Library and Information Research (LIR)
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Students Studying Students: An Assessment of using Undergraduate Student Researchers in an Ethnographic Study of Library Use
Get PDFThis paper reports on the use of undergraduate students enrolled in an Applied Anthropology course as researchers for a library use study at Brigham Young University\u27s (BYU) Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL). This is a common practice at BYU, but has not been reported extensively in the literature. The study was carried out by the authors with the assistance of undergraduate students, the students being the researchers and was conducted in order that the HBLL could determine student ideas for reconfiguring some newly opened space in the Periodicals room. Using students assisted the library as well as met a curricular need in the Anthropology course. Ethnographic methods were the primary means used to gather the data. The paper asserts that the peer interaction during the data collection significantly enriched the quality of the data collected
SECKER, Jane. Copyright and E-Learning: A guide for practitioners. London: Facet Publishing. 2010.
Get PDFPETERS, Diane E. International students and academic libraries: A survey of issues and annotated bibliography. Lanham: Scarecrow Press. 2010.
Get PDFInformation needs and use among urban farmers in Kampala district in Uganda
No full textThe paper presents results of a study on information needs and use among urban farmers in Kampala City in Uganda. An information need is recognition that one\u27s knowledge is inadequate to satisfy a goal. Urban farming is characterized by low agricultural production leading to food insecurity. Although urban farming is viewed as an important survival strategy, the information needs of urban farmers in Kampala City are not known. The study used both qualitative and quantitative study design. Methods used were face-to face interview and focus group discussion. Respondents included 380 urban farmers and 36 focus group respondents. Results show that the information needs of the urban farmers were as varied as the heterogeneity of their agricultural enterprises and information was used for different purposes and depended on the type of farming enterprise(s) and activity undertaken. The paper recommends that the dissemination of agricultural information in Kampala City needs to be based on the urban farmers\u27 enterprise groups and their information needs
Communicating research to practice: The role of professional association publications
Get PDFEffective communication of research to practice should facilitate evidence based decision-making by library and information professionals. One way this may be achieved is through the publications distributed by library associations to their members. This paper reports on a study that explored the role of library associations\u27 publications in communicating research information. Firstly, the reading habits of practitioners from a range of disciplines are discussed, finding support for making research information accessible through library associations\u27 publications. Using content analysis, the extent and subject of research information published in two associations\u27 publications was examined. Research information comprised a small proportion of the publications\u27 content and much of the research information is presented as a brief mention only. The largest proportion of research information in both publications focuses on content about \u27information behaviour, user needs/services\u27. The paper concludes by suggesting initiatives to improve practitioner access to research information in association publications
A School Library in Sub-Saharan Africa
Get PDFThis paper reports on the success and suitability of a Western-donated school library in furthering literacy and reader development in Malawi.
A qualitative, case study approach was taken using semi-structured interviews with teachers and a library assistant at a primary school in Malawi.
The research reveals positive attitudes towards reading and literacy in a predominantly oral culture. Limitations include a lack of attention to reader development and inappropriateness of materials for the local context.
The study reveals that the book donation model commonly supported by international donors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) falls short in its ability to contribute to global literacy and education targets. Recommendations to improve impact are given.
This research is original in representing the voices of school teachers in the debate over the suitability of libraries and the overseas book donation model to the sub-Saharan African context
