scholarly journals Academics Perceptions of Electronic Resources at the University of Venda, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 424-428
Author(s):  
Alugumi Samuel Ndou ◽  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study examined the perceptions of academic researchers regarding electronic resources (e-resources) provided by the library at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), South Africa. The quantitative research approach and survey research design were adopted to conduct the investigation. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire randomly distributed to 45 UNIVEN academics. The findings of this study revealed that although academics at UNIVEN find e-resources easy to use, believe the resources improve academic performance, and frequently encouraged postgraduate students to use them, the majority of them had plagiarism concerns and were only moderately satisfied with available e-resources at UNIVEN. This study recommends that the university library should train academics on plagiarism detection. In addition, the library should adopt innovative ways of improving e-resource services, such as providing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) with advanced and federated search capabilities.

Innovation in the library: Adoption of smartphones in accessing electronic resources in a Ghanaian university

2020 ◽  
pp. 096100062094964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Adzobu ◽  
Stephen Okyere ◽  
George Tesilimi Banji
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation Theory ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Characteristics Of Innovation ◽  
The University

This paper examines the influence of innovation on the adoption of smartphones for accessing electronic resources in the library by postgraduate students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The theoretical model that underpinned this study was the diffusion of innovation theory. Based on a quantitative research approach, a survey research design was used. Questionnaire was employed in the collection of data from 278 postgraduate students. The responses were coded, captured and analysed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22. The findings of the study show that postgraduate students’ gender and faculty influenced their adoption of smartphones for accessing e-resources at the University of Cape Coast. However, the age of the students did not have any significant influence on the adoption of smartphones. The findings further show that only two of the perceived characteristics of innovation, complexity and compatibility, had a significant influence on the adoption of smartphones among the postgraduate students.

scholarly journals Faculty’s and Postgraduate Students’ Awareness of and Attitudes to Using the Institutional Repository

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nokuphila Saulus ◽  
Stephen Mutula
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The University

Institutional repositories (IRs) play an essential role in preserving universities’ intellectual output, enhancing access to research, and increasing the visibility of scholars and their institutions. IRs are therefore expected to be accepted and optimally utilised by scholars. However, the literature reveals that IRs are growing at a slower pace than anticipated, and that it has not been easy to convince faculty members to contribute their work to IRs. Therefore, this study examined the awareness of the faculty and postgraduate students at the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) of their IR, and also assessed their attitudes to using their IR. The study was underpinned by the post-positivist paradigm, and the quantitative research approach was used. The study adopted a survey design with questionnaires administered to the faculty and postgraduate students. The results of the study revealed that most of UNISWA’s faculty knew about the existence of the IR, whereas the majority of the postgraduate students were not aware of it. It was established that the most popular sources of hearing about the IR were colleagues, institutional emails, and seminars and/or workshops. The results further revealed that even though the majority of the faculty was aware of the IR, very few contributed their research. The reasons cited for the poor uptake of the university’s IR included lack of awareness, few or no publications to contribute, and no time to access the IR due to heavy workloads. The faculty and postgraduate students also preferred to be assisted by librarians in archiving content in the IR. The issues discussed in this article have implications for the enhancement of research, practice, and policy in the context of developing countries.

LMS for Information Science Students in an Open Distance E-Learning Institution in South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 266-285
Author(s):  
Lancelord Siphamandla Mncube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Face To Face Instruction ◽  
The University

In an open distance e-learning (ODeL) environment, the lack of infrastructure causes certain obstacles that result in students not utilising the learning management systems (LMS). The aim of this study was to examine the usability and reliability of myUnisa as the LMS used for teaching Information Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA). In the particular context, a quantitative research approach was followed, and a questionnaire was designed and distributed as a web survey in an attempt to reach scattered respondents. The research findings show that the majority of students appreciate myUnisa as being reliable in for information science students. Also, students find learning on myUnisa more convenient than face-to-face instruction, as it offers more flexibility. This study recommends all students being provided with the internet as an access tool as well as the provision of free internet access or lower charges in data bundles to all registered UNISA students.

Use of Electronic Books among Postgraduate Students in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tlou Maggie Masenya ◽  
Nqubeko Siyanda Ngema
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Electronic Books ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University

The advancement of digital technologies has improved the information environment with more information being available and disseminated in electronic format. Electronic books have been used in the academic institutions, and academic users have recognised their potential in supporting scholarships. However, the increase in the acquisition of electronic books has brought about changes to the interface of academic institutions in the provision of electronic books to users. The aim of the study was to determine the use of electronic books among postgraduate students in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa. The study used the quantitative research method underpinned by a survey research design for the data collection. The findings show a high level of awareness of electronic books that are available at the institution and that are used by postgraduate students in learning and research. Postgraduate students access and use electronic books daily through some of the popular databases such as EBSCO Discovery Service, EBSCOhost and Emerald. However, most of the postgraduate students encountered many challenges that hinder the effective use of and access to electronic books, for example, limited access to the internet, the lack of information technology skills and the lack of training on the use of electronic books. The study recommends information and digital computer literacy training, continuous professional development, and workplace learning workshops on the access to and use of electronic books.

