1,720,978 research outputs found
Information-seeking behaviour of history and international studies postgraduates in an academic hybrid library in Nigeria
Full text linkText in EnglishThis thesis was designed with the purpose of investigating the “Information-Seeking Behaviour” (ISB) of history and international studies postgraduates in an academic hybrid library in Nigeria. The study consisted of eight objectives and research questions. The study’s scope focused mainly on postgraduates of history and international studies department, and on librarians, in a federal university in Nigeria. Wilson’s (1999:251) model of information behaviour, and his (1999:252) model of ISB were selected as the study’s theoretical framework. Qualitative case study was selected as the research design, and interpretivism research paradigm was used to shape the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw samples from the study’s population. Focus group, observation and interview were used as data collection instruments. The data obtained were analysed using qualitative analysis method. Among the study’s findings, it was revealed that: the postgraduates need information from the library mainly for their academic and personal activities; the postgraduates are regular users of the library, and they usually use the library for different purposes; the postgraduates usually employ technology or manual method to access information in various sources; there are different ways the library uses to satisfy the information needs of the postgraduates, and to an extent, the library information resources are meeting the postgraduates’ information needs; apart from the library, the postgraduates also consult other information sources, but their most preferred information source is the Internet; the postgraduates’ ISB also involve information exchange and transfer; and there are certain factors that determine the postgraduates’ perceived information needs satisfaction and end of their information-seeking. Finally, it was revealed that there are barriers to the postgraduates’ information-seeking and use of information in the library and beyond. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the library should establish a personal librarian program, and the postgraduates should be trained on how to search the library digital resources. Also, based on the findings, the theoretical framework of the study was modified. The study contributed to knowledge by providing an insight into the ISB of history and international studies scholars, and by extending the research on humanities postgraduates’ ISB.D. Phil. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Management of medical records in support of primary health care services of Diepsloot clinics in Gauteng Province of South Africa
Full text linkText in English with abstracts in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu and keywords in EnglishThe study investigated the management of medical records in the Primary Health Care services
(PHCs) of Diepsloot. The study investigated the regulatory framework, records infrastructure,
records security, records management staff skills and the filing system. A qualitative design guided
by the interpretive paradigm was used to guide the case study. Interviews, focus groups, and
observations generated data from 50 participants.
The study revealed that the regulatory instruments used to manage records lack implementation and
compliance. There was a lack of security measures, a shortage of records management
infrastructure and inconsistency in the filing system. There is a low level of skill in the records
management staff. The study recommended the implementation of a regulatory policy that will
guide and ensure effective governance of records in PHCs. Records should be secure from misuse
by unscrupulous individuals. PHC records need to be managed by experienced professionals. The
filing system should be easily accessible.Die studie het ondersoek ingestel na die bestuur van mediese rekords in die Primêre
Gesondheidsorgdienste (PHC's) van Diepsloot. Die studie het ondersoek ingestel na die
regulatoriese raamwerk, rekord van infrastruktuur, rekord sekuriteit, vaardighede vir
rekordbestuur en die liasseerstelsel. 'n Kwalitatiewe ontwerp gelei deur die interpretatiewe
paradigma is gebruik om die gevallestudie te lei. Onderhoude, fokusgroepe en waarnemings het
gegewens van 50 deelnemers gegenereer.
Die regulatoriese instrumente wat gebruik word om rekords te bestuur, het geen implementering en
nakoming nie. Die studie het aan die lig gebring dat daar 'n gebrek aan veiligheidsmaatreëls was,
'n tekort aan infrastruktuur vir rekordbestuur en teenstrydigheid in die liasseringstelsel. Die
personeel in rekordbestuur het 'n lae vlak van vaardigheid. Die studie het die implementering van
'n regulatoriese beleid aanbeveel wat die doeltreffende bestuur van rekords in PHC's sal lei en
verseker. Rekords moet beskerm word teen misbruik deur gewetenlose individue. PHC-rekords
moet deur ervare professionele persone uitgevoer word. Die liasseerstelsel moet maklik toeganklik
wees.Lolu cwaningo luphenywe ngokuphathwa kwamarekhodi ezokwelashwa emnyangweni
Wezokunakekelwa kwempilo okuyisisekelo (i-PHCs) eDiepsloot. Ucwaningo luphenywe ngohlaka
lokulawula, ingqalasizinda yamarekhodi, ukuphepha kwamarekhodi, amakhono okuphathwa
kwamarekhodi nohlelo lokufayila. Umklamo olungaqanjwa uqondiswa yi-paradigm yokutolika
wasetshenziselwa ukuqondisa ucwaningo lwesigameko. Izingxoxo, amaqembu okugxila kanye
nokubukwa kukhiqize idatha evela kubahlanganyeli abangu 50.
