NUST). The study assessed the health information needs of students and evaluated existing health information dissemination methods at NUST in developing a framework for disseminating health information. The study is informed by the Salutogenetic Theory of health which culminated into an integrated theoretical framework that combines information dissemination and behaviour change theories. A case study strategy was used to gather data within the pragmatic paradigm of grounded constructivism. The population comprised of undergraduate students, the Dean of Students, the Student Counsellor, and the Nursing Sister. Within-method triangulation with complementary data gathering instruments was used to improve reliability of data. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather data. A sample of 426 students and 3 members of staff participated in the study. Qualitative and quantitative content analysis was used to determine the confounding factors that informed the design of the framework. The data was supplemented with health information dissemination principles and procedures drawn from literature. The findings reveal that students need health information on a wide range of health topics. Students prefer mobile electronic media, workshops, qualified health professionals, and peers for their health needs. There are significant gaps between the strategies that are being used by NUST to disseminate health information and the health information needs of the students. The university is using traditional information dissemination media and channels that are not in line with the needs of the students. NUST needs to use more interactive and ICT based information dissemination methods. There is also a need for staff recruitment, training and infrastructural development. The proposed framework emphasizes the need for integration of activities, a viable policy, health information literacy training and the use of a mix of persuasion techniques.
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Mayekiso, Nozibele. "Knowledge sharing practices in academic libraries with special reference to the Unisa Library." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11685.
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Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.
In recent years it has been acknowledged that the practice of knowledge management can play an important role to ensure an organisation’s competitive edge within an industry. This study focuses on knowledge sharing practices in university libraries with special reference to the Unisa Library. The aim of the research project was therefore to establish whether the Unisa Library is receptive to knowledge sharing practices,whether there is a need for knowledge management and more specifically for a knowledge sharing strategy. Thus the objective was to establish the extent to which knowledge sharing practices occur among professional library staff, albeit unknowingly, in their daily activities.The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A questionnaire was delivered in person to professional librarians while interviews were conducted with managers from the various directorates of the library. The questions explored the knowledge sharing practices, including challenges within the library. They were based on internationally accepted knowledge management themes which include the role of leadership, organisational structure, organisational culture,technology, processes in enabling the effective practice of knowledge management.
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Murray, Kathleen. "Preservation education and training for South African library and archive professionals and students." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8780.
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Bibliography: leaves 99-112.Many experts in the global library and archive sector consider preservation a fundamental responsibility for all institutions and professionals. However, preservation is not yet an established core topic in the professional education of South African information workers, despite the increased availability of education and training options in recent years. Many of the current course and module offerings at university and technikon teaching departments do not cover the essential preservation issues adequately. As a result, professional librarians and archivists often feel ill prepared to address preservation issues in the working world. There are other options for learning about preservation outside the traditional classroom environment including publications and short workshops often organised by interested professional organisations.
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Dlamini, Khosie Konkhekluhle. "Library research support for masters and PhD students at the University of Eswatini." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32628.
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The changing academic and technological environment coupled with evolving research practices have greatly impacted the role played by academic libraries within the institutions they serve. This has sparked a global concern amongst academic libraries to re-evaluate their services as a means to aligning themselves to this new environment. As a result, academic libraries are transforming themselves and bringing about new services, particularly focussing on how they can enhance research output by providing support to researchers. Given this context, this study seeks to ascertain the extent of research support by University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Libraries for masters and PhD students at UNESWA. To address this objective, the following critical questions were generated: What are the current services being provided by UNESWA Libraries to support masters and PhD students at the University of Eswatini?; What are the library research needs of masters and PhD students at UNESWA?; To what extent are these needs being met by UNESWA Libraries?; and, If there are library research needs of masters and PhD students at UNESWA that are not being met by UNESWA Libraries, what research support services need to be put in place to address this deficiency? Schoombee's (2014) research lifecycle adapted for library research support was used as a supporting theoretical framework to guide the study. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods approach within a pragmatism paradigm and a case study design. Academic staff members and librarians at UNESWA were purposively sampled whilst a census was conducted for all masters and PhD students at UNESWA. Data was collected using a structured paper-based questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data was analysed thematically (by content analysis). The study concludes, inter alia, that despite the various library research support services provided by UNESWA Libraries for masters and PhD students, an expanded suite of research support services to more fully meet UNESWA's masters and PhD students' library research needs, is required. The study recommends that UNESWA Libraries should utilise available technologies and incorporate additional research support services that speak to the research needs of digital age masters and PhD students.
