Magister Library and Information Studies - MLIS

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Digital literacy skills of librarians in the 21st century: A case study of the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Xwayi, Nontobeko Angeline; Mabweazara, Rangarirai Moira
Digital literacy (DL) has become a critical skill in the 21st century. The proliferation of information communication technology (ICT) in academic libraries has resulted in migration from print to digital library collections, instant communication, virtual spaces, and high-speed information access and retrieval. This has also resulted in emerging technologies that support the demands of the 21st century. The new technologies come with certain digital skills that librarians must learn to remain relevant and to continue playing a supportive role in teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the DL skills possessed by academic librarians at the University of the Western Cape; how librarians use digital technology for service delivery; the acquisition of the skills and challenges often experienced when improving on their DL skills. The study used Rogers' theory to highlight how librarians choose to adopt technology, focusing on innovation characteristics. Data was analysed through adopter categories and the innovation decision process. A case study design was used, and a mixed methods approach employed. Web-based questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were deployed to collect data. Analysis was done through Microsoft Excel for survey and thematic analysis for interviews.
Digitization of legal deposit materials at the National Library of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Masebe, Matawane Magretiah; King, Lizette
This study established the research focusing on the digitizing of legal deposit materials at the NLSA. The study provides a comprehensive background on legal deposit, the challenges of physical deterioration, and the transition to digitizing with emphasising the risk of losing materials due to paper deterioration. The study aimed to investigate and optimize digitization, aligning with the NLSA's mission and legal mandate to preserve national heritage collection. The study was guided by the digitizing theories and models, namely Kenney and McGovern’s (2003) three-legged stool plus Corrado and Moulaison‘s (2018) digitizing triad. Objectives of the study included assessing policies, technological infrastructure, and financial resources for digitization. The corresponding research questions focused on existing policies, technological infrastructure, and financial resources at the NLSA. The study's rationale highlights the shift from paper-based collection to digitized collections and the significance of a national policy for digitization. The research design adopted an interpretivism paradigm and a qualitative case study approach, utilising document analysis, observation, and interviews. The findings revealed that sufficient funding, staffing, digitization skills and accessibility to relevant documents (policies and guidelines) are some of the major factors influencing digitization of legal deposit material at the National Library of South Africa. This study, therefore, recommends that these institutions can address some of the digitization challenges if they address these findings. The study also made several recommendations on how digitization at NLSA can be successfully implemented.
Sharing and transferring indigenous midwifery knowledge to the younger generation: The case of Hlokozi Village, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Jama, Nelisiwe; Momoti, Nikiwe Gloria
Indigenous knowledge, such as midwifery knowledge, requires special focus because it is at risk of being lost. The younger generation seems to lack interest in gaining indigenous midwifery knowledge, likely due to the discomfort of observing the procedures of indigenous midwifery. Thus, they seem to prefer hospital birth because they consider it safer than giving birth at home. However, there is still a need to share indigenous midwifery knowledge with the younger generation so that they can gaining insight, competency skills, and a specific approach about giving birth in a customary way. This study aimed to discover whether indigenous midwives of Hlokozi village share and transfer their indigenous midwifery knowledge to the younger generation. The participants of this qualitative study were seven indigenous midwives of the Hlokozi village who were 63 years and older and had previously performed or assisted in indigenous child-birth. The snow-ball sampling method was used to select the participants. The Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination, and Internalisation (SECI) model framed the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed using the latest version of NVivo qualitative data analysis software. The findings showed that indigenous midwifery knowledge was not shared because the younger generation lacked interest and considered the procedures scary and unimportant.
Analysing the relationship between undergraduate students’ information needs and collection development: A study of an academic library in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mnqwazi, Zenande; Salubi, Oghenere Gabriel
The information needs of students play a critical role in shaping a library’s collection, making them an essential part of the collection development process. This study sought to identify gaps between the information needs of undergraduate students and the resources available to them in the library, while also proposing strategies to better align the library’s collection with these needs. The research objectives were threefold: to identify the specific information needs of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, to evaluate the extent to which collection development practices at an academic library in the Western Cape consider these needs, and to recommend strategies for better alignment between the library’s collection and student information needs. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilising web-based electronic questionnaires distributed to 3,780 Arts and Humanities undergraduate students via email by the UWC research committee. The study adopted a positivist research paradigm and used a quantitative approach. Simple random sampling was applied to select undergraduate student participants, ensuring each had an equal chance of inclusion, while purposive sampling was used to select faculty librarians based on their professional roles. The findings underscore the importance of integrating student information needs into collection development decisions.
