Library and Information Studies (DLIS)http://hdl.handle.net/10311/312024-03-28T08:57:49Z2024-03-28T08:57:49ZAn assessment of distance learners’ use of information resources and services at the University of Botswana LibraryModise, Constance Dintlehttp://hdl.handle.net/10311/20672021-03-19T00:01:01Z2019-08-01T00:00:00ZAn assessment of distance learners’ use of information resources and services at the University of Botswana Library
Modise, Constance Dintle
Delivering education through distance education mode imposes upon universities a responsibility to provide library resources and services that are adequate to address students’ expectations of service quality. It is critical to provide library resources and services whose quality levels are acceptable to those who use them. This study sought to assess the distance learners’ use of information resources and services provided by the University of Botswana Library. It also attempts to find out the expectations distance learners and their perceptions about library services.
The study aimed to measure the quality of the access to library collections, access to library facilities and staff services from the distance learners’ perspectives. The objectives of the study were 1) to ascertain the extent of use of the library resources and services by distance learners, 2) to find out the distance learners’ expectations and perceptions on the quality of University of Botswana library resources and services, 3) to determine distance learners satisfaction level regarding service quality, 4) to examine the library support services offered to distance learners, 5) to identify challenges faced by distance learners and 6) to make recommendations to the library based on the findings of the study. The study adapted LibQUAL, a library assessment instrument to measure the users’ expectations, and perceptions of the quality of information services, library facilities and staff services. Armed with pragmatist research paradigm, a mixed method approach which included both quantitative
and qualitative data collection was used. The study used LibQUAL survey instrument to collect data from a sample of 124 distance students representing 20 percent of the distance learners of the University of Botswana. Interviews were also conducted with five subject librarians designated to work directly with distance students. A total of 87 (70%) distance students responded to the questionnaire and all the five librarians made themselves available for interview. The results of the quantitative survey were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to determine the frequencies of the responses and the results were displayed using tables and figures.
The qualitative data was analyzed using Microsoft excel analysis and thematic analysis. A key finding indicated that there is a gap between distance learners’ expectations and perceptions of library service at University of Botswana library. Furthermore, the study found that users were not really getting the full benefit of the library services and some of the services were underutilized.
It emerged from the findings that the most problematic services for users were reference services, interlibrary loans, book reserve and electronic resources such as electronic journals and databases. Furthermore, the results of the study also indicated that library services were initially planned for all students regardless of their status. The interviews with the librarians revealed that more planning, and library awareness assessments are needed for furthering the presence of the library among distance learners. Such efforts could increase library usage and could provide useful information for library self-study and ideas for improving the quality of library services. The study recommends that University of Botswana library will have to focus on developing flexible services and promote them proactively. Librarians need to experiment with technological innovations such as virtual reference tools and social media platforms so that future service provision is increasingly effective and efficient. The study concluded by pointing out some future research areas that could be explored. The study could help inform decision making for improvement of services, future planning, training of staff and benchmarking with other libraries. This study would also provide a contribution to the depth of researches on library use by distance students in Botswana and Africa as a whole.
A dissertation submitted to the Dept. of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree of Masters in Library and Information. Citation: Modise, C. D. (2019) An assessment of distance learners’ use of information resources and services at
the University of Botswana Library, University of Botswana.
2019-08-01T00:00:00ZThe implications of the National Archives and Records Services Act on archival practice in BotswanaMosweu, TshephoSimon, Iwanihttp://hdl.handle.net/10311/19772019-11-13T00:01:10Z2018-01-01T00:00:00ZThe implications of the National Archives and Records Services Act on archival practice in Botswana
Mosweu, Tshepho; Simon, Iwani
Archival legislation is the basis for records and archives management in any country. The National Archives Act of Botswana was enacted in 1978 to give the Botswana National Archives and Records Services (BNARS) its mandate to provide a framework for conducting records and archival functions in Botswana. It mandates BNARS to collect, preserve and make accessible the nation's documentary heritage. In recognition of its deficiencies, amendments were made in 2007 to incorporate the management of current records, electronic records and recognition of private archives. A review of this legislation reveals that these amendments fared way below expectations as the Act currently has serious weaknesses that need to be addressed to improve archival practice in the country. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the National Archives and Records Services Act in Botswana and its implications on archival practice in the country. This paper took a qualitative approach utilising documentary review to collect data and content analysis. This is an original study using a documentary review to review the archival legislation in Botswana. The findings of this paper would contribute towards the literature in archival legislation in Botswana and the ESARBICA region.
2018-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Southern African Cultural Information System (SACIS)Thapisa, A.P.N.http://hdl.handle.net/10311/16962017-08-10T00:02:54Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Southern African Cultural Information System (SACIS)
Thapisa, A.P.N.
Describes the development of the Southern African Cultural Information System (SACIS), a project spearheaded by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A substantial and effective information system is considered essential for disseminating messages about and facilitating the implementation of economic development projects and policies in African states. Charts the development of the SACIS including its objectives, funding and implementation.
1998-01-01T00:00:00ZStrategic human resource development in public libraries in BotswanaJain, Pritihttp://hdl.handle.net/10311/16562017-05-12T00:01:50Z2005-01-01T00:00:00ZStrategic human resource development in public libraries in Botswana
Jain, Priti
Purpose – The broad objective of this study was to present a model for strategic human resource management through an effective staff performance appraisal system in Botswana Public Libraries in order to enhance the provision of delivery of information services.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents and discusses the partial findings of the study, which were revealed in an attempt to provide a strategic human resource management model for public libraries in Botswana. Public libraries aid the public as a whole, and they often lack funds and human resources. It is because of these constraints that the study was embarked on by the author.
Findings – From an empirical investigation the main critical qualities required to provide efficient public library services were revealed as: enthusiasm, positive attitude, innovative thinking, commitment. The other staff related and motivational issues were identified as: a sense of achievement, a feeling of self-worth, job-security, staff recognition, status, career development, good salary, effective communication, job satisfaction, delegation of authority, clear job description, performance feedback, conducive working environment. Some other strategic management issues were acclaimed as: organisational culture, transformational leadership, employee recognition and reward systems, performance measurement system, productivity improvement, and customer orientation.
Originality/value – This paper recommends a strategic human resource management model for the public libraries in Botswana, which may assist in enhancing the provision of library services to fulfil the aims of the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS) more efficiently and facilitate the strategic plan process of BNLS which is currently working on its strategic plan and human resource strategy.
2005-01-01T00:00:00Z