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ACCESS TO AND USAGE OF PRINT SERIAL PUBLICATIONS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA (UNZA) LIBRARY
(2014-05-21) Miyanda Eness M. Chitumbo, Chipasha Florence Mulundika; Tembo Sarah Gwai, Banda Jason
Abstract This study set out to investigate factors that lead to less usage of serial resources in the University of Zambia Library. It embraced both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the field. A total sample size of 170 respondents was used to provide information. Collected data from questionnaires was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while data from interviews was done manually through content analysis The research revealed that the levels of serials usage are low due to lack of knowledge of serials collection and its services by users, inadequate search skills, insufficient orientation at both 1st year level and later on, unavailability of some information needed by some users, outdated resources, serials collection being a closed access area, etc. In order to improve serial usage the study further revealed that serials collection need to be properly organized according to subjects; employ proactive, qualified and friendly staff to adequately assist, guide and teach users on how to access, retrieve and use journals and other periodicals in the collection; sensitize library users on the importance of journal use and communicate to them about new materials; serials collection should be open-access area; and provide current journals in all subject areas offered at the University.
Chitumbo, Eness. M. Miyanda and Chewe, P. 2015. ‘Social Media Tools for Library service delivery in Higher learning Institutions: Case of University of Zambia and National Institute of Public Administration Libraries.
(Research Journal of Library Sciences, 2015) Chitumbo, Eness M. Miyanda
This research paper investigated how social media tools (SMTs) can be leveraged to market library services by libraries in higher learning institutions. Questionnaires and interview guides were used in the data collection process from two academic libraries in Zambia, namely; the University of Zambia (UNZA) and National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Libraries. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and content analysis. Findings indicate that both librarians and students only used social media for social networking purpose. The study further noted that there were a number of potential challenges such as limited Internet access points, poor Internet connectivity and Lack of awareness of some exiting SMTs by most librarians and users. These need to be resolved for the use of SMTs to be successful. However, nearly all the participants acknowledge the value in using SMTs in library service delivery and hence supported its adoption.
Copyright in Light of Effective Access to Research Information in Digital Era
(Chitumbo, Eness M. Miyanda. 2015. ‘Copyright in Light of Effective Access to Research Information in Digital Era.’ Global Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 4(4), pp.6-14. ISSN: 2319-8834, 2015) Chitumbo, Eness M. Miyanda
Introduction: Information forms the foundation of every human activity. People can only make right decisions and participate in national development activities if they have access to relevant information. But how can information be made available in the light of copyright? Objectives: To examined the effectiveness of copyright in addressing interests of rights holders on one hand and information users (Public) on the other. Methods: This was a literature review. The methods of research involved consultation of literature done by different experts. Findings: The study established that copyright is meant to serve the interests of rights owners where “fair use” is to enable authors distribute or sell their work for financial and moral benefits. However, exceptions in the digital environment have been affected by TPMs. To this effect the study recommends the consideration of existing and more exceptions in digital era, Government documents to be in public domain, and promotion of FOSS and open access publishing
Effectiveness of Library Practicum in linking theory and practice: case of the of University of Zambia and Mulungushi University Libraries
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Current Educational Research (IJMCER), 2020) Musonda,Yolam; Zulu, Zachary; Chewe, Pailet
Library practical training is a supervised, hands‐ on practice in various library duties and functions. This paper explores the effectiveness of library practical training in linking theory and practice. The study used a survey method in which a questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Third year students from the Department of Library and Information Science on practical training during the 2018/19 academic year participated in the study. A sample size of 110 respondents was purposively selected. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results revealed that practical training was a very effective and highly relevant educational experience appreciated by students and lived up to their expectations in linking theory and practice. Inadequate practical training duration, overcrowding of students in one institution due to the limited places for attachments in other institutions and a general lack of motivational incentives in most host institutions were the main challenges reported by respondents. This study is the first of its kind on library practicum in Zambia. It is hoped that the findings will be helpful in designing enhanced and more effective library practical training programs in Zambia as well as in other developing countries.
