Browsing by Author "Bell, Fiona Ruth."

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Adult user perceptions of library services provided by the Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, Msunduzi, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2010) Bhim, Shanitha.; Leach, Athol Brian.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
This study examined the quality of service provided by the Bessie Head Library from the perspective of the adult users of the library. The study assessed the adult users’ perceptions of the quality of service and determined the level of user satisfaction at the Bessie Head Library. The purpose of the study was to identify gaps in the library services and to measure the users’ perceptions of the quality of the collections, staff services and library facilities. The study population consisted of 200 registered adult library users. Of the 200 adults under study, 197 responded to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 98.5% chosen by means of a convenience sample. The LibQUAL+TM survey instrument that was used in this study was modified and adapted for use in a public library, as the majority of research using the LibQUAL instrument was undertaken in academic libraries. The instrument consisted of both open-ended and closed questions. The three dimensions of service quality, that is, access to information, staff services and library facilities, formed the core of the instrument. An interview schedule was used to elicit background information from the Library Manager and Principal Librarian, on issues of library services, collection development policy, funding and general library issues. The results from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS to determine the frequency of responses. These were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The interview results were analyzed qualitatively, using thematic content analysis. The results from this study indicate that there is a gap between users’ expectations and perceptions of service quality at the Bessie Head Library. The extent of the gap varies depending on the individual services. The users’ expectations were not in keeping with the actual experiences at the library, especially with regard to access to information, as users experienced problems with Internet access and the reference collection. The level of satisfaction varied among the different user categories and the findings revealed that the majority of adult users rated the overall quality of services as good and that the library is, to a large extent, excelling in service provision. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address problems presented in this study.
The Department of Information Studies, University of Natal : its role in education for librarianship in South Africa, 1973-1994.
(1998) Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Horton, Weldon J.
This thesis investigates the development of the Department of Information Studies, with the aim of assessing the role it has played in education for librarianship in South Africa from 1973 to 1994, a period of change and transformation in the country. Historical sources, both written and oral, have been traced, analysed, and where possible, verified against other sources, thus using historical method. The study, the first in-depth research into a library and information studies department in a South African university, was seen as necessary in order that the future development of the Department in question be placed upon as sound a socio-historical basis as possible. A literature review provides the context for the study and the thesis contextualizes education for librarianship within national and international library and information services (LIS) and again within the broader context of the South African socio-political and economic situation of this period. The Department's contribution within the University context is also assessed. The findings indicate that, in spite of its uneven development during the 1970s and 1980s, the Department has played an important role in LIS in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa and, to some extent, in the southern African region as a whole. This role revolves around training LIS practitioners from school library diploma to doctoral levels; producing and publishing research; participating in wider LIS initiatives and contributing nationally to leading education for librarianship.
An exploratory study of government ministerial libraries in Maseru, Lesotho.
(2004) Keta, Mary Manthati.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Maxwell, Patrick Severn.
The present study explores the status of government ministerial libraries in Maseru, Lesotho, with the purpose of discovering the factors which affect the growth and development of these libraries. To provide a wider context within which to view this study literature dealing with government libraries was examined. Nineteen government ministerial libraries were chosen as a population for the study. However, only fourteen ministerial libraries were eventually surveyed. Twenty library workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The collected information was analysed manually. The study established that there are very few laws and regulations that govern the existence of libraries in Lesotho. The responses showed that even though there are government ministerial policies they do not accommodate libraries. The majority of these libraries do not get support from government for library material and therefore they depend only on donations which are not adequate, most of the time, for the needs of the users. The responses also revealed that the majority of government libraries do not function in the way that fully-fledged libraries do. The library workers revealed that the educational standards of library workers in Lesotho are not satisfactory at all. Among the staff of government libraries that were interviewed only five had a university degree, two had a university diploma and two had university certificates. It was found that some of the library services had not performed well becasue of one-man libraries and a lack of qualified staff The responses from the interviews established that government ministerial libraries in Lesotho are static; they do not grow and develop largely out of a lack of recognition, a lack of interest and a lack of upport from the government. Recommendations are based on the findings of the study with the hope that they will provide a basis for properly equipped and adequately staffed library services in all ministries in future.
