Academic Libraries And Distance Education In Ghana: Evidence From The Sd Dombo University Of Business And Integrated Development Studies, Banleman Konlan Mr, Bawa Kojo Dukper Mr, Laar Dabontin Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examines the role of academic libraries in supporting distance education at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Ghana. The findings highlight the importance of digital access and resources, information literacy instruction and support services, collaborative partnerships, and user satisfaction. The study reveals that academic libraries have made significant investments in digital collections, ensuring remote access to a wide range of scholarly materials for distance learners. Information literacy programs and support services are crucial in equipping students with research skills and enhancing their academic success. Collaborative partnerships between librarians, faculty, and other stakeholders integrate library services …

Right To Information Act And Records Management Practices In Some Selected Metropolitan Assemblies In Ghana, Ernest Effah Mr., Akwasi Duffour Frimpong Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

Every organization requires records. Transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery are all enhanced by effective records management. The capacity to exercise one's right to access records is contingent on effective records management and its availability in government ministries and public bodies. The study investigated the records management and the right to information in some selected metropolitan assemblies in Ghana. These selected metropolitan assemblies include the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. A survey research design was used to carry out the study. A total of 80 participants were used for the study. Questionnaires were used …

User Perspective Of Reference Service Provision At The National Film And Television Institute (Nafti), Ghana., Elizabeth Osae Koranteng, Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study set out to investigate the reference service provision at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Ghana from the perspective of users. A total number of 335 copies of questionnaire were administered to students and faculty of the National Film and Television Institute out of which 234 copies of the questionnaires were returned and used for the study representing a 69.9% response rate. The findings show among others that though the majority of respondents found the services and resources provided in the reference section coupled with staff attitude and skills of the library satisfactory, there is lack of …

A Historical Trace Of Library And Information Science Education In Selected Countries Of Africa- Nigeria, Ghana And South Africa, Peter Olubunmi Olubiyo, Lydia Mercy Olubiyo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

LIS education is more concerned with training in librarianship. LIS education aimed at producing competent librarians to manage all types of libraries in the countries of the world for sustainability. Other information related disciplines such as documentation, archives and records management were relatively unknown when they started existing, thus, they were not accorded prominence. However, librarianship in Africa owes its origin to colonialism. Colonialism introduced reading and writing among the indigenous people. Until then, the two activities were alien. Colonial governments introduced Western education which entailed among others, reading and writing. In an attempt to boost the two activities, a …

User Awareness And Usability Of Research Support Platforms Amongst Undergraduates At Kumasi Technical University (Kstu) In Ghana, Michael Oppong Mr., Stephanie Owusu Ansah Ms., Akwasi Duffour Frimpong Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

The study examined the awareness and usability of online library research support platforms among undergraduate students at Kumasi Technical University in Ghana. 126 respondents were sampled and respectively drawn from all the seven faculties that consist of the student population. A descriptive survey method was employed to obtain data from the various faculties using a questionnaire. Analysis of data gathered was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS), version 20 and excel 2016 for descriptive statistics using percentages. The results revealed that the majority of the students were not aware of the online library research support platforms …

Adopting Mobile Technologies For Social Media Based Library Services At The Wisconsin International University College Library, Ghana, Comfort Asare, Marlene Holmner Prof.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic libraries play a critical role in supporting teaching, learning and research in higher institutions. Libraries should provide access to educational resources in varying formats. Adopting mobile technologies for social media based library services in developing countries has not yet been fully explored. This article reports on the possibility of adopting mobile technologies for social media based library services at the Wisconsin International University College, Ghana. The article provides a brief overview of the technologies that are available as well as some services that can be provided using the available technologies. Possible challenges in the course of adopting the technologies …

Mobile Telephony And Agriculture Information Communication In Ghana: The Ho West District Under Review, Kodjo Atiso, Benjamin Yao Folitse, Seth Awuku Manteaw

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The use of mobile phones among stakeholders in Ghana in communication agricultural related information is gaining grounds. The findings show that farmers in the Ho West District of Ghana are beginning to adhere to the dictates of technology to enhance information delivery for their farming activities. The study shows factors such as level of education, income levels have a direct correlation to the use of the technology. Despite these, it is still the case that mobile penetration into agricultural communication is receiving attention from farmers.