Enhanced Library Services Through Social Media in the Age of Covid-19 Pandemic: An Anecdote of Academic Libraries in Zambia
(Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2020-11-12) Zulu, Zachary; Chewe, Pailet; Chitumbo, Eness; Musonda, Yolam
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of using social media as a tool for promoting value addition and the enhancement of library services in the age of COVID-19 pandemic in two academic libraries in Zambia. Despite the growing mass of literature on social media usage in academic libraries globally, there is a dearth of research in Zambia on this emerging subject. The study used a survey method and the research instrument was an online questionnaire involving 22 academic librarians drawn from two public universities in Zambia, namely; the University of Zambia and Mulungushi University. Findings show that the use of social media for service delivery was nonexistent. Facebook and WhatsApp were the most prominent apps used for social networking among librarians. 86.3% of the respondents were of the view that the adoption of social media needed a cautious approach. 90% of the respondents had positive perceptions of the usefulness of social media in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, inadequate social media literacy skills, hesitancy among library staff, and poor technological infrastructure were perceived to be hindrances. The study advocates for social media literacy and the provision of a robust technological infrastructural base anchored on strong social media policies. This study provides library practitioners and students of Library and Information Science (LIS) with suggestions for how librarians, can use social media to improve audience engagement, create a community of users, and enhance the library's profile.
An Evaluation of Library Support Services for Distance Education Students at University of Zambia
(2010-09-20) Kakana, Fabian
Distance education is one of the most popular forms of education offered world wide to those students who have had no opportunity to enroll full time in various educational institutions including universities. Distance education is also seen to be cost effective especially in developing countries such as Zambia which do not have adequate educational infrastructure to support the growing population in need of education. The University of Zambia is one of those educational institutions of higher learning in Zambia that has been offering distance education for more than 40 years. In recent past, the university has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of people that have enrolled as distance students. The records obtained from the Directorate of Distance Education, shows an increase of distance learners’ from 314 during 1996/7 academic year to 1165 during 2003/4 academic year [1]. This upswing in the number of distance learners has necessitated the university management to institute a number of reforms to improve the capacity of Directorate of Distance Education so that it can stand the pressure of serving the increased number of distance education students. However, these reforms have not included library services for distance education programmes at the institution. This survey therefore presents the findings of the research conducted on the existing library services support for distance education students at University of Zambia (UNZA). The main objective of the research was to evaluate the University of Zambia’s provision of library and information services to its distance learners and the extent to which these services meet the needs of the learners. The study was done with a view to suggesting ways in which library information provision to distance students at UNZA could be improved. Data collection was done at UNZA in Lusaka-Zambia. A total number of 66 people (respondents) were interviewed in this survey. 46 were members of staff working at UNZA who included lecturers, Directorate of Distance Education staff, Central Administration staff and Library staff. The distance education students interviewed were 20 from Lusaka and the Copper belt. The findings of the study revealed that the University of Zambia Library has problems in meeting the information needs of distance learners. The University Library for instance, does not have regional Libraries to carter for those students living in far places. The study also revealed that very few reforms have taken place in the library to improve distance learners access to information. The Library has almost no cooperation with other Libraries in the country and only coordinates with Directorate of Distance Education （DDE）during residential schools in providing short library orientations to distance education students. In addition, no information literacy courses are offered to distance education at UNZA thus making it difficult for students to search for information independently. As a result, Distance learners largely depend on printed teaching materials and book extracts prepared by their lecturers. Recommendations concerning the need of library cooperation, resource sharing, use of Information Telecommunication Technologies (ICTs) and user education programmes have been highlighted as some of the measures that can improve students’ accessibility to library resources at the University of Zambia
Faculty perception of Moodle software as a teaching tool at the University of Zambia
(Zambia ICT Journal, 2018) Chewe, Pailet