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Struthers, Margaret Alynn. "Overcoming the digital divide? : Africa and the information society with special reference to Lesotho." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9698.
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Includes bibliographical references.This thesis investigates whether the Internet is reducing or eliminating poverty and whether the Internet is the provider of fast-based information for development. It explores the concept of the information society, the information revolution, and the Internet, to provide a framework for understanding the information society in Africa, and in particular, Lesotho. Increasingly the information revolution, the Internet, is said to be shaping our lives. Globalisation and the new economy are driven by the Internet and social and economic development results from the Internet. The Internet, it is suggested, will enable Africa to "leapfrog" stages of economic and social development. The examples held up to Mrica as models of the use of information and communications technology are the East Asian "Tigers", India's cybertowers and Silicon Valley in California, the United States. These are examined in detail. The question of inclusion and exclusion in the information society is explored and whether the Internet is creating another divide - the digital divide. A historical sequence of meetings, conferences and events that have attempted to include Mrica in the information society is outlined. Statistics of telecommunication and Internet provision in Africa are included. These statistics show that the lack of telecommunications that is the method of accessing the Internet results in the lack of Internet provision in Africa contributing to the growing digital divide. The detailed case study of Lesotho situated in its historical, economic and social context, investigates the extent of telecommunication and Internet development in Lesotho. The conclusions presented are that while the Internet can contribute to some social and economic development it is not reducing or eliminating poverty. This is shown in the case study of Lesotho. This thesis presents evidence of a growing digital divide in society between the information haves and have-nots. Because of the critical role of the Internet in the new economy and globalisation, without the Internet there will be fewer possibilities for social and economic development. Therefore the digital divide is an additional factor contributing to poverty and inequality resulting in greater exclusion for whole groups, countries, and virtually the whole of Africa.
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Nakanduungile, Charlotte Ndeutala. "Student adoption and perceptions of the library and information mobile services at the University of Namibia." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32931.
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The aim of the study was to examine students' adoption and perceptions of library and information mobile services at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Main Campus. The research objectives were: to assess factors influencing students' adoption and use of wireless technologies that enable them to access library and information services at UNAM Main Campus; to determine the challenges/opportunities that students face when accessing library and information mobile services at UNAM Main Campus; and to identify students' perceptions of the library and information mobile services offered by UNAM Main Campus library. The study employed a mixed methods approach to gather and analyse data, and was supported by the Diffusion of Innovations theory (DOI). Data were collected from students using a convenience sampling method while purposive sampling was suitable to gather the qualitative data from library staff. Data collection from students was facilitated through a questionnaire, and library staff were interviewed. The study findings showed that mobile phones and laptops have been widely adopted and used by UNAM students. The study concludes that the attributes of innovation (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) are considered to be the influencing factors in the adoption and use of wireless technologies that enable students to access library and information services. The study results indicated that students enjoy the benefits which wireless technologies provide such as mobility, flexibility, convenience, engagement and communication in improving learning and academic performance and specifically in accessing library and information mobile services. However, slow network speed/network congestion during peak hours, limited Wi-Fi network coverage in areas and network downtime are some of the challenges that are frequently experienced and frustrate UNAM students when learning and accessing library information services. Though some students are not satisfied with the current provision of library services, and perceived them as inadequate due to limited access, lack of awareness and marketing of mobile services, and lack of a library mobile application, the majority of students perceived library services as adequate due to regular instant interactions and communications via emails, telephones and social networks that they exchange with librarians. The study recommends, among other things, that UNAM library staff be innovative in marketing and creating awareness of information resources and services to attract more students and increase library usage. Since there is no mobile application at vi UNAM library, the study recommends that the library design a mobile application to assist in providing library services to users with mobile devices.
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Pillai, Viveka. "Exploring the impact of library instruction on the Human Sciences Research Council staff, in support of achieving their research and academic goals." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32974.
