Bibliographic control of theses and dissertations in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 523-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Wanjiku Ndungu
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
University Departments ◽  
The Status ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyse the challenges faced in the bibliographic control of theses and dissertations in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach The study used descriptive survey method and targeted four universities in Kenya and two initiatives whose objective is compilation of a database of theses and dissertations. The total number of respondents was 17 out of a target of 21. Findings The study found delays in the libraries getting their designated copies; ineffective coordination between the different university departments in the deposition process; deposition of soft copies is still a grey area in the universities surveyed; libraries have embedded records of theses and dissertations in their Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs); delays in capturing theses and dissertations in the libraries’ OPACs; and lack of consistency and uniformity in the bibliographic records. Research limitations/implications Many universities have joined the electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) movement and now require graduating students to deposit an electronic copy of their research thesis or dissertation. Currently, universities in Kenya either already have institutional repositories (IRs) or they are at an advanced stage of implementation. There is need for further research on the status adoption of ETDs; the status of IRs; treatment of theses and dissertations (TDs) in Kenya; challenges and prospects of subject analysis of TDs; cost-effective metadata creation for TDs; issues in metadata creation and standardization for TDs; and automated metadata creation. Practical implications Without a comprehensive source of all TDs submitted in universities in Kenya, TDs will be inaccessible and therefore underutilised. There will also be the risk of duplication of research and plagiarism because it will be difficult to ascertain the authenticity and integrity of TDs submitted in the various universities. Originality/value This is the only research in Kenya that has analysed the status of bibliographic control of theses and dissertations. The study will enable university administrators to put in place appropriate policies for improved bibliographic control of theses and dissertations. The study may be used to inform policy frameworks as universities begin to build their institutional repositories. The findings shed light on the treatment of TDs and challenges of cataloguing them.

GREEN OPEN ACCESS IN KENYA: A REVIEW OF THE CONTENT, POLICIES AND USAGE OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-54
Author(s):  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Current State ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

 There is scant research-based evidence on the development and adoption of open access (OA) and institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa, and in Kenya in particular. This article reports on a study that attempted to fill that gap and provide feedback on the various OA projects and advocacy work currently underway in universities and research institutions in Kenya and in other developing countries. The article presents the findings of a descriptive study that set out to evaluate the current state of IRs in Kenya. Webometric approaches and interviews with IR managers were used to collect the data for the study. The findings showed that Kenya has made some progress in adopting OA with a total of 12 IRs currently listed in the Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR) and five mandatory self-archiving policies listed in the Registry of Open Access Repositories Mandatory Archiving Policies (ROARMAP). Most of the IRs are owned by universities where theses and dissertations constitute the majority of the content type followed by journal articles. The results on the usage and impact of materials deposited in Kenyan IRs indicated that the most viewed publications in the repositories also received citations in Google Scholar, thereby signifying their impact and importance. The results also showed that there was a considerable interest in Swahili language publications among users of the repositories in Kenya.

Relationship of OPAC users' satisfaction with their demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance and user-friendly OPAC

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Computer Skills ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
User Education

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to identify whether user demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance and user-friendly OPAC (online public access catalog) have an impact on their satisfaction in the context of users in an Indian university setting. Design/methodology/approach – The survey method was utilized and a questionnaire was designed to collect data. The study is based on a sample of the 384 questionnaires from the three universities located in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Punjab State. To analyze the data collected, SPSS package (version 14.0) was used, and also to produce requisite cross-tabulations. Chi-square testing was performed to determine the association of user satisfaction with the variables covered in the study. Findings – The findings highlighted that overall there was a low degree of satisfaction among the users. With the exception of academic majors, in general, there were no significant differences between satisfaction and user demographic characteristics. Overall satisfaction was significantly higher for those who were possessed with adequate knowledge on OPAC, and had received staff assistance, as well as necessary education on OPAC. The study showed that satisfaction with ease of usage of OPAC was higher. It was also found that users were well-equipped with computers and had attained skills while frequently searching the web, however, it was also revealed that mere possession of computer skills was not sufficient for efficient use of OPAC, resulting in the attainment of a high level of satisfaction. Originality/value – The paper brings out the fact of how user demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance, and user-friendly OPAC, influence user satisfaction in a university educational set up. The findings will be beneficial for increasing user satisfaction levels in order to retain existing OPAC users because OPAC will continue to be a necessary tool for accessing quality academic information available in both print and electronic format.

scholarly journals Possibilities of networked electronic theses in Japan

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
Makoto Shuto ◽  
Takayuki Manaka ◽  
Satoshi Nakayama ◽  
Hideki Uchijima
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Future Direction ◽  
Metadata Harvesting ◽  
Open Archives ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate/explore the possibilities of nationwide networked electronic theses in Japan. Design/methodology/approach – The main points of the revised degree regulations, the activities of related organizations corresponding to the revised degree regulations, and the future direction of networked electronic theses which can be realized due to the network of institutional repositories are described and explained. Findings – In Japan, following the revision of the degree regulations, nationwide electronic thesis networks will be formed, which are rarely observed in other countries, and an infrastructure will be constructed, by which institutional repositories in Japan can be harvested by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. A well-established community of institutional repositories has enabled this achievement to take place. Originality/value – Very few national laws and regulations oblige a person who has been conferred a doctorate to publicize the thesis through the internet. There are only a few countries where the standard for metadata was established and metadata harvesting using the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting is being performed, providing one-stop services through portal sites. Therefore, this case study on the possibilities of nationwide networked electronic theses attributable to policies and the innovations of the repository network in Japan can provide useful information not only for persons in charge of digitizing dissertations but also for those concerned about open access generally.

