Magister Library and Information Studies - MLIS

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/9806

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An evaluation of the information literacy education of MBA students at the University of Stellenbosch Business School
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Williams, Judy Anne
This study investigates the effectiveness of the information literacy education that Master of Business Administration (MBA) students receive at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB). The literature reveals that there is a growing trend worldwide to extend Information literacy education to include graduate students. The study uses the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education Competencies as the theoretical framework together with Kuhlthau's Information Search Process. Both process and formative evaluation was used in the study. A mixed-method approach was applied to gather data for the study using a pre- and post-information Literacy questionnaire, interviews with the information literacy facilitator and the research Methodology lecturer, and a rubric assessment of students' group assignment. The Information literacy intervention focuses mainly on ACRL Standard 1, with more emphasis on ACRL Standard 2. ACRL Standards 3, 4 and 5 were briefly mentioned as it was difficult to cover all the ACRL Standards adequately within a once-off information literacy session. The results of the study show that the information literacy intervention was successful in introducing students to some of the electronic resources which is one of the major objectives of the intervention. Students' scores in the pre- and post-information literacy questionnaire and the group assignment were high. This could be an indication that the information Literacy intervention was a success. The interviews with the information literacy facilitator and the research methodology lecturer reveal that little collaboration between the library and Business academics is taking place. This lack of collaboration affects the quality of the Information literacy education in terms of business academics input in the information Literacy intervention and in terms of reinforcing information literacy outcomes in students' Assignments. One of the recommendations is that collaborative relationships should be developed between the library and business academics in order to develop an information Literacy plan that will fully integrate information literacy within Masters' courses.
Libguides as tools to support teaching and learning of postgraduate students at a South African university
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mbonambi, Linda Princess
This study investigates the use of LibGuides as a tool to support teaching and learning for postgraduate students. These students are mainly master’s and PhD candidates, at a South African Tertiary Institution. The research primarily focused on the following five departments of the Faculty of Humanities: Psychology, Sociology, Political Studies, Social Work, and Criminology. The study aimed to assess how LibGuides currently available on the library website, supports postgraduate students in their academic and research activities, particularly in accessing information, developing research skills, and engaging with discipline-specific resources. To achieve this, a mixed-method research design was adopted to provide a comprehensive overview of how LibGuides are used. Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire survey, while qualitative findings were drawn from the observations of participant of students’ online engagement with guides. Constructivist Learning Theory informed the analysis, allowing the study to examine how students develop knowledge and skills through their engagement with LibGuides. Building on this context, the literature review contextualises the study within the background of existing and previous research on LibGuides and digital learning tools. It highlights four themes: The use of LibGuides, students’ learning experiences, their perceptions of the guides, and their principles underlying them. This analysis identified both the strengths and limitations of the current use of LibGuides in higher education, highlighting the importance of ongoing enhancement to ensure their continued relevance and impact in supporting teaching and learning. This study is predicted to provide valuable insights into the role of LibGuides as a learner- centred support tools in postgraduate education. By identifying both its strengths and areas for improvement, the findings can inform best practices for enhancing visibility, content quality, and design. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how LibGuides can be embedded into postgraduate teaching and research to support student success at the master’s and PhD levels.
Legal deposit of e-publications in South African legal deposit libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Chawuke, Tony Buwa
Legal deposit is a legislative obligation requiring producers of manuscripts to submit copies to designated libraries. Expanding this practice to include e-publications presents unique challenges and opportunities for collection, preservation, and access. This study examined the legal deposit of electronic publications in South Africa. Guided by four research objectives, the study evaluated the legislative framework, institutional infrastructure, potential barriers, and strategies for successful implementation. The study employed an interpretive, sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 18 participants representing the Legal Deposit Committee and sub-committees, the publishing industry, designated libraries, the National Library of South Africa, and the Department of Arts and Culture. Online questionnaires and unstructured interviews were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were processed using ATLAS.ti. Findings reveal that while the five South African legal deposit libraries possess the necessary ICT infrastructure, human resources, and budget to manage e-publications, legislative gaps remain. Specifically, the Legal Deposit Act 54 of 1997 and the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 require amendments to ensure the comprehensive preservation of South Africa’s electronic documentary heritage. Consequently, the study recommends legislative and policy updates to include electronic preservation and web harvesting, alongside increased advocacy and a usercentred approach. This research contributes to an under-researched topic, offering vital insights to assist Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals and policymakers in navigating this evolving practice.