In the existing educational milieu in the world today, there is an increasing application of electronic learning software in the delivery of tertiary education. However, one critical issue in the successful deployment of electronic learning platforms in teaching and learning is dependent on lecturers’ ability and commitment to accept and use the systems. This paper describes the results of a questionnaire survey among academics at the University of Zambia in the aftermath of the implementation of Moodle software. The survey aimed to gather perceptions of lecturers toward the use of Moodle online environment, from which future practice could be informed. In this regard, the researcher used a survey design method with a sample of 42 respondents conveniently selected for this study. The survey was carried out in the third term of the 2017 academic calendar. Quantitative data was analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The main findings were that there were low adoption levels of Moodle as a supplementary mode of lesson delivery and that a limited number of respondents agreed that Moodle had helped them improve their teaching, indicative that academics were still in a period of transition from shallow systems compliance to deep pedagogical change. Overall, the experience showed that the move to Moodle needs careful planning and communication and must be part of a wider strategy to integrate e-learning solutions throughout course design and institutional culture. Nevertheless, respondents indicated their willingness to participate in programmes to equip them with the requisite skills that would make them proficient in using Moodle. The main obstacles to the integration of Moodle were limited knowledge of Moodle functionalities on the part of the faculty and slow internet speed. These findings may be used to develop e-learning support structures critical to effective implementation of Moodle as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. With continuous promotion and training of Moodle usage among the lecturers and students and increased training of faculty members coupled with improved broadband connectivity, Moodle holds the prospect for diversifying e-learning experiences that can support faculty members’ professional learning outcomes.
Harnessing Online Resources for Distance Learning at the University of Zambia
(The International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research, 2017) Chitumbo, Eness M. Miyanda; Chewe, Pailet
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how the integration of institutional electronic resources into distance learning can improve usage of e-resources at the University of Zambia. The study also ascertained the value and ease of use of remote access towards aiding distance students access institutional e-resources as well as the user-friendliness of the databases to enable users retrieve relevant information within reasonable time. Methods: The study adopted a case survey design and used both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. Structured questionnaires were used to collect responses from a purposively selected sample of 60, drawn from a total population of 12,500 distance learning students registered under the Institute of Distance Education. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse quantitative data into frequencies and percentages and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data sets. Findings: The study established that the majority of the respondents were aware of and used e-resources for academic purposes, hence rated the electronic databases highly. It was further established that they encountered a number of technologically related barriers. E.g. Insufficient computers, slow Internet connectivity, lack of ICT skills, etc. The results also indicated that remote access was a useful information retrieval tool. Most students were in support of integrating online resources into distance learning programs because of the potential benefits that comes with it. Research value: It is hoped that the findings of this study will help UNZA capture the challenges distance learning students face as they interact with the remote access tool, hence help the institution to appropriately respond to these challenges.
Information and communication: a library’s local response to HIV⁄AIDS in Zambia
(University of Zambia, 2009) Kanyengo, Christine Wamunyima
Objective: To document and describe the University of Zambia Medical library’s responses to the fight against HIV ⁄AIDS in Zambia. Methods: The methodology adopted was a case study approach combined with an analysis of the literature such as annual reports and official documents. This was augmented by personal reflections of the author having worked at the Medical Library. Results: The University of Zambia Medical library has over the years instituted and implemented HIV ⁄AIDS information provision programmes that include the provision of information in various formats – print or electronic and, in addition, capacity building in HIV ⁄AIDS information literacy skills. Conclusion: A library’s social responsibility calls for it to be part of national responses to crises that arise in society. As HIV ⁄AIDS has affected every aspect of Zambian society prevention, treatment, care and support there is an understanding that the library’s role should be using the cri tical and strategic resource at its disposal – information – as part of their contribution to the fight against HIV ⁄AIDS. In this context, libraries should source, collect, organize and disseminate information on HIV ⁄AIDS in a way that is easily accessible to researchers, HIV ⁄AIDS programme implementation agencies and the ordinary public.