A history of college libraries in the Transkei from 1882-1994.
(1999) Puzi, Mandisa Eunice.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study is a brief history of college libraries in the former Transkei, from 1882 (the period of the missionaries) to 1994 (the year when Transkei was reincorporated into the Republic of South Africa). The history of college libraries in the Transkei has never been fully documented, despite the fact that some of the colleges and their libraries have been in existence for some time. Besides, there were some colleges which were without libraries. Even those that existed had not been fully developed, and the reasons for this have not been articulated. The author, therefore, considered it relevant to research the development of college libraries in this region. Fourteen college libraries were examined chronologically, starting from the colleges established during the missionary period (1882-1953), to the colleges established during the period of independence (1977 -1994) . Other periods covered were those of Bantu Education (1953-1962) and self-government (1963-1976). In order to provide a framework for the study, the historical development of each of the college libraries was examined in terms of the following criteria: adequacy of library accommodation; staffing; budget; the size and type of collection; users and types of services offered. The researcher gathered data by consulting and interviewing relevant people. Both primary and secondary sources were consulted. Conclusions drawn in this study clearly show that college libraries in the former Transkei were far from being centres of teaching, learning and research. Library staff were hampered in their efforts to improve library services, not only by a lack of funds and resources but also by the lack of a clear government policy regarding college libraries and by a lack of moral support.
Implementation and administration of an integrated library management system in academic libraries in KawZulu-Natal.
(2017) Radebe, Hombakazi.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
This study examined the Implementation and Administration of Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) in three academic libraries in KwaZulu - Natal from the perspectives of Librarians, Systems Librarians, Library Management and Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) who were the vendors of the ILMS. The study conducted biographical sketches of all the participants who were interviewed. The purpose of this was to establish who the participants were, how long they have worked in the library, what modules they were using, and lastly establishing what type of challenges and experiences they have encountered during the implementation of the ILMS. In this study interview schedules questions were compiled with specific questions related to the ILMS. The population of the study consisted of 20 staff members, which consisted of 12 Librarians, three System Librarians, three Library Management and two UKS staff members. All 20 staff members were interviewed as they were all involved during the implementation of the system. The intention of the study was to measure what motivated the change to the ILMS, to establish problems and challenges related to the change, and lastly to evaluate if the change added any value to the staff members in terms of improving efficient and effective service delivery to library users. The results of the study as well as lessons learned will be used to map the future of ILMS, assist other institutions who wants to engage on the similar study, and identify gaps in the study as most institutions have currently moved to Cloud Based Computing. The interviews were conducted with participants in various institutions and appointments were scheduled with participants and permission to conduct interviews was granted by all the participating institutions. The research method used for this study was the qualitative research method. The results were analyzed based on the responses from the Interviews conducted. Based on the evidence from the interviews it is recommended that library management must play an active role regarding improving the implementation and administration of an ILMS. They must ensure that all staff members are on board with the new system, and that they embrace change and they must be involved throughout the planning process. There must also be adequate resources available to solve problems related to ICT infrastructure, downtime, bandwidth and turnaround time must be improved to ensure efficient service delivery. To ensure that the implementation of the ILMS has been achieved the following strategies must be employed.
The information needs and information-seeking behaviour of community library users in Msunduzi branch libraries, Pietermaritzburg.
(2013) Moodley, Tracy Ann.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
The purpose of this study was to identify the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of community library users in Msunduzi branch libraries, Pietermaritzburg. Identifying the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of community library users in the Msunduzi branch libraries helped to determine whether the Msunduzi branch libraries met their needs or not. The study involved a quantitative investigation into the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of community library users in Msunduzi branch libraries, within the context of community information and community information services. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The instrument used for collecting data was the self-administered questionnaire. The instrument consisted largely of closed questions and a few open-ended questions. A sample of 200 registered members of Northdale, Woodlands, Eastwood and Sobantu Libraries was surveyed, with 196 respondents giving a response rate of 98%. The validity and reliability of the instrument were established by pre-testing the questionnaire with ten community library users at Georgetown Branch Library. The data was captured onto the computer via Microsoft Excel. The data was then tabulated, and then appropriate analysis was conducted on each question’s data. These were presented in the form of graphs. The community library user’s information needs and information-seeking behaviour was identified using Wilson’s second 1981 model of information behaviour which suited the group under study. The results of the study indicated that the demographic and socio-economic status of the four communities influenced the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of the users. It is evident that in all four communities the information needs of the users were basically related to personal existence, survival and development. In terms of information-seeking behaviour, it can also be concluded that the community library users often used the information providers and information sources which they knew best or those which where the most convenient. Barriers experienced by the respondents were insufficient and relevant materials in the libraries and the lack of internet access. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address certain problems presented in the study.