Knowledge use for competitiveness in a South African pharmaceutical institute
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Kamanga, Rodney Collen Thabani
The pharmaceutical industry faces numerous challenges, including competition, technology transfers, and mergers in its effort to meet consumer demands. In the global knowledge economy, the effective use of knowledge is a critical factor in the success and competitiveness of pharmaceutical institutions. Therefore, these companies should recognize knowledge as a vital intangible asset, essential for driving innovation and guiding strategic decisions to thrive within an ever-changing, highly competitive environment. In this context, competitiveness refers to the ability to succeed in the market by leveraging the know-how and collective experience of employees, rather than relying solely on physical assets. However, research that demonstrates the importance of knowledge use for competitiveness within the South African pharmaceutical sector, is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of tacit and explicit knowledge for competitiveness in a South African pharmaceutical institute to develop a knowledge management framework. Karl Wiig's KM Model (1993) framed this postpositivist concurrent mixed-methods study. Data were collected from 11 managers and four executive team members with a web-based Google Form. Statistical and thematic analyses were employed. The study revealed that while executives and managers acknowledged the significant role of knowledge management for organizational competitiveness, they lacked clarity on the specific processes required to leverage this knowledge. This operational deficiency was attributed to the absence of a formal KM framework within the organization. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on KM, specifically within the pharmaceutical sector, by highlighting the necessity of a structured approach to managing knowledge to sustain firm competitiveness.
Information and communication technology systems for knowledge management in a South African research institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Swekile, Bavuyile
Knowledge management is intended to contribute to improving decision-making, operations, service delivery and many other aspects of an organization's activities. So, many organizations capture, reuse, create, and transfer knowledge for various global benefits. Information and communication technologies are known to provide faster access to this knowledge. However, studies into how information and communication technologies support knowledge management in research institutions is limited to higher education. Hence this study examined how information and communication technology systems are used to support knowledge management at the South African Medical Research Council Head Office in Cape Town, South Africa. The Knowledge Management Processes Model by Owen and Burstein (2005) was used to frame this interpretivist qualitative single-site case study. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 purposively selected participants from various departments, and the data was thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti. The findings revealed that the South African Medical Research Council uses various knowledge management systems across all departments, more especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The heterogenous knowledge management systems assisted the operational continuity of this crucial institution during the global pandemic. Thus, information and communication technologies do support knowledge management for organisational resilience. However, their effectiveness is limited by inconsistent training, high costs, and strict access controls for security. The study offers valuable insights for advancing the disciplines of Knowledge Management, Information Communication Technologies, and Organizational Development, emphasizing the need for more integrated, cost-effective, and secure digital infrastructures to support essential research and business continuity.
The significance of information literacy skills for third-year Library and Information Science students at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Maloyi, Naledi
This study investigated the significance of information literacy skills for undergraduate students in their third year at the University of the Western Cape in the Library and Information Science department. The study explored how the previously learned information literacy skills had assisted the students with searching and locating information needed for their academic work. This study used the sixth frame of the Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, which is ‘Searching as Strategic Exploration’, as a theoretical framework. The literature review was used to determine the findings of previous studies based on the same topic and to explore gaps that need to be identified and filled accordingly. The literature review focused on undergraduates’ information skills, information searching strategies students create and use to find information, and information formats preferred by undergraduates. A sequential explanatory strategy mixed methods approach was the research design for this study, and a Google Forms online questionnaire and follow-up face-to-face interviews were used as data collection instruments. A total of sixteen undergraduate Library and Information Science students responded to the online questionnaire, and seven students agreed to participate in follow up interviews and they were interviewed face-to-face, based on the interview guide. The findings of the study revealed that students possess a strong foundation in digital literacy, with the majority demonstrating competence in using computers, databases, and search engines. However, a key weakness was evident in the limited use of the Online Public Access Catalogue, which remains an essential resource for Library and Information Science students. The study also found that students have generally mastered core information literacy skills such as identifying relevant sources, using retrieval systems, and extracting useful information. Despite these strengths, gaps persist in higher-order skills, particularly in evaluating reliability, synthesising information, and applying advanced search strategies.