Perception Of And Attitudes Towards Plagiarism Among Graduate Students In Ghana, Aba Amandzewaa Anaman Ms, Francis Agyei Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

This study investigated students’ perception of plagiarism, sources of information on plagiarism, attitude towards plagiarism, reasons for acts of plagiarism and knowledge of the consequences of plagiarism. A quantitative approach was used. Data was gathered using survey from a sample size of 319 graduate students of University of Ghana, selected using the stratified sampling technique. The main data collection instrument was the questionnaire and the data were analysed descriptively. Findings showed a universal awareness of plagiarism with lecturers as their major source of information. Students generally had a basic understanding of the concept of plagiarism but have broadened the …

Awareness And Usage Of Ict Tools Among Postgraduate Students’ In The University Of Ghana And The University Of Cape Coast, Samuel Ankamah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper aims to identify the awareness and utilisation of ICT applications to facilitate research of postgraduate students. With the survey design, 346 respondents were selected out of 4907 postgraduate students from the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast using the stratified and convenience sampling techniques to participate in this study. Using the TAM3 theory, the study identified that most students were aware that ICT use in research can facilitate their scientific inquiries. Most students were aware of ICT tools. The results further indicated that ICT tools were well publicised. Again, most of the respondents indicated that …

Health Information Seeking Behaviour Among Users In The College Of Health Sciences Library, The University Of Ghana Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Samuel Ankamah, Prosper Amegashie, Francis Yeboah, Naomi Amofah-Serwaa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study is to assess the information needs and information-seeking behaviour among library users in the CHS Library, the University of Ghana amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted the survey design to select 128 respondents using the convenience sampling technique with a response rate of 68.75 per cent. The study found that most respondents were competent health information literates. Moreover, most users look for health information to gain a better understanding of the causes, severity, and prognosis of a disease. Again, most respondents demonstrated that their main source of health information during the COVID-19 pandemic was …

Information Systems Evaluation In Ghanaian Academic Libraries Using Dandm Is Success Model, Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo Dr., Lizette King Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The use of Information Systems (ISs) has been widely accepted and proven to increase the service quality in many organizations. Academic libraries have embraced the use of ISs and have implemented them to perform different activities. The efficient utilization and management of ISs in libraries will help libraries to derive maximum benefit from adopted ISs. The researchers therefore used the DeLone and McLean IS success theory to determine the impact of IS management on the quality of the IS and the use of the IS. The researchers solicited responses using questionnaire from all the staff members who use any electronic …

Adaptive Technology For Supporting Persons With Disability In Selected Public Academic Libraries In Ghana, Alberta Addai-Wireko Ms., Philip Nukpe Dr., Akwasi Duffour Frimpong Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

This study was to examine the barriers to access and availability of adaptive technologies in supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in public academic libraries in Ghana. The study adopted the qualitative research design. The University of Cape Coast Library and the University of Ghana library were purposively selected and interview guides were used for data collection. A total of 20 respondents were selected and the interviews targeted 16 students with disabilities using the snowball approach, the 2 Librarians, and the 2 heads of the unit in the library that catered students with special needs. The thematic content analysis was …

Students’ Perceptions And Use Of The Sakai Learning Management System In The University Of Ghana, Noah Darko-Adjei, Ebenezer Ankrah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated students’ awareness of the Sakai LMS tools, the extent of use, and the major challenges faced by students. Also, hypotheses were tested in the bid to find out relationships among variables. The study is useful to education practitioners, management of Distance Education, policymakers, and learning management system developers and also pertinent in the COVID-19 era. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model and survey methodology with a sample size of 230 level 300 Distance Learning students of the University of Ghana. Convenience sampling was adopted, data were gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. …

Students’ Perception And Practices Of The Use Of Electronic Resources In Public University Libraries In Ghana, Akwasi Duffour Frimpong Mr, Gertrude Obuobi Addo Miss

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

Electronic resources are transforming most academic library systems and how students view and use these information sources is critical. The study thus explored students’ perceptions and practices regarding the use of electronic resources in public university libraries in Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive research design, and the quantitative research approach was used; hence questionnaires were the main instrument employed for data collection. A total of 537 students were conveniently sampled from six public universities. From the results, it was found that most of the public universities have Web OPAC systems, e-books, e-databases, and e-journals available for students’ use …

Leveraging Social Media Platforms In Marketing Library Services In Ghanaian Universities, Stephen Budu, Pearl Joan Korkuvi, Samuel Owusu-Ansah, Francis Yeboah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

With the continuous improvement of library services across the globe owing to automation, technological advancement, and growth in student population, rapid access to social media (SM) platforms has become a vital part of keeping present and would-be users well-versed about academic library service. The study brings to bear on the use of SM platforms in promoting library services. Using the survey approach, one hundred and seventy-six (176) library users of the University of Ghana (UG), Library System (LS) were selected to provide primary data via questionnaires. All respondents were selected through simple random sampling. The SPSS was used to generate …