An investigation into staff development activities at the University of Natal libraries on the Durban campus.
(2001) Mabengu, Mabel Ncumisa.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
Abstract available in a PDF.
An investigation into the possibility of mainstreaming library user education into the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty of the M.L. Sultan Technikon.
(2000) Webster, Lucille Elizabeth.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study investigated whether it is possible to include user education in the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty at the M.L. Sultan Technikon. Although the user education programme is offered to all students at the Technikon, it is based on an informal arrangement between the lecturer and the librarian. The programme is not time-tabled or credit-bearing, and many students regard it as a course outside the curriculum which has little, if any, impact on their studies. In a bid to assess the feasibility of including user education in the curriculum, the study sets out to establish the views of the academic 1 staff of the Engineering Faculty and the librarians from the Library as well as those the Department of Library and Information Studies, regarding the inclusion of user education. A further objective of the study is to determine what type of skills both groups of respondents think should be taught in user education and who should be teaching the course. A description of the M.L. Sultan Technikon and the origins of its establishment and the impact of the recent inclusion of outcomes-based education in educational institutions in South Africa provide an introduction to the research. User education and its origins in tertiary institutions are discussed and the literature dealing with the inclusion of user education in international and local institutions is reviewed. The population of this study consisted of ninety-one respondents, eighty from the : lecturing staff of the Engineering Faculty, six librarians from the Library and five from the Library and Information Studies Department. Two population-specific questionnaires were designed and the method and data collection technique used in this study was the survey and the self-administered questionnaire. Thirty-two (40 %) questionnaires were returned from the Engineering Faculty and seven (64 %) from the librarians. Of the 7 responses from the librarians 4 were from the practicing librarians and 3 from the librarians from the Department. The findings of the survey reveal that the majority of both groups of respondents support the possible inclusion of user education into the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty. The ability to use the online public access catalogue (OPAC}, computer literacy and information in electronic format were rated as important skills by-the Engineering Faculty, while the librarians rated the ability to use the OPAC and indexes and the ability to find journals as important skills that should be taught in the user education programme. Conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for further research are made in the light of the results of the survey.
The management of indigenous knowledge (IK) in museums : a case study of Pietermaritzburg.
(2017) Mncube, Delisile Beatrice.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
The purpose of the study was to examine the management of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in museums: a case study of Pietermaritzburg. The study investigated the strategies used by museums in Pietermaritzburg to collect and preserve indigenous knowledge (IK) for future use. Indigenous knowledge is often seen as achievements of the past, to be conserved in the present because they are becoming extinct under the impact of modern knowledge. Without such management, knowledge is vulnerable to change or, worse still, it could be lost. Indigenous knowledge may be defined as body of knowledge belonging to communities or ethnic groups, shaped by their culture, traditions, and ways of life (Moahi, 2005:77). An interpretivist approach was adopted for this study. The reason for this was that the researcher sought the perspectives of the participants on their management of IK within their institutions. The qualitative approach with which interpretivism is associated, therefore, was considered the appropriate approach to achieving this. The study population consisted of directors of the museums, managers, curators, researchers, collection officers, museums practitioners, information managers and the librarians. In this study observation and interviews were used as data-collection tools. Tables were created to interpret the data using Microsoft Word. The analysis of the findings revealed that the four institutions have the effective management of IK as a priority, and that they understand its value and importance. It was revealed that the four institutions use tape recorders, video cameras, and digital cameras to record IK. The results also showed that they are faced with numerous challenges when collecting IK. These include the difficulties in knowing who the IK holders are, where they are located, together with poor recognition of IK in the communities concerned. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study; and suggestions for further research were put forward.
