Masters Degrees (Information Studies)
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Item The use of the Internet by first-year undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus.(2022) Baganda, Bashimbe.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Olasina, Gbolahan.; Olasina, GbolahanThe purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the Internet by first-year undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study sought to address the following questions: what do first-year students use the Internet for?; what are the most Internet sources first-year students use?; how often do first-year students use the Internet?; do first-year students have adequate skills to use the Internet?; what challenges are experienced while using the Internet? The study population comprised 880 College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science first-year students. The sample size of the population was 269 students from which 169 first-year undergraduate students responded, which gave a response rate of 69%. The researcher employed the quantitative approach where data were collected using the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. To ensure validity and reliability, a pre-test of the questionnaire was done using ten first-year students selected randomly from the College of law and Management at the UKZN, PMB campus. The study’ results showed that most first-year in the CAES students used the Internet for learning purposes such as searching for information related to academic work, doing their assignments, e-mailing lecturers on academic-related matters and finding information for their research work. The most relevant Internet services used were social networks, E-mail, Web, telnet, and FTP. Nevertheless, the most used Internet services were the Web, e-mail, and social networks. In addition, the study’s results showed that the majority of students used the Internet services daily. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the Internet. Such challenges included difficulty in locating information, inaccuracy of information, unreliability of source, network signals, and the viruses challenges. Based on the results recommendations included the upgrading of computers, software, and the Internet in all LANs for good Internet connection; the integration of ICT in all field of study at UKZNP, and the improvement of wireless connection around campus to improve connectivity.Item The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations on service delivery in South African public libraries: a case study of eThekwini Municipality libraries (EML).(2024) Gumede, Velenkosini Sisanda.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.This study investigates the impact of the covid-19 lockdown regulations on service delivery in South African Public Libraries, focusing on the eThekwini Municipality Libraries (EML). The study also explores how the EML responded to the covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions in terms of the delivery of its services to the public and the extent to which such a response impacted access to a diverse category of library users during the covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The underlying aim of the study is to provide approaches that could be employed to address the identified gaps in the EML responses to the covid-19 pandemic lockdown as a way of improving the provision of services during such a pandemic in future. The positivism paradigm was used because not every member of the target population had an equal chance of taking part in the study. The study is based on a quantitative approach and guided by a descriptive design. The study’s target population are the EML employees in KwaZulu-Natal province, with a sample size of 100, out of which 65% responded. The analysis of the data made use of SPSS statistical software. The findings indicate that covid-19 impacted the EML in various ways, such that the EML had to embark on remote working and reduced working hours of its operations, besides popularising the use of the digital library to its users, and limiting physical access to some of its users too. The impact also includes the constraining of the EML resources, and the suspension of the EML services in certain areas. Recommendations made include the need for the EML to up skill and empower its employees, the standardisation of the EML processes and resources across all its facilities, and the need for the EML to have collaborations and partnerships with other role players and stakeholders as a way of enhancing the quality of its operations and approaches in dealing with challenges of a crisis.Item Faith-based collections at African Enterprise: a case study of the Michael Cassidy collection.(2023) Nawe, Takatso Beverly.; Garaba, Francis.This study investigated the management of African Enterprise's (AE) faith-based collections and Michael Cassidy's (MC) personal papers. It explored the scarcity of literature on faith-based organisations as well as looked into challenges experienced by AE in managing and preserving its collections. It tackled issues of privacy, copyright, and ethical issues in private papers. The collection of data was conducted through semi-structured interviews and was analysed inductively. Moreover, this study revealed that the AE building is not suitable for the preservation of archival materials. The National Archives et al (2010) recommended then that repositories of faith-based collections should ensure that personal papers survive from other religious traditions where individuals do keep material of a personal nature without there being any obvious long-term homes for them. It is therefore incumbent as noted by Choi and Nilson (2019), that archivists and religious leaders should develop strategies on how to preserve these hidden and endangered materials and make them accessible when needed. As AE does not have standard systems in place to effectively manage archival collections, it therefore found AE to not have a system guarding the privacy, legal, and ethical matters that affect access to and use of Cassidy's personal papers. There are no resources in existence to guide the identification of sensitive materials. It also revealed his wish to have his private papers to be housed at AE. In addition, this study then made recommendations for a purpose-built archive building and the development of policies. It also advocated for further research on faith-based collections to contribute to scholarship.Item The role of school libraries in teaching and learning in the Umhlali Circuit, ILembe District, KwaZulu-Natal: a case study of Dinuphozo Primary School library.