Knowledge of predatory publishing: a case study of Malawi University of business and applied sciences
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2022) Mvula, Stuart Pearson; Chiware, Elisha
This study investigated knowledge of predatory publishing amongst academics and researchers at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). The underlying aim of the study was to develop evidence-based recommendations that could limit the practice of predatory publishing and its associated effects. This study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks namely, the Prestige Maximisation Model of Higher Education Institutions and the Elite Journals (Prestige model) as well as the Principal Agent Theory. A post-positivist research paradigm was used, and a sequential explanatory design was applied to collect data for the study. A total of 95 academics and including research-scientists were surveyed and eight (8) professors were interviewed face-to-face using an interview guide. The quantitative data was collected online through the use of Google Forms while face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data was analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Although the study findings established that most faculty members were aware of the terms “predatory publishing” and “predatory conferences”, there was limited knowledge about the tools and systems used to check predatory journals and quality of research outputs. Furthermore, the study also established that 19% of the respondents had fallen prey to predatory publishing. The study showed that predatory publishing affects research budgets, ranking and reputation of universities. Predatory publishing also affects career-progression of faculty members and causes harm to the process of scientific knowledge production.
User perspectives on the provision of virtual archives in the Western Cape archives and records service
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Maleki, Nolundi; Salubi, Oghenere
In the digital era, archival records/resources in physical formats have been made available to a larger audience and received much more usage as a result of digitisation and remote accessibility. The use of technology allows for archives to be accessed by users everywhere and at any time in different systems and formats. The Western Cape Archives and Records Service has faced various challenges to preservation and access to print records, namely damage due to frequent use, poor handling, and space shortage to accept archival records from governmental bodies which negatively impacts on access to archival heritage of the province. This descriptive case study aimed to investigate user expectations and perspectives on the provision of a virtual archive by the Western Cape Archives and Records Service. Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) was used to anchor the study which enquired into whether the expectation and perceived level of satisfaction from a virtual archive system can be met fully or not. A case study survey was conducted among researchers who use resources at the Western Cape Archive and Records Service and academics who are also users of the archival resources. The latter was included in the study to confirm the study findings since digital archive systems are already in use in their organisation.
The readiness in selected academic libraries towards the fourth industrial revolution: A comparative study between Ghana and South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Adjei, Noah Darko; King, Lizette
Disruptive changes precipitated by the 4IR have steadily revolutionized the dynamics of library services delivery compelling libraries to embrace disruptive technologies to stay relevant. The study assessed two advanced academic libraries each from Ghana and South Africa by comparing their readiness in the 4IR. The study was guided by an adjusted model emanating from the Socio-Technical Theory (STT) and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) framework.
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; Chiware, Elisha
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.
Knowledge of predatory publishing: a case study of Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mvula, Stuart Pearson; Chiware, Elisha
This study investigated knowledge of predatory publishing amongst academics and researchers at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). The underlying aim of the study was to develop evidence-based recommendations that could limit the practice of predatory publishing and its associated effects. This study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks namely, the Prestige Maximisation Model of Higher Education Institutions and the Elite Journals (Prestige model) as well as the Principal Agent Theory. A post-positivist research paradigm was used, and a sequential explanatory design was applied to collect data for the study. A total of 95 academics and research-scientists were surveyed while eight (8) associate professors were interviewed face-to-face using an interview guide.
Perceptions of a disadvantaged community regarding services of the Melton Rose Public library
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Lewis, Ashley; King, Lizette
Public libraries in disadvantaged communities are underutilised. This study aimed to identify reasons for underutilisation of public libraries in disadvantaged communities and to determine if one of the reasons for the underutilisation of the Melton Rose Public Library in particular, is the perceptions of the community members where the library is situated. A case study design with a qualitative research approach was adopted. Data was collected from 126 library members as well as non-members during focus group discussions and follow-up interviews. For triangulation, circulation statistics were used. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and his model of reciprocal determinism underpinned findings and interpretations.
Staff development and training in academic libraries: Case studies in the UK
(University of the Western Cape, 1993) Matthews, Denise Joline; Matthews, G.
