Digital Commons Network^™

Information Literacy Skills And Awareness Of Electronic Information Resources As Influencing Factors Of Their Use By Postgraduate Students In Two Universities In South-West Nigeria, Chukwuemeka O. Azubuike Mr, Chukwuemeka O. Azubuike

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This work focused on Information literacy skills and awareness of electronic information resources as influencing factors of their use by postgraduate students in two Universities in South-West Nigeria.

The need for this study was prompted after observing that most postgraduate students in Nigerian Universities have poor information literacy skills and awareness of electronic information resources which could be due to inadequate end user training, poor search skills, mass irrelevant information, slow internet connectivity, the need to filter the results from the search of information, failure to find information, inaccessibility of some information sources etc. This therefore raises a question of …

Relationship Between Information Literacy And Use Of Electronic Information Resources By Postgraduate Students Of The University Of Ibadan, Dare Samuel Adeleke D. S., Evelyn Nkechi Emeahara

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Information Needs And Information Sources Of Urban And Peri-Urban Livestock Keepers In Kinondoni And Morogoro Urban Districts, Tanzania., Consolata Angello 1, Jangawe Msuya 2, Doris Matovelo 3

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper discusses the information needs of urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and the various information sources used and their effectiveness in disseminating livestock information. Mixed method approach was the methodology used in the study whereby quantitative data was gathered using questionnaires while qualitative data was gathered using in-depth interviews and participant observations. Findings from this study revealed that livestock keepers had various information needs such as disease control (95.3%), nutrition and feeds (62.2%), markets (56.3%), housing techniques (29.1%) and loans (20.1%). Urban livestock keepers also used different sources of information to access information including veterinary shops (77.2%), extension services …

Awareness And Use Of Opac By Distance Learners: The Case Of The Open University Of Tanzania, Nelson Msagati

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The survey aims to investigate the use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) among distance learners of the Open University of Tanzania. A descriptive research design has been adopted in the study. Stratified random sampling method was used to select randomly 300 distance learners. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed randomly to 300 distance learners including undergraduate and postgraduate students. A total of 230 (76.67 percent) completed filled in questionnaires were returned back from the distance learners for analysis. Despite OPAC being the most effective information retrieval tool and of particular ideal for distance learners, findings of this study …

The Anchor, Volume 129.03: September 16, 2015, Hope College

The Anchor: 2015

The Anchor began in 1887 and was first issued weekly in 1914. Covering national and campus news alike, Hope College’s student-run newspaper has grown over the years to encompass over two-dozen editors, reporters, and staff. For much of The Anchor's history, the latest issue was distributed across campus each Wednesday throughout the academic school year (with few exceptions). In recent years The Anchor moved to monthly print issues and a more frequently updated website. The Anchor is now published in print twice per academic semester. Occasionally, the volume and/or issue numbering is irregular.

The Use Of Law Library Collection And Services By The Teaching Faculty: Challenges And Opportunities For Legal Institutions In Pakistan, Ghalib Khan, Rubina Bhatti, Amjid Khan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study aims to examine the determinants of academic law library use, collection, and services among the law faculty members in Pakistan. A survey was designed and data was collected through a structured questionnaire from the target population in order to achieve objectives of the study. The findings reveal that the majority of faculty members used circulation service in their respective institutional libraries and most of them consulted textbooks, general books and reference collection in their various academic and research related activities. The findings of this would be helpful for the policy makers and administration of the legal academic institutes …

The Role Of Telecentres In Tanzania’S Rural Development. A Case Study Of Sengerema District Council, Mwanza Region., Boniface Mbangala, Athumani Samzugi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Sengerema district council has had a telecentre since 2001. However, the socio-economic indicators do not show that the district is better than districts without telecentres. This study intended to assess how the telecentre has benefited the users in respect of social and economic aspects. The study was conducted in Sengerema district, Mwanza region. The survey design was employed using structured and unstructured questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary review methods of data collection. The sample size of 62 respondents included 42 males and 20 females. In general, the users believed that the centre has helped improve their community’s wellbeing, however, with …

Awareness And Use Of Scholarly Electronic Journals By Members Of Academic Staff: A Case Study Of Dar Es Salaam University College Of Education (Duce), Nelson Msagati

