Research Articles (Information Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7230

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A history of the University of Natal Libraries, 1910 – 2003.
(Forum Press on behalf of Library and Information Association of South Africa., 2011) Buchanan, Nora.; Stilwell, Christine.
This study documented the development of the two libraries of the University of Natal from 1910 to 2003. The historical research method was chosen as the optimal method for the collection and analysis of data, the broad approach to the study being interpretative. Understanding the present and anticipating and managing change depends to some extent on our appreciation and understanding of history. This study, by investigating the historical record of the University of Natal Libraries, is not only a revelation of the past but also assisted in identifying possible future trends in academic librarianship in South Africa, particularly as far as the management of multi-centred libraries is concerned. In addition, the value of the study lies in the consolidation and interpretation of information in numerous unpublished records and scattered, ephemeral sources.
The microfilm of the new millennium: the digitization of the liberation struggle archives heritage in east and southern Africa
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2011-06) Garaba, Francis.; Ngulube, Patrick.; Stilwell, Christine.
New information and communication technologies have greatly affected archival institutions. It is therefore not surprising that the world of archival management has presently been confronted with many challenges as new technologies transform the archival landscape. Digital technologies are challenging custodians' abilities to preserve our archival heritage. This article provides an overview of digitization initiatives drawing, in the main, on a survey carried out in archival institutions within the east and southern African region. Modern technology has had a profound impact on how information is stored and accessed. A study carried out between 2006 and 2009 in heritage institutions, both private and public, with liberation struggle archives, within the Sub-Saharan region, revealed that digitization was the most widely used preservation strategy in the surveyed archival institutions. Resources permitting, archival institutions should adopt digitization for their liberation struggle heritage as a reformatting strategy in order to counter the problem posed by deteriorating media. The methodologies employed for data gathering included a survey, observation and structured interviews. This article provides the reader with the findings of the research and the opinions of the researchers. However, this paper does not contend or claim to be exhaustive of all issues pertaining to digitization
The applicability of the major social science paradigms to the study of the agricultural knowledge and information systems of small-scale farmers.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2012) Munyua, Hilda Mantema.; Stilwell, Christine.
The social sciences offer a rich array of paradigms within which to locate agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS) research. This article provides an overview of the major paradigms in the social sciences, identifying those which offer a lens through which the AKISs of small-scale farmers can be viewed. It is based on a review and analysis of the paradigms, perspectives and approaches that are appropriate for studying different facets of an AKIS. These systems are complex by nature but Social constructivism, Phenomenology, Interpretive and Participatory paradigms make possible a pluralistic and compatibilist approach that provides the necessary logic and harmony for such a study. A systems approach, mixed methods methodology and multiple data collection methods can be used to improve understanding of AKISs of this type. A pragmatic paradigmatic stance is recommended to guide the design for a comprehensive study of the AKISs of small-scale farmers in developing countries.
Information and knowledge needs, access and use for small-scale farming in Tanzania.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2012) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.; Ngulube, Patrick.; Stilwell, Christine.
This article assesses information and knowledge needs, access and use for agricultural development in the rural areas of developing countries, with a specific focus on Tanzania. Data from focus groups and information mapping and linkage diagrams were used to triangulate with the interview data in order to bring together the strength of all data sets to validate, confirm and corroborate findings from various sources. The findings revealed that the information seeking patterns of farmers were location specific. The major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local. Most respondents indicated public extension as an important source of agricultural information. Private extension services, village meetings and farmer groups were significant sources of information in some regions. Printed information had low use. The role of information and communication technologies in providing access to agricultural knowledge and information, and the application of information and knowledge on farming systems in the rural areas of Tanzania are also presented. The article concludes with recommendations for improved access to agricultural knowledge and information in the rural areas of Tanzania.
Information literacy for higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania: efforts and prospects for educational reform in teaching and learning.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2010) Lawal, Victoria Ladi.; Lwehabura, Mugyabuso J. F.; Underwood, Peter Graham.; Stilwell, Christine.