Public libraries response to the fourth industrial revolution: The case of city of Johannesburg public libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Matlala, Constance
This study investigated the response of Johannesburg public libraries (JPL) to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The adoption of 4IR technologies and implementation of ser-vices equip libraries to manage disruptive changes brought about by 4IR and ensure that public libraries stay relevant by meeting the information needs, demands and expecta-tions of patrons (Noh, 2023). The study employed the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to identify the attributes that may influence an individual’s decision to adopt an innovation. A web-based questionnaire was utilised to collect data from 57 librarians employed in the 89 JPL branches to ensure representation across branches. The findings revealed that while most librarians demonstrated awareness of emerging 4IR technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems, but practical ex-perimentation and adoption were limited. Key challenges included weak digital infrastruc-tures characterized by poor network coverage and unstable power supply along with lim-ited training and inadequate institutional support for 4IR innovations. The study recom-mends continuous professional development initiatives focused on digital competencies, investment in modern technological tools, and the establishment of strategic partnerships with technology providers to enhance service delivery and innovation within JPL.
The role of online library services in addressing the information needs of distance learning postgraduate students at a South African private higher education institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Kruger, Esthea
Despite the support structures provided to master’s and doctoral (M and D) students at the institute in question, the role of the online library as one of these support structures was unclear. As open and distance learning (ODL) has become the norm for many students after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to further investigate the role of online library services in the distance learning space. The information needs and learning challenges of distance students are unique, particularly for master’s (M) and doctoral (D) students. However, little is known about the information needs of this specific user group, as well as the role of online academic libraries in meeting these needs and enhancing student experience and academic success. While several studies have focused on the information needs of undergraduate students, the information needs of M and D students in the distance learning context have yet to be comprehensively examined. Due to the absence of a contact campus and the inability to visit a physical library, the information needs of online students differ from those of students on a contact campus. The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, with a survey followed by interviews to elaborate on the survey findings. The study offers insight into the distinct information needs of M and D students in the distance context, the learning challenges specific to the distance environment, the role of the online library in meeting these needs, and ways to enhance library services to ensure equitable access for distance learners across age groups. The research was conducted on the distance campus of a private higher education institution. For its theoretical framework, the study drew on Kuhlthau’s concept of zones of intervention.
Public libraries going green: environmental sustainability and green information literacy
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Albertyn, Kim Ashley
There is a great demand for human beings all over the world to live in a more green way, due to the earth’s natural resource scarcity and other environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Librarians, especially public librarians, are seen as the facilitators of access to information. Public librarians are thus in a position to create awareness of the importance of green living and to educate the general public on how to live green.
The responsiveness of the library collection to the information needs of researchers at the parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mthembu, Thabisile Augustine
Collection development plays a significant role in the successful achievement of the library’s purpose. The reason for the existence of the library is to meet the information needs of the community it serves. To determine if the PIC is responsive to the information needs of parliamentary researchers, the study used a mixed method of data collection. A survey method in the form of a questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from parliamentary researchers. Other researchers at Parliament, for example researchers employed by political parties are not part of this study. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with a selection of librarians involved in the PIC collection development process and an evaluation of the Collection Development Policy of the PIC. Four librarians from the PIC were interviewed, and the PIC Collection Development Policy was analysed to triangulate data collected from the questionnaire and interviews. The information needs of parliamentary researchers are triggered by the information needs of parliamentarians, and therefore it is significant that the PIC provide a collection that responds to the information needs of researchers so they can provide relevant information to parliamentarians. The findings indicate that the responsiveness of the library material varies according to the needs of the researchers. The PIC will benefit from a proactive involvement of parliamentary researchers in the collection development process. Customised orientation, proper needs analysis and collection evaluation will improve usage of the library resources and responsiveness of the library material to the clients.
