Library and Information Studies

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Perspectives on the role of infomation and communication technologies (ICTs) in professional women's access to development information in Zambia.
(Standing Conference of East, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations, 2008-07) Mulauzi, Felesia; Albright, Kendra
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to provide the much-needed development information. In particular, ICTs can facilitate access to development information for professional women in order to increase their productivity, efficiency and incomes. Although much has been documented about gender and ICTs, few studies have closely reviewed the literature regarding the link between ICTs, women and development information. This paper provides a critical review of studies investigating ICTs and their role in making development information available to professional women in Zambia.
Records and archives legislation.
(Association of Commonwealth Archivist and Records Managers, 2009) Mulauzi, Felesia
The importance of records and archives cannot be overemphasized. They document essential activities, decisions and evidence of government. Without records and archives, government can neither operate effectively and efficiently nor be accountable to its citizens. Besides, the rights of its citizens including that of the environment, land rights and territorial integrity cannot be protected without records. The future of any nation depends on the past. Past records are used as gateway into the past. Thus governments all over the world require records and archives legislation for compliance and to ensure that records and archives are managed accordingly for posterity and historical purposes. The absence of records and archives legislation to act as a guiding principle to custodians, creators and users of records and archives poses risks that cannot be ignored.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and development information for professional women in Zambia.
(Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, 2009) Mulauzi, Felesia; Kendra, Albright
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can contribute to the development information needs of women in the developing world. While a number of studies have examined the relationship between gender and ICTs, few have investigated the link between ICTs, women and development information. Women comprise half of the world’s population but are generally excluded from participation in development plans and policies. In order for women to participate in development decisions, they need access to development information including health, education, agriculture, environment, good governance and water and sanitation. ICTs can provide that access. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether professional women in Zambia use ICTs to access development information. Over 200 professional women participated in the study. The results are reported and include the participants’ access to ICTs and development information, the types of information they use most often and the barriers to access and use.
Using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide information to fight poverty, diseases and ignorance among rural women in Zambia.
(Zambia Library Association, 2010) Mulauzi, Felesia; Wamundila, Sitali
In today’s information society, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be potentially used for provision of information to fight poverty, diseases and ignorance among rural women in Zambia. Even though much has been documented about ICTs and development, few researches have been conducted to closely examine the link between ICTs and provision of information to fight poverty, disease and ignorance among women in rural Zambia. This paper aims to ascertain if ICTS can be used to provide information to fight poverty, diseases and ignorance among women in rural Zambia. This was a desk research based on published literature including previous studies on the role of ICTs in combating poverty, disease and ignorance. The findings reveal that the status of rural women in Zambia is low. Although they constitute the majority of the Zambian population, they are the majority of the poor. They remain ignorant about various issues in society and are also more vulnerable to major disease. The findings reveal that information plays a decisive role in alleviating poverty among rural women. It also results in an informed citizenry and a healthy populace. The findings further reveals that rural women’s information needs range from traditional, personal to development oriented information. Therefore, they should be provided with information in all aspects of their social lives. The study has also established that women play a crucial role in the development process. Specifically, the study reveals that women play three significant roles in society: productive, reproductive and socio-political roles. Although women’s economic contribution is vital to future generations and the economy, the findings reveal that women experience greater difficulty than men in securing essential resources and basic resources such as health and nutritional services, education, physical and financial capital and land. Additionally, they lack appropriate information which is critical to enhance their contributions in all aspects of development on a continuous basis. They remain uninformed about many issues that affect them and their development. The study has also established that radio and television can used to provide rural women with information to fight poverty, disease and ignorance due to their ability to transmit information and opinion instantaneously with great apparent authority and direct to the homes. It is clear from the findings that women require information that will allow them to create efficiencies and build an income. Therefore, information providers should consider using ICTs to provide rural women with information to fight poverty, diseases and ignorance.
The need for information to enhance agricultural productivity of rural communities of Western province of Zambia: case of Litoya rural farmers.