Analyzing National Electronic Theses and Dissertations programs from business model perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrooz Rasuli ◽  
Mehdi Alipour-Hafezi ◽  
Sam Solaimani
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Public Funding ◽  
National Level ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Model Canvas ◽  
Financial Perspective ◽  
Electronic Theses And Dissertations ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

Purpose Implementing and maintaining Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) program at a national level encounters numerous difficulties in particular from technical, legal, business, and financial perspective. Business model (BM) is a tool to help to address business-driven challenges, such as business feasibility and viability, as one of the important aspects. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the BM practiced by different national Electronic Theses and Dissertations (NETDs) cases. Design/methodology/approach BM of seven NETDs programs have been studied through an online questionnaire; besides, programs’ websites were observed and related documents were examined. Business model canvas (BMC) was used to describe the business rationale behind the selected cases. Findings Most of the NETDs programs lack a documented BM. The main value of these programs is sharing ETDs which is offered to academics through online channels; skillful staff and proper hardware/software are their main resources to do so. Furthermore, their key activities are developing hardware/software and negotiating with ETDs owners as their key partners. All these activities required huge cost which is generally covered by public funding. Originality/value This study pioneers in applying BM concept into field of NETDs. Therefore, the major contribution of this study is to provide an analysis of NETDs programs’ BM through BMC. Furthermore, the paper provides recommendations on how ETDs could be implemented in a cost effective, sustainable, and viable way.

Co-creation in tourism: a systematic mapping study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Mohammadi ◽  
Hamid Reza Yazdani ◽  
Mona Jami Pour ◽  
Morteza Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Research Field ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Mapping Study ◽  
Mapping Study ◽  
Systematic Mapping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Research Gap

Purpose The purpose of this study is to organize and analyze the existing literature on co-creation in tourism to identify the state-of-the-art studies and the research gap in this field. Design/methodology/approach As the research questions seek to provide an overview of the studies in the available literature, the systematic mapping study (SMS) has been selected as the research method. A suitable mapping study method for analyzing and structuring a broad research field concerning methods, designs and research focuses on the existing publications. In total, 137 articles published during 2006–2019 in reliable academic databases such as Science Direct, Emerald, Scopus, Wiley, ProQuest, Sage, Web of Science and Taylor and Francis were selected and analyzed. Findings The results show a rising trend of published articles in tourism, with the maximum number published in 2019 and the minimum number in 2006. Also, analysis of input articles revealed that most of the studies focused on the antecedents and prerequisites for co-creation and paid less attention to the co-creation context. Other findings show that in the field of tourism, the hospitality sector, especially hotels have paid special attention to co-creation. The majority of papers were the empirical type with quantitative design. Furthermore, most studies used the survey method, while the case study and other methods were the next choices. Originality/value This study addresses a major research gap by summarizing the literature related to value co-creation with a specific focus on tourism using the SMS method that provides an overview of the studies in this field. Categorizing papers through SMS helps researchers to review the status of studies in a visual summary to identify gaps and directions for future research.

The open access landscape in Zimbabwe: the case of university libraries in ZULC

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lovemore Kusekwa ◽  
Aston Mushowani
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
General Picture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Current State ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology ◽  
The Status ◽  
Access Policies

Purpose – The paper aims to focus on the current state of open access (OA) initiatives in Zimbabwean universities. The paper specifically reports the initiatives at Zimbabwean universities regarding institutional repositories that promote OA and other digital OA collections. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research methodology was adopted. Questionnaires were used as the primary data collection method for this research. The research sought to address the following specific areas: the state of institutional repositories and open access in Zimbabwe, the discoverability of content, open access policies and mandates, the benefits of open access in Zimbabwe, and future plans for institutional OA. A total of eight out of 12 universities responded to the questionnaire. The data provided by the universities involved in the research were summarised to give a general picture of the open access landscape in Zimbabwe. Findings – The current initiatives in the universities involved in this survey indicate that most universities in Zimbabwe are going to have institutional repositories that promote open access to information. Most institutions in Zimbabwe are already working on putting open access policies in place in a bid to promote open access. Originality/value – The research will shed more light on the status quo of open access initiatives in Zimbabwe, particularly with regards to institutional repositories, open access policies and open access mandates.

Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in India: a comparative study

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Ramdas Lihitkar ◽  
R.S. Lihitkar
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Electronic Theses And Dissertations ◽  
Theses And Dissertations ◽  
Descriptive Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to know the institutions who are developing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in India, and to compare the ETDs in India based on a predetermined parameter. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used for this research paper was a descriptive method. The institutional web sites were browsed and searched to collect the data. A relevant literature review was also carried out to describe the current status and other relevant information. Findings – Institutional repositories are a concept gaining movement today. India is moving ahead in this direction and major education and research institutes have already created their own institutional repositories. In analysis and findings, a detailed report of the analysis of data collection and its subsequent interpretations are given. Practical implications – If anybody would like to develop ETDs they can this overview of all the previous developed ETDs in India. It will be helpful for planning, developing and implementing new ETDs. Originality/value – This type of research study has not made till now. It is very important to study current and different types of ETD projects in India and its status. The study of special subject repositories is important for the students, scholars and researchers as well as for the LIS professionals.

The trend of academic libraries consortia in the north central and south east geo-political zones of Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 305-320
Author(s):  
Bassil Ebiwolate Posigha ◽  
Vera Zacheaus Godfrey ◽  
Felicia Doubra Seimode
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Management ◽  
The North ◽  
Library Consortia ◽  
Present Trend ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Purpose – This study aims to examine the present trend of academic libraries consortia and the likely ways to improve on the development of consortia in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted the descriptive survey method. It covers four selected academic libraries in the north and eastern parts of Nigeria. A questionnaire entitled “Library Consortia in Nigerian Universities Questionnaire (LCNUQ)” was designed to collect data for the study. Findings – The study revealed that academic libraries in Nigeria have not fully embraced library consortia, as only two out of the four academic libraries surveyed have functioning library consortia. The paper shows that none of the libraries surveyed have collection development policies on e-resources, as well as union catalogues and interlibrary networking. It also reveals some likely ways of improving library consortia to include: jointly budgeting, increased funding and collective and compulsory development of interlibrary networking and union catalogues among university libraries within the country. Practical implications – The study will encourage librarians and library management in developing countries to embrace and facilitate the development of library consortia. Originality/value – The paper reveals the present trend of library consortia in Nigeria. Therefore, the findings may be of help to librarians, university administrators and government to build and improve on the development of library consortia in Nigeria and other developing countries.

A survey of e-book interlibrary loan policy in US academic libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Zhu ◽  
Lan Shen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to reveal the perceived barriers to e-book interlibrary loan (ILL) and their reflections on academic libraries’ ILL/lending policies. Academic libraries in the USA have witnessed an impressive growth in acquiring e-journals and e-books. Although ILL of e-journal articles has become a standard practice, ILL of copyrighted e-books does not appear to be equally common. E-book ILL is often considered difficult or nearly impossible because restrictions for ILL are embedded in license agreements (or terms of use) and reinforced by technological measures. Design/methodology/approach – The study opted for a telephone survey method, in which researchers collected data on ILL/lending policies about e-journals and e-books in 200 randomly selected academic libraries in the USA. Findings – The findings show the state of e-books in US academic libraries and demonstrate the slow adoption of e-book ILL compared to e-journal ILL. Licensing restrictions and lack of technical means are the major obstacles perceived by librarians, but there may also be a barrier of perception. Research limitations/implications – The survey data do not necessarily provide explanations. In-depth interviews may be needed to explain the barriers and perceptions. Practical implications – This paper reveals important perceptions and facts about e-book ILL in academic libraries and analyzes the obstacles and restrictions on e-book. Originality/value – This paper provides empirical data on the status of e-book ILL.

Restructuring degree roadmaps to improve timely graduation in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 432-449
Author(s):  
Xuemei Su ◽  
Ming Chen ◽  
Jasmine Yur-Austin ◽  
Ying Liu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Student Loan ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Faced with declining government funding support and rising student loan debt, recently timely graduation in higher education has become a focal point of discussion at many institutions, particularly public universities. Timely graduation requires a student to successfully enroll in and complete a set of required and elective courses, the relationship of which is bound by the courses’ prerequisite requirements. However, due to the fact that class capacity is oftentimes limited and wrongly timed, many students find it challenging to stay on track. A well-structured degree roadmap that takes all factors into consideration and specifies the right courses to take by semester will better guide students’ course selection and thus increase their chance of earning their degrees within the four-year time window. Additionally, it will also allow administrators to do better capacity planning, and hence increase course accessibility to students. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In this research, some operational techniques such as line balancing and simulation are applied to restructure and improve degree roadmaps, and assess the resulting outcomes. Some innovative methods are proposed to improve the processes on which students proceed to degree. Findings The results based on historical data that contains millions of student records spanning over eight-year time window demonstrate that the improved degree roadmaps can substantially increase students’ chance of completing the degree in a four-year time window. The research findings provide university administrators with cost-effective solutions. Originality/value This research breaks a new ground in literature due to its unique approach and focus. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the first attempts to systematically study the impact of degree roadmap on timely graduation. This research focuses on finding solutions that are within the institution’s control, hence the proposed solutions are implementable and will provide university administrators with new tools and perspectives to enhance student success.

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