The management of indigenous knowledge (IK) initiatives in Swaziland.
(2009) Dlamini, Rose-Junior Tfobhie.; Leach, Athol Brian.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is an important resource which needs to be collected and preserved for present and future generations and also disseminated in every possible way. Muswazi (2001) states that Swaziland has an immense quantity of IK dealing with almost every aspect of daily life such as food production, preparation and preservation; agriculture; leadership; medicinal plants and their use and so on. It is therefore important that this useful information be well managed to be accessible for present and future generations. If not well managed, its abundance would be of no significance to potential users. IK if appropriately utilised, can enhance productivity and development. A lack of knowledge or inappropriate use of it, can lead to poor decision making and generally impact negatively on production and development. The fact that IK systems are at risk of becoming extinct pose a very big challenge to the Swaziland National Library (SNL), the Swaziland National Archives (SNA), the Swaziland National Museum (SNM) and the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) Library which are sites for this study. This is because among other functions they are tasked with managing IK. This present study was conducted to investigate the strategies used by the four institutions to collect and preserve IK for future use. This study adopted the qualitative research methodology. The study population consisted of four administrators and eleven staff members dealing with the management of IK in the four institutions. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used as data collection tools. Information gathered through the interviews was analysed using content analysis and then presented in the form of tables and graphs.
The merging of the library catalogues of the Edgewood College of Education library and the University of Natal, Durban libraries : lessons learnt.
(2009) Naidoo, Lovekumarie.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
Mergers of higher education institutions in South Africa have had a significant impact on the higher education sector. Unfortunately, libraries are not often regarded as a key component in a merger between two institutions. Rather as a result of the merger, libraries have to find how they fit into the broader picture. Very little research has been published in terms of the effects these mergers have had on library catalogues. In this study, the merging of the library catalogues of the Edminson Library at the Edgewood College of Education in Pinetown and the E.G. Malherbe Library of the University of Natal on the Durban campus was researched to determine how these library catalogues were merged and how successful this process was. To meet the objectives of this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the major role-players who were involved in, or affected by this process. Considering that this was the first time that a study of this nature pertaining to the merger of library catalogues was conducted in South Africa, a literature review was conducted to investigate similar studies involving library catalogue mergers. Important themes from the literature were identified. Unpublished material such as minutes of meetings and annual reports formed an integral part of the information gathering process. An analysis of the information collected at the interviews was done through content analysis. The evidence from all these sources finally resulted in conclusions and the lessons learnt throughout the process of the merger.
The representation of the literary works of Anglophone and Francophone African women writers (1960-2012) in UKZN library.
Kilyobo, Virginie Kabala.; Stilwell, Christine.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
The emergence of African women as authors in the world of literature has been recorded as a phenomenon of the 1980s which has brought dramatic changes in the literary world. Many African authors are of the belief that although African women are well known for their skilled oral storytelling, they are also well known for their neglect, and marginalisation in the literary world. However, against all odds, African women have not only managed to break the pattern and have their voices heard but they have also established the importance of their voices to be heard. Universities and their libraries are such places where that voice could or should be heard. The purpose of the study was to attempt to establish the extent to which the literary works of Anglophone and Francophone African women writers, published between 1960 and 2012 were represented in UKZN Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campus libraries. This will help to raise awareness of and the value of the literature by African women, in UKZN. The research questions constituting the focus of this study were: To what extent have Anglophone and Francophone African women writers had their works published between the years 1960 and 2012? What are the distribution patterns of this literature in terms of country of origin, and language and to some extent publisher? What are the perceptions and the views of academics in French Studies and English Studies of the significance of this literature? To what extent do these academics focus on this literature in their curricula and in the delivery of their modules or to what extent does it form part of their modules, and is it part of their own research? What are the views of Subject Librarians and Principal Librarians responsible for English and French in UKZN Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campus libraries, regarding the significance of this literature? Is it adequately represented in the library holdings, the acquisition of which is generally driven by academics? Has the situation