(Zambia Library Association, 2010) Wamundila, Sitali; Mulauzi, Felesia
In order to attain national development, the role played by information in the process cannot be denied. In fact, information does not diminish if shared but rather improves the state of the one who receives it. Countries that have invested in information as a tool for national development have a lot of stories to share with those that have not done so. The value of information lies in the fact that its application cuts across all sectors of development. Zambia as a nation is currently pursuing its development efforts with a view to attain the status of a middle class income country by the year 2030. However, in order to achieve this desired goal, the need for an evaluation of the role played by information provision activities in the lives of the under privileged groups in the nation is critical. This is because the under privileged groups of the Zambian society are among the intended beneficiaries of the development that the country is trying to achieve. One such under privileged group is the farming communities in the rural areas of Western Province of Zambia. This research paper discusses the consequences of lack of agricultural information provision to the rural farmers of Litoya area in the Western Province of Zambia. With data collected through interviews and observations, the paper has highlighted and considered the role of information provision in the proper utilization of farming land, farming implements for land tillage, and the need for marketing information for the small scale farmers of Litoya area. The paper concludes by highlighting recommended channels through which information could be made available to the rural farmers of Litoya in order to enhance their agricultural viability and henceforth contribute to the national development process.
Investigating the knowledge sharing culture among academicians in higher learning institutions in Zambia.
(2010) Daka, Kaoma L.
The research examined the existence of a knowledge sharing culture among academics in higher learning institutions (HLIs) ins Zambia. It specifically sought to investigate knowledge sharing and identify factors that either aid or hinder knowledge sharing activities among academics. The exercise was carried out through a survey of 15 randomly selected colleges and universities in the country. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The first involved administering 135 questionnaires, while the second involved conducting interviews with 15 key informants from management level in the sampled HLIs as a means of verifying the data collected through the questionnaires. After carefully analyzing the data, the study found that a knowledge sharing culture exists among academics in HLI in Zambia. It was found that academics engaged in frequent knowledge exchanges among themselves and preferred doing so in meetings and through person-to-person interactions. Institutional policies and knowledge sharing initiatives were identified as the major factors influencing knowledge sharing, while lack of motivation and inadequate infrastructure support as the major hindrances to knowledge sharing. The results brought to the fore information on the state of knowledge sharing in higher education in Zambia and draws attention to factors that influence knowledge sharing activities. It recommended that (i) further research be undertaken to identify academics' knowledge seeking behaviour and (ii) the formulation of relevant policies to address the need for motivators and improved infrastructure support. These would enable HLIs leverage their knowledge in today's competitive world.
Integration of ICTs in education: the level at which ICT training should be introduced in Zambian education.
(Zambia Library Association., 2011) Chisunka-Mwila, Chitundu P.; Daka, Kaoma L.; Mulauzi, Felesia; Njobvu, Benson
The role that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) play in every sector of the economy cannot be overemphasised. Be it in health, education, governance among other sectors of the economy. In today’s changing world, there has been a recognition that there is need to integrate ICTs in Education. This is because of the worldwide recognition that ICTs can improve both the learning and teaching processes for both the learners and the teachers respectively. However, it is not clear at what level ICT Training should be introduced in Zambia. Should it be done as early as pre-school, basic school, high school or should it be introduced at tertiary level? The purpose of this study was to investigate the level at which ICT Training should be introduced in Zambia. This study was highly qualitative in nature. 14 learning institutions were purposively selected mainly in Lusaka, Zambia inclusive of institutions ranging from preschool to tertiary in both government and the private sector. The data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and questionnaires. Focus group discussions were done for teachers and learners respectively. In addition, self administered questionnaires were answered by school managers and teachers and IT persons or IT teachers in schools where they exist. There were also some interviews done. The results are reported and include proposed levels at which ICTs should be in introduced Zambian Education with reasons why as well as why they should not be introduced at certain levels, how ICT Training is done in Zambian institutions of learning and the challenges faced in ICT training.