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Use Of Electronic Resources Among Administrators And Faculty In The University Of Cape Coast., Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa, Osman Imoro, Paulina Afful-Arthur

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The importance and significance of electronic resources to teaching and research is widely recognized by many researchers. With the advent of information and communication technologies such as the internet and the web, electronic resources have become a widely accepted scholarly resource for both students and faculty. They have also been shown to be more helpful especially to faculty and distance learners who may have limited access to library resources in traditional formats. Information and communication technologies have transformed most traditional libraries into hybrid libraries storing most of their resources in both print and electronic formats. The study seeks to investigate …

A Study Of It Infrastructure In Pakistani University Libraries, Muhammad Sajid Mirza, Khalid Mahmood

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study has investigated the status of hardware, software, networking and IT support available in university libraries of Pakistan. Survey method of research was employed to collect the data through a questionnaire survey. Fifty two out of 82 chief librarians/head librarians of central libraries of the public and private universities responded. The study concluded that except few, a vast majority the university libraries have computers and other peripherals; use of ‘free and open sources’ software increase in the university libraries; only few university libraries implement standard integrated library software, while the use of in-house developed library software is common; most …

The Use Of Electronic Journal Articles By Academics At Mzuzu University, Malawi., Lizzie Malemia

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The use of information technology for scholarly publication is now commonplace all over the world. Academic communities in Africa are part of this transformation. The purpose of this study was to investigate academics’ use of scholarly electronic journal articles at Mzuzu University and assess the factors influencing their behaviour. Data collection instruments used for the study were the use of a questionnaire to the academics, interview with Deans of Faculties and follow up e-survey to some academics at Mzuzu University. The findings revealed that most academics had general knowledge of the electronic journals and this did not vary with education. …

Assessment Of Information Needs Of Rice Farmers In Tanzania; A Case Study Of Kilombero District, Morogoro, Ronald Benard, Frankwell Dulle, Honesta Ngalapa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This paper aims at assessing the information needs of rice farmers in Tanzania using rice producers in Kilombero District as a case study. The study was carried out in four purposefully selected villages in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region. The study used a sample size of 80 respondents.The study employed a case study research design and used a combination of methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data were collected by using documentary review, questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results of …

Informal–Formal Sector Interactions In Automotive Engineering, Kampala, Dick Kawooya

Faculty Publications

This chapter provides findings from a Ugandan case study that examined innovation transfers between informal-sector automotive artisans and formally employed researchers at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). Th e primary site studied was CEDAT’s Gatsby Garage, an automotive workshop where it was found that the informal-sector artisans were central to innovative processes but were at the same time driven more by sharing impulses than by concern for the intellectual property (IP) implications of their work. Based on these findings, it is argued that Ugandan policy-makers need to seek policy tools to support innovation transfers between …

Exploratory Study Of Online Refrence Services Of Libraries In Nigeria, Helen Nneka Eke Mrs, Vincent Onyeacholam Ekwelem Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study reports an experiment that examines the availability of online reference services in libraries in Nigeria. 500 questionnaires were randomly distributed among Nigerian Library Association(NLA) conference attendees. The respondents were drawn from different types of libraries. A total of 311 questionnaires were usable, resulting in a 62 percent response rate. Data’s were analyzed using percentage cross tabulation. The majority of the participants in Nigeria indicated that they are not aware of the existence of Online Reference Services (ORS), yet the project has been in existence for years .The present study was conducted to address five research questions. First, what …

Connecting Aga Khan University's Nine Campus Libraries Across Three Continents Through A Shared Library System, Ashraf Sharif, Normand Demers

Libraries

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is the only university in the developing world that is serving through its eleven campuses spread across eight countries and three continents. It has a network of nine libraries, although small in size, in four developing courtiers in two regions (South Asia and East Africa). The university has recently implemented a library management system to integrate all nine libraries in four counties using a single shared database. The purpose of this paper is to share our experience of implementing the industry standard-base state-of-the-art library system. The geographical location of AKU libraries and multilingual collections makes …