Towards Institutional Repository Sustainability: Lecturers Awareness, Patronage And Content Submission To The University Of Cape Coast Repository, Ebenezer Martin-Yeboah, Christopher Kwame Filson, Kwame Boohene

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Having been hardest hit by the crisis of inadequate funding for journal subscription, academic institutions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa have embraced open access institutional repositories as alternative means of scholarly communication. Upon the embrace of this approach to knowledge sharing, the University of Cape Coast’s Institutional Repository, UCCSpace, like most academic repositories, has had to contend with the issues of sustainability in the area of content recruitment. The study thus assesses lecturers’ awareness and perception of institutional repositories in the context of content population and sustainability of IRs. Through the Descriptive Survey Design, the study engages 714 lecturers in a …

Electronic Resources Sharing In Academic Libraries In Ghana: A Comparative Study Of Ghana Technology University College And Presbyterian University College Libraries, Jennifer Kyerewaa Antwi Ms, Ebenezer Ankrah Dr, Akwasi Duffour Frimpong Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the study was to examine electronic resource sharing among academic libraries focusing on Ghana Technology University College and Presbyterian University College Libraries. Qualitative research was used for the study. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data based on the objectives identified. Twelve (12) participants were interviewed. The findings showed that the majority of the participants indicated inadequate budgetary allocation, the influx of technology and information overload in sharing e-resources influenced both libraries studied, the majority of the participants mentioned inadequate ICT facilities as a challenge in both libraries. Other challenges were on cost in the …

The Information Needs And Information-Seeking Behavior Of Health Care Practitioners: A Case Study Of Health Care Practitioners Of The Narh-Bita Hospital, Tema, Ghana., Zakaria Abukari, Dr. Catherine L. Narh Menka, Mr. Emmanuel T. Narh

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Health information plays a major role in the delivery of care worldwide. it helps physicians make informed clinical decisions for the betterment of their patients. This study examined the information needs and information-seeking behavior of health care practitioners at the Narh-Bita hospital, Tema. The study employed the survey method and a questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. A sample of 69 health practitioners were randomly selected and given questionnaires to fill. Data obtained was analyzed using frequency accounts and simple percentages. The results showed that practitioners' information needs covered different clinical topic areas. The information-seeking behavior of …

Library Services For The Visually Impaired: Case Study Of Academic Libraries In Ghana, Imoro Osman, Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The library has always been acknowledged as the hub of information to all in the academic environment. However, library services for the visually impaired in developing countries is often constrained due to social, financial and logistical challenges (Rowland, 2008; Hopkins, 2000; Willoughby, 1990). This study therefore examined the provision of library services for the visually impaired in three public universities in Ghana. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the quantitative aspect of the study whiles case study research design was used for the qualitative aspect of the study. The population …

Information Literacy Among Students Of The University Of Ghana Business School And Ghana Institute Of Management And Public Administration Business School, Prosper Kwame Amegashie, Samuel Ankamah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The acquisition of information literacy skills empowers students to understand the content, extend their research and assume greater control over their learning. The purpose of the study is to assess information literacy skills of levels 300 and 400 students of the University of Ghana Business School, Legon and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Business School, Achimota. From a population of 2,579 respondents (students), a sample size of 202 that is, 86 UGBS and 116 GIMPABS were selected for the study. The questionnaire was used to gathered and analysed data. The findings of this study show that students agreed …

Social Media Use Among Undergraduates In Ghanaian Public Universities, Obed S.O. Dadzie, Theophilus Fiawotoafor

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated social media use among students of University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to investigate social media platforms and their usage among students, the purposes for students’ use of social media, the amount of time students spent on social media and the amount of time they spent studying daily. The study is a quantitative design that used survey research methodology. A sample size of Level 300 and Level 400 students was selected, out of which 390 (97.5%) responded to the questionnaire that was administered. Stratified random sampling …

Visually Impaired Access To Library Services: The Role Of Library Infrastructure, Paulina Kwafoa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Globally it is estimated that there are 285 million persons living with some sort of vision related difficulties. In Ghana, about 737,743 Ghanaians living with disabilities (Ghana Statistical Service, 2012). The United Nations and other international organizations have always emphasized the importance making education and educational services accessible to all. In recent times, there have been advocates for inclusive education where children with disabilities have been educated together with ‘able bodied’ colleagues. The purpose of this study was to examine library infrastructure for the visually impaired in the public universities in Ghana. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative …

Assessment Of New Academic Programmes At The University Of Ghana And Their Implication On Library Services: Case Study, Kennedy Andoh Mr., Raphael Kwame Kavi Mr., Grace Obeng-Koranteng Mrs., Kwabena Asiedu Bugyei Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study focused on the implication of the introduction of new academic programs on the resources of Balme Library in the University of Ghana, Legon. The case study methodology was used with a study population of 47 staff constituting both senior members and senior staff of Balme Library and the Director of Academic Affairs respectively. Data collection instruments used were questionnaire and interview. The responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study revealed that the Balme Library was not consulted or involved during the introduction of new academic programs. In addition, student enrolment was increasing …

