Browsing by Author "Leach, Athol Brian."

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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 application of information and communication technologies in the management of health information by doctors and nurses in selected government hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon.
(2003) Asah, Flora Nah.; Leach, Athol Brian.
Doctors and nurses in most developing countries lack access to adequate health information, that is, the lifeblood for the delivery of quality health care services. This problem is further compounded by the fact that correct techniques and equipment are not applied to provide access to reliable health information. Based on previous literature, it is assumed that information should be managed in the same way capital, labour and human resources are managed so that healthcare providers and medical professionals should be able to have relevant information to assist then in their daily activities, to help them to learn, to diagnose and to save lives. Relevance and reliability are paramount in meeting health information needs. A number of studies have shown that the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the management of health information is a prerequisite to wider accessibility and availability of relevant health information. Health information management is the continuum of processes in managing health-related information. It is composed of the use of technologies (computers, hardware, software and telecommunication), personnel (trained information specialists), and the allocation of financial resources to achieve the major goals of the organisation such as a hospital. The aim is to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate adequate health information to the right person, in the right form, at the right time. This study investigated the application of ICTs in the management of health information by medical professionals in six selected government hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. The basis of the study was that through the effective application of ICTs in the management of health information, relevant and timely information would be made available to medical professionals. It was the researcher's view that unless we understand the importance of information in the development of the health system, and apply the use of ICTs in its management, the delivery of health care services will constantly remain poor. Data was collected from six government hospitals in Yaounde through a self-administered questionnaire given to nurses and medical doctors. The data collected from 141 medical professionals [doctors and nurses] were presented, using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distribution and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that medical professionals are dissatisfied with the major method of information exchange activities, that is, face-to-face interaction with colleagues. In addition, the study found that health information is captured, processed and stored manually. This is very detrimental to medical professionals, because relevant information is not always available when needed. The study found that the barriers to adequate information exchange activities were lack of information support services, irregular distribution of information and poor co-operation and collaboration among medical professionals. The study also revealed the non-availability of ICTs and Internet resources and lack of basic computer skills. Consequently, there is low utilisation of ICTs by medical professionals and limited information needs are being satisfied. Medical professionals unanimously favoured the application of Internet services or an electronic health information resource to supplement the current method of managing and accessing health information. Lack of training on the use of computers and Internet resources were the main factors that hinder the use of ICTs by medical professionals. The study concluded by calling on directors of hospitals, medical professionals and the Ministry of Health Officials to provide ICTs and Internet resources to medical professionals and provide them with basic computing skills and training. It further called for the recognition of information as an important resource for national development and called for formulation of a national information policy. With an information policy, information needs would be clearly defined and the provision of information services throughout the country would be regulated. In addition, medical professionals must create a free-flow of information and constant communication outlet to exchange and disseminate local health information. The high demand for basic training on the use of ICTs could be provided through in-service training or refresher courses.
Assessment of information literacy skills of first-year students at Mangosuthu Technikon at a pre-library orientation and instruction phase.
(2005) Zimu, Acquinatta Nomusa.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study assessed the information literacy (IL) skills of first-year students at Mangosuthu Technikon (MANTEC) at a pre-library orientation and instruction phase. What is evident is that students do, to a greater or lesser degree, display inadequate levels of IL skills. What is not so evident is the extent and nature of these inadequacies. The purpose of the study was to establish the level of these inadequacies. Background information concerning the MANTEC library orientation and instruction programme and the Eastern Seaboard Association of Libraries (esAL) User Education Pilot Project study was provided and an overview of MANTEC and its library was given. The assessment of IL skills in higher education libraries, with reference to the MANTEC library was discussed. The MANTEC students' IL skills were assessed using Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, which are evident throughout the objectives of the study. The research method used for this study was the descriptive survey method. The sample consisted of 170 first-year students. A purposive sampling procedure was used. The questionnaire consisted of two main sections, one which elicited demographic data of students and the other extracted data that addressed the objectives of the study. Results were coded and analyzed using the SPSS program. The findings of the survey indicated that there is a dearth of IL skills among the majority of MANTEC first-year students. Like many other studies it revealed that many first-year students, especially from the historically disadvantaged institutions (HDI) are under-prepared for tertiary education generally and for IL demands made on them at the tertiary level. Even those who have had previous library exposure appear to bring with them little or no IL competencies to tertiary institutions. Based on the findings for this study, recommendations were made with the aim of improving MANTEC students' IL skills.