Community and health science libguides: a case study on the use of libguides to enhance library electronic resources and services at the University of the Western Cape Library
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Tshetsha, Veliswa
Academic libraries worldwide are using the digital content management and information sharing LibGuides as a platform to provide and promote subject or course orientated information resources, to share knowledge, to provide information literacy education, utilize the Web 2.0 features to communicate with users to support teaching, learning and research. This study explored the use of LibGuides by four departments in the Community and Health Science (CHS) Faculty at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) among students, academics and the faculty librarian. A descriptive case study research design with a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was adopted. As data gathering tools web based questionnaires, face to face interviews and system generated LibGuides page views were employed. Findings revealed that although the CHS librarian spent quality time to create LibGuides and to expose faculty members to them, only a few students and teaching staff actually used the LibGuides and that there was confusion between LibGuides and study or course guides. Those who used LibGuides, found the information resources they contained useful – especially course specific resources. Students and teaching staff being made aware of LibGuides demonstrated willingness to use them, thus librarians should deploy strategies to market, promote and educate users of LibGuides by amongst others, seeking collaboration. The impact of the study was revealed by a teaching staff embedding CHS LibGuides in e-learning courses, teaching staff introducing LibGuides during lectures and students approaching the CHS librarian for training. It is recommended that the CHS librarian incorporate suggested information resources into LibGuides, that LibGuides awareness should be raised, more training be done and that further research to explore the use and benefits of LibGuides at UWC be undertaken. It is recommended that library managers deploy strategies to reach out to faculties to enhance the use of library resources using LibGuides.
Records management as a constituent of corporate governance in higher education institutions: a case study of Walter Sisulu University
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ndenge, Gugulethu
Records management promotes good corporate governance, as it ensures that an institution such as a university is effectively and efficiently governed and accountable to its stakeholders, which include students, staff, board members, and the community it serves. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has been plagued by poor governance, which has resulted in the institution being placed under administration. Proper records management might have assisted the institution in efficiently managing its information, fulfilling its mandate, protecting itself from litigation, preserving corporate memory, and fostering accountability and good governance. Transparency and accountability can only be achieved if there is a policy that guides the management of records.
Adoption of fully-fledged open access e-resources in academic libraries: a case study of the university of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Vanda, Pelisa
This study explored factors that affect academic libraries’ full migration to open access (OA) publishing by critically evaluating existing literature on OA and by engaging with the librarian from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. One of the main aims of this study is to investigate the barriers and challenges hindering the wider adoption of fully fledged open access resources at the UWC Library. This involves identifying factors such as technical limitations, licensing issues, perceived quality concerns, and institutional policies that might impede the seamless integration of open access resources into the academic workflow
Use of social media as a marketing tool by the City of Cape Town Libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Masizana, Fikiswa
Social media has become a popular tool adopted by libraries and play a major role in marketing library services, facilitating communication between libraries and staff, and assisting libraries in connecting with communities. The use of social media by City of Cape Town Libraries has been recently established, and it has not yet been adequately assessed how Librarians have taken to this new implementation. Literature revealed that there is not enough research done in assessing Librarians’ perceptions on the use of social media for library work purposes, especially as a tool that is used to provide information services to users, and also how users responded to libraries’ adoption of social media in meeting their information needs.
Assessment of access and use of school library information resources by Luhlaza high school learners
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mvakade, Zuthobeke
This study seeks to assess the access and use of school library information resources by school learners and the teachers. The study was conducted at Luhlaza High School using a qualitative approach and case study design. Data collection instruments include interviews, observation, focus group discussions and document analysis. The population for the study was the learners, teachers, school librarian and principal. Data collected was analysed using thematic content analysis. Constructivist learning theory was the lens for this study. The study findings revealed that the school library was stocked with inadequate resources that are irrelevant to the curriculum. The school does not have a qualified librarian to teach information literacy skills. The school has budget constraints, and learners and teachers are dissatisfied with the information resources in the library.
Systematics of subtribe anthosperminae and the generic affinities of Anthospermum L. and Nenax Gaertn. (Rubiaceae: Anthospermeae)
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Nemando, Rangani
The last taxonomic treatment of the subtribe Anthosperminae Benth. (Rubiaceae, Rubioideae, Anthospermeae) was in 1986 by Puff., nevertheless, few attempts have been made to resolve the phylogeny and the inter- and infrageneric relationships within the subtribe. The genera Anthospermum L. (39 species) and Nenax Gaertn. (11 species) are considered the most difficult groups to distinguish. Anthospermum species are widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar with the highest concentration of taxa in southern Africa, while Nenax species are restricted to southern Africa, in the south-western Cape Floristic Region. The two genera share common morphological and anatomical characters such as the growth form, presence of hairs on the stem, leaf arrangement, presence of petioles, flowers formation, dehiscence and presence of carpophore in fruits. currently combination of characters, woody shrub, needle-like leaves, few-flowered inflorescence and dioecy are considered unique in Nenax. The most recent phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data indicated insights into generic relationships within the two genera and the subtribe Anthosperminae. The present study focussed on expanding the phylogenetic analysis of Anthospermum, Nenax and other genera within the subtribe, as well as assessing the value of selected morphological and anatomical characters for re-assesing generic circumscriptions. Phylogenetic relationships were analysed using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference, and a Maximum Clade Credibility tree was produced. These analyses were based on both nuclear (ITS, ETS) and plastid (trnL-f, rps16, rpl32) datasets.