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This study explored the impact of library instruction (LI) on the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) staff, in support of achieving their research and academic goals. The study used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, which consisted of two separate phases: quantitative data collection followed by qualitative data collection. The researcher surveyed the HSRC staff members, by using two online questionnaires. The first was for staff members who previously attended LI and the second for those who had never attended. A Likert scale was used to gauge the extent to which a participant agreed or disagreed with certain statements posed. A combination of open and closed ended questions were used in the questionnaire. The researcher used the free survey software Google forms to create and disseminate the quantitative questionnaires. The data files were then downloaded from Google forms into an Excel file and uploaded into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Participants volunteered for a follow‐up interview; this option was included in both questionnaires. The researcher had separate semi-structured interview guides for staff who attended and for those who never attended LI. Face‐to‐face and telephonic interviews were used to gather data. Interviewees were asked to sign a consent form, granting the researcher permission to audio record the interview. The total number of staff members, with valid e‐mail addresses that were sampled was 385. The total response rate was 27%. A total of 104 staff responded, with 69 staff members responding to the questionnaire for those who had attended LI and 35 staff responding to the questionnaire for those who had never attended LI. There were 40 staff members who volunteered to be interviewed, the researcher interviewed the first 30 who responded with signed consent forms. The findings illustrated that LI had a positive influence on the ability of the staff to achieve some of their research and academic goals. Participants indicated that they developed and learned new skills by attending LI. They also attributed their ability to find relevant sources, critically evaluate information and use information responsibly iv due to LI. LI however had little influence on staff publishing more, finding and applying for researching funding, or increasing citation counts. The findings provided an opportunity for the HSRC LI team to develop and explore alternative methods to contribute to staff success in these areas. The study also found that the HSRC library could explore the need for alternative instructional models, consider hosting LI sessions for similar post level groupings and consider offering more LI classes so staff could have more opportunities to attend.
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Iyambo, Laimi. "Utilisation of library websites for information literacy delivery in five selected universities in South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29869.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate how library web sites are used in delivering information literacy to a diversity of users in five selected universities in South Africa. Drawing from the Association of College and Research Libraries’ information literacy framework for higher education, the study sought to establish how information literacy content is designed into curricula and delivered. It further established tools that are used to deliver information literacy via library websites, strategies that are adopted in managing the process as well as the assessment tools used to test students’ learning of information literacy. Ultimately the study established the challenges librarians encounter when developing information literacy curriculum/content and using technologies on their web sites. This was done to improve the current practice of information literacy programme delivery at the University of Namibia libraries. The study was guided by Constructivism paradigm and the framework for Information Literacy Competency for higher education. The study employed a qualitative approach in which research participants were purposely selected. While a checklist was used to collect data from the library websites, interviews were used to collect data from librarians who are information literacy coordinators in their institutions. The study found that information literacy content encompasses the ability to identify an information need, locate, evaluate, use and manage information legally and ethically. Academic libraries used various strategies to inculcate information literacy skills among others includes Libguides, YouTube, videos, presentations in PDF and Microsoft Words, blog, Ask a Librarian and live Chat with a Librarian. Technologies such as Camtasia, Articulate software for videos, games, audios, quizzes creation, and Libguides are often used to develop and deliver information literacy content through library web-pages. Challenges that were highlighted by the librarians include inability to identify appropriate technologies to use and in most cases, librarians depend on IT personnel for assistance. The study will be useful to libraries which are in the process of developing online tutorials; it has potential to help librarians to identify appropriate technologies and processes involved to effectively develop tutorials that will eventually transform library websites into educational and learning platforms.
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Oosthuizen, Christel. "The research support needs and expectations of emerging researchers employed at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Faculty of Education: a case study." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/31201.