Gender Differences In Internet Usage Among College Students: A Comparative Study, S Thanuskodi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In today’s work environment there is a drastic change in the way how information are shared as well as networking and socializing take place in every society. No doubt that the Internet has become a powerful tool for communication purposes, to exchange ideas, and even used in participation in local, national and international networking. The history of the Internet emerges back in 1960s when several computer scientists were hired by Pentagon to build a system to decentralize communication network. As a result the Arpanet was born. Over time the network grew rapidly to interconnect numerous universities, research centers as well …

Faculty Perceptions And Practices In Health Sciences Information Literacy Instruction In Tanzania, Edda Tandi Lwoga Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study assessed the information literacy (IL) instruction perceptions and practices of faculty at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. An online survey was distributed to all faculty members in five schools and one institute at MUHAS (235 in total) from 2011 to 2012, with a response rate of (34.5 percent). The study findings show a general support for IL development, and its importance in enabling students to do library-based research. To a large extent, faculty believed that the IL competencies of students, including their ability to find, use and evaluate information, was average at the lower …

Awareness And Use Of Lobbying And Advocacy As Strategic Approach For Improving Library And Information Services In Imo State, Nigeria., Oyemike Victor Ossai-Onah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study gives an insight into awareness and use of lobbying and advocacy as strategic approach for improving library and information services in Nigeria with special reference to libraries in Imo state. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection with a sample size of forty (40). The study reveals that librarians in Imo state are aware of the place of lobbying and advocacy in improvement of library and information services. The head librarians in the various libraries were identified to be involved in lobbying and advocacy. The reasons for integrating lobbying and advocacy into library and information …

User-Perceived Quality Of Selected Tanzanian Public University Websites, Alfred Said Sife, Grace Emanuel Msoffe

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A study was conducted to assess the quality of websites of five selected public universities in Tanzania. The main purpose of the study was to understand the quality of university websites from users’ perspectives. This study employed a 22-item instrument measuring four dimensions of web quality namely technical adequacy, information quality, service ability and web appearance. Data were collected through email survey and they were analyzed using SPSS and Ms Excel. The study findings show that, of the five university websites evaluated, the SUA website ranked the highest followed by that of UDSM. The websites of SUZA, OUT and MU …

Internet Access And Usage By Undergraduate Students: A Case Study Of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, Sowemimo Ronke Adekunmisi, Emmanuel Babatunde Ajala, Abiodun Olaide Iyoro

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was carried out in order to determine Internet access and usage by the undergraduate students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. A review of literature was done on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and its importance in education. A description of Internet and its actual use by lecturers as well as students were also reviewed. Data was obtained from 200 undergraduate students of the institution with the use of a questionnaire. Information collected showed that majority of the cyber cafe around the university environment were privately owned and despite this, students accessed the Internet from their pocket money. It …

Web Search Behaviour Of Postgraduate Students At Sokoine University Of Agriculture, Tanzania, Alfred Said Sife

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

A study was conducted on the Web search behaviour of postgraduates at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study sought to understand the search characteristics of postgraduates, reasons for using the Web, usage of various web features, web search skills and problems faced while using the Web. The study population comprised of all postgraduates pursuing masters and doctoral programmes at SUA. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire that were distributed randomly and they were analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate that most postgraduates were experienced Web users and they accessed the Internet mostly through their own modems. Most students relied …

Internet Access And Use Among Undergraduate Students Of Bowen University Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, Aderonke O. Otunla

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examined the internet access and use among undergraduate students of Bowen University Iwo, Osun state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used. The population comprises of 4,800 undergraduate students out of which 300 students were randomly selected from various faculties, 298 questionnaires were correctly filled and analyzed. The result of the findings shows that all respondents access and used the internet. Major access was through their mobile phones with 52.7%, only 6.4 accessed through University Digital centre while none from the library. Respondent used internet daily with 68.9%, 41.6% used internet between 7-9 hours a week and experience …