(2023) Mnyandu, Phumelele.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.The school library is arguably the backbone of the teaching and learning process in South Africa. The National Curriculum Statement Grade R-12 (28 December 2012) clearly states that schools must “produce learners that can identify, solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking and also learners who can communicate effectively….” and an efficient and effective school library is crucial in this regard. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of school libraries in teaching and learning. In pursuing this aim, a case study approach was adopted and the focus was on the Dinuphozo Primary School in the Umhlali Circuit of the ILembe District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The resource-based learning model based on constructivism theory underpinned the study. Resource-based learning is a model where learners, teachers and teacher-librarians use a range of print, non-print and human resources efficiently and effectively. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. The participants, who were all members of the School Library Committee, comprised the Acting Principal, the Deputy Principal, Heads of Department, a teacher from each of the phases (foundation, intermediate and senior phases) and the school’s teacher-librarian – a total of nine participants. The study adopted a qualitative approach using telephonic interviews, observation and document analysis as data collection methods. The findings revealed that teachers and the school teacher-librarian require basic library services training. It was found that teachers do not utilise the library and its information resources sources for daily teaching and learning. It was also found that the library collection does not satisfy either the teachers’ or learners’ needs; hence, they seek information elsewhere. Recommendations included the need for the School Management Team, the School Governing Body and the teachers to be involved in discussions on how to improve the school library and its financing.Item The attitudes and perceptions of academics in the College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences (Sss) towards open access (OA) journal publishing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.(2024) Magwaza, Nomusa Faith.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.The development of OA journal publishing has opened opportunities for the scholarly community to create, disseminate, and share knowledge beyond the confines of traditional subscription journals. However, the inception of OA journal publishing for the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) academic community is still at its infancy. There are several contributing factors such as lack of institutional drive to promote OA, lack of awareness and general misconceptions about OA journals such as poor quality, low impact factor, lack of peer review, amongst other reasons. OA journal publishing is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to the 1970’s, and it has operated in parallel with the traditional subscription mode of publishing. The uptake of OA journal publishing has been more prevalent amongst the pure scientists, for example, physicists when compared with Social Scientists and the Humanities. Thus, the objective of the study was to ascertain the attitudes and perceptions of academics in the School of Social Sciences towards OA journal publishing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The study was guided by the following key questions: (1) What were the attitudes and perceptions of the Social Sciences academics towards OA journal publishing? (2) What was the level of awareness of OA journal publishing? (3) What were the challenges Social Sciences academics faced when publishing on OA platforms? (4) What strategies could be used to encourage Social Sciences academics to publish on OA platforms? and (5) Where were UKZN Social Sciences academics publishing their research? The study was informed by the attitude theory which is a branch of Social Psychology. The main focus of the research study was to examine the factors leading to the non-participation by academics in OA activities at UKZN. The study unpacked the problems that academics encounter when publishing in OA journal platforms and recommended strategies to be adopted to support academics. The target population of the study is 42 academics in the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The study used a pragmatic paradigm as a lens in which to view the subject of OA journal publishing. The researcher employed mixed methods which included both a quantitative and qualitative methods approach. The study used questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection tools. Analysis of data was achieved using a statistical software package and thematic analysis. To gain an in-depth understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of OA publishing amongst the academics of the School of Social Sciences a comparison was drawn from each cluster using quantitative data analysis. Interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. The main results of the study indicated that academics were aware of OA publishing, and the benefits and disadvantages of OA as an alternative model of publishing. The study also revealed that academics understood the principle of knowledge sharing and dissemination as a public good. However, there was a lack of understanding of the economic and political dynamics of OA publishing. Strategies that supported and improved the knowledge academics have of OA publishing were highlighted. Such strategies included advocacy and capacity building, incentives schemes which may include funding, expansion of the exiting accredited OA journals base, and improved quality and archiving of OA journal articles in the UKZN institutional repository (ResearchSpace).Item Second-year Social Science students’ perceptions of electronic information resources at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.