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Browsing Education by Author "Banda, Boniface"

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    Attitudes of Librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia
    (2011-02-18) Banda, Boniface
    Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are becoming widespread and libraries in developing countries are quickly adopting them. However, This is not matched with the requisite training and attitudes towards their use. Like in other developing countries, Libraries in Zambia are also rapidly adopting ICTs. Their application however, largely depends on the attitudes of librarians towards them. The purpose of this study was therefore to survey the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia. The study was intended to find out whether librarians were trained in the use of ICTs, their perceptions towards the use of ICTs, and factors contributing to their perceptions. This study also focused on how training of librarians in ICTs could influence their use. A survey method was used to collect data in tertiary and research institutions in Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia through a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected from 90 librarians were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel; and presented in the form of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that librarians had training in ICTs received at University or College during their formal training. The perception of librarians towards use of ICTs was also generally positive as they consented to most of the attitude items. The study revealed that older librarians were uncomfortable to learn new skills compared to younger librarians and also feared that years of routine work could be replaced instantly with the introduction of ICTs. ICTs were also so recent that most librarians over the age of 280 have not had the benefit of computer training in the course of their studies. Younger librarians also rated their computer proficiency highly than older librarians. Non-professional librarians were also not given equal opportunity to use ICTs. Also, the tasks of librarians were very different and consequently the use of ICTs was more important to one group of librarians than the other. Furthermore, ICTs were recent and recently qualified librarians are trained in ICTs. The study also revealed that librarians employed on contract were given less opportunity to use ICTs and they also worked fewer hours than those on permanent. They also had belated or insufficient training hence found ICTs harder to use. Some librarians were afraid of being replaced by librarians with relevant skills, they also feared the effect brought about by ICTs on their health. Other librarians also believed that ICTs brought uncertainty and discomfort in them with regard to their job security. Information and Communication Technologies also brought more demand on librarians. However, the study revealed that ICTs never create additional tasks to be performed by librarians in a day. If further revealed that training was vital in influencing use of ICTs. Management should therefore, not overlook the perceptions of librarians and their training when new technologies are being introduced as users are key in the success of the adoption and use of technologies. I t is therefore recommended that more emphasis should be placed on changing the attitudes of librarians towards the use of ICTs. Equal opportunity of access to ICTs should also be given to all irrespective of gender, age and employment status, and attitude of librarians. To ensure successful adoption and implementation of ICTs, users of the new system are involved in the automation of the libraries. A funding policy should be put in place for training and procurement of ICT equipment and ICT should be a core component of formal library education in Zambia.
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    Strategies for improving students’ records management using technological advancements: a case of the university of Zambia.
    (Global Scientific Journal, 2025) Daka, Harrison; Kakupa, Paul; Banda, Boniface; Chazanga, Friday Chasowa; Mulenga – Hagane, Lydia Mukuka; Tembo, Pilira; Bwembya, Ireen.
    Public as well as private organizations are increasingly realizing that sound records management is linked to service delivery. However, Institutions of higher learning are yet to realize the role of records management to quality service delivery. This may be due to lack of policy frameworks on management, destruction of records and inadequate qualified staff among others. Keeping students' records is a crucial activity in every learning institution. Some learners misplace their results, and their only hope is to obtain a replacement from the institution. Records of what students borrowed (books, equipment) become very important when students seek to clear before graduation. Learning institutions are facing challenges in how to maintain such records as numbers of students increase and years pass. This study therefore investigated the strategies that learning institutions like the University of Zambia can implement using technological advancements in different schools to enhance students’ record-keeping. A case study was conducted to collect data from 20 participants from one of the Schools at the University of Zambia. Non-random sampling was utilized to select key informants from the School of Education, Admission office, Academic office, Student registry and the Library.. Interviews were employed to gather primary data from respondents, while document analysis was used to collect secondary data to corroborate the primary data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that students’ records were stored in both hard copy (files) in the school registry and soft copy using software such as Cloud gadget in the Heads of Departments, although this was only in one department. It was also revealed that the use of Atria and Moodle was not considered very reliable by students. The study further showed that the challenges in maintaining students’ records stemmed from the type of software and gadgets used, lack of staff training, poor internet connectivity, and slow technological advancement. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the University of Zambia should adopt advanced technology to enhance students’ record-keeping, especially in internet infrastructure. Additionally, the study suggests that staff members should undergo Continuing Professional Development in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Moreover, the study recommends that staff from the Library and CICT department should collaborate with schools to improve students’ records. Key words: Records management, Advanced Technology, Registry, Strategies, Internet connectivity