Resource provision and access to indigenous knowledge in public libraries in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-287
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case

This paper is part of a larger qualitative multiple case study that sought to explore the integration of indigenous knowledge in public libraries in South Africa. The paper draws from semi-structured interviews with selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa to determine the extent to which public libraries provide targeted resources to enhance access to IK. Results reveal that that there are no targeted resources to facilitate access to IK. Concerted efforts to facilitate access by increasing the number of libraries were noted. Notwithstanding these efforts, there seems to be a paucity of IK, which has implication for inclusive services. It is recommended that libraries look beyond enabling access to the Internet but also explore how they can further optimise ICT usage as a way of facilitating access to IK through capturing, organising and disseminating knowledge of indigenous communities.

Exploring the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Into Public Library Services With an Inclusive Intent Using a Critical Theory Lens

2020 ◽  
pp. 266-285
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Theory ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Multiple Case

Despite legislative and regulatory frameworks that have paved the way for transformation and inclusivity of public libraries in South Africa, there seems to be little or no integration of indigenous knowledge (IK). The exclusion of IK from public library services has potential to counteract efforts towards the provision of inclusive services. This chapter demonstrates how critical theory was used as a lens in a multiple case study that explored the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into services of public libraries in South Africa. Looking at the articulation of IK, services that are provided to ensure inclusivity, and issues that impact on IK integration in public libraries, semi-structured interviews were conducted from purposefully selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used. Using critical theory to frame the analysis, findings indicate understanding of aspects of IK including its oral nature. A paucity of engagement with IK as an aspect of inclusive service provision was noted.

Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge through Community Involvement in Public Libraries in South Africa

Libri ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-303
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews

AbstractPublic libraries exist to serve the information needs of communities, meaning their services need to be reflective of those served communities. However, the literature points to under-usage of libraries among indigenous communities in South Africa, and suggests that the perceived irrelevance of libraries could be a contributing factor. The argument made in this article is for the involvement of communities in planning and implementing services, to enhance awareness, relevance and use of libraries. Such involvement would also provide a space for communities to contribute content based on their indigenous knowledge. In this qualitative multiple case study of purposively selected provincial library services in South Africa, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with library heads. The data were coded and categorised according to themes derived from the stated research questions. The findings show a disjuncture between the interpretation and application of the concept of community involvement – a misalignment that has a negative impact on the ability of libraries to provide inclusive services. A framework for community involvement is suggested as a way of enhancing the synergy between community information needs and public library service provision. The proposed framework identifies indigenous communities, libraries and archival institutions as key stakeholders in harnessing indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that a similar study be conducted with community librarians where the nuances of communities can be unveiled, given that the current participants were heads of library services.

A framework for the integration of indigenous knowledge into libraries in South Africa

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110182
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews

This article is part of a larger study which explored the integration of indigenous knowledge into public library services in South Africa in an endeavour to enhance their relevance. Four purposefully selected provincial library services comprised the sample for the study. Semi- structured interviews with heads of provincial library services were conducted to collect data. The data was analysed thematically. The results show that indigenous knowledge has not been integrated into public libraries, despite the expressed need identified by the participants. A framework that identifies stakeholders and their responsibilities, as well as envisaged outcomes for the integration of indigenous knowledge, is proposed. Similar studies are recommended for further research in order to customise the proposed framework, given the fact that the participants in the study from which the article is extracted were heads of library services who did not work directly with communities.

Library services enriching community engagement for dementia care: The Tales & Travels Program at a Canadian Public Library as a case study

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110651
Author(s):  
Jiamin Dai ◽  
Joan C. Bartlett ◽  
Karyn Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
People With Dementia

Growing dementia-friendly library services are contributing to community-based dementia care. Emerging community programs in libraries and museums provide notable opportunities for promoting engagement and inclusivity, but these programs have yet to receive in-depth assessments and analyses to guide future research and practice. This paper presents a case study examining a social and storytelling program for people with dementia run by a Canadian public library. It investigates two research questions: How can public library programs contribute to community-based dementia care? And what are public libraries’ strengths and challenges in running programs for people with dementia? The study involves participant observations of the program and semi-structured interviews with people with dementia, caregivers, and program facilitators (librarians and Alzheimer Society coordinators). Through thematic analysis of fieldnotes and transcripts, the study reveals how this inclusive platform supports engagement, fosters relationships, helps caregivers, and reaches broader communities. This research further uncovers the librarians’ diversified roles as demonstrated through their collaboration with professionals, preparation and research, and facilitation of the sessions. This paper advances librarianship research on enriching community-based dementia care, including furthering inclusivity and engagement and extending accessible library services. By analyzing library programming for the dementia community and assessing its strengths and challenges, the paper highlights librarians’ awareness of the community’s evolving needs and their collaboration with other professionals. It offers practical insights on useful resources and emerging best practices that will hopefully inspire other initiatives in which information professionals can help improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Perception of Brazilian Companies on the Potential and Concrete Benefits Resulting from the FSC Certification