Archival legislation and the management of public sector records in Zambia: a critical review.
(University of South Africa, 2011) Hamooya, Chrispin; Mulauzi, Felesia; Njobvu, Benson
Governments all over the world require comprehensive archival legislation ensure that records and archives are managed accordingly for effective running of the current operations of organisation as well as for posterity. The paper argues that comprehensive legislation in the records management and archives administration act as a guiding principle to custodians and users of records and archives. Furthermore, the paper discusses archives legislation in Zambia and its role in the control and preservation of records of enduring value. The paper points out that the National Archives Act does not mandate the National Archives to manage current records and this hinders its operations. The paper contends that archives legislation in Zambia is not tandem developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) vis-à-vis records management and issues that have to do with Freedom of Information Legislation (FOIL). It provides examples of archives legislation that have been reviewed and/or amendment in ESARBICA that as a result archival institutions in those countries be instrumental in promoting records management policies, standards and procedures. The paper concludes by making recommendations on the need for the National Archives of Zambia to extend its mandate to the management of records in public intuitions the need to manage electronic records and ensure that the Freedom of Information is developed and implemented.
Integration of ICTs in education: the level at which ICT training should be introduced in Zambian education.
(LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA, 2011) Daka, Kaoma L.; Chisunka-Mwila, Chitundu P.; Mulauzi, Felesia; Njobvu, Benson
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.
Research on the management of records at the University of Zambia(UNZA)
(2011-02-18) Bwalya, Tuesday
The research discovers that maladministration of records(inefficiency and dishonest management of records) is rife at the University of Zambia (UNZA). For instance, 69.8% of the respondents admitted that there are incidents where records under their custody go missing. They also acknowledged that they often have difficulties locating and retrieving in time the needed records. There are number of factors responsible for maladministration of records at UNZA. The major cause of maladministration of records at UNZA is the lack of records management program. The University has not drafted and implemented a records management program. As a result, the university does not have a records management policy, a records retention and disposal schedule, manuals and procedures needed for the smooth management of records. In this regard, records officers and other university employees do not know what is required of them when handling university records. Many officers do not know the right retention period of records under their custody hence they dispose them prematurely. Records are not properly classified ,indexed and filed because there is no manual to explain how records should be classified, indexed and filed. The research also discovered that the non-involvement of records management experts in the management of the university electronic records is partly also responsible for the frequent loss of records held in databases, electronic mails and those records stored on secondary storage facilities such as DVDs, CDs and Diskettes. The non-availability of records management program has also resulted in records management functions not to enjoy maximum support from the university management. In addition, it has made it impossible for records management experts to work with their counterparts from the IT department in the management electronic records of the University. Maladministration of records at UNZA is further compounded by the absence of a competent middle level management office to aid the registrar’s office in the coordination and supervision of records management activities in the University.
Equal access to information: serving the needs of visually impaired in Zambia.
(2011-03-01) Makondo N. Francina
The functions and roles of college libraries in forming good teachers
(2011-03-17) Chikwekwe, Nkatya
The article looks at functions and roles that College libraries play in the formation of good teachers.The major roles discussed are provision of information to teachers and teaching reading and information literacy skills.
The status of libraries in colleges of education in Zambia.
(2011-08) Mulauzi, Felesia; Walusiku, Likukela; Wamundila, Sitali; Chisunka-Mwila, Chitundu P.
Libraries are changing in terms of their collections, facilities and services owing to constant changing scenario of information on account of Information and Communication Technology [ICT] applications and information seeking behavior of clientele. This is especially true in the case of academic libraries attached to specialized institutes. The overall aim of this study was to ascertain the status of libraries in colleges of education in Zambia. The study was largely quantitative in nature. Sixteen (16) colleges of education purposively selected participated in the study. A self-administered questionnaire survey was used to gather primary data. The results are reported and include the general standard of library buildings, organisation of collections, equipment and ICT facilities; the sources of funding for colleges of education libraries; the staffing levels and qualifications of head librarians in colleges of education libraries; the state of library materials; and the sources of book supply.
