Magister Library and Information Studies - MLIS

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

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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.
Bookmobile library services as an information ground in Manenberg
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Shabalala, Zanele Marina
The study investigated the bookmobile library service of the City of Cape Town libraries as an information ground and the information seeking behaviour of Manenberg adult library users. The study explored the use of bookmobile services by identified information needs and information seeking behaviour of community members to identify whether the bookmobiles were able to meet them. The study underpinned the Information Grounds Theory by Pettigrew to understand how individuals visiting the mobile library seek, acquire and exchange information while waiting for the bus as well as when they are in the mobile library.
Knowledge sharing practices amongst academics at the Zimbabwe Open University
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Chikono, Albert Nhawo
This study investigated knowledge sharing (KS) practices at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Zimbabwe. The study assessed the knowledge sharing practices in the ZOU regional campus faculty departments and identified gaps, with the aim to find out how knowledge is being managed, shared in an Open and distance learning institution and if knowledge management (KM) is playing a role. The quantitative study was undertaken at the 10 regional campuses of the Zimbabwe Open University. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data from a sample of 100 academic staff in the 10 Regional Centres. The underlying question was whether the university academic members were aware of the knowledge that exists, how this knowledge is created and, shared and flows in the organization. The study also sought to establish the views of academic staff, on the benefits that can be reaped from KM practices. The study confirmed that there is willingness to engage in knowledge sharing activities. However, the lack of a clear knowledge policy negatively impacts on the university’s ability to competitively position itself in the knowledge economy as a knowledge driven university and this impacts research productivity and distance learning course delivery at the ZOU. One of the key recommendations emanating from this research is that the university should have a Knowledge policy aligned to its strategic plan which will act as a guideline on the sharing of knowledge internally and externally as well as make it mandatory for academic staff to publish internally as well as to store their publications in the university repository.
Resource Description and Access (RDA): continuity in an ever-fluxing information age with reference to tertiary institutions in the Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Janse van Rensburg, Rachel
Although Resource Description and Access (RDA) has been discussed extensively amongst the ranks of cataloguers internationally, no research on the perceptions of South African cataloguers was available at the time of this research. The aim of this study was to determine how well RDA was faring during the study's timeframe, to give a detailed description regarding cataloguer perceptions within a higher education setting in South Africa. Furthermore, to determine whether the implementation of RDA has overcome most of the limitations that AACR2 had within a digital environment, to identify advantages and/or perceived limitations of RDA as well as to assist cataloguers to adopt and implement the new standard effectively. The study employed a qualitative research design assisted by a phenomenological philosophy to gain insight into how cataloguers experienced the implementation and adoption of RDA by means of two concurrent web-based questionnaires. The study concluded that higher education cataloguing professionals residing in the Western Cape were decidedly positive towards the new cataloguing standard. Although there were some initial reservations, they were overcome to such an extent that ultimately no real limitations were identified, and that RDA has indeed overcome most of the limitations displayed by AACR2. Many advantages of RDA were identified, and participants expressed excitement about the future capabilities of RDA as it continues toward a link-data milieu, making library metadata more easily available. As this research has revealed a distinctly positive attitude from cataloguers' two main matters for future research remains, being: ? Why South African participants in this study voiced almost no perceived limitations to RDA as a cataloguing standard. Future research might be able to relay information regarding this trend, especially in the light that it was not a global phenomenon. ? A deeper look might have to be taken at how participants' experienced RDA training as this phenomenon might be closely linked to the reasons why the participants did not mention more limitations.
Preservation of indigenous knowledge (IK) by public libraries in Westcliff, Chatsworth, Durban
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Yunnus, Farhana
The aim of this research was to investigate the current awareness of indigenous knowledge (IK) among the youth in the Indian community in Westcliff, Chatsworth, in the Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research sought to establish how IK is viewed by the youth and librarians, and whether - since IK is predominantly oral - there was a need to capture, document and preserve it within public libraries. Martin and Mirraboopa's (2003) framework for indigenist research provided a theoretical basis for the study and informed its qualitative research design. Two methods of data collection were used: (i) focus groups with youth of Westcliff, Chatsworth; and (ii) semistructured interviews with librarians at the local public library. The study revealed that there is a dire need to preserve IK in Westcliff, Chatsworth. IK was seen as important knowledge and the librarians and youth who participated recognised that if IK was not preserved it would be lost to future generations. Librarians interviewed also saw the need to preserve IK, recognising its importance and holding the view that the preservation of IK was a function that public libraries should perform but were not performing. The study also highlighted the need for community access to IK. The fact that IK is not currently stored in public libraries meant that there were no formal mechanisms to access this vital area of knowledge. Digital technology was recognised as a viable means to capture, document and preserve IK. This emerged from both the focus group discussions and the semi-structured interviews. IK was seen as an important prerequisite to cultural continuity in the Westcliff community. Librarians recognised that they lacked the skills and training to collect, document and preserve IK in their communities, but indicated that they were willing to learn how to do this, if appropriate instruction could be provided.
Records management for an intelligent university: the case of the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Momoti, Nikiwe Gloria
Universities face complex changes such as mergers; new competitors; socio-economic; political and technological changes. In order to survive and preserve competitive advantage, the university has to adapt to such changes. The University of the Western Cape has been through many changes since its establishment to its current status as a culturally diverse autonomous institution with a mission statement that reflects its ability to respond and adapt to change. Universities that can adapt to changes are considered to be intelligent. Intelligent universities adapt to changing and unpredictable environments by organizing all information resources; transforming information to knowledge; and using this knowledge to enhance performance. Records are an information resource. They contain evidence of business activities of an organization, their management therefore is important. This study was undertaken to add knowledge and insight into records management in the intelligent university by investigating whether records management contributes to making the University of the Western Cape intelligent. Records management is a function within an organization, hence the researcher's choice of the functionalist theory to frame this exploratory qualitative case study. Secondary sources, semi structured interviews; and electronic questionnaires were used to collect data from purposively selected participants. The data was imported and analysed on a qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti7, version 7.5.10. The findings of the study showed that records management as a function was not used optimally by the university due to limited knowledge and awareness of its existence; as well as other services it offers. Records management therefore does not contribute to making the University of the Western Cape intelligent. Marketing, training, strategic placement of the records management function on the university organizational structure, integration with other components, implementation of electronic records management and a records management model for the intelligent university were recommended to address short-comings. This study adds more knowledge on records management in the intelligent university and brings to light the importance of the records management function; highlights how university records can be used for competitive advantage as well as decision-making; and aids in developing a records management model for an intelligent university. A large scale national study in other institutions of higher learning to provide a clearer picture of whether records management plays a role in making South African universities intelligent is recommended.

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