(2024) Jalubane, Joyfull Bongumusa.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.This study was aimed at investigating the perceptions of second-year social science students about electronic information resources offered by the UKZN library. The study sought to establish the extent of use and perceptive factors that influence the use of electronic information resources. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Davis (1989). This study adopted a quantitative research approach as it is underpinned by a positivist worldview that has been adopted as an underpinning paradigm. Furthermore, this approach is consistent with the adopted descriptive research design, which allowed the researcher to generalise the findings of the study to a greater audience. This study's population was comprised of second-year students registered for the Bachelor of Social Science programme offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This population was important to this study as it sought to uncover student perceptions based on their first-year experiences using electronic information resources. The study adopted probability sampling by specifically employing random sampling. The researcher randomly selected participants from the Howard College campus and Pietermaritzburg campus to make up the sample. The sample size was 310 randomly selected participants from both Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses. The sampled participants were surveyed using an online questionnaire made available via Google Forms. A staggering 295 students completed the survey, translating to an excellent 95% response rate. Descriptive data analysis was employed in line with the research paradigm underpinning this study and the research design as well as the approach adopted. The findings revealed that (78.6%) of respondents utilised electronic information resources offered by the library. Furthermore, (34.1%) of respondents considered electronic information resources ‘very much useful’. A notable (42.7%) of respondents indicated that they regarded electronic information resources as relatively easy to access. The findings also revealed that (34.1%) of respondents perceived electronic information resources as ‘relatively easy to use’. Some of the challenges cited by the respondents include internet connection, printing-related problems, staff not always available to help, uncertainty as to which database to use and password requirements. Recommendations based on the significant findings and conclusions were made, which involved the library's need to conduct targeted user education programmes. These programmes should address specific challenges that have been identified instead of having a blanket approach to training. Moreover, there should be strong communication channels for students to interact with library personnel when they encounter problems and need assistance, especially when they cannot be physically in the library. Suggestions for further research were also given.Item Investigating public libraries’ preparedness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: a case study of the National Library of South Africa, Pretoria.(2023) Kekana, Mbalenhle Lucia.; Olasina, Gbolahan.The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an important emerging sociological phenomenon that has the potential to reconfigure libraries, societies and people throughout the world. The 4IR introduces technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. The introduction and popularization of the 4IR has challenged the traditional thinking of libraries as physical or brick and-mortar locations where access to information is available in a physical or electronic format. The shift into the 4IR has challenged libraries to adapt to the changing technologies, where access to information can be efficient, quicker and easier. Scholars and researchers have discussed the 4IR technologies in libraries and have alluded to the need for proactive libraries to respond to the 4IR. The study aimed to investigate the library’s preparedness in anticipation of the 4IR, using the lens of the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The subject of analysis was the staff of the National Library, which included the library management staff and librarians knowledgeable in technology use at the National Library. The study was guided by the Technology Readiness Index (TRI). The pragmatism paradigm was employed, using quantitative research methods to draw both numerical and narrative approaches. Data was collected using a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed through content analysis and the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software descriptive analysis and presented in the forms of figures. It was found that most respondents believe that 4IR might be essential to improving and making tasks easier for librarians. The results contrast with the popular belief that librarians reject the tools. The respondents are optimistic about the 4IR although skeptical about the innovations of the revolution. It was also discovered that challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, unstable electricity supply, inadequate skills and lack of exposure to international standards hinder technology preparedness. In addition, the study contributed to strategies, policy developments, adequate preparation and practice and also added to the existing knowledge of 4IR.Item Evaluating critical success factors of remote work for bank employees, in Gauteng, South Africa.