Marketing and public programming of the services at the national archives of Zambia.
(Unisa Press, 2012) Njobvu, Benson; Hamooya, Chrispin; Chisunka-Mwila, Chitundu P.
The high levels of poverty in most developing countries mean that very few citizens attempt to access the services offered by the National Archives in different countries, including Zambia. As a result, the uptake of National Archives services, including e-services, is minimal. This results in a lack of appreciation for the role the National Archives play in nation building. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of strategies to market the archive services at the National Archives of Zambia. Current marketing strategies to create greater awareness and attract more prospective users, as well as the challenges encountered by the National Archives in marketing then content and services, are given attention. The study reveals that, although marketing is done to some extent, much more needs to be done to promote the level of awareness among Zambian citizens to ensure greater utilisation of the archives. This research further revealed that currently, the National Archives has no marketing plan in place. The majority of staff at the National Archives needs training in marketing for the marketing programmes to be implemented effectively. Another major challenge being faced by the National Archives is the lack of adequate funding. The study also revealed that much remains to be done to market the electronic resources created in the recent years by digitising certain elements of the collection. It O Unisa Press ISSN 0027-2639 Mousaion 30 (2) 2012 pp. 239-249 239 is recommended therefore, that muhiple methods of marketing be used to market the services. Additionally, training programmes should be put in place to equip members of staff with the necessary skills in marketing. Government and other cooperating partners should provide adequate funding to financially support the operations of the National Archives, including the marketing activities. KEYWORDS Advocacy, marketing of archives. National Archives of Zambia, outreach, public programming
Information professionals as “hybrid managers” in the knowledge economy: a review from the Zambian perspective.
(Zambia Library Association, 2012) Wamundila, Sitali; Mulauzi, Felesia; Mtanga, Naomy
The purpose of this conceptual paper was to highlight the need for information professionals to transform themselves into hybrids capable of performing various roles in the knowledge economy. The paper has highlighted changes that have taken place in the provision of information services as well as focused on the need for changes in training background of information professionals so as to enable them cope with the demands of the knowledge economy. A desk review of relevant literature on changes within the information profession and their implication on information professionals was conducted. Findings indicate that there is continual change in the information profession that has necessitated changes in the operational environment of most institutions as well as world economies in general. Not only have information provision institutions realized the need for transforming their services to meet contemporary demands but information professionals have also realized the need to take on interdisciplinary approach to their training and exposure to work environment. This paper, adds to knowledge on the on-going debate on skills for information professionals in the knowledge economy form the Zambian perspective. The paper has value in informing Zambian information professionals on their need to be versatile and remain competitive in the knowledge economy.
Making bold and landmark decisions in education: introducing telecentres for rural education in Zambia.
(Zambia Library Association, 2012) Wamundila, Sitali; Mulauzi, Felesia; Chifwepa, Vitalicy
Recognizing the government’s willingness to have most of its citizens educated with a view to foster national development, the purpose of this conceptual paper was to propose an approach that can be adopted to narrow the gap between those educated in urban areas and those educated in rural areas of Zambia using telecentres. A desk review of relevant literature on gaps among citizens educated in urban areas and those educated in rural areas as well as the use of telecentres in education was conducted. Findings indicate that a number of gaps currently exist between Zambians educated in urban areas and those educated in rural areas. Literature also shows that there is potential to use telecentres for educational purposes as information communication technologies (ICTs) have started being utilised by educational institutions both in urban and rural areas of Zambia. Thus, the paper shows how telecentres can be utilised to narrow the various gaps that exist among pupils, students and adult learners in urban and rural areas. As presented in this paper, it is practically possible to apply telecentres in education for narrowing the gap between those educated in urban areas and those educated in rural areas. However, in order to implement the proposed approach, concerted efforts in form of bold and landmark decisions to adopt the use of telecentres must be made by the government and other concerned stakeholders. The paper has original thinking in as far as the desire to use telecentres and not just ICTS for purposes of reducing educational levels for development purposes is concerned. Further, the paper is of value to educational policy makers as well as information professionals who have the desire to apply ICTs in education for emancipation of the rural poor in Zambia.