described by d’ Almeida (1994) as true of the 1980s improved and if so, to what extent? The findings on the extent of the works published by Anglophone and Francophone women writers deriving from the results that emanate from the search for the literary works of the authors revealed that the number of published Francophone countries were greater that the Anglophone; but the number of Anglophone authors were greater than the Francophone. In terms of the perceptions of the participants, the findings revealed that academics both French and English, as well as subject librarians strongly believe that African women’s literature was an exceptionally fascinating literature. The significance of the literature was linked to a number of elements such as their history of endurance and perseverance, the themes and topics explored by women writers. The availability of books by African women writers was believed to be scarce on African libraries’ shelves. The poor relationship between African authors and African publishers was seen as one of the elements contributing to the situation, while republication was seen as one of the solutions to increase availability and accessibility. The study revealed that the teaching of the literature by African women was considered a necessity due to its significance both by the English and the French academics. Although the literature was considered well taught, and that UKZN did demonstrate that African women’s literature in English was taken into consideration in terms of teaching, however in terms of the representation of this literature in the curriculum, the study revealed that African women’s literature was not well represented. With regard to the teaching of the French literature, it was not perceived as an issue that needed questioning in the French studies. French academics believed that literature and African women’s literature included was neither discriminated against nor unequally taught, although the study revealed that not much of it was taught in UKZN. Although the impact of the works by women writers in terms of its significance was confirmed and felt to a significant extent in UKZN, the study revealed that the teaching of the literature was limited in both the English Studies and the French Studies. UKZN Library did represent both Anglophone and Francophone women writers in its collections, however, the level of representation of the authors, be they Anglophone or Francophone, was not found to be satisfactory. Womanism was the preferred approach for this study because it enabled the explanation of, or at least the interrogating of and at times, even the challenge of the significance of the literature as it was elaborated throughout the study by interviewees. The approach proved useful by shedding light on the collection of the literature in UKZN Library. Recommendations were made, as they emanated from the study, mostly with regard to the promoting of this literature and implicitly raising its awareness in UKZN and beyond.
The use of cataloguing tools and resources by cataloguers in the University of Malawi libraries and the Malawi National Library service in providing access to information.
(2009) Nampeya, Chrissie Ennie.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
This study investigated the us e of cataloguing tools and resour ces in the University of Malawi (UNIMA) Libraries and the Malawi National Library Service (MNLS) in providing access to information. Cataloguing tools and resources are mainly used by cataloguers to process library materials fo r easy location and access to the collection. The cataloguer’s goal is to meet user needs and make available materials and services for the purpose of supporting the learning, te aching and research needs of the UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS. Cataloguing practice in most of the acad emic and public libraries in developing countries has lagged behind due to financial constraints. Poor budget allocations and economic problems have forced many libraries to operate inefficiently without preparing cataloguers for the work with effective training. The UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS have also been affected by this economic problem. In order to find out how catal oguing tools and resources are being used by cataloguers in UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS in providing access to information, a study sample consisting of fifty cataloguers and directors (Librarians) of libraries was chosen. The cataloguers and directors of libra ries were surveyed by means of a self administered questionnaire a nd an interview schedule to investigate availability and use of cataloguing tools and re sources and the effectiveness of the services to provide for the information needs of the users. Other information requested from the respondents related to the probl ems encountered with the tool s and training offered to the cataloguers. A to tal of thirty-fiv e cataloguers and directors of libraries responded yielding a 70 % response rate. The results were analysed using SPSS. The results were shown in the form of tables and figures. The study revealed that the majority of cataloguers in the UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS used the cataloguing t ools and resources but relati vely infrequently. Results also revealed that the cata loguers encountered various pr oblems with the tools which most of them attributed to a lack of training to adequately prepare them for cataloguing requirements. In addition, the majority of libraries had cataloguing iv backlogs which were attribut ed to various factors such as a lack of professionally trained staff in cataloguing and a lack of cataloguing tools and resources. Recommendations and sugges tions to improve the catal oguing practice in general were made by both the researcher and re spondents with regard to the findings and the literature reviewed.