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Providing research support services is an important role and function of an academic library. Nationally and internationally, academic institutions are under pressure to improve the quality and quantity of their research outputs. An important aspect in developing a research culture is the provision of effective research support services. As a young research institution, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) invests a lot of time, energy and resources in supporting the development of a research culture. A significant aim of research support services is the progression of emerging researchers to established researchers. CPUT Libraries wishes to play an active role in this regard by providing research support specifically to emerging researchers. The provision of effective research support services however requires services that are aligned with researchers’ unique research support expectations. Without a clear understanding of the unique research support expectations of its researchers, the library will not be able to fulfil an effective research support function. This study obtained a renewed understanding of emerging researchers’ support needs through using a mixed methods approach and a case study research design, focusing on CPUT’s Education Faculty. Emerging researchers’ support needs were determined through a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of open- and close-ended questions. The research life cycle guided the design of the questionnaire. Online questionnaires were sent to all 37 emerging researchers employed in the Education Faculty. A total of 21 responses was received. Data about the perceptions of a group of four librarians and the Education Faculty’s research coordinator about emerging researchers’ most important support expectations were collected through a semi-structured focus group interview and an individual interview respectively. Data collected via the three data collection methods were triangulated to compare the differences and similarities in what was considered emerging researchers’ most important research support expectations. The triangulation of the data led to the creation of a list of the most important research support services that should be provided for emerging researchers at CPUT’s Faculty of Education. The results showed that researchers as well as research support providers regard information provision services as libraries’ most important research support function. Recommendations by the researcher include the active marketing of libraries’ research support services, personalised researcher training, closer cooperation between institutional research support providers and using the research cycle as framework when designing and promoting library research support services. Through the collection of data and the literature reviewed, this study reached an improved understanding of the research support expectations of emerging researchers at CPUT’s Faculty of Education.
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Masango, Charles Akwe. "Contemporary copyright fair dealing management issues and their impact on access to information sources and services : South African academic libraries in the transition to the digital environment." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8727.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-205).This study investigated the perceptions of academic librarians, managers of consortia, users of digital content, and rights holders whether licensing agreements effectively inhibit access to digital content and whether there is a need to establish an equivalent to the fair dealing exemption in the digital environment. The protection that is accorded to digital content is complex. An empirical survey based on qualitative method was conducted in 2003 - 2004 in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, to examine whether licences inhibit access to digital content and whether an equivalent to the fair dealing exemption was necessary in the digital environment. Methodology used in the survey consisted of interviews from structured questions. Using grounded theory, certain perceptions and misconceptions were found in the interview responses. Thereafter it was possible to suggest that the debate as to whether licences inhibit access to digital content and whether an equivalent to the fair dealing exemption is needed in the digital environment is perhaps inconclusive. However, it is proposed that as licences theoretically inhibit access to digital content, it may be necessary for an equivalent to the fair dealing exemption to be instituted to balance the rights of rights holders with those of consumers of digital content. The new fair dealing exemption would be able to theoretically balance the alleged inhibition caused by licensing agreements.
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Ondari-Okemwa, Ezra M. "An investigation into the practices, procedures, and challenges of knowledge management in government -owned organizations in Kenya." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12402.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 256-277).Knowledge management has been burgeoning in importance during the last one and half decades. Both profi;t making and non-profit making organizations have had to and continue to embrace and practice knowledge management. This study was set with the broad aim of investigating the practices, procedures and challenges of managing knowledge in Kenya's govemment-owned organizations. The specific objectives of the study from which research questions were formulated were: to assess the extent to which government-owned organizations practice knowledge management, find out the extent to which the organizations are "learning organizations", establish how the organizations determine the knowledge they require and the formats in which it should be delivered, find out whether and the extent to which individual organizational members in the organizations are motivated to contribute to knowledge creation and sharing, and discover the major managerial challenges and problems that the organizations face in managing knowledge. The scope of this study was limited to government-owned organizations (parastatals) in Kenya operating in environments considered to be information intensive and whose organizational structures are similar.
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Mapulanga, Patrick Makono. "Knowledge translation of health research findings at the University of Malawi and its relevance in health policy formulation in Malawi: a study in developing a communication and dissemination strategy to facilitate the use of health research evidence." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29810.
