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- ItemZambia: The challenge of informing blind and deaf clients(University of Zambia, 2009) Kanyengo, Christine W.HIV and AIDS in Zambia is a major public and social health issue that demands a multifaceted approach if it is to be tackled successfully. Government, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and communities are employing diverse but complementary strategies to mitigate the effects of the disease. This article highlights the information services the Zambia National Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind has for the disabled, specifically those with sight and hearing challenges.
- ItemInformation and communication: a library’s local response to HIV⁄AIDS in Zambia(University of Zambia, 2009) Kanyengo, Christine WamunyimaObjective: 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.
- ItemMeeting collection development needs in resource poor settings: the University of Zambia Medical Library experience(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2008) Kanyengo, Christine WamunyimaPurpose – 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.
- ItemUsing the African digital health library for cancer control: dissemination of African cancer research output(University of Zambia, 2020) Kanyengo, Christine Wamunyima; Ajuwon, Dr Grace Ada; Odeku, Latunde E; Abdrahamane, Anne; Masimba, Muziringa; Kamau, Nancy; Merande, Justin Maranga; Mwafulilwa, Celine Maluma; Lodge, Mark; Lyon, Becky; Royall, JuliaAccess to published literature on cancer in Africa is problematic – especially locally produced cancer research information. A digital health library, such as the one being implemented in five African countries provides a solution. A new innovation, the African Digital Health Library draws support from local stakeholders, enlisting the best ideas from both the library and information technology fields. Although this work seems like new territory, it essentially remains a librarian’s workspace, supported by local collaborators and with new ideas to enable efficient access to cancer research information.
- ItemEnhanced 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, YolamThe 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.