Information provision to students using mobile phones: A case study of the University of Zambia Library
(Zambia Library Association, 2009-01-01) Kakana, Fabian; Kanyengo, Christine Wamunyima
Provision of library and information services using mobile telephones is gaining popularity among library users worldwide. And some libraries have taken advantage of this technology in order to introduce new library services as well as reach library users that traditionally they would not able to reach. This paper looks at the possibility of introducing a mobile library service by the University of Zambia (UNZA) library as an alternative way of providing information to university students. This is done by assessing the views of students. The findings points out that students will overwhelming accept the service. The paper concludes that by using mobile cell phones, the library can introduce new library services; expand its user base and reach users that are not easily reachable.
Information sources used by postgraduate students in Education: A Citation Analysis of Masters’ Dissertations
(University of Zambia, 2012) Sakala, Gelvazio; Akakandelwa, Akakandelwa;
This study used citation analysis to establish the types of information resources used by education master's students in writing their dissertations at the University of Zambia. Four thousand seven hundred and twenty-two (4722) bibliographic references in 85 dissertations from the period 2000-2010 were examined using variables: year of publication, author, source title, source format, subject, and place of publication. The results show that monographic resources were the most cited information formats followed by journals. Authorship pattern indicates preference for single authored works, followed by government publications. It was also noted that researchers in the education discipline cited other formats such as: Internet resources, manuscripts, theses, conference papers, newspapers, magazines, newsletters, radio and television broadcasting programmes. The findings give feedback to the University of Zambia librarians with regard to resources used by education masters' students during the period under review. These findings can be useful in guiding the University of Zambia Library acquisition department in the information resources selection process.
Institutional Repositories: A Gem for UNISWA
(Zambia Library Association Journal, 2012) Yumba, Dickson
The use of ICTs has brought about a paradigm shift in academic and commercial publishing industry. In last twenty years or so we have increasingly witnessed a shift from hard copy to electronic/digital publishing. Among many new methods is the concept of Institutional Repository (IR). This paper seeks to highlight the meaning of, and strategic benefits that can accrue with the establishment of IR for University of Swaziland and other institutions that are considering setting up IR. The paper stresses the importance of IR towards developing African scholarship and takes an interdisciplinary approach, the main component of which is library and information services. It is found that IR increases the visibility of African scholarship on the global scale which to is kept to a very minimum due to publishing inabilities and other related problems and also brings to light the intellectual output of university which can be used as a basis for sourcing funds. It is hoped that this paper will influence positive thinking towards IR thereby encouraging scholars and researcher to-participate in building IR in their organizations. The paper adds to the body of knowledge about IR in general
IT skills needs for collection development at the University of Botswana Library
(Emerald, 2003) Mutula, Stephen; Makondo, Francina S
The rapid and continuing evolution of information technology has occasioned large stocks of electronic resources in libraries and created pressure for both library professionals and users to continue learning in order to provide effective service and make adequate use of the new information materials. Discusses collection development practices at the University of Botswana Library in an environment of increasing electronic resources of information. Considers the skills needed for librarians to effectively procure and manage such resources and for users to effectively use the resources. Provides an assessment of the performance of University of Botswana Library in this new electronic dispensation, and looks at how the library has faced the challenges of information technology
Knowledge Management Culture among Library Cataloguers: the University of Zambia Library Experience
(University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2017) Chitumbo, Eness M. Miyanda; Kanyengo, Christine W.
This paper assesses knowledge management processes and practices of the Cataloguing department of the University of Zambia Library; investigates factors that lead to poor working systems among Cataloguers; cause inconsistencies and data redundancy in the library’s database. A case study approach was adopted, with the aim of getting detailed information and insights into the experienced problem of inconsistencies and duplication of the data. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The results show that there is little knowledge sharing and transfer amongst the cataloguers; use of existing rules or standards such as Anglo American Cataloguing Rules and Library of Congress Cataloguing Schedules with its Subject Headings is compromised by the poor grounding of Cataloguers. The study indicates that there is no system in place to manage tacit knowledge; lack of proper training and skills in cataloguing and; not being able to seek help from colleagues; lack the ability of verifying the existence of materials in the database before working on them and simply human error. There is little systematic knowledge sharing and transfer of knowledge among cataloguers. Although there is use of existing standards; this is compromised by lack of knowledge of cataloguing. The study also identifies formulation of policies on the sharing of knowledge.