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1622
Author(s):  
Camila Fagundes ◽  
Dusan Schreiber ◽  
Moema Pereira Nunes ◽  
Maria Eduarda Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Forest Stewardship Council ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Forest Stewardship

Concern with the adequate use of natural resources has increased the relevance of products certifications in the wood supply chain, especially in companies established in Brazil, the cradle of one of the largest forest reserves. This study investigates the perception of companies on the potential and concrete benefits resulting from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. To achieve this, a multiple case study was carried out with data triangulation through semi-structured interviews, documentary research and non-participant observation. Four FSC certified industries established in Brazil were analyzed. The results showed that of the four companies participating in the study, only one did not achieve the desired economic benefits, whereas all organizations accomplished the advantages of the other areas of sustainability, both the social and environmental.

scholarly journals A influência do capital estrutural no processo criativo no setor de design de joias

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1272-1288
Author(s):  
Raquel Engelman ◽  
Bruna Lamb Mentz ◽  
Bruna Carolina Pospichil ◽  
Cristine Hermann Nodari ◽  
Dusan Schreiber
Keyword(s):  
Creative Process ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Southeast Region ◽  
Structural Capital ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Jewelry Design

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to analyze relations between the structural capital and the creativity in the jewelry sector.Design/methodology/approach – The method is multiple case study of 15 enterprises that develop jewelry design in the South and Southeast region of Brazil through semi structured interviews and self-filled questionnaires.Findings – The main results of the research were the perception of the strong influence of structural capital on the creative process of jewelry design, both positively and negatively.Research limitations/implications – The research limitation is the difficulty of generalization of the results obtained in the research, even being a study of multiple case, the answers were obtained only in the South and Southeast region of the country.Originality/value – As study’s main contributions we suggest that the internal structure eases the creative process in the ateliers, since the designers search to act in environments where they feel comfortable and provide the essential technologies that help them in both researches about tendencies and the development of the creative process.

Feasibility and acceptability of Otago Exercise Programme and Prevention of Falls for Adults with Intellectual Disability: a multiple case study design

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh Hale ◽  
Emile Vollenhoven ◽  
Lisa Caiman ◽  
Alice Dryselius ◽  
Yvette Buttery
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efficacy Trials ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Multiple Case

Background/AimsMany people with intellectual disability fall frequently. Understanding fall prevention intervention characteristics will assist efficacy trials to target appropriate people. An exploration of two exercise-based fall prevention interventions is reported, focusing on viability and acceptability.MethodsA multiple case study of adults with intellectual disability completing either the group Otago Exercise Programme or the Prevention of Falls for Adults with Intellectual Disability intervention was performed. Integrated data sources were used: semi-structured interviews with participants and support workers, observations, attendance/adherence, falls, adverse events and balance measures.ResultsIn total, seven adults with varying intellectual disability levels participated. Overall, three themes enabled understanding of suitability of people to each intervention: suitability of the exercises; role of the environment; and benefits to participants.ConclusionsEducating adults with intellectual disability and their support workers of the importance of regular exercise is key to participation. Both programmes required high levels of support and prioritisation to ensure exercises occurred and were carried out safely.

Digital Social Networking Use Effect on Individual Job Performance

2021 ◽  
pp. 29-48
Author(s):  
Marwa Mallouli Ben Zouitina ◽  
Zouhour Smaoui Hachicha
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter aims to explore the impact of social networking sites (SNS) usage on individual work performance (IP). A literature review revealed contrasting results. A multiple-case study on 15 employees from eight Tunisian firms has been conducted to highlight the SNS effects on IP in the specific context of democratic transition. Data have been collected by semi-structured interviews and coded using the Nvivo 10 software. The analysis shows that, depending on the level of SNS usage, three types of effect are identified on IP at work: positive, negative, or null. This result invites researcher to consider the usage intensity when analyzing SNS effects on IP. Understanding the different types of SNS usage by actors and their effects on IP could help managers to take appropriate decisions to take profit from this usage. This research suggests also that organizational policy moderates the relationship between SNS usage and IP.

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