This article reviews efforts made by higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania in transforming student learning through information literacy (IL). It examines the need for higher education institutions in the two countries to create the necessary foundations for strengthening information literacy programmes as a strategy for ensuring viable transformation in teaching and learning. The paper is based on a review of related literature and observations drawn from working experiences in higher education institutions in both countries. It examines some of the meaningful educational transformations taking place in higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania and makes recommendations for better standards to be developed in terms of curriculum structure and design, teaching methods, outcome assessment and a review of institutional policies and goals in order to encourage active teaching and learning.
Research into information behaviour in the South African context: a preliminary exploration and bibliography: 1980 to date.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2010) Stilwell, Christine.
The article reports on research into information behaviour in the South African context from 1980 to date. While numerous papers have been presented at conferences and published as articles little is available in terms of an overview of the entire body of such research to date. More information is needed on the subjects and contexts of such research; which theoretical models and methods were used and where the gaps in terms of coverage of particular groups lie. This research is based on a systematic review of the literature contained in electronic databases and published proceedings of conferences. Some material from the pre-electronic database era was included. The research is still at an early stage, for example, an extensive listing of theses and dissertations has not been included but rather the focus is on outputs in the form of journal articles and conference papers. The findings reveal an enormous growth in the number of articles and papers from 2000 onwards reflecting a wide array of subjects. Theoretical frameworks are discussed together with some of the influences on information behaviour research in this country as well as the research methods used. Thesis supervisors should be encouraged to publish articles on completed research with their students using structured abstracts which would expedite access to, and the sharing of new research in the field. A listing of theses on information seeking behaviour would enable a more comprehensive examination of the whole body of research to identify approaches and methods in more detail.
Information needs and information-seeking behaviour of small-scale farmers in Tanzania.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2010) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.; Ngulube, Patrick.; Stilwell, Christine.
This article provides a review of the information needs and information seeking patterns of the rural farmers in selected districts of Tanzania. Focus group data was triangulated with interview data in order to validate, confirm and corroborate quantitative results with qualitative findings. The findings revealed that the information needs and information seeking patterns of farmers were location and gender specific to a certain extent. Farmers relied on interpersonal and face to face communication more than explicit sources of information. Constraints on information access included internal (personal) and external barriers (unavailability of the extension officers, distant locations for consultations with public extension officers, poor responses to information requests from the government and village leaders, lack of awareness of the available information sources, inability of some experts to solve problems, and poor knowledge sharing culture). It is thus important for the government to improve access to extension services, and equip them with necessary skills and adequate information resources. Further, the public and extension services, researchers, educators, information services and other agricultural actors should conduct regular studies on information needs, map communities’ knowledge and information sources, create awareness of information sources, and knowledge culture, and use multiple sources of information (such as print and ICTs) to deliver relevant information in the communities in order to meet the disparate farmers’ needs.
The KwaZulu-Natal school library policy and its feasibility for implementation in the Province.
(2012) Du Toit, Mariana.; Stilwell, Christine.
The research took into account accepted standards of good policy formulation to provide perspective and contextualise the study, and delineated educational challenges for the sector. The following theoretical frameworks guided the study: a constructivist approach in interpreting and evaluating the role of school libraries within an education system based in constructivist principles, the traditional policy model to evaluate policy formulation and design, and a social constructionist view of policy in the interpreting of policy development and implementation. The epistemological basis for the main methodology, the Delphi technique, was social constructivism. The research design comprised two phases. Qualitative data collected from the Delphi panel's expert opinion was interpreted to analyse the policy document critically and assess its implementation strategy. Quantitative data from an analysis of existing surveys and reports provided an overview of the current state of school library provisioning in KwaZulu-Natal. School library models already being implemented in the province were evaluated against this background. The research results provide guidelines for reviewing and refining the provincial policy intervention and brought to the fore several issues that need to be resolved to facilitate school library development in South Africa.
"Boundless opportunities": towards an assessment of the usefulness of the concept of social exclusion for the South African public library situation.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006) Stilwell, Christine.
Defines the concept of social exclusion. Identifies factors that contribute to social exclusion. Explores the usefulness of the concept in local contexts
A contextual study of information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria.
(LIASA, 2012) Lawal, Victoria Ladi.; Stilwell, Christine.; Kuhn, Rosemary Jean.; Underwood, Peter Graham.