Use of Electronic Resources by Postgraduate Students of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patros Dlamini ◽  
Mvelo Nature Msezane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Computer Laboratory ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Marketing Methods ◽  
The University

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of use of electronic resources (e-resources) by postgraduate students at the University of Zululand in South Africa. The theoretical basis of the study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model proposed by Davis in 1989. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm to enable numerous perspectives by using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A total of 66 questionnaires were sent to postgraduate students and 46 (70%) were returned. In addition, interviews were conducted with eight information librarians and two e-resource librarians from the University of Zululand. The study revealed that the use of the library by postgraduate students at the University of Zululand was exceptionally high. In the same vein, the level of awareness about the availability of e-resources was high. Librarians and postgraduate students were able to identify the different types of e-resource available at the University of Zululand library. Electronic databases and electronic journals (e-journals) were highly used, but electronic books (e-books), electronic catalogues (e-catalogues), and CD-ROMs were rarely used. The marketing methods of e-resources include departmental and faculty conferences. The study unveiled a limited budget and inadequate functional computers as challenges that hinder the effective use of e-resources by postgraduate students. The study recommends that the management of the University of Zululand increase the budget for e-resources. The institution should also consider seeking funds to purchase additional computers and expanding the computer laboratory to accommodate a larger number of postgraduate students.

Impact of ICT on Reading Habits of Students: A Survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-79
Author(s):  
B. Kumara ◽  
B. T. Sampath Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Academic Work ◽  
Reading Habits ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Well Design ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Print Books ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This paper examines the impact of ICT on the reading habits of the students of Tumkur University. The survey was conducted using a well design and structured questionnaire. A total of 440 postgraduate students of faculty of Arts, Science and Commerce were chosen. The result of this study showed that most of the students are female (61.6%) and most of them (72.3%) are from rural areas. The study found that students read books daily at home (69.5%) followed by classroom (51.1%). The students strongly agreed that the print books are costlier than Internet sources (32.3%). The study results also indicated that students are accessed Internet every day and the students used ICT in support of their academic work. The study recommends that the university authorities in to provide more ICT facilities to all the postgraduate students. It is also necessary to conduct more ICT based learning programmes to the students.

Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge of Postgraduate Students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bupe Mwamba ◽  
Pat Mayers ◽  
Jawaya Shea
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Breast Examination ◽  
The University

Abstract BackgroundGlobally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. MethodA cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey.ResultsFour hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information.ConclusionMost postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.

Doing More With Less

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Jonathan Mukwevho ◽  
Mpho Ngoepe ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Soft Power ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Deep Insight ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa ◽  
Public Archives

Providing access and usage are the reason for existence of memory institutions such as archive repositories. Despite the importance of the visibility and accessibility of public archive repositories, various scholars concur that these repositories in eastern and southern Africa are not known and are accessed by few people. This chapter utilises the concept of soft power as a framework to examine the visibility and accessibility of public archives repositories in South Africa. A quantitative research approach utilising questionnaires, interviews, content analysis and the observation of landmarks were employed as data collection tools. The findings revealed that collaboration, especially with civil societies, is a key for successful public programming at the lowest cost. It concludes that the concept of soft power can provide deep insight and better understanding on how to develop inexpensive visibility programme, yet capable of attracting a large number of people in a sustainable manner.

Planning for Knowledge Management Implementation in Academic Libraries: Empirical Evidence From Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (04) ◽  
pp. 1850039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyprian. I. Ugwu ◽  
I. J. Ezema
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
The Social ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The main reason for the failure of many knowledge management (KM) projects is the absence of a well-defined framework or strategy to guide KM implementation. This paper is an attempt to determine the planning needs of the KM deployment process and propose a framework that could be used specifically by the federal university libraries in Nigeria to guide the KM implementation process. Quantitative research approach was adopted in this study and the design was a descriptive survey. A total of 300 librarians responded to the survey that sought their opinions on the planning needs for KM implementation process. The survey instrument was a questionnaire, and it was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, ranks and percentages obtained with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study revealed the planning needs for KM implementation as consisting of the goals which the university library intends to achieve through KM, the KM process, skills and tools required as well as the type of partnerships needed. Based on these needs, this study proposes a KM framework made up of strategies and tactical moves to guide the KM implementation process.

scholarly journals The Nexus of Service Quality, Student Satisfaction and Student Retention in Small Private Colleges in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Chukuakadibia Eresia-Eke ◽  
Nokulunga Ngcongo ◽  
Tumelo Ntsoane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Private Colleges ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Context Specific

Small private colleges provide an important service to society while operating in a dynamic and competitive environment. The inability to operate in a manner that delivers desirable levels of satisfaction to students can prove fatal, more so given the relatively small size of their student populations. So, for these colleges, student retention is a critical condiment of business success and so the pursuit of service quality becomes amplified. In acknowledgement of the subjective nature of service quality that makes service quality studies very context specific, this empirical study takes a quantitative research approach to investigate the extent of association, if any, between service quality dimensions, student satisfaction and student retention in the specific context of small private colleges in South Africa. Study findings indicate the existence of statistically-significant positive (though moderate) associations between dimensions of service quality and student satisfaction as well as between student satisfaction and student retention. Though results ought not to be generalized, the study’s findings nonetheless, bode useful lessons for small private colleges, if the quest for improved business performance, based on student retention, is to be realized.

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