An assessment of the integration of information literacy education into first year programmes in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology - Durban Campus.
(2016) Naicker, Kogilambal.; Leach, Athol Brian.
Abstract available in PDF.
A bibliometric study on HIV/AIDS literature in South Africa from 1982-2002.
(2003) Mitha, Sara Bibi.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has been felt by nations throughout the world. It is a well-known fact that the AIDS epidemic is catastrophic in sub Saharan Africa, which heads the list of the most affected regions. As the epidemic imposes a strain on the already limited resources, a better understanding of the disease is continuously being sought out. This understanding is enhanced with better information dissemination. The present research aims to assist the information requirements of HIV/AIDS researchers in the country through a bibliometric study. The present study comprised an investigation of the patterns of authorship and publications of academic institutions in the sciences, medical institutions and affiliated organizations in South Africa, focusing on HIV/AIDS literature for the two decade period, 1982-2002. Published literature in the sciences and medicine from three internationally recognised databases were used for the assessment. They were: AIDSearch, lSI Science Citation Index Expanded and MEDLINE (OVID). A total of 2 281 documents formed the basis for the assessment. The results of the study are presented, as are their consequences for researchers and policy makers. Some recommendations are provided for the developers and designers of databases. The results of the study demonstrate exponential growth in the literature as might be expected. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the disease, research is scattered in a variety of discipline-based journals. Researchers publish mainly in journals and the South African Medical Journal is the most productive in the field of HIV/AIDS. Collaboration in research on the subject is evident. The results also demonstrate that South African researchers are fast becoming internationally recognized in the field of HIV/AIDS research. The Medical Research Council emerged as the leader in South Africa's research efforts on HIV/AIDS. Of the academic institutions, the University of the Witwatersrand is the most productive institution, followed by the University of Natal.
The challenges of building an information society in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.
(2010) Sehlapelo, Martin Collin Abner Mmapeteke.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The participants in the World Summit on the Information Society, including South Africa, have committed themselves to building the information society in their respective countries and communities. Most countries and communities that have benefited from the information society have been those in the developed countries. Developing communities specifically those that are poor and rural are expected to have unique challenges requiring specific approaches in dealing with the problems. This study has investigated the challenges of building an information society through utilising the Limpopo Province of South Africa as a case study. The dissertation has, by using the Harvard Readiness Guide for the Networked World, determined whether the Limpopo Province is ready to become an information society. It has also identified the activities and projects that are being undertaken within the province as well as proposing what should be done to build the information society for development. The research was conducted through surveying selected leaders (leaders who are responsible for the information society implementation) within the Limpopo Province, to respond to a self-administered questionnaire as well as conducting content analysis of current planning documents for provincial departments and district municipalities. Whilst the dissertation could not determine whether it was feasible to implement the information society in a community such as Limpopo Province, the selected leaders were of the view that by focussing on the issues they identified, the province could successfully build the information society. The respondents were iv of the view that Limpopo Province was currently not e-ready, and thus could not be considered an information society. The study found that most of the activities related to the information society within Limpopo Province were not coordinated and were primarily related to e-government. Another key challenge that was identified, despite the high mobile telephone penetration, was the lack of access to the Internet as well as affordable connectivity. To address these and other challenges identified in the study, a framework for implementing the information society at the provincial level is proposed. Keywords: information society, development, developing countries/communities, Information and Communications Technologies, Limpopo Province
Communication between healthcare workers and Isizulu speaking female patients at the Scottsville clinic, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