The study upon which the article is based investigated the information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria and examined the efforts undertaken to restructure the legal education system in Nigeria. It explored the connection between contextual influences and professional development, particularly with respect to the concept of legal information literacy and the value of acquired educational skills in the context of legal practice in Nigeria. Data were obtained using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key findings from the study were supportive of the importance of information literacy as central to the development of professional competence of the aspirant barristers which can be achieved through re-structuring the teaching methods and curricula of the Nigerian Law School (NLS). The study makes recommendations for the adoption and integration of information literacy as a conceptual framework by which skills training can be developed into the curriculum of the Nigerian Law School.
Library 2.0: revolution or evolution?
(2009) Kwanya, Tom Joseph Mboya.; Stilwell, Christine.; Underwood, Peter Graham.
Library 2.0 is a controversial concept that stirs debate on many fronts. As the concept continues to arrest the attention of most library users and practitioners, a number of issues relating to its real nature emerge. One of these is the character of change it represents. While many library scholars and practitioners agree that Library 2.0 represents a change, they disagree on the nature of this change. Using a critical review of documentation and arguments on this subject, the authors identify three points of view on this change. Whereas some feel that the change is revolutionary and may drastically transform the profession – including renaming – others see it as an evolution of the current best practices to mould a better, user-centred service using modern technology. Still others see Library 2.0 as neither revolutionary nor evolutionary. This paper seeks to clarify these three points of view on the character of Library 2.0 change in libraries, as institutions, and in librarianship as a profession. It also recommends that while Library 2.0 should be seen as the latest instance in the development of the library and the services it offers, its role in facilitating participatory user-centric services should not be ignored.
Journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa.
(LiASA, 2010) Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.; Stilwell, Christine.;
This article is based on part of a survey that investigated journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. A study population consisting of 17 university libraries in South Africa was surveyed by means of an online questionnaire to establish the factors that influenced journal cancellations. Interpretation of the results revealed that South African university libraries, like most academic and research libraries world wide, have been adversely affected by high priced journal subscriptions and many libraries have simply cancelled subscriptions to pay for ongoing subscriptions. Recommendations are made about enhancing library budgets and access to usage statistics, supporting consortia and avoiding restrictive journal packages.
Mapping the fit: library and information services and the national transformation agenda in South Africa, Part II.
(LIASA, 2009) Stilwell, Christine.
An update of an article which appeared in the IFLA journal (Stilwell, 2007a), this article follows on from Part 1 (Stilwell, 2008) charting progress in terms of the fit between available library and information services and that which is expected in terms of the national transformation agenda. This second article picks up on libraries and information services in South Africa as part of the wider national information system, starting with school libraries. An overview of archives, record centres and museums, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), embassies, commercial database industry and indigenous knowledge follow. The sectors concerned with the dissemination of information and information technology are described as well as the library and information education and training sector and the organised profession. This overview is based on literature retrieved from the available, mostly electronic, databases.
Mapping the fit: library and information services and the national transformation agenda in South Africa, Part I.
(LiASA, 2008) Stilwell, Christine.
This article, the first of two parts, is an update of one which appeared in the IFLA journal in 2007 (Stilwell 2007a). Progress since 2007 is mapped in terms of the fit between the library and information services available and the national transformation agenda. It reviews information policy and describes information sources, systems and services in South Africa as part of the wider national information system. It stops short of describing the situation pertaining to school libraries, archives, record centres and museums, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), embassies, commercial database industry and indigenous knowledge which are covered in Part 11. The sectors concerned with the dissemination of information and information technology are also described in Part 11, as well as the library and information education and training sector and the organised profession. This overview is based on literature retrieved from the available, mostly electronic, databases.
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.
An investigation into the feasibility of unionising LIS workers: a case study of the tertiary sector.
(LiASA, 2006) Raju, Rajandren.; Stilwell, Christine.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This article reports on the findings of a study that investigated the feasibility of unionizing LIS workers with special reference to the tertiary education sector in South Africa. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate the need for an organisation to address the industrial concerns of LIS employees and to investigate the organization most capable of addressing both the industrial and professional concerns of the sector. The majority of the respondents expressed the view that there is a need for an organisation to address the industrial issues of the LIS sector. The findings also reveal that there is substantial support for the professional association, as opposed to a generic trade union, to address the industrial and professional issues of the LIS sector.