An investigation of the perceptions and attitudes of postgraduate students interacting with Turnitin: the case of the University of Stellenbosch Business School
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Magwebu-Mrali, Nombulelo
Globally there is growing concern around increased levels of plagiarism. Gullifer and Tyson (2010, p. 463) claim that plagiarism is growing at a rapid rate, and universities are now required to devote enough time and resources to combating it. South African universities have also found themselves to be victims of plagiarism. To prevent increased levels of plagiarism in South Africa, Stellenbosch University (SU) promotes the use of Turnitin. The study described in this thesis investigated postgraduate students’ and lecturer’s perceptions and attitudes regarding plagiarism and interacting with Turnitin at the University of Stellenbosch Business School to fill a research gap, as up to this point, this topic has not been studied. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, which combined both quantitative and qualitative methods. Moreover, the theory of planned behaviour informed the study. The results show that a majority of the students and lecturers in the study were aware of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software, particularly Turnitin. However, the majority of students still plagiarised intentionally, owing to factors that influenced their intention to plagiarise, such as laziness and poor time management, and unintentionally, owing to poor language, writing and referencing skills. The majority of students (98%) agreed that they made use of anti-plagiarism software. Moreover, 80% of the students indicated that the use of antiplagiarism software contributed to the promotion of academic integrity. Similarly, all lecturers interviewed indicated that anti-plagiarism software helped to promote and improve academic integrity.
Information behaviour of mechanical engineering students at a South African institution of higher education and the role of the academic library in meeting their information needs
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Dibakoane, Faith
Academic libraries in South Africa are increasingly shifting their focus towards providing online resources to meet the needs of off-campus students, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic's emphasis on the necessity of online access to library resources and services. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the information needs, retrieval methods, and behaviour of mechanical engineering students at a higher education institution, specifically focusing on their use of online resources. The study employed a sequential, explanatory, and mixed-methods approach, using a web-based questionnaire for students and interviews with subject librarians to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Despite numerous reminders and resending of the questionnaire, the response rate was low, which may have been due to factors, such as the difficulty of reaching and motivating students, who were off campus during the pandemic, reduced engagement with email during this time, or the general stress and disruption caused by the pandemic.
Information and communication technologies and academic library services and operations
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Ocks, Yumnaa
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) continue to have a major influence in the promotion and dissemination of information, which has and continues to shape new realities of virtual campuses and virtual libraries, thus allowing students access to information and encouraging participation. This study aims to investigate the impact of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on academic library services provision and operations, as well as how this has influenced the use of library information resources by undergraduate and postgraduate students at the university. The objectives of the research were to: assess the impact of ICTs on academic library operations and the academic librarians’ functions, assess how ICTs have influenced undergraduate and postgraduate students’ use of library information resources, identify the challenges of ICT-based library operations and services; and identify how conventional library and information services can be delivered more efficiently through ICTs.
An investigation of the perceptions and attitudes of postgraduate students interacting with Turnitin: the case of the University of Stellenbosch Business School
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Magwebu-Mrali, Nombulelo
Globally there is growing concern around increased levels of plagiarism. Gullifer and Tyson (2010, p. 463) claim that plagiarism is growing at a rapid rate, and universities are now required to devote enough time and resources to combating it. South African universities have also found themselves to be victims of plagiarism. To prevent increased levels of plagiarism in South Africa, Stellenbosch University (SU) promotes the use of Turnitin. The study described in this thesis investigated postgraduate students’ and lecturer’s perceptions and attitudes regarding plagiarism and interacting with Turnitin at the University of Stellenbosch Business School to fill a research gap, as up to this point, this topic has not been studied. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, which combined both quantitative and qualitative methods. Moreover, the theory of planned behaviour informed the study.

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