(2000) Niba, Mercy Bi.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study sought to establish some ofthe problems that occur during a consultation process between a healthcare worker and a patient, such as intangible and tangible verbal/nonverbal communication problems. Tangible nonverbal problems refer to eye contact, gestures, body posture and facial expression. Tangible verbal problems refer to voice tone/attitude and language and intangible to race, age, gender, education and culture. It was made clear that the problems involved in the consultation process were, in the main, common to other fonns of communication such as that between a reference librarian and a client, customer, visitor or user. The factors that hindered communication were investigated by means of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The sample population was made up of 100 black isiZulu speaking females and seven healthcare workers of a heterogeneous background. The perception ofthe respondents in relation to the above-named factors (language, age, gender, attitude, culture, education, gestures and postures) was sought. The analysis of the results obtained showed that some of the significant factors that are a problem in communication include voice tone/attitude, eye contact, sitting position, gestures, facial expression and language. Patients, for the sake ofeffective concentration and free flow ofinfonnation, preferred healthcare workers who were polite, had a cheerful demeanour and who sat still and straight up (not looking around or standing). This is noted because the majority of the patients acknowledged such healthcare workers and were not satisfied with those who behaved otherwise. For example, in relation to previous consultations (irrespective of the Clinics), out of the 70 respondents who encountered problems, 61 (87%) in despair cited cases of rudeness, of which the majority of such cases related to African healthcare workers. Culture also mattered, when seen in terms of people being able to speak the same language and understand one another, with respect to the contextual meaning of words. As far as eye contact was concerned, it was apparent that adjustments had been made. For example, it was discovered that although it is the Zulu culture to avoid eye contact, especially between the young and the old, Zulu people have come to accept eye contact in a crosscultural South Africa. Their acceptance was also seen as due to the advantages ofeye contact. This was made clear by the fact that ofthe 90 (91%) respondents who acknowledged the fact that the healthcare workers maintained eye contact during the consultation process, 87 (97%) said it was polite as it gave them the assurance that the healthcare workers were paying attention to what they were saying. Among the socio-demographic variables investigated, the gender of the healthcare worker emerged as one ofthe important predictors of effective communication. This is because the majority of the respondents indicated feeling freer with someone of the same gender groupmg. Certain recommendations were made which were considered vital in improving not only the consultation process but any other form of communication, including that between a reference librarian and a client. The main recommendations were that the healthcare workers be polite and endeavour to speak the main language as the patients. Due to the fact that some healthcare workers hurry during consultation, it was recommended that more staff be employed.
A comparative study of the role of donors in three telecentre projects in Africa.
(2006) Chisa, Ken Dennis.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of donors in the establishment, implementation and sustainability of donor-funded telecentres in Africa. This was achieved by looking at success factors and reasons of failure at three donor-funded telecentres across three countries on the continent. The projects in question were Nakaseke Telecentre in Uganda, Bhamshela Telecentre in South Africa and the Malawi Rural Telecentre Project (MRTP) which, in the end, was never implemented in Malawi. To achieve the objectives of the study, both secondary and primary sources of data were used. The population of the study consisted of senior officers within the organisations that pledged financial and technical support for the MR TP and those that funded the Bhamshela and Nakaseke Telecentres. However, since there was no response from the donors of the Nakaseke Telecentre, all the data relating to the case was solely sourced from the literature (both print and on-line). Data collected dealt with various aspects of telecentre establishment, implementation and sustainability. The study found that Africa depends heavily on external finance and expertise to establish and implement telecentres due to financial incapacity, lack of expertise and poor infrastructure. The various experiences from the three cases have also demonstrated that donors cannot apply a single model of implementation uniformly across the region due to various political and socio-economic factors existing in different areas of the continent. Finally, the study highlighted the fact that if project sustainability is to be achieved, donors need to constantly improve the training and management component of telecentres. Therefore, rather than trying to draw a standard blueprint for project success, donors need to be ingenious and learn from shared experiences in the field, creatively adapting the solutions that work in one context to others. In conclusion, the findings identified in the present study potentially open up a window for the possibility of future research in terms of the success of donor-funded telecentres in Africa.
Conducting a knowledge audit at the National Department of Housing.
(2009) Dube, Oseaus Peacefull Xolani.; Leach, Athol Brian.