The information needs and information seeking behaviours of persons with blindness and visual impairment in Lusaka, Zambia.
(2012-05) Mulauzi, Felesia; Gwai, Sara; Hamooya, Chrispin
This study was carried out to examine the information needs and information seeking behaviors of persons with blindness and visual impairment in Lusaka, Zambia. The study looked at the kinds of information persons with blindness and visual impairment require in their daily lives, the formats in which they access information, sources of information preferred, the barriers to information use and access faced when seeking information. This study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. 50 persons with blindness and visual impairment conveniently selected participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather primary data. Results from the field reveal that persons with blindness and visual impairment have information needs similar to those people who live normal lives ranging from health (80%), education (70%), income (74%), agriculture (30%), finance (40%), recreation (18%), government (80%) and legal (36%). The study also reveals that the blind and VIP have additional information needs (12%) that are specific to them as blind and VIP and these include information on their position as disabled people, rights and entitlements, political consciousness and coping with life situations i.e. information about their condition, the aids, equipment and services that are available, as well as self-help groups. Persons with blindness and visual impairment in this study access information in oral (40%) as well as in other formats such as audio cassettes (30%), print (20%) and electronic (10%). The results further reveal that the sources of information for persons with blindness and visual impairment include family members (40%), mass media (16%), friends (30%), Internet (4%) and libraries and information centers (10%). The main barriers persons with blindness and visual impairment face to access and use information include lack of skills (76%), distance (72%), illiteracy (70%), lack of assistance from the community to get the needed information (64%), discrimination (62%), cost (58%), inadequate libraries & information centers with suitable facilities (52%), inadequate equipment (30%) and age (20%). The study recommends for enactment of a policy to address the educational needs of persons with blindness and visual impairment in terms of information infrastructure, expertise and equipments. Also recommended in the study is the need for library and information centers to design and develop accessible facilities and provide inclusive information services.
Use of ICTs in education: a case study of selected urban based high schools in Lusaka, Zambia.
(2012-06) Mtanga, Naomy; Imasisku, Inonge; Mulauzi, Felesia; Wamundila, Sitali
This paper is based on a research that was conducted in seven high schools in Lusaka, Zambia on the utilisation of ICTs in education. Areas of ICT usage that were investigated included the use of ICTs in learning activities by pupils, the integration of different ICTs by teachers into the various teaching activities, and the use of ICTs in the operations of schools to improve administrative efficiency. Purposive sampling was used to select 70 respondents who actually used ICTs. Self-administered structured questionnaires were employed to collect primary data. The study yielded 90% response rate comprising 42 students and 21 members of staff. Among the major findings of the research were factors inhibiting full integration of ICTs in the teaching, learning and administrative processes. The paper concludes by recommending measures to be taken to ensure full utilization of ICTs in day to day academic and administrative activities.
Meeting the training needs for knowledge and content management specialists: case study of southern african universities.
(Standing Conference for Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Association (SCECSAL), 2012-06) Wamundila, Sitali; Mulauzi, Felesia; Mtanga, Naomy; Njobvu, Benson
Information professionals have been in the information provision business for long period of time. Along the way, approaches to information provision have been dynamic owing to the advent of the knowledge era. As need to offer information and knowledge services via variety of skills intensifies, institutions imparting information provision skills must respond to the demand. However, the extent to which such demands for contemporary skills in information provision have been satisfied still remains unknown, more so within the Southern African Region. In view of the above, this study investigated changes in curricular for LIS departments towards imparting contemporary skills for effective knowledge and content management in Southern African Universities. The study used a qualitative approach for data collection and analysis. The study revealed, among other things, the status in terms of courses offered by the Universities with regard to imparting contemporary information and knowledge provision and management skills, necessary for knowledge and content management work in organisations.

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