Third-year students' perceptions of the library services at the Butterworth campus of the Eastern cape technikon, south Africa.
(2005) Mgqalelo, Nomonde.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Ngulube, Patrick.
The purpose of the study was to investigate third-year students' perceptions of library services at the Butterworth campus of the Eastern Cape Technikon (ECT) in South Africa. The study was conducted with full-time and part-time third-year students in all the three faculties, namely the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Business Sciences and the Faculty of Applied Technology. The methodology included a review of related literature and the data collection involved a descriptive survey using self-administered questionnaires. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from all three faculties. Out of the 274 questionnaires distributed, 220 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 80%. The questionnaires focused on the library resources and services available to third-year students of the ECT, ranging from the extent of awareness and usage to the level of satisfaction with various library resources and services. The data collected was analysed by means of SPSS®. A coding list was developed from the variables in the study and the results were interpreted in relation to these variables. The findings of the study revealed that third-year students were aware of the resources and services available in the ECT library. However, the study also revealed that the resources and services are not fully utilized by the ECT students whom they are supposed to serve. There were a variety of problems perceived by the students which emerged from the results of the study. These were: the lack of space in the library, the shortage of computers, out-dated library books, the attitude of librarians, library opening hours, long queues, lack of individual user instruction, level of noise, the need for a study room, the need for training of library staff, lack of photocopiers and difficult access to the electronic room. Many respondents found the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to be inadequate, in the sense that it did not give a true reflection of all the books on the shelves in the ECT library. However, the majority of them were generally satisfied. Recommendations for possible future library services were made in the light of this discussion. Suggestions for future research form part of the conclusion of this study.
Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by postgraduate students and academic staff for teaching and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2010) Mushi, Restituta Thadeus.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
The application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is changing the organization and delivery methods of higher education. The pedagogical and socio-economic forces which have driven higher learning institutions to adopt and incorporate ICTs in teaching and learning include greater information access and better communication and learning. ICTs are being used to support pedagogic practices that provide learning environments that are more learner, knowledge and assessment-centered. Universities are thus responding to the many changes and adjusting to new demands and advancements through the incorporation of ICTs into the various aspects of their operations. In light of the above, a study to investigate the use of ICTs for teaching and learning by academic staff and postgraduate students in the Social Science Schools of the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences (HDSS) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Pietermaritzburg, was carried out. The study's conceptual framework was drawn from Vygotsky's constructivist theory of learning which suggests that learning is achieved by the active construction of knowledge supported by various perspectives within meaningful contexts. Such meaningful contexts include the use of ICTs as tools that facilitate constructivist teaching and learning. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The former was served by the use of a survey. Two questionnaires (one for academic staff and the other for students), administered by the researcher, were used as the main data collection tools. The questionnaires contained both closed and open-ended questions. In addition to the questionnaires, a focus group interview for postgraduate students was used to collect qualitative data. To increase the reliability and validity of the data collection tools, the researcher pre-tested the questionnaires before final distribution to the study population. Sampling followed a simple random stratified method for the survey and purposive sampling for the focus group interview. The target population for the study was academic staff and postgraduate students selected from the Faculty of HDSS. A total of 173 postgraduate students responded which yielded a response rate of 92% and all 53 academic staff responded which yielded a response rate of 100% for the academic staff. Data from the survey questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS® version 15.0 for Windows. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the open ended questions obtained from the focus group interview. The findings indicated that a majority of academic staff and postgraduate students used ICTs for teaching and learning. Furthermore, the study identified various ICT hardware and software which were available at UKZN for teaching and learning and whether staff and students used these ICTs to support their teaching and learning. The study’s findings showed that a number of problems were experienced when using the ICTs for teaching and learning. The top three problems experienced were insufficient numbers of computers; slow network connections and poor support from the technical staff. Apart from the problems encountered when using ICTs for teaching and learning there were benefits to using the ICTs such as: ICTs facilitated communication and simplified interaction between academics and students: accessibility to learning materials was improved for students while academics considered that ICTs improved student’s skills. Lectures that could be delivered online were a positive benefit for academics. Furthermore, ICTs had enabled students to use computers more effectively to support their learning. Recommendations and suggestions to improve the use of ICTs for teaching and learning in general were made by the academic staff and the postgraduate students with regard to the findings and the literature reviewed.