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Findings from health research ought to play a role in informing health policy formulation. Over the years much health research has been conducted both in developing and developed countries. However, little is known on how health research has informed health policy formulation. The study sought to review health research findings at the University of Malawi’s College of Medicine and Kamuzu College of Nursing and health policies of the Ministry of Health in Malawi, and based on the results, develop a communication and dissemination strategy as indicated by the study objectives. The study focused on exploring the extent of research use in policy formulation by evaluating sampled policies. It established from both researchers and policy makers their views regarding communication of research findings to policy makers, and how the two work together during conceptualisation, carrying out research and disseminating the findings. It sought to identify ways that the translation of research findings into policy formulation could be facilitated. The study is informed by the Knowledge Translation theoretical framework. It adopted the pragmatism philosophical paradigm which advocates for 'what works’. The convergent parallel mixed method strategy was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data for the study. The population of the study comprised of researchers and academics at the University of Malawi, health research partners in Malawi and directors at the Ministry of Health in Malawi. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires (246 academics and researchers), semi-structured interviews (17 directors from the Ministry of Health and relevant research institutes), a self-administered self-assessment tool (10 purposively selected directors from the Ministry of Health and from research institutes) and a health policy assessment tool. Qualitative data was analysed through content analysis while quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were supplemented with a search strategy through Scopus. The findings revealed that health researchers rarely interact with policy makers. Health researchers prefer publishing in journals, attending conferences and informally interacting with policy and decision makers. Policy makers rely on the use of Internet, reviews of previous policies, internal evaluations, data from the national statistical office, registries and information centres at the ministries for policy information. However, the study revealed in designing the communication and dissemination strategy based on 'what works’, that researchers work in research groups while policy makers work in technical work groups. The interaction between researchers and policy makers in the technical working groups informs the transfer of health research into policy-making. The study makes contributions to theory, practice and policy formulation. In terms of contribution towards the KTA framework, the study examined forms of formal interaction that may result in the transfer of health research information into policy and practice. The study indicates that formal interaction in the technical expert groups is one of such interactions that would facilitate the use of health research evidence in policy formulation. In terms of practice, the study recommends that there should be deliberate efforts by researchers in the research groups and policy makers at the technical working groups to formally engage each other. In terms of policy formulation, the study recommends that a proper interaction framework needs to be put in place for formal interactions between health researchers working in their research work groups and policy makers in the technical working groups.
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Kahn, Michelle. "The growth of e-book collections at South African academic libraries : a case study of the Western Cape." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11153.
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Includes bibliographical references.Libraries are still unsure of the value e-books can add to their collections and subsequently to their users’ research. E-book integration into library collections is made difficult by complicated purchasing and lending models and ever-changing technological requirements. Additionally, it is unclear what exactly library users want from their e-books. In this study, research into the obstacles facing the growth of academic library e-book collections was carried out by reviewing the literature on the topic, found in print and electronic reference works, monographs and journals, and on blogs and websites. Secondly, an investigation was conducted into patrons’ attitudes to e-books, their current use of e-books, and their expectations of e-books in their libraries, to examine the current and potential use of e-books at South African university libraries. The investigation employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to discover library users’ attitudes towards e-books. Surveys were run on the campuses of the four universities in the Western Cape of South Africa. A sample of potential participants, totalling 1,539 staff members and 45,849 students, was invited to participate in the survey via email or a website link. Data was collected by means of a self-administered, online questionnaire distributed using SurveyMonkey software.
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Koopman, Margaret Marie. "Data archiving, management initiatives and expertise in the Biological Sciences Department, University of Cape Town." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13656.
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Researchers produce large amounts of data during their research investigations and have a variety of interventions for the management of these data. It has not been the responsibility of academic institutions to manage research data, this responsibility has resided with the researchers and their research units. This investigation attempted to understand how pre-digital, early digital and current digital research data in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Cape Town had been and is being managed, if researchers had archived any of these data and what their opinions were on sharing their research data. Long-term ecological data are an important component of research in the Biological Sciences Department as researchers wish to understand ecosystem changes such as climate change, the spread of alien species and the impact of humans on land and marine exploitation. It is consequently critical that research data, past and present are properly managed for future research so that meaningful management decisions can be made. Research Data Management and the Research Life Cycle are phrases that are very much in the literature at present as librarians and university administrators grapple with the task of implementing data policies and data repositories. The literature review revealed that although the University of Cape Town may be a somewhat behind other international institutions in engaging with Research Data Management and repositories, investigations have been ongoing in other parts of the world and in the international community the groundwork has already been done. Research data have been the preserve of researchers and they are reluctant to give up control of their hard-earned data, usually the result of hours spent on funding applications, and field or laboratory work. Data sets of sufficient quantity and quality to answer research questions can take a researcher a lifetime to accumulate and they understandably do not wish to make these openly available without the insurance that their work will be acknowledged. The findings of this research project revealed that in the absence of systematic data management initiatives at institutional level, researchers had preserved many long-term data sets and in some instances were archiving with international repositories specific to their data types. The findings resulted in a range of suggested interventions for the support of Research Data Management at the University of Cape Town.