Effect Of Self-Concept, Knowledge Sharing And Utilization On Research Productivity Among Librarians In Public Universities In South-West, Nigeria., Sarah Okonedo, Sunday Olarenwaju Popoola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Research is subsisting and necessary part of modern university, therefore the significance of publication in the growth and development of the library profession cannot be overestimated. This study focused on the effects of self-concept, knowledge sharing and utilization on research productivity of librarians in public university in South-West Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted; a total of one hundred and seven-four (174) respondents were selected for the study and 134 copies of the questionnaires were returned and virtually used for the study. The result showed that the level of publication of librarians is moderately high. There was relative effects of …

Integrating Libraries Across Continents: A Case Of Aga Khan University’S Nine Libraries In Five Countries, Ashraf Sharif

Libraries

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is perhaps the only university throughout the developing world that is serving through eleven campuses spread across eight countries and three continents. It has a network of nine libraries, although small in size, in five courtiers in three regions (South Asia, East Africa, and the UK). The university has recently implemented a library management system to integrate all libraries using single shared database.

The purpose of this study is to share Aga Khan University Libraries’ process of Integrated Library System (ILS) selection, project initiation and planning, system implementation including installation to data conversion and migration …

Internet Use Among Undergraduate Students Of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria, Olubanke Mofoluwaso Bankole, Babalola Stephen Oludayo Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study sought to determine the extent of internet access and use by students of Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ago Iwoye, Nigeria. A descriptive questionnaire survey was employed to obtain data from a sample of 1140 undergraduate students of OOU from March to April, 2010 with a total of 1066 validly retuned representing response rate of 91.3%. Additional information was also obtained with an informal interview and observations. The results showed that almost all the respondents (97.6%) had accessed the internet, with mean internet use experience of 4.2 years. Majority of the respondents, i.e. 66.1% accessed the Internet from cybercafés outside …

Access And Awareness Of Ict Resources And Services In Medical College Libraries In Puducherry, S. Dhanavandan, S. Mohammed Esmail, M. Nagarajan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely considered as the most important revolution humankind has experienced since the industrial revolution and the development of movable type printing techniques. A country's development depends on the extent of use, speed of access, and skilled application of ICT systems. Computer and communications technologies have drastically changed the entire human activities including library and information field. Now a days -libraries are deeply engaged to modernize operations & activities to provide fast, integrated, interactive and comprehensive services. In the same direction with IT thrust the concept of digital library has emerged substantially. Various universities …

The Role Of University Libraries In Enhancing Local Content Availability In The Nigerian Community, Chimezie Patrick Uzuegbu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction

What is local content? According to Abdul Waheed Khan, in his paper presented in a UNESCO and World Summit on the Information Society, "Local content is an expression and communication of a community's locally generated, owned and adapted knowledge and experience that is relevant to the community's situation". Bhattacharjee (2001) says that local content is generally defined as a work which is produced under the creative control of nationals of the country. Meanwhile, the economist definition of local content is that it is the proportion of input which comes from the country itself, as opposed to those imported. Observing …

Monitoring And Evaluation Of Electronic Resources In Academic And Research Institutions In Kenya, Nasra Gathoni, Evan Njoroge, Agatha Kabugu, Damiana Kiilu, Felicitas Ratanya, Jane Gikandi, Eddah Wasike

Libraries

The revolution of Information Communication and Technology has brought a great change in the way libraries are providing services. Libraries have continued to embrace these technologies vis‐à‐vis Internet thus seeing the introduction of electronic resources to the library collection and services. The availability of good internet connectivity is essential in the provision of electronic resources. Kenya has had internet since 1996 (Mutula, 2001) and over the years there has been great effort to improve connectivity such as the recent introduction of fibre optic cable in 2009. The need for good internet connectivity has also been supported by initiatives such as …

Factors Affecting Information And Communication Technologies (Icts) Use By Academic Librarians In Southwestern Nigeria, Yacob Haliso

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) improves service provision of librarians. In spite of this, it is observed that librarians in Nigeria do not maximally utilize the ICTs. Consequently, the communities of scholars complain of the poor information services provision by librarians. It is in the light of this that this study investigated factors that may be responsible for the poor utilization of the ICTs in the Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A total enumerative sampling technique was used. The finding indicated that lack of organizational commitment towards ICT acquisition constituted the highest barrier …

Information Outlook, January/February 2011, Special Libraries Association

Information Outlook, 2011

Volume 15, Issue 1