The use of the E.G. Malherbe Library, University of Natal (Durban), by non-University of Natal users.
(2001) Magwaza, Fikile Petronella.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
This study investigated the use of the E. G. Malherbe Library of the University of Natal, Durban (UNO), by non-registered users, with the aim of finding out who these users were, why they used the library, what resources and services they used and what questions they most often asked the subject librarians. The study focused on the E. G. Malherbe Library as it is the main library of the Durban campus and because of its frequent use by non-registered users. The tertiary system in South Africa was discussed to provide background information about the operation of the University of Natal and its libraries. The University is a member of the Eastern Seaboard Association of Tertiary Institutions (ESATI), an organisation that promotes co-operation among tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. The academic libraries of the six institutions making up ESATI have formed the Eastern Seaboard Association of Academic Libraries (ESAL). The E.G. Malherbe Library is a member of ESAL. The University's membership of these organisations has implications for co-operation and the reciprocal use of libraries in the region. Literature dealing with the use of academic libraries by external users worldwide was examined to provide a wider context within which to view the present study. The survey method was used and questionnaires were distributed to non- registered users as they entered the Library. A self-selected sample of 149 users completed the questionnaire. A separate questionnaire was distributed to the total of three subject librarians of the E.G. Malherbe Library. The results revealed that most of the non-registered users were full-time students registered at tertiary institutions in and around Durban, many of whom were members of ESAL. The majority of students involved in the study came from the University of Durban Westville, the University of Zululand, Technikon Natal, M.L. Sultan Technikon and Mangosuthu Technikon. Among the reasons students gave for using the library were that it had relevant materials for their needs, it provided them with a place to study, it was close to where they lived and the staff at the library were helpful. The materials used most frequently were books, followed by periodicals. Indications were given that the Library was better stocked than many other libraries in the area. From the types of questions asked and the assistance which was required from subject librarians, it was clear that these users had deficient library use skills. The non-registered users benefited from the library's long opening hours but were unhappy about being excluded from borrowing privileges. Recommendations were made for improving the teaching of library use skills at tertiary institutions in the region and agreements regarding access for students to libraries which are members of ESAL need to be concluded speedily to normalise use.
User perceptions of education students with special reference to the quality of service at Walter Sisulu University Library, Butterworth, South Africa.
(2017) Matiwane, Nozuko.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
As academic libraries continue to serve as the heart of academic institutions they should focus on their users. This calls for a better understanding of the specific needs of different library users in order to meet their needs. The main objective of the study was to determine student library users’ expectations and perceptions of service quality provided by Walter Sisulu University Libraries (WSUL) on the Butterworth campus. In this study, a survey was used to determine the expectations and perceptions of undergraduate and postgraduate Education students to determine their satisfaction with the library services provided by Walter Sisulu University. The identification of the gaps in WSUL services and the assessment of results can improve the quality of service delivery. To fulfil a qualitative aspect the Library Manager responded to an interview schedule of questions which provided useful background information. The research method used for this study was the descriptive survey. A sample of 200 undergraduate and post graduate Education students were surveyed. An adapted LibQUAL+™ self-administered questionnaire was used for data gathering from these respondents. A total of 103 undergraduate students and 12 postgraduate students responded. The results are displayed in the form of tables. The study yielded a response rate of 58%. The findings of the study showed those services with which respondents were least satisfied with. These included: prompt inter-library loan from other libraries, prompt action regarding missing books, easily available access to electronic databases, sufficient space for group learning and group study, adequate photocopying facilities and an adequate number of computer work stations. Services which respondents were most satisfied with were: online searching without the help of a librarian, a safe and secure place to study, staff who have the knowledge to answer students’ questions, online searching with the help of a librarian, and the OPAC which is clear and has useful information. Based on the findings, certain recommendations were made to improve service quality and increase the level of user satisfaction at the WSUL on the Butterworth campus.