(2023) Hadebe, Pearl Mbali.; Naidoo, Karunagaran.Remote working occurs when employees conduct work outside the traditional office location of the employer. This practice has been steadily increasing over the years due to technological enablers and globalization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote working in the past few years because of government social distancing regulations, that were enforced to circumvent the spread of the virus. The regulations influenced many organizations to unexpectedly adopt remote work policies. This was due to their required adherence to COVID-19 restrictions and sustained business continuity, during the global health crisis. Even though literature provides numerous studies on remote work, they are often not in the context of South Africa and the COVID-19 period. The focus of this research was to determine predictors of remote work success in a South African context, considering the pre- and post-COVID periods. This research was undertaken to evaluate critical success factors of remote work for bank employees in Gauteng, South Africa to provide conclusive evidence of the most important predictors of remote work success. This will facilitate, decision making for organizations that continue with telecommuting beyond the pandemic period. In this study, remote work success is defined as the ability of an organization tomeet or exceed its business objectives whilst working remotely. A conceptual framework was defined to frame the study and it included organizational, people, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), location and environmental factors. Then a quantitative post-positivism research methodology was applied to further analyze each of the proposed critical success factors of telework. This study was conducted in the field of Information Systems and Technology, and it sought to understand the social phenomenon of employee perceptions of what they considered critical success factors of remote work. Therefore, the selected structured quantitative research approach was deemed suitable. The data collection for the study was conducted using a closed-ended electronic questionnaire. The sample population of this study consisted of 150 remote-working bank employees. Empirical evidence from statistical tests confirmed that all the proposed critical success factors suggested in the conceptual framework of this research were significant predictors of successful remote working except for organizational factors. The people factors were identified as the greatest predictor of remote working success. The research outcomes also indicated that even though the surveyed respondents had a great preference for remote work, they sometimes wanted to work from the office location. Despite the research outcomes demonstrating that employees perceived remote work as more successful and productive than working from the office. There were slight differences in significant agreements across the sample population demographics such as gender, marital status, ethnicity, and age. In conclusion, the research found that the most critical success factor of remote working was employees of the organization. The research outcomes demonstrated that people factors were instrumental to the success of remote working organizations. Provided the people felt empowered with adequate telecommuting IT tools, remote work policies and management support.Item The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela district, Bergville Circuit.(2023) Mtshali, Noluthando Cynthia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.The study aimed to explore the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in promoting reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit. The circuit currently has 110 schools, and only seven have functional libraries. The Circuit has one public library, which is in town. Studies on the reading culture have been done before, but studies have yet to be conducted within the Bergville Circuit. Most of the studies on this topic were conducted internationally, with a few in the African and South African contexts. The study was guided by an interpretivism paradigm and adopted a qualitative research method using a multiple case study design to collect data through in-depth interviews. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select teacher-librarians and principals from seven schools with functional school libraries. The researcher found that factors contributing to the poor reading culture of learners from uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, were: Access to the reading material, poor economic background, illiterate parents, educators’ workload, learners with special needs, and child-headed households. The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit were: opening the library, organising the books on the shelves, assisting learners in choosing the reading material, providing learners access to books and information, identifying and help learners who are struggling with reading, encourage learners to read, managing and keeping library books safe, monitoring library monitors and creating reading corners and reading competitions. Based on the findings, the study recommends that school libraries should effectively create and sustain a strong reading culture in schools at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, by ensuring the following: Proper library setup and infrastructure, ensuring learner’s favourite genres are stoked up, Curriculum Integration Plan by educators and school-librarians, attracting new readers and marketing the library, developing programs encouraging learners to read library material and read continuously, storytelling, book recommendation, book clubs, readers cup competitions, read aloud and speeches, getting all educators involved and having the SMT’s involvement in the promotion of the school library usage.Item The use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus.(2022) Letsoalo, Lethabo Mohlago Rogator.