Masters Degrees (Information Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7228

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An information behaviour of school management teams at selected schools in uThukela District, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Nzuza, Ntombizodwa.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
All public schools are managed by the School Management Teams (SMTs). Principals who head the teams have the responsibility to lead their schools efficiently and effectively. The study aimed to assess the information behaviour of the SMTs of the selected schools in the uThukela district, KwaZulu-Natal. The poor performance of these schools for five consecutive years (2014 to 2018) aroused the interest of the researcher to investigate the problem experienced by SMTs. Determining the underlying factors that contributed to this extraordinary situation. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods were employed to identify the information behavior of the SMTs in response to improving poor matric performance. The use of more than one data collecting approach with open ended and semi-structured questions need qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to anlyse and present the findings. The instruments adopted for collecting data from SMTs were six semi-structured observation checklists. Six face-to-face semi-structured interview schedules for principals. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from 11 departmental heads and six from chairpersons of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs). The total number of the instruments completed and collected during the study were twenty-nine which gave the study a 100% response rate. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to capture quantitative data and thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. Results revealed that 100% of the respondents agreed that the major problem was the underperformance of their schools. The findings suggested that this was caused by a lack of parental support and a lack of learners’ commitment to their schoolwork. It was noted that most of the roles and responsibilities of the SMTs were carried out accordingly. Results showed that respondents trusted and relied on Textbooks and Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs) as their sources of information and content delivery, but information gab was not fulfilled. Findings showed that the SMTs of the schools do not put emphasis on the importance of reading. SMTs do not encourage learners to read for information and enjoyment which develop into a reading habit. As such, learners lacked reading skills, they were unable to read and understand examination instructions and questions, hence, they failed dismally. Recommendations were based on the provision of more funds by the Department of Education for one school, one library with resources and one librarian.
Remote access, use, and management of library resources by select School of Social Sciences postgraduate students and librarians in the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2024) Wawire, Lindah Namulanda.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
The study aimed to investigate the remote access, use and management of library resources by the select school of social sciences postgraduate students and librarians at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study adopted a quantitative and qualitative research approach, with quantitative being the major approach. The post-positivism research paradigm was used and applied Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process model, anchored on the social constructivism approach and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology developed by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003) based on social cognitive theory. The study target was 108 respondents, which included 100 postgraduate students and eight Subject Librarians from the UKZN, Pietermaritzburg campus. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study, and a mathematical formula suggested by Taro Yemen (1970), n = N/1+N(e)2 was used to determine the sample size of the postgraduate students. The total response rate of the respondents was 75(69%). Survey questionnaires were used to solicit quantitative data from postgraduate students, while interview schedules were used for qualitative data from the subject librarians. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to participants (students) via email to complete and return, and interviews were conducted with service providers via Zoom. Quantitative data were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), and the qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that postgraduate students accessed and used library electronic resources remotely, and the findings also indicate the availability of e-resources and services at the UKZN library. However, the electronic resources were not used to the maximum due to challenges such as inadequate literacy skills, financial constraints, technical and network problems, lack of search skills and inadequate knowledge to navigate through the databases. Moreover, students experienced download delays and limited subscribed titles. The researcher recommends that the university devise ways to help students get on board for training, as this will enable them to know what’s available and how to get access to the library’s e-resources. Likewise, the study proposed the need for extensive marketing and awareness of library e-resources, and most importantly the use of databases. Furthermore, strategies should be employed to enhance information literacy and self-efficacy.
The effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 on the provision of library services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg Campus: a library staff perspective.