Alumni perceptions of a post graduate Information and Library Science Education programme at the University of Natal, South Africa.
(LiASA, 2004) Stilwell, Christine.
A survey of alumni perceptions of a post graduate programme in Information and Library Science, the B.Bibl. Honours, at the University of Natal, South Africa is described. Module content and appropriateness are reviewed in relation to demands of the workplace. Alumni views on delivery and assessment methods are interrogated as are requirements in terms of continuing education. Critical issues in ILS education are identified, for example, balancing a human-centred approach with Information and Communication Technology competencies in the networked age. Reference is made to Information Management and Knowledge Management. Findings suggest that the Programme has broadly attained its anticipated outcomes in preparing alumni for the workplace and that to some extent a balance between the various considerations outlined in the literature had been achieved.
Getting the write message right: review of guidelines for producing readable print agricultural information materials.
(LiASA, 2003) Morris, Craig Duncan.; Stilwell, Christine.
Print agricultural information materials (PAIMs), such as leaflets, booklets and fact sheets, are used extensively to provide information to farmers. Such print materials can play a vital supportive role in extension, even to low-literate communities. Principles for repackaging technical and scientific agricultural information in print are reviewed to provide guidelines for producing PAIMs that are 'considerate' of the target audience's information needs, communication and language style, and level of reading and education. Criteria for choice of content include brevity, accuracy, appropriateness and relevance to the end user. An understanding of factors affecting readability, accompanied by readability assessment and pretesting materials on users, will ensure greater clarity of expression and aid comprehension. Important elements of the design and layout of PAIMs include logical organisation of content and arrangement of text on the page, legibility of the text as affected by colour and typography, highlighting, and the use of pictures to complement and reinforce the message. Such design tools should be used to attract and not distract the reader. It is concluded that a collaborative effort of communicators and audience in the development process will aid the production of PAIMs that contribute effectively to the diffusion of agricultural and development information in rural areas.
Information seeking patterns and telecentre operations: a case of selected rural communities in Tanzania.
(Elsevier, 2011) Chilimo, Wanyenda Leonard.; Ngulube, Patrick.; Stilwell, Christine.
Information needs assessment is critical in developing and running relevant information services. This article explores the information needs and information- seeking patterns of the people living in communities surrounding telecentres. The research was based in four rural districts in Tanzania which have telecentres. These were Sengerema, Magu, Karagwe and Ngara districts. The research was done utilising the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) to determine how people or communities seek information concerning problem-solving, decision-making or question- answering situations. CIT was also used to determine the extent to which ICTs were used in seeking information. It was found that business and agricultural related information were the main information needs of the people in the communities involved in this study, however this information was rarely provided by the telecentres. The study further found out that face-to-face communication and the radio were the major sources of information that the respondents used. This study recommends that management of the telecentres should regularly assess user information needs in order for telecentres to have an impact on rural communities.
Challenges of managing indigenous knowledge systems.
(Elsevier, 2011) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.; Ngulube, Patrick.; Stilwell, Christine.
This article provides a systematic analysis of the challenges of managing agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK), and accessing external knowledge in the rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific focus on Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect primary data from 181 smallscale farmers in the six districts of Tanzania. The findings indicated that farmers faced various challenges in managing their IK, and accessing external knowledge, which ranged from personal and social barriers, to factors in the external environment such as infrastructure, policy, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and weak linkages between research, extension services and farmers. Farmers also faced challenges when using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to manage their knowledge, such as personal, socio-cultural, infrastructural, technical, and economic factors. It is thus important for the government to improve access to extension services, review the IPR system, enhance rural electrification, telecommunications and roads infrastructure. Further, the knowledge providers (i.e. agricultural extension officers, researchers, educators, libraries, non governmental organisations, civil society, and other agricultural actors) should nurture a knowledge sharing culture. Farmers need to be assisted and trained to document their knowledge, map communities’ IK bearers and innovators, use multiple formats (print and ICTs) with traditional communication channels (for instance, folklore and apprenticeships) specific to a local context to disseminate knowledge. Participatory approaches should be employed in knowledge production and dissemination in order to include farmers’ needs and expressing knowledge in the resulting technologies, practices and new knowledge. In this way linkages between indigenous and external knowledge would be enhanced for improved farming activities in the local communities.

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