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.This ethnographic study investigates the use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus. The motivation for this study stemmed from the researcher’s experience of the majority of students did not know how to use library’s electronic resources to retrieve information for their work. A few years later, with the COVID-19 pandemic involved, the researcher wanted to understand how the pandemic has affected postgraduate students. Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory underpinned the study. The main objectives of the study are to determine whether students are aware of the EDs offered by UKZN, if they received user education during the COVID-19 as well as the challenges experienced with regards to using and accessing EDs during the pandemic. The study used the post-positivism paradigm. The study population consisted of 51 registered postgraduate students. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire, and it was distributed to students via email with the assistance of the supervisor and school administrator. The questionnaire sought to establish if postgraduate students used and accessed EDs during COVID-19, which EDs they used most, to identify challenges they encountered, the training they received and if they were aware of the available EDs. Of 52 registered students, 32 responded, yielding a response rate of 63%. The results were analysed and graphically presented in tables and graphs. The study found that postgraduate students were aware of the available EDs, but few students did not use them because of a lack of training. The UKZN e-journals A-Z list was the most used EDs. The study also found that students want to receive more training because EDs are based on the use of technology, and technology evolves over time. Several problems were experienced when using the databases remotely, such as a need for training on using the databases and improving access for off-campus users. Based on the study’s conclusions, liaising with lecturers for a class visit to increase awareness of EDs and training that includes different techniques to accommodate all students were presented as recommendations.Item The awareness of copyright laws at the University of Venda.(2022) Ramabina, Maropene Thomas.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.Abstract available in PDF.Item Students’ expectations and perceptions of the services provided by the Law Library, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.(2022) Zulu, Sizwe Richard.; Leach, Athol Brian.The study aimed to investigate final (4th) year law students’ expectations and perceptions as well as satisfaction with the services provided by the Law Library on the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). A law library can be seen as the “heart” of a law faculty in a university and it is imperative that the services provided by the library are constantly evaluated to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the students. The study was underpinned by the SERVQUAL model developed by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985). The model is based on the idea of user-centred assessment and identifies five potential gaps between expectations and perceptions of service delivery. Gap 5 was the focus of this study which is the gap between the expected service offered to clients by an organisation and the perceived service delivered. In line with SERVQUAL use was made of the LibQUAL questionnaire the validity and reliability of which has been well established in the academic library context. LibQUAL-based studies done in academic libraries in South Africa were reviewed as well as a selection of LibQUAL studies done internationally (including Africa). The study adopted a largely quantitative approach and all 174 final-year law students registered on the PMB campus in the first semester of 2021 were surveyed using an online questionnaire made available via Google Forms. Thus, no sampling was done and 103 students completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 59.2%, which was considered “good” and thus adequate for analysis and reporting of results. As to be expected and in line with the literature, expectations of library services in all instances exceeded perceptions of those services and there were thus gaps between the two. However, the size of the gaps between the different services varied. The most problematic services were “Staff who instil confidence in users”, “Staff who are consistently courteous”, “Easy-to-use access tools that allow me to find things on my own”, “Staff who give users individual attention”, and the library “Helps me distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy information”. In terms of satisfaction with library services, while a majority of respondents were satisfied with how they were treated in the library and with the overall quality of the services provided these were small majorities. Finally, slightly less than half of the respondents were satisfied with the library’s support for their legal studies. Recommendations stemming from the significant findings and conclusions and directed at library management were made and suggestions for further research were given.Item The use of information and communication technologies (ICTS) by Grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.(2021) Ndimbovu, Andile Pheneus.