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Uugwanga, Nekulu Selma Takatsu. "Information-seeking behaviour of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources' students at Neudamm Campus, University of Namibia." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26201.
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This study investigated the information-seeking behaviour of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources' (FANR) students at Neudamm Campus, University of Namibia (UNAM). It determined their information needs, informationseeking patterns, information use and information evaluation including preferences for information resources. In addition, it considered the challenges students encountered when accessing and using information at Neudamm Library. This was done in order to improve the delivery of information services. Taking a qualitative research approach, this study was guided by Kuhlthau's (2004) Information Search Process model which served as a theoretical framework. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample through focus group discussions that were held with undergraduate students and interviews with postgraduate students and academic staff. The key findings from this analysis are that FANR students need information to write assignments, class tests, examinations and research projects. They value both printed and online resources. However, they are frustrated by the outdated resources, shortage of printed materials, and the limited and restricted access to e-resources. When in the library, they mainly browse for books on library shelves and search for information on the internet, and rarely use library electronic databases. There is a need to train students on the formulation of search strategies and the use of library e-resources. It transpired that students seldom use advanced search strategies, instead they either type short keywords or long sentences on Google search engine. Their challenges include very noisy library study area, ineffective interlibrary loan systems and fellow students' unwillingness to share facilities such as computers. The findings indicate that the library needs to acquire the latest e-resources, provide robust information literacy training and redesign its space to increase study space that students can use to access quality information. Additionally, the university should source funds from external donors to build a state of the art library to accommodate the increasing number of FANR students.
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Mnkeni, Nampombe Pearson. "The effectiveness of teacher librarians in primary schools : the experience of the Melani school libraries in the Eastern Cape." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11065.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-108)In 2002, a pilot project established school libraries in eleven primary schools in Melani, Fort Beaufort District. The role players in this initiative were South African Partners (an American Non Governmental Organization), the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the University of Fort Hare and the Library and Information Science Association of South Africa (LlASA). Each school nominated one teacher to receive teacher librarianship training to manage and sustain the school libraries. The aim of the project was to develop a model that would lead to the establishment and development of school libraries in other areas of the Eastern Cape. This research project sought to investigate the effectiveness of teacher librarians in primary schools reflecting on the experience of the Melani cluster of schools. The aim was to assess the effects the school libraries have had on teaching and learning. The qualitative and quantitative study involved 110 primary learners, 39 educators, 11 teacher librarians, and an official from the Provincial Department of Education.
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Ruppelt, Niels. "The development of the notion of libraries in the ancient world with special reference to the Middle East, the Roman Republic and the Royal Alexandrian Library." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13399.
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Bibliography: leaves 252-256.The Royal Alexandrian Library (RAL) is considered by modern scholarship to represent the epitome of the development of ancient librarianship. Its extensive holdings imply the application of modern organizational procedures such as collection development, information retrieval and promotion of use - terms identifiable as elements embodied in the conceptual framework of librarianship (for the purposes of this study the latter two concepts - information retrieval and promotion of use - are combined into the simplified general concept of "collection accessibility"). The RAL therefore constitutes a key development phase in the evolution of modern librarianship. However, scholars have disputed the origins of the RAL and Mouseion or university it was attached to. The socalled "Greek thesis" emphasizes the purely Greek origins of both the Mouseion and the RAL. Conversely, the "Ptolemaic thesis", while acknowledging the Greek origins of the Mouseion, argues that the RAL (as an independent institution distinguishable from the Mouseion proper) is derived from Middle Eastern institutions. This study traces the origins of the RAL from the textual collections of the early Mediterranean and Middle Eastern civilizations, through the period of Greek and the subsequent Hellenistic cultural dominance - culminating in the legacy of Hellenistic librarianship as inherited by the Roman Republic, since the newly emerging Roman empire was to exert a deciding influence upon the historical development of the RAL. Within these civilizations and regions a brief overview is undertaken to gauge the extent of literacy and literary output prevalent in each as well as a general assessment of librarianship and library practices. The major and most noteworthy archival and book collections are then analysed according to the organizational procedures identified in the outlined conceptual framework of librarianship. For this purpose sufficient information has been obtained from archaeological evidence and primary and secondary sources to allow for the analysis of forty-three libraries throughout the ancient world. In this way predominantly Middle Eastern as well as Greek elements have been identified as contributing to the creation, organization and functioning of the RAL.
