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    A library model for delivery of library and information services to distance learners at the university of Zambia.
    (Zambia Journal of Distance Education, 2021) Kakana, Fabian; Makondo, Francina; Twaambo, Ellah; Imasiku, Inonge; Banda, Boniface; Mundende, Kasonde; Sichilima, Chipefwe; Muleya, Gistered; Simui, Francis; Namangala, Boniface
    Although the University of Zambia (UNZA) has a strategic plan that advocates for the provision of both on and off campus learning, there is no clear model in use for the delivery of library services to distance learners. However, introducing a model for distance learners demands analyzing the many factors that need to be taken into account as the University of Zambia Library seeks ways of providing better library services including electronic library and information services. The objective of this study was to establish a suitable model of providing library and information services to UNZA distance learners. The specific objectives were to describe a profile of UNZA distance learners; explore the extent to which UNZA Library information resources and services meet the needs of distance learners; describe the information seeking behavior of distance learners; and propose a policy framework to guide the provision of library and information services to distance learners at UNZA. The study adopted a mixed method research. A semi-structured questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 351 respondents. The findings of this study reveal that distance learners at UNZA have very little library support available to them and mainly limited to conventional library and information services. In the light of these findings, a blended library support model is proposed to meet distance learners’ information needs.
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    Circulation regulations and their effect on user return of books: the case of university of Zambia library
    (International Journal of Library and Information Services, 2021) Banda, Boniface and Chewe, Pailet
    The problem of delays in returning library books is common to all categories of library users at the University of Zambia. However, little is known about what causes the delay in returning the borrowed books. To address this gap, the authors investigated circulation policies at Zambia’s leading academic library. The objective was to establish the effect of library regulations on the return of library books. Using a survey method, the study targeted 90 full-time students who were randomly selected. Quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences while qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically. The results revealed that circulation policies have an effect on returning the borrowed books by users. These findings provide a useful contribution to the dearth of literature on this subject and offer valuable information to inform future planning.
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    The potential role of Zambian public libraries in actualizing the global climate change agenda
    (Library Philosophy and Practice : Lincoln, 2021) Chewe, Pailet and Banda, Boniface
    Globally, public libraries are considered key partners in the fight against climate change. Yet, little is known about the explicit contribution of Zambian public libraries in actualizing the global climate change agenda. To address this gap, the authors investigated the role of public libraries in the climate change agenda. The objective was to establish the role of public libraries in combating climate change and its impacts. Using a survey method, a purposive sample of 100 participants was targeted. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences while qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically. The results revealed that majority (80%) of the participating libraries had no plans on how to combat climate change and its impacts and only 1 (1.6%) library was actively involved in climate change awareness campaigns. From this result it can be deduced that public libraries in Zambia were passive in the fight against climate change. Implicitly, the role of public libraries vis-à-vis the climate action agenda was insignificant. These findings would inform policy direction on how best to leverage public libraries in the actualization of SDG # 13.
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    Social media mediated library services during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown: a case of university of Zambia library.
    (Library Philosophy and Practice, 2022) Banda, Boniface and Chewe, Pailet
    Between March and May 2020, Zambia was under a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Amidst this lockdown, libraries migrated most of their services online. This development resulted in an increased adoption of social media for delivering library services. However, little is known about the usefulness of social media for library service delivery at the University of Zambia during the lockdown. To address this gap, this study investigated how the library deployed social media to support the core business of its parent institution during the lockdown. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from 50 respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences while qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically. Results show that WhatsApp (100%) was the most popular tool followed by Facebook (98%). This study makes noteworthy practical contributions and valuable information to inform future planning.
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    Academic libraries support of mental health literacy among undergraduate students in Zambia: a review of literature.
    (The Library and Information Association of Zambia, 2022) Daka, Kaoma L. ; Mwiinga,Thabiso M. ; Chisunka, Chitundu P. ; Wamundila, Sitali
    Student Mental Health Literacy has gained prominence following the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Higher Education sector. This paper was aimed at exploring how Zambian Academic Libraries can support undergraduate students' Mental Health Literacy (MHL). It specifically sought to find out what their roles, services and potential challenges might be. This was in response to current trends in mostly Western countries where academic libraries are actively promoting mental health literacy among students. The study systematically reviewed 20 publications published in a five-year period, 2017 – 2022. The publications were traced using three (3) databases, namely Google Scholar, Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) and Sage Journals, two (2) scholarly social media platforms i.e. Academia.edu and Research gate and some conference proceedings. Thematic Analysis was used to identify major themes and the synthesized findings were presented in narrative form. The study revealed that major roles of academic libraries in supporting undergraduate students' MHL included Leader, Participant and Host. The roles were influenced by how much of their expertise the librarians were able to commit to chosen initiatives or services. Services identified included information campaigns, student mental health literacy corners, Library research guides on mental health, Bibliotherapy, mental health literacy training for library staff, mental health literacy talks and seminars, activities to commemorate mental health, making library processes more effective, use of Reference services and SDI. Emerging themes were identified and a conclusion was drawn.