Izinsizakusebenza zokulawula ezisetshenziselwa ukuphatha amarekhodi zingenakho ukusebenza
nokuhambisana. Ucwaningo luveze ukuthi bekukhona ukuntuleka kwezindlela zokuphepha,
ukushoda kwengqalasizinda yokuphathwa kwamarekhodi kanye nokungahambelani ohlelweni
lokugcwalisa. Kunezinga eliphansi lekhono kubasebenzi bokuphathwa kwamarekhodi. Ucwaningo
lincome ukusetshenziswa kwenqubomgomo yokulawula ezohola futhi iqinisekise ukuphathwa
kwamarekhodi kuma-PHCs ngendlela efanele. Amarekhodi kufanele avikeleke ekusetshenzisweni
kabi ngabantu abangathembekile. Amarekhodi we-PHC adinga ukuqhutshwa ngochwepheshe
abanolwazi. Uhlelo lokufayila kufanele lutholakale kalula.M. Inf.Information Scienc
Implementing a trusted repository to support the storage and preservation of research data at the national research foundation (NRF)
Full text linkAbstracts in English, Sotho and ZuluThe purpose of this research was to identify critical factors necessary for the implementation of a trusted repository for managing research data. A research data survey was conducted with 36 Information professionals at the NRF to investigate the state of readiness at the organisation for implementing the repository. According to the survey results a need was identified for storage and preservation of student data, databases and reports managed by the Information professionals. Other research data types that are mostly generated were Websites, Databases and manuals that require secure storage. The study further revealed the need for metadata training in the organisation as an important component for research data preservation. More than half of the Information professionals revealed that their metadata is system generated and there is minimum involvement required from them. Through the review of the existing literature and the NRF data survey, the researcher was able to bring forward recommendations that can be applied for improvement of preservation services. Recommendations made include that professionals should be trained, there should be policy development and review of existing research data within the organisation. Secure storage mediums should be an investment for the organisation based on the research data generated through research activities and managed by the NRF professionals.Morero oa lipatlisiso tsena e ne e le ho supa lintlha tsa bohlokoa tse hlokahalang bakeng sa ho kenya tsebetsong polokelo e tsepahalang ea taolo ea data ea lipatlisiso. Patlisiso ea data ea lipatlisiso e entsoe le litsebi tse 36 tsa Tlhahisoleseling ho NRF ho etsa lipatlisiso tsa boemo ba ho itokisa mokhatlong. Ho latela liphetho tsa phuputso tlhoko e fumanoe ea ho boloka le ho boloka tlhaiso-leseling ea baithuti, marang-rang le litlaleho tse laoloang ke litsebi tsa Tlhahisoleseling. Mefuta e meng ea data ea lipatlisiso e hlahisoang haholo ke Liwebosaete, Libaka tsa boitsebiso le libuka tse hlokang polokelo e bolokehileng. Boithuto bo tsoetse pele ho senola tlhoko ea koetliso ea metadata mokhatlong e le karolo ea bohlokoa bakeng sa ho boloka lintlha tsa lipatlisiso. Ba fetang halofo ea litsebi tsa Tlhahisoleseling ba senotse hore metadata ea bona e entsoe ka sistimi mme ho na le karolo e nyane e hlokahalang ho bona. Ka ho hlahloba lingoliloeng tse seng li ntse li le teng le phuputso ea litaba tsa NRF mofuputsi o ile a khona ho tlisa likhothaletso tse ka sebelisoang ho ntlafatsa litsebeletso tsa polokeho. Litlhahiso tse entsoeng e ne e le koetliso bakeng sa litsebi, nts'etsopele ea leano le tlhahlobo ea lintlha tse teng tsa lipatlisiso ka har'a mokhatlo. Lits'ireletso tse bolokehileng li lokela ho tsetela mokhatlong o ipapisitseng le tlhaiso-leseling e entsoeng ka mesebetsi ea lipatlisiso le ho tsamaisoa ke litsebi tsa NRF.Inhloso yalolu cwaningo kwakuwukuthola izinto ezibucayi ezidingekayo ekufezeni indawo yokugcina ethembekile yokuphatha idatha yocwaningo. Ucwaningo lwedatha yocwaningo lwenziwa nochwepheshe bezokwaziswa abangama-36 kwa-NRF ukuphenya