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Nkuebe, Mantoetse Pontso Alice. "Knowledge and skills requirements of National University of Lesotho librarians in meeting information needs of humanities undergraduate students in the digital age." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/24909.
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This study attempted to ascertain what knowledge and skills are required for NUL librarians to meet the information needs of humanities undergraduate students in the digital era academic library environment. To address the objective of this study, the following research questions were generated: what are the library related information needs of NUL humanities undergraduate students in the current digital age?; what knowledge and skills are required of NUL librarians in meeting the library related information needs of humanities undergraduate students in the current digital age?; to what extent has technology affected the roles and functions of NUL academic librarians?; to what extent are NUL librarians readily adapting to and embracing technological changes affecting academic library resources and services?; and, what type of education and training are required for NUL librarians to effectively meet the information needs of humanities undergraduate students in the digital age academic library environment? The study was supported by organizational learning theory. It employed a convergent parallel mixed methods approach within a pragmativist paradigm for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data to respond to the research questions guiding the study. A case study design was adopted in identifying humanities undergraduate students' information needs and concurrently ascertaining knowledge and skills requirements of NUL librarians. The target population included NUL librarians and humanities undergraduate students. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to collect qualitative data (from the librarians) whist probability stratified random sampling was adopted to obtain quantitative data (from humanities undergraduate students). Data were collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with librarians and a structured questionnaire for students. In concluding, the study presents, inter alia, a blend of required disciplinary, generic and personal competencies for NUL librarians to meet the library related information needs of humanities undergraduate students in the current digital age. It recommends, inter alia, the adoption of effective organizational learning to build on NUL librarian's existing knowledge and skills so that they may more easily adapt to rapidly evolving technology and more fully meet the information needs of humanities undergraduate students.
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Oosthuizen, Suzette. "The role and function of e-mail as a form of computer mediated communication for research purposes : a comparative study." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7955.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-129).The use of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is seldom questioned in the First World, as it is perceived as being one of the components of everyday working life. It contributes towards research and communication within higher education institutions. With regard to the South African context, the question arose whether the application of CMC in Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDl's) within the specific area of the Eastern Cape, is on a par with that at Historically Advantaged Institutions (HDI's) in the same region. The University of Fort Hare represents a typical HDI and the University of Port Elizabeth a HAL
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Swartz, Barbara Dawn. "A study exploring the career advancement of women librarians in South African institutions of higher education." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9774.
Full textAbstract:
Bibliography: leaves 198-211.The lowly status of female librarians has been noted in libraries in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. Contrary to the position overseas, little has been written on it in South Africa and even less on how women librarians themselves perceive their position. This aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of women librarians in certain tertiary institutions regarding the following questions: 1) To what extent has gender/sex impacted on the career positioning of female librarians? 2) Have any other obstacles impeded the career advancement of female librarians and if so, what were they? 3) When female librarians apply for promotion, what are their actual experiences? 4) To what extent has race impacted on the career positioning of female librarians? A feminist constructionist methodology was used to explore perceptions of female librarians at four Western Cape tertiary institutions.
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Pietersen, Jeremiah. "The shape and form of the 21st century academic library in South Africa : the case of the University of Cape Town libraries." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13733.
Full textAbstract:
This study sought to ascertain the shape and form of the 21st century academic library in South Africa, using the case of UCT Libraries. The objective was supported by sub-objectives, namely: to ascertain, via a rigorous review of literature, how far along academic libraries worldwide are with incorporating technological advances in their services; to identify the progress of UCT Libraries in establishing itself as a 21st century academic library; to ascertain how readily staff adapt to changes and new technology in the library; and, to ascertain user expectations of a modern, digital era academic library. A qualitative design with a case study approach was employed by the study. The study was supported by organizational learning theory. Themes emanating from the literature include, inter alia, open access, MOOCs, digital humanities and research data management. Further data was collected via interviews and a questionnaire survey of purposively sampled library staff. Stratified random sampling was used to extract samples from the targeted user population (UCT undergraduates, postgraduates and, academics and researchers) for surveying by means of online questionnaires. The study concludes that academic libraries, the world over, are adapting their services according to user demands and users’ use of current technology; that UCT Libraries is currently in the process of establishing itself as a 21st century academic library and that the progress and procedures currently in place to encourage new developments, holds UCT Libraries in good stead towards establishing itself as a 21st century academic library service; that the prevailing culture of organizational learning in UCT Libraries bodes well for constantly adapting to new technologies; and, that users are generally satisfied with the services they are receiving from the Library. Although the case of UCT Libraries was used in this study, in many ways this case is typical of academic libraries in other parts of South Africa as well as in other parts of the world and hence this study of the shape and form of the 21st century academic library has relevance to other academic library contexts as well.