Knowledge Management (KM) has become an important area of focus in many organizations. This is not surprising given that KM is increasingly associated with organizational success in today’s business environment. However, despite the fact that KM is important, organizations are still reluctant to undertake it, due to a high rate of failure of KM initiatives or programmes. The failure is often attributed to the organization failing to incorporate a knowledge audit in the KM programme. KM experts agree that the knowledge audit is an essential process in any KM initiative. The purpose of the study was to conduct a knowledge audit at the National Department of Housing, so as to redevelop its KM strategies and subsequently revive its KM programme. To achieve this key questions were formulated and these questions provided the basis for the investigation. The survey method was used to conduct the knowledge audit. Self-administered questionnaires for Chief Directors, Directors, Deputy Directors and Junior Staff were designed, pre-tested and distributed for data collection. A response rate of 33 percent was achieved. SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the data. The general findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of KM. They seemed to be aware of the Department’s KM programme, although their level of awareness varied . The results indicated that Junior Staff and Deputy Directors have good working relationships with their supervisors and colleagues, including Directors. This bodes well for the successful implementation of KM. It was found that most respondents prefer to consult their supervisors and colleagues, and were also assisting those who consulted them. This is indicative of a knowledge sharing culture in the Department, although senior managers were not seen as encouraging the open sharing of knowledge. The “silo” working mentality and lack of communication were noted as common knowledge sharing barriers in the Department. Frequent communication was cited as the main mechanism to encourage knowledge sharing. Telephone, e-mail and face-to-face communication were the main mechanisms used in this regard. It was also revealed that not all employees have access to the InfoHub (the intranet used at the Department). It was recommended that information sessions be conducted to inform staff about KM and its importance in achieving the organizational goals. Furthermore all staff should be provided with access to the InfoHub and training in its use should be provided. The InfoHub can be used as a start-up knowledge sharing and storage tool, while e-mail can be used as means of communicating KM activities. Suggestions for further research were made.
Copyright and digital music collections in South Africa.
(2009) Polak, Fiona Margaret.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The crux of the research problem for this study pertains to the fact that, as the world moves towards a digital age, it is imperative that we gain insight into the current copyright laws which govern the transferring of music from the old analogue form to the new digital formats. In terms of the research problem, this study explores the South African Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978 as it pertains to the transferring of sound recordings from analogue to digital format. The study also examined digital copyright laws for sound recordings in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia as well as major copyright conventions and treaties as these international copyright laws impact on the South African situation, especially in terms of reciprocity. Furthermore, the study addressed the issue of balancing the rights between copyright holders and the public good in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge in the digital age. The study employed methodological triangulation which included a literature search, a questionnaire and informal interviews. The population constituted 16 music librarians and two legal librarians who were surveyed. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. Considering the size of the population (18) the results of a self-administered questionnaire were analysed using a calculator. Data collected for the informal interviews was analysed qualitatively. The study revealed that music librarians in South Africa are not well-versed in South African copyright law, especially as it applies to sound recordings. Guidelines, based on the South African Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978, and specifically for South African music librarians, have been formulated concerning both print and the actual sound recordings. It is important for the music librarian to take note that the composition of songs in a sound recording has an individual copyright that is separate from the copyright of the sound recording. Further copyrights can also exist in, for example, the sleeve of an album. It is anticipated that the guidelines will give clarity to music librarians on South African digital copyright legislation with regard to sound recordings.
The development and evaluation of an online tutorial to teach digitization and metadata indexing of library and archival resources.
(2009) Moodley, Surendran.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The aim of the study was to evaluate an online tutorial designed to teach digitization and metadata indexing of library and archival resources. The online tutorial was designed according to constructivist teaching principles to promote collaborative learning. The tutorial was hosted on the OLS (Open learning System) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The research was concerned with answering three research questions: Is the online tutorial a teaching instrument capable of teaching metadata indexing and digitization skills? Is the online tutorial an effective teaching tool? Does the use of constructivist teaching elements in the tutorial design allow for a more effective communication of knowledge and skills? A total of 10 participants registered for and took part in the online tutorial. On completion of the tutorial a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the tutorial was done. In terms of the latter a self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection technique. The qualitative evaluation was done via an analysis of discussions on the discussion forum and e-mail correspondence between learners and the researcher during the running of the tutorial. A more quantitative analysis was then conducted of the responses to the self-administered questionnaire. The qualitative and quantitative analysis identified significant issues that affected the running of the online tutorial. The main issues included problems relating to Internet access to the online tutorial, participation of learners on the tutorial and the functioning of the online learning environment. The analysis of the results of the evaluation provided answers for the three research questions. The analysis found that the online tutorial was able to teach metadata indexing and digitization skills. This was based on completed work that was submitted by participants and responses participants gave to questions on the postcourse questionnaire. However, the amount of work submitted by all participants for the metadata indexing and digitization exercises was generally low. The online tutorial was able to conduct effective teaching at certain times in the tutorial. However, there were a number of issues that disrupted the functioning of the online tutorial and this limited the effectiveness of teaching on the tutorial. The use of constructivist teaching elements in the tutorial design was unable to enable effective communication of knowledge and skills and the promotion of constructivist learning on the tutorial. This goal was hampered by various problems associated with the hosting of the online tutorial and Internet connectivity to the OLS site. Various suggestions for further research were made.