So What Made You Choose Librarianship? Reasons Teachers Give For Their Career Switch., Franklin Gyamfi Agyemang

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper explores the reason teachers choose to go into librarianship when leaving the teaching profession from Sub-Saharan Africa. Snowball sampling method was used to locate seventeen (17) participants for this study in Ghana. Mixed methods were used for data collection; questionnaire (open-ended questions) and interview. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study found the following as reasons teacher choose librarianship when leaving the teaching profession: Better Salaries and Remunerations, Relatedness of librarianship to teaching, Love for books, Employment Space and scope of opportunities for librarians. By the findings, this study corroborates researches on second-career librarianship …

User Satisfaction Of Resources And Services Of Libraries: A Case Study Of The Narh-Bita College, Tema, Ghana., Zakaria Abukari

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Information and communication technologies have revolutionized how information is delivered to information consumers in the 21^st century. Information can now be obtained just with a click of a button. For this reason, libraries are faced with the challenge of maintaining their clientel base. Therefore, user satisfaction of libraries' resources and services has become the major focus for most libraries. User satisfaction has been found to be an important factor that affects the use or non use of libraries. The study investigated the utilization and user satisfaction of the resources and services of the Narh-Bita College Library, Ghana. The study …

Impacts Of Information And Communication Technology On Libraries In Ghana: A Review, Albert Paa Kojo Ebi Bilson, Evelyn Dedei Markwei (Dr.)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this article was to provide a review of literature on the impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Libraries in Ghana. Some of the ICT impacts identified were in the area of cataloguing and classification, online public access catalogue, acquisitions, video conferencing, web 2.0 and social media tools, online searching and retrieval, electronic resources, digitization, electronic/digital libraries and institutional repositories, library website, indexing and abstracting, technical services, bibliographic instruction/library instruction, mobile digital library, interlibrary loan and document delivery, information access and video and photo libraries. Our review indicates that despite the tremendous changes brought about by …

Users’ Perspectives On The Services Of University For Development Studies Library: A Case Of A Multi-Campus Institution In Ghana., Angela Achiaa Aikins, Nasir Koranteng Asiedu, Deborah Bumbie-Chi Mwinterong

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The University for Development Studies operates a multi-campus system whereby its campuses are located in three different northern regions of Ghana. This system operated by the University makes it necessary to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided by library staff in each of the four campuses to establish the performance level of the library based on users’ opinions or views.

Using the survey approach, 312 registered users of the library were randomly selected to participate in the study. ײ ≤ 0.05 is also used in the study to test the existence of relationships among variables of interest. …

The Use Of Ict Applications In Research By Postgraduate Students In Ghana, Samuel Ankamah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ICT has influenced the conduct of research with the emergence of advanced technologies that have enabled researchers to work with larger datasets and to improve the outcome of their research. Despite these benefits, it was revealed that some postgraduate students were not computer literate hence their inability to use the ICT applications in their research activities. This problem has led to huge financial losses to the universities since they have invested in ICT facilities, yet little use is being made. The study sought to examine the use of ICT in research by postgraduate students in public universities. The survey design …

Health Information Behaviour Of Graduate Students On The Internet: Sources, Trust And Reliability Of Information, Setsoafia A. Y. Humphrey-Ackumey, Musah Adams, Michael Ahenkorah-Marfo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study sought to investigate the health information behaviour of graduate students on the internet. A quantitative method using a cross-sectional survey was used to solicit information from 256 graduate students studying courses related to health in the Arts, Social, and applied Sciences. The results showed that most of the respondents preferred the Internet because it is timely, fast and provides information from different sources simultaneously. The type(s) of health information mostly sought for were general information on healthy lifestyle, specific disease or treatment, side effects of medications, new development in the medical field among others. Majority (90.9 %) of …

Compliance To Library Rules And Regulations By Students: A Case Study Of Walton Whaley Library Of Valley View University (Vvu), Ghana., Ameyaw Samuel

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study was set up to investigate compliance with library rules and regulations by students at Valley View University (VVU). The study employed a descriptive survey design and simple random sampling technique. The total population of the students at the time of carrying out this study was two thousand, two hundred and seventy-three (2,273). One hundred and twenty-six (126) students were sampled for the study. The instrument used for data collections was a questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that a significant number of students were aware of the rules and regulations in the library as well as punishment …