(2024) Seanego, Chuene Shiela.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
This study investigated the effect of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the provision of services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg (PMB) campus libraries according to the perspective of the libraries’ staff members. The study is of significance to both UKZN Library staff and other academic librarians in terms of highlighting the challenges faced in the provision of library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that the study outcomes and the lessons learned will be of benefit to academic libraries and researchers can use the outcomes to inform future projects of this nature. The study adopted the “Five Laws of Library Science” proposed by SR Ranganathan in 1931 as its theoretical framework. The Laws are considered a foundation for the world of library and information science and their applicability in this, the digital era, persists. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using a semi-structured interview schedule through Microsoft (MS)Teams meetings and telephone calls (which were recorded) to collect data. Of the 14 library staff who were sampled to participate in the study, only seven participated in the interviews, yielding a response rate of 50%. The results and discussion were organised thematically based on key variables derived from the theoretical framework and research questions. Findings indicated that moving services online was the most significant change encountered at the UKZN PMB campus libraries. Although the extent to which COVID-19 affected the provision of library services was difficult to determine, its effect was both positive and negative. The positive effect was the aggressive purchase of e-books and marketing of the “My Library Account” where students could request items online and remotely. The negative effect was that students who were computer illiterate missed training and were thus unable to take advantage of information being delivered online. One of the mechanisms made available in the library for the continual provision of library services included the creation of a generic email so users could request resources at any time. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the UKZN PMB campus libraries should undertake more user studies to explore how users feel about online services generally and what suggestions they have for the library to improve such services. Where possible, students who had experience of the services provided during the pandemic should be targeted. It is also recommended that the library should create more self-help videos on how to access and use library resources in terms of off-campus access and troubleshooting.
Library and information science students’ perceptions and use of library services post-COVID-19 at the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.
(2025) Mutereko, Tariro.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
This study investigated Zimbabwe’s National University of Science and Technology (NUST) library and information science students’ perceptions, expectations, and use of library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 still exists, it is no longer a pandemic. Libraries were affected by the pandemic. As such, exploring students’ perceptions regarding library services in the post-COVID-19 era is necessary. The study focused on how the pandemic has affected the use of library services and students’ perceptions of the changes made in response to the pandemic, using the NUST Library as a case study. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising a survey design based on the LibQUAL model, which measures service quality across three dimensions: Affect of service, Information control, and Library as place. A census sampling technique was applied to incorporate the entire group of 60 students. The survey was conducted online using Google Forms, and 54 responses were received, yielding a 90% response rate. The findings revealed that the pandemic significantly transformed the landscape of NUST Library services, with remarkable effects on students’ perceptions and expectations of the services rendered. Students’ expectations of service quality exceeded their perceptions throughout the three service quality dimensions, thus revealing significant gaps between expectations and perceptions of service quality. However, the size of the gaps between the different services varied. The most challenging services, that is, those with the largest gaps, were “responsive staff members”, “approachable staff members”, “supportive staff members”, “organised collection”, “diverse materials’’, “comfortable study spaces”, and “safe and secure environment”. However, students were generally satisfied with the library services provided at NUST. Recommendations based on the significant findings were made for library management.
Promoting the culture of reading in private school libraries in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2025) Mudau, Tshimangadzo Nancy.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
This study aimed to investigate the promotion of a reading culture at private primary schools in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A school library can be seen as the “heart” of the school, and it is essential that its services are regularly evaluated to ensure they meet the needs of students. This investment in education will go a long way toward addressing the challenges of high illiteracy levels in any developing country, which also contribute to inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The literature reviewed for the study indicated that the school library today faces the challenge of competition with evolving technology, which often overshadows paper-based reading materials. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected teachers and school librarians, the study revealed that while school libraries and educators play a crucial role in fostering a reading culture, several barriers hinder this process. These include constraint-led factors (such as limited time for reading), lack of peer and parental support, and linguistic diversity in classrooms. Despite these challenges, librarians were found to be instrumental in encouraging early reading habits, while teachers play a pivotal role by allocating time for structured reading activities. To enhance the promotion of a reading culture, the study recommends peer reading programs, increased parental engagement, and the integration of multilingual reading resources. These interventions can strengthen reading habits and create a more inclusive and supportive literacy environment in primary schools.
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, Gbolahan
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The awareness of copyright laws at the University of Venda.
(2022) Ramabina, Maropene Thomas.; Nsibirwa, Zawedde Gulikomuseesa.
Abstract available in PDF.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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