Evaluation of the "Information Retrieval Skills - Agri220" module in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
(2001) Krige, Emily-Ann Jensen.; Kaniki, Andrew M.; Stilwell, Christine.; Leach, Athol Brian.
An evaluation was conducted on a credit-bearing module that has recently become compulsory for second year students in four of the six schools in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The module was based on a course that has been run for Agriculture students since the 1980s. The module "Information Retrieval Skills" (Agri220) is run over a two week period at the beginning of the first semester and covers the library computer catalogue, OPAC and other retrieval tools such as print-based abstracts and indexes, SABINET Online and the CD-ROM databases in the library. The study sought to determine students' perceptions of the Agri220 module, to determine whether the outcomes as described in the Agri220 module template were evident in students, and to determine the use students made of the library. The method that was used in the evaluation was summative, and thus conducted after students had completed the module. Furthermore to find out their views about the contribution of the module to their studies, the study focused on students who had done the module over a year previously. The respondents were students in the School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness as these were the students for whom the module was compulsory in 1999. A survey was done of five third year classes , which consisted of both third and fourth year students, and questionnaires were distributed and completed in the classes. Students were very positive in their feedback about the module and reported becoming more efficient in their use of the library. They were largely familiar with the interlibrary loan service and OPAC but were aware to a lesser extent of the print-based abstracts and indexes in the library. The study found that students predominantly used books and to a lesser extent journals. Electronic retrieval formats were popular. The students who supplemented their notes with extra readings relied on reserved material and reading lists. Students made suggestions about changes to the module: such as extending the length of the module, bringing it forward to first year, and teaching the module in smaller groups.
An evaluative study of a resource centre within a community learning centre with particular reference to Tembaletu Community Education Centre.
(1998) Lombo, Sipho.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The objective of the study was an evaluation of the Tembaletu Resource Center within the Tembaletu Community Education Center. The Resource Center was evaluated in terms of its objectives. Each objective formed the basis for the subsequent research questions. The evaluation was from the perspectives of the three major user groups namely the teachers, the registered students and outside users. A survey was conducted whereby information was obtained from each group by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. Major findings in terms of the objectives were: many teachers, students and the general users use the Resource Center to read books and study, teachers read literacy books, many users have never bought literacy books for sale as many were unaware of this service, resource-based work has been given to students by teachers and this was seen to be a worthwhile exercise, more than half of the users had not borrowed educational videos, users had found information that helped them solve their personal problems although many users had never used the computer to access information. Lack of awareness of many of the services by users was indicated and was regarded as the stumbling block to the full use of the Resource Center. Recommendations based on the findings of the evaluation were made and this was followed by suggestions for further research.
Hello tomorrow? Sources of HIV/Aids information used by residential students at the University of Natal.
(LiASA, 2008) Ntombela, Mandla Maxwell.; Stilwell, Christine.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This article identifies sources of HIV/AIDS information used by residential students on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the former University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal). A questionnaire targeted at residential students on the Pietermaritzburg campus was used to determine which sources of HIV/AIDS information they used. The study upon which the article is based found that HIV/AIDS has become an everyday reality in the university system. There was a need for a clearer, more forceful definition of roles and responsibilities amongst all the partners in response to the epidemic. Residential students were generally satisfied with the existing sources of HIV/AIDS information but they did encounter problems in accessing some sources. The authors argue that it is time for the university sector and its partners to take stock of a situation that might quickly outpace the institution. Provision of relevant information in an appropriate format needs to be an integral part of the University’s response to HIV/AIDS. Sources that were used most frequently should be utilised by university information stakeholders to disseminate information among students.