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Dolo-Ndlwana, Nomambulu. "Use and value of library's electronic resources by academics and postgraduate students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10336.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliographical references.As libraries are in the transition of moving from print to electronic resources, the purpose of the study was to investigate the use and value of library's e-resources by academics and postgraduates at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). There is evidence from previous studies that today's users have their information needs met via a number of options. They need not physically come to the library; they can stay at home or at their offices to access e-resources. The study focused on the use and value of the library's e-resources in two departments (Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering) in the Faculty of Engineering. The main aim was to determine whether academics and postgraduates use e-resources, the purpose for which they used e-resources in the process of teaching, learning and research, the extent to which they were aware of the e-resources, the value they regarded as the benefit from using e-resources and the problems they encountered in their use of e-resources. The study population consisted of 251 academics and postgraduates. A questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. The questionnaire was distributed to 82 academics, 135 MTech and 34 DTech students. The results of the study are based on the data from 60 returned questionnaires from academics and postgraduates. The study found that the majority of the respondents used e-resources, but a few respondents did not use e-resources because they were not aware of them. Respondents who used e-resources used them for a variety of purposes, including gathering information for a specific topic; doing literature reviews, getting answers to specific questions, and gaining general information. The study also encountered respondents who had problems when using e-resources. These problems included internet connections, slow downloading of articles; time constraints and the need for training in the use of e-resources. The majority of respondents from the study thought that they benefited from using the library's e-resources.
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Shabangu, Joy Maziya. "The role of the public library in HIV and AIDS information dissemination in Swaziland : an exploratory study in the Manzini region." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11327.
Full textAbstract:
Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-83).
The purpose of this study was to assess the utilisation of HIV and AIDS information in Manzini Public Library (MPL). The main objectives included to assess the availability of HIV and AIDS information sources in the Manzini region, to identify challenges of acquiring and delivering the appropriate information, to identify channels through which MPL disseminates HIV and AIDS information.
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Pooler, Richard Shaw. "The Trattato della pittura (Treatise of painting) by Leonardo da Vinci : a study of the English editions explaining their origins and development and comparing their structure and differences, with particular reference to the first English edition (1721), analysing its relationship to the other English editions, and defining the philosophy and significance of this Treatise." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11815.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 227-243).Three aspects are covered: * The origins of the Treatise, how it evolved from Leonardo's Notes, leading up to the various printed editions with their variations. *The early English editions of the Treatise, with a comparison of their differences, and their development from the first edition. How were the early editions abridged and for what purpose? *The structure of Leonardo's thought, and what he actually said in the Treatise of Painting.
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Mahlangu, Nomoya. "Barriers to information access and provision in academic libraries with special focus on the Cape Technikon Library." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11584.
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Bibliography: p. 81-88.This dissertation examines difficulties experienced by users from the moment they enter the library to search for information, up to the point where they achieve the objective of their search. It also explores the processes that happen "behind the scenes", before the sought information can be located and utilized. These include the requisite funding to obtain the information, ordering, acquiring and cataloguing and finally shelving the material in an accessible manner.
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Sikazwe, Dennis. "An assessment of knowledge use and knowledge management maturity among the micro, small and meduim enterprise sector in Zambia." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13919.
Full textAbstract:
The focus of this study was to establish the knowledge use and Knowledge Management (KM) maturity among the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector in Zambia. This is a domain that has received little attention in the Zambian business and economics literature, partially because of the newness of KM as a business concept. Knowledge Management is a very important aspect as far as innovation and competitiveness are concerned in the knowledge economy. Since the inception of the open market economy in Zambia in 1992 and the move to diversify Zambia's national economy from state control into private hands, the MSMEs still seem to be struggling with lack of innovation and competitiveness. Despite several attempts to boost the sector's viability, little success has been recorded.