Library and Information Science Curricula in Zambia
(SAGE publications, 1999) Chifwepa, Vitalicy
While library and information science programmes in Zambia are relevant to the present needs of employers, there is a need to focus more on information technology and the use of non print media to enable graduates to adapt to the changing needs of the employment market.
A library response to the massification of higher education: the case of the University of Zambia.
(International Association of Universities, 2009-01-01) Kanyengo, Christine
This paper looks at the challenges that libraries in Africa face in responding to massification of higher education by discussing the University of Zambia library’s response in library and information resources provision. As a result of massification of higher education, libraries have been forced not only to employ new and different strategies to meet the increased demand for information resources but also to balance the increased demand for services with dwindling human and financial resources. In doing so, the library’s response to massification needs to take cognizance of the different levels of information literacy skills in order to afford every student an equitable opportunity to effectively use the information resources available.
LIS training and education in Zambia
(Innovation, 1994) Chifwepa, Vitalicy
The slow start and difficult progress of training and education for librarianship in Zambia before and since independence is described. Problems identified include, state control, luck of funds, shortage of qualified personnel, indadequate curriculum development, and failure to provide training in information techniques. Spearheaded by the Department of Library Studies at the University of Zambia, the situation is being reviewed critically and development are being evisaged.
Managing digital information resources in Africa: Preserving the integrity of scholarship
(Elservier, 2009) Kanyengo, Christine
Permanent access and storage of recorded knowledge resources have been the cornerstone of libraries for centuries. Preserving the integrity of scholarship is one of the greatest challenges facing librarians and information professionals the world over today. In Africa the issue comes very much to the fore because of the prevailing conditions and the state of the continent’s knowledge resources. This paper explores and reviews issues of permanency, accuracy, and integrity of stored digital knowledge resources in sub-Saharan Africa. ª 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Meeting collection development needs in resource poor settings: the University of Zambia Medical Library experience
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2008) Kanyengo, Christine Wamunyima
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to take stock of the current state of information resources and approaches used to meet collection development needs at the University of Zambia Medical Library. Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodological approach accompanied by a review of the literature, annual reports and official documents was used Findings – The findings indicate that the UNZA Medical Library has not had adequate funding since the early 1980s and its collection cannot meet the information needs of its users without the support of other organizations. Practical implications – Dwindling financial resources are a scenario that is common to libraries all over the world but more pronounced in Sub- Saharan Africa, where libraries have seen major reductions in their funding levels over time. The library has devised alternative strategies, other than funding from the parent institution, for meeting its collection development requirements. Originality/value – Lessons learned over time and best practices that can be of use to other libraries that are facing funding problems are highlighted.
Modernization of Library and Information Services in Higher Education in Swaziland: strategic interventions, 2000/1-2005/6
(SAGE publications, 2007-01-01) Muswazi, Paiki; Yumba, Dickson
This is a discussion of the implementation of the University of Swaziland (UNISWA)strategic plan 2000/1-2005/6.The goal of the article is to assess the impact of the information technology, policies,procedures, collaboration, funding,management, human resources development, preservation, marketing and information service delivery strategies on the modernization of its library and and information services (LIS). It is argued that UNISWA has affected considerable staff re-skilling and made some progress towards widening access to quality subscription based electronic resources and optimizing the utilization of open access materials. Implementation was negatively influenced by low funding, limited local content web . inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure,scarce professional skills, and restrictive policies and procedures. It concludes that further work revolving around the above factors, taking into account user needs for independent life long learning, is the key to deepening the modernization of LIS at UNISWA.

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