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.
Information literacy among Form Five students at the four government senior secondary schools in Gaborone, Botswana.
(2002) Isaac, Goitsemang Gladness Boitumelo Wadikonyana.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The study investigated the information literacy skills among Form Five students at government senior secondary schools in Gaborone, Botswana. The results of the study will be used in the improvement of the Information Literacy Course offered at the University of Botswana Library (UBL). Background information was given on education in Botswana and also a brief history of the evolution of the University of Botswana, an overview of the University of Botswana Library and highlights of the schools in the study. The researcher designed a questionnaire in order to achieve the objectives of this study. A sample of 240 Form Five students was drawn from four senior secondary schools situated in Gaborone, Botswana. Purposive sampling was used to draw the sample. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed in the analysis of data. The results were presented in frequency tables, analyzed and discussed. The findings of the study revealed that the students at senior secondary schools did not have sufficient competence in translating information problems into information needs. Their ability to use a variety of sources was not well developed. The study further revealed that the students were not motivated to look for information sources by their teacher by, for example, giving them assignments that required them to use the library resources. Students' skills in the evaluation of the accuracy, currency and authority of information sources were found to be under-developed. The study showed that the students were not given any form of user education at any of the schools. The study also found that staffing problems in senior secondary school libraries contributed to the lack of information literacy of the students. The situation was more obvious in cases where there was no full-time librarian to run the library. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations and suggestions for further studies were made.
Information literacy skills of postgraduate students in the faculty of engineering at the Durban University of Technology.
(2015) Omarsaib, Mousin.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study examined the information literacy skills of the postgraduate engineering students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The rapid growth of the information age and the advent of the information explosion simultaneously with the Internet has created a problem for many novice and expert researchers when accessing quality information resources for research. There are students filtering into graduate research programmes in higher education institutions across South Africa who possess few information literacy skills. Although this problem is partially rectified at undergraduate level it is apparent, based on the researchers observations that many graduate students enter into research programmes lacking in information literacy skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the information literacy skills of the postgraduate engineering students at the DUT and to make recommendations to improve the information literacy skills of these students. The objectives of this study were therefore to ascertain the types of information literacy skills postgraduate engineering students brought from their undergraduate studies at the DUT, the major challenges postgraduate engineering students experienced in learning and applying information literacy skills and the ways in which the information literacy skills of postgraduate engineering students can be improved at the DUT. The conceptual framework of this study is based on the understanding of information literacy from the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. The two population sets for the study were the DUT postgraduate engineering students and the postgraduate librarians. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the postgraduate engineering students of which thirty were completed giving a response rate of 38%. The two postgraduate librarians who were involved in teaching information literacy to the postgraduate engineering students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. The findings of this study revealed that the postgraduate engineering students at the DUT are lacking in key areas of information literacy, namely, analysing a topic, forming a search strategy, using boolean operators, database searching, understanding referencing and plagiarism. Recommendations included the need for embedding information literacy instruction within the curriculum making it credit bearing and partnering between university administrators, academics and librarians are crucial to enhance information literacy. Suggestions for further research were provided.
Information needs and information seeking behaviour of international students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2012) Majyambere, Moise.; Leach, Athol Brian.
The purpose of this study was to identify the information needs and information seeking behaviour of international students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus (UKZNP). The study assisted in identifying different information services offered by the International Student Office (ISO). It also determined various information seeking situations involved in relation to academic needs and personal issues of international students. The approach that the researcher undertook was a triangulation approach where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Instruments used for data collection were a self-administered questionnaire and semi-structured interview. A sample size of 150 international students was surveyed, with 137 students responding, giving a response rate of 91.3%. The Head of the International Student Office (HISO) was also interviewed. The validity and reliability of the instrument were established by pre-testing the questionnaire with four international students enrolled at UKZNP. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The international students’ information seeking behaviour was identified using Wilson’s (1999) model of information behaviour which suited the group under study. The outcome of the study revealed that more than half, 62.7%, of academic needs were characterized by two situations, namely, the registration process (32.2%) and issues around lectures (30.5%). Other main issues discussed were based on information literacy skills and English language problems experienced by international students enrolled at UKZNP. In terms of personal issues, a majority (60.2%) of respondents mentioned either accommodation (34.9%) or health issues (25.3%). A minority, just on 30%, of the respondents resided on campus and for the majority of the respondents who lived off campus, accessing the Library and computer LANs after hours was not possible as transport at night was not always available. Thus the accommodation need was regarded as a very significant problem. The study indicated that two main sources used in relation to academic needs were library resources and information from the Faculty offices, while the most used source by international students for their personal issues was the consultation of colleagues. Based on the results and conclusions of the study, recommendations for action and further research were made. Recommendations included the need to consider a temporary registration period during which the complex requirements of the registration process could be pursued and satisfied by the students and, in response to the accommodation crisis experienced by students, consideration be given to the Student Housing Office giving priority to first year international students in particular when allocating rooms.