This dissertation is based on a literature review and three case studies of staff development and training in academic libraries in the United Kingdom. The study is not a comparative one but aims at establishing the approaches to staff development and training in academic libraries of different sizes and stages of growth. It considers the significance and reasons why staff development and training is a necessity in academic libraries. It also shows how every level of library stall needs training as it does not only include job training, but also development and attitude training. The study also identifies the staff who needs it, the different stages of staff development and training and discusses appropriate and cost effective methods used in these three libraries. It looks at and examines the positive features that contribute to the successful implementation and practice of a staff development and training programme in an academic library, the main and potential problem areas of staff development and training and reveals how these libraries overcome them. The study concludes with recommendations for the improvement and advancement of staff development and training in academic libraries in South Africa which it is hoped will be considered for implementation as appropriate.
An investigation into the use of electronic resources by postgraduate students in the department of postgraduate studies in education at the Central University of Technology
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Mathope-Dasilva, Chareen; Zinn, Sandy
Libraries use technology to improve the management of scholarly information and to provide faster access to information elsewhere. Over time, an important change was perceived in collection development policies and practices of libraries. Printed materials were increasingly replacing electronic forms of information. This research investigated the use of electronic resources by Postgraduate certificate Education (PGCE) students at the Central University of Technology (CUT). The research adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Fred Davis (1989) as its theoretical framework.
Knowledge management and organizational learning in religious organizations: A case study of Christian faith revival ministries of South Africa
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Cyster, Chantall Catherine; Salubi, Oghenere
Knowledge Management (KM) has developed over the years into a mainstream organisational necessity to achieve success and organisational effectiveness. The goal of this study is to assess KM and organisational learning within religious organisations especially Pentecostal Churches. This study is based on both qualitative and quantitative research design, employing a case study research method. The study population was the 120 congregational members of Christian Faith Revival Ministries of South Africa, located in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using questionnaire and Interview. Analysis was done using SPSS and Atlas.ti.
Factors influencing the rendering of services in academic libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Hosana, Faith Rhulani; Fredericks, G.H.
In the field of user studies, very little research has been done on rendering of services in academic libraries. These services need to be examined in depth in order to be able to provide academic library users with more appropriate information services. There is clearly a need to determine what the real needs of academic library users are and how they prefer to look for information. The rapid growth of information technology could have a great influence on service rendering to academic library users.
Users' attitudes towards the library of the University of the Western Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2000) Davids, Arnoldus Rudolph; Nzotta, B
For any academic work at a university, students and staff are entirely dependent on the adequacy of the library. That is why the reason for the existence of university libraries is to provide essential study and reference material to supplement the instruction given to students in the lecture-rooms, as well as to support academic progress and research. the problem addressed in this study is to look into lecturing staff and full-time students' attitudes towards the University of the Western Cape Library. An attempt is made to identify their attitudes toward the services and the materials they are offered. In order to assess, the success of one particular library, the University of the Western Cape Library; in appeasing the needs of its users, a survey of its full-time students and lecturing staff population of six faculties was undertaken during 1999 to solicit their views on the library and its ability to fulfill their needs. The study is approached within the context of user studies as a scientific discipline around which a growing body of theoretical concepts have been formulated. It is also an area of research in which many surveys around the user and her / his needs have been conducted over the preceding decades. In particular the user of the academic library and his needs, especially at undergraduate as well as postgraduate level have been the objects of investigation. There seems to be a need to involve library staff in continuing education programmes. This will assist library users, who can expect to be informatively supported by the library .staffwho are both knowledgeable and up to date in their fields. It all helps to add to the professional competence of the staff and the skills that they produce to satisfy user needs. There are also issues for debate with regard to books and periodicals collections. It is hoped that with a better library orientation, better search strategies will be encouraged and then, probably, even more users will be satisfied with the stock. However, bearing in mind that the majority use of the library stock, on most occasions, is limited to the items available in the reserve section. Care should be taken that selection criteria are strictly adhered to, and that all the subjects taught at the university are covered, so that there are no gaps in the collections. A very real problem to the university is one of finance. The cost to duplicate, for example, prescribed texts sufficiently, will absorb a large proportion of book funds, which will mean less money left for building a balanced research, book and periodical collection. It is therefore suggested that the Senate Library Committee should try and put a well-balanced library budget in place. This will insure that the library that is regarded as the heart of the university will remain a relevant and integral part of every student's life on campus.

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