isimo sokulungela kule nhlangano. Ngokwemiphumela yocwaningo kwahlonzwa isidingo sokugcinwa kanye nokulondolozwa kwemininingwane yabafundi, imininingwane yolwazi kanye nemibiko ephethwe ngochwepheshe boLwazi. Ezinye izinhlobo zedatha yocwaningo ezikhiqizwa kakhulu ngamaWebhusayithi, amaDathabhe namabhukwana adinga ukugcinwa okuphephile. Ucwaningo luqhubeke lwembula isidingo sokuqeqeshwa kwemethadatha kule nhlangano njengengxenye ebalulekile yokulondolozwa kwedatha yocwaningo. Ngaphezu kwengxenye yochwepheshe boLwazi baveze ukuthi imethadatha yabo yenziwa ngohlelo futhi kukhona ukubandakanyeka okuncane okudingekayo kubo. Ngokubuyekezwa kwemibhalo ekhona kanye nenhlolovo yedatha ye-NRF umcwaningi ukwazile ukuletha izincomo ezingasetshenziswa ukwenza ngcono izinsizakalo zokulondolozwa. Izincomo ezenziwe kwaba ukuqeqeshwa kochwepheshe, ukuthuthukiswa kwenqubomgomo nokubuyekezwa kwedatha yocwaningo ekhona ngaphakathi kwenhlangano. Izindlela zokugcina ezivikelekile kufanele kube wutshalo-mali lwenhlangano olususelwa kwimininingwane yocwaningo eyenziwe ngemisebenzi yocwaningo futhi ephethwe ngabachwepheshe be-NRF.M. Inf.Information Scienc
Knowledge retention model for institutions of higher learning : a case of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
Full text linkKenya Methodist University (KeMU) is facing challenges like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge retention, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject matter experts as others have not been identified. Utilising the Knowledge Retention Strategy framework, this study sought to assess knowledge retention practices at KeMU, with a view to entrench the culture of sharing knowledge. The ultimate aim of this study was to develop a model for knowledge retention at institutions of higher learning which KeMU could adopt. The study relied on mixed method research (MMR) with qualitative and quantitative data mixed at collection, analysis, discussion and reporting levels. The study triangulated data collection tools which encompassed a questionnaire, interview, observation and review of documents to collect data from 106 respondents and 11 heads of departments respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as they play a key role in knowledge retention at KeMU. The study disclosed a variety of informal knowledge retention practices but formal practices like: documented work processes; training and development for specific job tasks; orientation for general and job specific; knowledge repositories; communities of practice; knowledge retention policies; knowledge recovery initiatives; and human resources processes and practices for knowledge retention were lacking. Considering the value placed on the above list of lacking essential practices for knowledge retention, KeMU is indeed in dire need for a solution to help retain operational relevant knowledge. The study formulated a KR model for institutions of higher learning that would help KeMU leverage its knowledge assets. The study recommends that KeMU should work out a knowledge retention policy on how to implement the best knowledge retention practices. A further study on measuring KM in an academic institution is recommended.M. Inf.Information Scienc
The role of knowledge management in the sustainable development of Lake Victoria basin
Full text linkThe Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is endowed with natural resources which are drivers for sustainable development at local, national and regional levels. However, these resources are adversely affected by dynamic social, economic, environmental and political factors. Poor coordination and ineffective knowledge management programmes among various players within the LVB has led to duplication of efforts as substantial information and knowledge generated is unavailable to users. As a result, over-exploitation of natural resources has resulted in unsustainable development of the LVB.