Information seeking behaviour and dissemination by the leadership of COSATU affiliated unions in the uMgungundlovu District.
(2017) Mdletshe, Ayanda.; Leach, Athol Brian.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
The purpose of the study was to identify and get a better understanding of the crucial aspects of information seeking behaviour and information dissemination by the leadership of unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and by so doing, assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanisms employed by these unions and the challenges associated with utilising these mechanisms. The researcher undertook a post-positivist approach. In this approach both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. Instruments used for data collection in terms of quantitative data were questionnaires with open and closed questions, while in terms of qualitative data, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. A sample size of 120 union leaders was surveyed from 12 affiliates. Three unions withdrew from the study and nine remained comprising 90 surveyed union leaders. A total of 71 respondents from the 90 surveyed union leaders participated giving a response rate of 78.8%. A total of 18 respondents were interviewed, two from each of the nine union. The validity and reliability of the instruments were established by pre-testing the questionnaires on former union leaders in Pietermaritzburg. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data using thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework for the study was provided by Wilson’s (1999) Model of Information Behaviour. The outcome of the study shows that respondents across the nine unions required information when dealing with dismissal cases, workers benefits, retrenchment and workers’ rights. The most used sources of information by union leaders included Employment legislation, the Department of Labour, upper structure leaders, and the Union secretary. The print format was the most preferred format. Lack of information accessibility, information disorganization and information not being updated were identified as major challenges that affected the union leaders’ ability to acquire information that they needed. In terms of information provision, the most used mechanisms to provide information to members were face-to-face communication, Union Secretary reports and television. Lastly, the study reported on the types of information provided by union leadership, which were identified as follows: wage increments, congress resolutions, job advertisements and union campaigns. Recommendations relating to information behaviour and dissemination of union leaders were made. Recommendations included the need for union leaders to be given enough time and be supported with enough information resources to respond to the information needs of their own and of their members and the need for more attention to be given to the use of social media networks as an efficient and effective information dissemination mechanism.
An investigation into the availability and adequacy of environmental information resources to support field workers at the wildlife and environment society of South Africa's four environmental education centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2000) Holland, Tracy Clare.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study is concerned with the availability and adequacy of environmental information resources to support field workers at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa's (WESSA) four environmental education centres in KwaZulu-Natal. It begins by examining the environment, the environmental crisis and environmental education as a response to the crisis, before giving an overview of the history of WESSA. To provide a wider context within which to view the study, literature dealing with environmental education, environmental education centres in South Africa and environmental information was examined. A study population consisting of 18 field workers and eight management staff, based at the four environmental education centres, was surveyed by means of interviews. This allowed for selected attributes such as length of employment at the centre, highest education qualification and previous environmental education experience to be elicited from field workers. Other information asked ofthe population concerned available environmental information resources, the environmental information support required by field workers and the adequacy of this support to field workers. Results were then analysed. With the responses to the open-ended questions, content analysis was used to determine categories which were subsequently tabulated, together with the responses from closed questions. The results revealed that WESSA provides a number of ongoing, in-house training opportunities which expose field workers to environmental information resources; WESSA publications dominate the environmental information resources used during the training offield workers and consequently, during the preparation and conducting of courses by field workers; booklets, books and colleagues are considered valuable information resources by field workers; and there is a recognised lack of environmental information by both field workers and management staff. Recommendations for improving the environmental information resource support to field workers are made in light of the results of the survey and the literature review.