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.The study examined the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by grade 11 learners and teachers at public secondary schools within Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. It looked into the types of ICT resources that are used by learners and teachers; the learners and teachers’ attitude towards using ICTs; the learners and teachers’ competence in the use of ICTs; challenges faced by learners and teachers in using ICTs; and, finally, solutions to improve the ease of use of ICTs. Two public secondary schools, namely Sonyongwana High School and Ginyane High School were surveyed. The survey design allowed methodological pluralism for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The tools used for data collection were a questionnaire for the learners and a semi-structured interview schedule for the teachers. Pre-testing of the research instruments, triangulation of research data, and consideration of ethical issues helped ensure the validity and reliability of the results. The quantitative data were analysed with SPSS and the qualitative data were analysed through the use of content analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Venkatesh and Davis, 1996) was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. All learners (100%) sampled completed the questionnaire while 64% of the sample of teachers were interviewed. The study found that the ICT infrastructure is not adequate in secondary schools with the learners using their smartphones and tablets to access information. Most of the surveyed learners have a positive attitude towards using ICTs while only a few learners viewed the use of ICTs in a negative light. The majority of learners felt that they had sufficient skills to use ICTs but there was a substantial minority (39%) who felt that they did not have such skills. The majority of learners indicated that learning to use ICTs would be easy for them. Most teachers interviewed were positive towards using ICTs for curriculum delivery with only a few having a negative attitude in this regard. As with the learners, most teachers in the two secondary schools considered themselves competent in using ICTs. However, challenges that faced secondary school learners and teachers included the cost of access to ICTs, the lack of training for ICT usage, viruses, unreliable sources and the shortage of computers. Recommendations, in the main, revolved around the need for ICT infrastructure and training both of which are contingent on adequate funding being provided. Also pointed to is the need for government to provide free data and tablets to learners.Item The use of social media for academic purposes by postgraduate Information Studies students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.(2021) Kutu, Idowu Febishola.; Leach, Athol Brian.The study investigated the use of social media for academic purposes by postgraduate information studies students on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of KwaZulu- Natal (UKZN). The study was prompted by the recognition, as reflected in the literature, of problems associated with their use and uncertainty regarding their use in the South African context. It was anticipated that the findings of the study would contribute to the debate and literature on the use of social media for academic purposes. The theoretical framework underpinning the study was provided by the new “paradigm of collaboration and communication” and rooted in communication theory. The study employed a quantitative research design in the form of an online questionnaire using Google Forms. Fifty-five post-graduate students were sampled of which 51 participated, giving a response rate of 93%. Findings, in the form of frequencies and percentages, were presented via tables and charts. The vast majority of the respondents (94%) indicated that they used social media for academic purposes, and the most used social media for such purposes was WhatsApp and Zoom, mentioned by 83% and 79% of the respondents, respectively. WhatsApp was also the most frequently used social media, followed by Google+, YouTube and Facebook. The two least used social media were Pinterest (10%) and Instagram (15%). Smartphones (96%) and laptops (88%) were the two most used methods to access social media, while 85% of respondents accessed social media for academic purposes from their homes. The main academic purposes for which respondents used social media were learning, personal research/development, personal growth and assignments. Finally, the high cost of data bundles (78%), poor Internet connectivity (77%) and high cost of social media enabled phones (69%) were identified by respondents as the main challenges to the use of social media for academic purposes. The practical implications of these findings are that students may find it difficult to cope with the disruption to their studies brought about by the global pandemic (COVID-19) as well as take full advantage of using social media for academic purposes to enhance their academic performance. Being unable to do so could have a negative effect on students’ success rate especially postgraduate students at UKZN. Recommendations made included the need for the government, in collaboration with institutions of higher learning, to investigate the increased distribution and provision of laptop computers and Internet data bundles. University library staff need training and awareness-raising on how staff and students can be kept up-to-date in using, integrating and taking advantage of social media application software in their teaching and learning. Library staff can then offer such training as part of their user education services. The study ended with suggestions for further research.Item An analysis of the curricula of school librarianship programmes in colleges of education in Transkei, Venda, Bophuthatswana and Ciskei.(1994) Majaja, Vatiswa Violet.; Horton, Weldon J.Abstract available in PDF.Item Knowledge sharing practices in public libraries: a case study of eThekwini Municipal Libraries (EML)(2020) Ngcobo, Judith Busisiwe.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.In the information age, knowledge is predominantly seen as one of the most important assets in both private and public organisations and should therefore be managed carefully. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge sharing practices in public libraries: a case study of eThekwini Municipal Libraries (EML). Knowledge management (KM) and knowledge sharing (KS) in public libraries has increasingly come into focus but very little literature is available on knowledge sharing in public libraries in the South African context. eThekwini Municipal has adopted a number of KM initiatives in order to improve the municipalities’ service delivery and to meet its strategic vision. The study was guided by the following research questions: What was the extent of knowledge sharing at EML? What knowledge sharing practices were undertaken at EML? What was the attitude and perception of library staff towards knowledge sharing? What were the challenges facing the library staff with regards to knowledge sharing? What strategies could EML use to overcome such challenges. The study was informed by the Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation (SECI) Model of knowledge creation, also known as the Knowledge Conversion Theory. This study was guided by the post-positivism paradigm and used the mixed methods research design, which included both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The targeted population consisted of 168 respondents. A census was used to collect data from professional library staff. Qualitative data was collected from district managers by means of face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews and quantitative data was collected from the senior librarians, librarians and assistant librarians by means of self-administered questionnaires administered online via email. The computer software program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data obtained from the set of closed questions in the questionnaire. Results of data analysis were presented in the form of tables, figures, charts, and verbal descriptions. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis; qualitative data was organised and presented according to the research questions and involved the discussions of themes and categories. The major findings were that library staff at EML had strong feelings that knowledge sharing with co-workers was a good practice. The findings also revealed that there are a number of problems associated with knowledge sharing at EML. There was consensus between interview and questionnaire respondents that there was knowledge sharing challenges at EML. Such challenges were divided into individual and organisational factors. In line with these findings, respondents were asked to recommend strategies for improving knowledge sharing at EML. The top five recommendations made by respondents included top management support, organisational culture, organisational structure, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), and a budget to support knowledge sharing projects.Item Adult users’ perceptions of library services provided by Nongoma Public Library, Kwazulu-Natal.(2020) Buthelezi, Nombuso Portia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.The study investigated adult users’ perceptions of the library services provided by the Nongoma Public Library (NPL) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It examined the quality of service provided by the library to its adult library users, by determining their expectations and perceptions of the services provided and whether there were any gaps between users’ expectations and perceptions. It also investigated users’ level of satisfaction with the quality of services rendered. Since its inception in 1996 and despite its importance, no assessment of the NPL had been conducted from the perspective of its users. This study intended to fill this gap and it is assumed that the findings will form a baseline and framework for future services provided by the library. Using convenience sampling a sample of 262 adults was selected from the 819 registered adult library users. One hundred and thirteen (113) users completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 43.1% which was considered acceptable for purposes of analysis and reporting. The study adopted a quantitative approach using the survey design. The LibQUAL+TM survey instrument which was used to collect data was modified and adapted for use in a public library. In line with the quantitative approach, the majority of the questions asked were closed. The results from the questionnaire survey were analysed using SPSS to determine the frequency of responses and were presented in the form of tables and figures. The results of the survey support the usefulness of the LibQUAL+TM instrument used in the study and its importance in the context of public library services. The findings indicate that in most instances, expectations exceeded perceptions regarding the quality of the services provided by the library. However, the gaps between the two were, for the most part, not significant and the extent of the gap depended on the individual services. Significant gaps were found in the categories “Library facility” and “Access to information”. Certain aspects of the category “Staff services” were found to be of concern. Findings revealed that the majority of adult users ranked 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 the problems identified in the study. The results will be used for service improvements and to make informed decisions concerning the quality of services that are offered at the NPL. The thesis concluded with suggestions for further research. The findings of the survey that indicated that although the adult library users were satisfied with library services they received from Nongoma Public Library but there was a room for improvement. The respondents mentioned the most problematic services as the lack of adequate computers and access to Internet. The respondents further reported that there were gaps in sections involving Access to Information, Access to Electronic Resources, Library Staff and the Library facility. The study recommends that service quality be improved, in a way that the library would satisfy its adult user.Item 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.Item Information seeking patterns among natural scientists, social scientists, and Humanities scholars at the University of Transkei.(1995) Jacobs, Daisy.; Kaniki, Andrew M.Abstract available in PDF.Item The impact of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme on small and medium-sized special libraries in Zimbabwe.(1995) Chanetsa, Bernadette.; Verbeek, Jennifer Ann.Abstract available in PDF.