This study sought to establish the role of knowledge management in promoting sustainable development of the LVB. Specific objectives were to: determine the role of knowledge management in sustainable development of LVB; determine challenges and barriers hindering effective knowledge management; establish tools and technology that can be used to enhance knowledge management; and establish the strategies used by organisations in LVB to manage knowledge generated for sustainable development.
A descriptive survey design was used in this study targeting 98 (with 76.5% response rate) officers of various ranks working in 26 organisations involved in development programmes/projects and located in the five partner states within the LVB. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires and a desk review.
Findings showed most respondents agreeing that knowledge management is a systematic utilisation of policies, processes, activities and tools which empower organisations to apply knowledge to improve effectiveness, innovation and quality. Up to 93.9% of the organisations facilitated discovery, capture, storage and retrieval of knowledge. Most organisations encouraged documentation of lessons learnt, with some making it mandatory to deposit key documents in the library.
Paper-based media was the most preferred knowledge storage format. Lack of an open-minded sharing environment, bureaucratic procedures and poor information systems were the common barriers to knowledge management, while lack of time (68.4%) was an obstacle to proper
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documentation. The internet was the most popular knowledge management tool/technology; though technical issues were the most critical problems affecting ICT use (71.4%).
Based on these findings, this study recommends a holistic and coordinated approach to knowledge management among all institutions working in the LVB to address the challenges of sustainable development in the basin.M. Inf. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Use of electronic information resources at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Library in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Full text linkThe United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Library (UNECA Library) has a
collection of more than 90,000 electronic information resources and half a million-print
collection. These resources are available freely to staff members of the UNECA, United
Nations agencies, diplomats, researchers, students and others. The study investigated
the utilisation of electronic information resources and the challenges faced by the
different users of the Library. A quantitative research approach with a survey research
method was applied. The population for the study was 600 users,, out of which 500
were internal users (UNECA and United Nations agencies staff members) and 100
were external users (researchers, students, or non-staff members). From the
population, 20% from each category, that is, 120 users were taken as a sample. A webbased questionnaire built on SurveyMonkey was distributed through email to collect
data from randomly selected users. The total response rate was 74%. The data were
analysed using built in survey monkey analysis software and reported with simple
frequency and percentages. The results shows that 92% of the respondents were
aware of the availability of the electronic information resources in the UNECA Library.
TInstitutional Repository (IR) and e-journals were frequently accessed and utilised.
Highly accessed and utilised databases were the Economist, African Journal Online,
JSTOR, Ebscohost, ScienceDirect, and Financial Times. 94% of the respondents
reported that the electronic information resources were useful, with 84% agreeing that
the resources were easy to use. High numbers of the respondents positively agreed
that the quality of their output was improved by using the electronic information
resources provided by the library. The respondents also indicated that using the
electronic information resources have improved their research output, and overall, the
resources have increased their performances. The challenges were information
overload, access restriction with IP address, lack of training and remembering login
credentials. 68% of the users reported that the library services met their expectations.
The study recommends the development of strategies for enhancing accessibility and
discoverability of the resources, providing information literacy trainings for all users,
and finding alternative measures for IP restriction access.M.A. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Knowledge sharing in Nkangala district municipality
Full text linkThe purpose of the study was to investigate knowledge practices in Nkangala District Municipality (NDM), situated in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The objective of the study was to discover NDM managers’ level of understanding participation and establish any challenges of knowledge sharing in NDM. This study employed qualitative research method. An interview guide was designed to collect data through in-depth interviews. To determine the number of participants for the interview, stratified and purposive sampling methods were used. The study established that there is little knowledge and understanding of the knowledge sharing concept by NDM managers, hence, it is not formally recognised by the institution. However, managers acknowledged that knowledge sharing could play a huge role in improving service delivery. The study recommends that NDM should consider introducing the knowledge sharing concept, through the establishment of a knowledge sharing section. A culture of knowledge sharing could be developed through the development of knowledge sharing policies, which should be aligned to the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process of NDM. In addition, the study recommends an upgrade on the existing ICT infrastructure and internet connection, especially in rural municipalities. This will ensure that ICT fully supports knowledge sharing activities. The study suggested that an additional study is conducted to establish knowledge sharing practices among the lower level staff members of NDM.M.A.(Information Science)Information Scienc
Making history a compulsory school subject - opportunities for memory institutions
Full text linkIn an article in the Mail & Guardian, Ra’eesa Pather reported that a ministerial task team established by the Department of Basic Education has recommended that history should be a compulsory subject in South African schools from 2023. According to this report, this will apply to children Grades 10 to 12. This development provides the country’s memory institutions with ideal incentives to re-position their collections as valuable tools in the school pedagogy experience and embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution.This article explores archive facilities around the world and demonstrates how these institutions provide educational opportunities to schoolchildren and the youth. Many archival institutions have digitised collections that are relevant to the school curriculum programmes. This provides incentives for attracting new users to view and use the archival collections that are connected to the school syllabus. This article explores different websites and social media pages of archives around the world and similar facilities in South Africa that may assist in strengthening the proposal for history becoming a compulsory school subject.Data was collected by means of searches on websites and social media sites of archives facilities in Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition, on-site visits were undertaken to archive facilities and heritage sites in the United States and South Africa
Accessing collective memory: case study of a South African nature conservation institution
Full text linkAs a government body, South African National Parks (SANParks) is responsible for nature conservation, tourism and socio-economic development of communities neighbouring the national game reserves. Government bodies, like SANParks, fall within the scope of public entities that must comply with the South African national archive legislation. According to Sections 3(a) and (b) of the National Archives and Records Service Act, No. 43 of 1996, two of the objectives of the National Archives are to preserve public and non-public records with enduring value for use by the public and the State; and to make such records accessible, while promoting their public use. Section 12(1) of the National Archives and Records Service Act requires public records that are regarded as having enduring value to be made available to the public, when the period of 20 years has elapsed, since the end of the year in which the records have come into existence. SANParks has a wealth of information stored in its archives, which should be made available to interested members of the public. As remarked by Ngoepe (2019), SANParks has the capability of enabling the South African National Archives to build an inclusive archive in South Africa by participating and opening their collections for public access. Apart from discussing the challenges associated with accessing such archival collections and the lack of interest in assisting SANParks in ensuring the availability of their collections, this paper proposes potential solutions to make valuable collections, including oral history collections, housed by South African government bodies available to interested members of the public.Information Scienc
Public archives determination of social memory in appraising local government records in South Africa
Full text linkA hybrid version of macro-appraisal is used by South African public archivists when separating records of enduring value from ephemeral records. This appraisal function should occur immediately after the filing systems have been approved by the national and provincial archivists. However, in most cases, this function only occurs two years after the filing system has been approved. In the 1990s, the South African National Archives changed its traditional appraisal methodology from a Schellenberg approach to formulate a sound appraisal policy based on the macro-appraisal model. One of the key elements identified was the need to identify gaps in the written records that could be filled during the appraisal process. These gaps could be complemented by the collection of oral history. This study used qualitative data obtained through content analysis and literature to review the appraisal policy guidelines and approaches of the National Archives and the Gauteng Provincial Archives in relation to the process of appraisal, issuing of disposal authorities and capturing of oral history projects in relation to Gauteng local governments. This study used a case study design and specifically focused on the appraisal of Gauteng local government records. Interviews were held with officials of the National Archives and Gauteng Provincial Archives involved in the function of appraisal of public records. This study indicated that there were gaps in archival collections, which should be supplemented by the collection of oral history testimonies. The oral history testimonies collected from individuals and communities affected by socio-economic and socio-political events are not captured by the country’s public archivists. These narratives of post-apartheid South Africa are being lost and may not be captured by the national and provincial archives services. The key recommendation of this study is that there should be clear policy guidelines relating to the process of appraisal and transparency on how these processes are undertaken in South African public archives
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