Integration of Digital Preservation Knowledge, Skills and Competencies in the Teaching Curricula of Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thatayaone Segaetsho ◽  
Julie Moloi
Keyword(s):  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Teaching Content ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University

In the past few decades, digital technology has found a place in the acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and dissemination of information. However, heritage institutions are perturbed by the challenges of digital preservation strategies particularly for education. Despite continuous investment in digital preservation, there are limited skilled professionals to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to drive digital preservation in Botswana. Therefore, this paper investigated the knowledge, skills and competencies related to digital preservation in the teaching curricula of the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at the University of Botswana. Data collection was done through intensive structured interviews with specific educators who teach courses on digital preservation in the archives and records management stream. The study revealed that despite the fact that the educators in preservation courses are aware of current trends in digital preservation, most of them have not obtained formal degree certification specific to digital preservation. The findings further revealed that minimal digital preservation competencies are observed in the teaching curricula. A significant number of challenges observed illustrated mainly a lack of resources and limited skills in terms of practical demonstrations by educators. The curricula mostly lacked clarity on long-term and short-term digital preservation. The study recommends that DLIS and other institutions should conduct surveys or curriculum auditing on digital preservation in order to improve the teaching content. A significant number of shortcomings regarding digital preservation that could motivate further studies are also discussed under the conclusion and recommendations section of this study.

Research Methodologies Used in Library and Information Studies Masters' Degree Dissertations at the University of Botswana

2020 ◽  
pp. 384-403
Author(s):  
Olefhile Mosweu ◽  
Tshepho Mosweu
Keyword(s):  
Master's Degree ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Master's Degrees ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Course Work ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Master’S Degree ◽  
The University

Although universities have different models for their Master's degrees, most programmes consists of course-work and research-based components. The Master's degree of the University of Botswana's (UB) Department of Library and Information Studies requires students to carry out research and write a dissertation in the final year. Research methodology is an integral component of research, including in postgraduate research. Using the descriptive content analysis technique from a census of dissertations, this chapter examines the Master's dissertations submitted in the field of library and information studies at UB between 2008 and 2018 in order to determine the trends in the research methodologies used. The findings of the study showed that although DLIS Master's degree dissertations generally conformed to globally accepted research methods in humanities; most of them did not specify the research philosophy adopted for the studies. This study found that the most dominant research approach was combined qualitative and quantitative approaches.

scholarly journals Teaching in Library and Information Studies: Creating videos to provide educational content

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-José Boté-Vericad
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Educational Content ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University

COVID-19 has forced several changes in the teaching of Library and Information Studies. In this article we explain our experience in creating and publishing videos as educational content at the University of Barcelona. Students having to learn by distance teaching have different needs in regard to the provision of educational materials. Similarly, professors need to give the best possible experience to distance students when face-to-face courses are not possible. This leads to the question of the roles that information literacy and digital literacy play, especially for professors.

scholarly journals Zen Studio Meditation for Kids by P. Bonita & B. Silverman

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cori Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Graphic Design ◽  
Radio Station ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Spare Time ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The University ◽  
Age Range

Bonita, P., & B. Silverman. Zen Studio Meditation for Kids. Edoki Academy, 2016. Vers 1.15. Apple App Store, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zen-studio-meditation-for-kids/id1051358262?mt=8  Suggested age range: 4+ Cost: Free with in app purchases (complete version $3.99 USD) Edoki Academy has effectively created an app that allows children to appreciate music and art as relaxation aids. Their Zen Studio Meditation for Kids is a painting app that allows children to virtually finger paint by filling in a grid of triangles with colours as music notes simultaneously play. The free version of the app offers two blank canvases and two canvases with tutorials that they can follow. The app is designed well and is intuitive enough that is does not need the clutter of menus or instructional detours. The only instances where guidance is visible are when new spaces on the grid are exposed to guide users to the next colour, or when the congratulatory confetti explodes on the screen to signify that a tutorial is completed. It is important to note that once a tutorial is completed the music continues to play and children can continue painting over the triangles as they please without the pressure to move on to a new tutorial. There is no feedback or time limit given for the tutorials because the point is to relax and enjoy the process. What makes the app unique is the layering of music that happens when the background meditation music blends with the notes that play each time a triangle is filled in with colour. This allows children to relax to the background music and be encouraged to create their own melodies as they are painting. The graphic design elements are simple and clean and there are no words that prompt you to select a canvas or a tutorial. Instead of words, the app uses animation and magnification to show that a selection has been made. It is very clear when a choice has been made because it appears in colour and the universal “play” triangle symbol appears, leading the user to click there to begin the painting.  A handbook for parents and teachers is also included in the app. This additional document provides information on mindfulness and the intentions behind Edoki Academy’s Zen Studio Meditation for Kids. It also offers some learning exercises and questions that parents or teachers can supplement with the app. This app is recommended for creative children who enjoy music and painting, or those who would benefit from learning new ways to reduce stress or anxiety and practice mindfulness. Screenshot of the homepage showing the two blank canvases and two tutorial canvases.   An example of a tutorial of a firetruck almost at completion. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Cori Sanderson Cori is in her second year of the Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of Alberta. In her spare time, she listens to podcasts and volunteers at her local campus radio station where she participates in a monthly library-centric radio show.  

scholarly journals Developing creative product designs inspired by ethnic cultural heritage

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiphe Nani Setlhatlhanyo ◽  
Odireleng Marope ◽  
Richie Moalosi ◽  
Oanthata Jester Sealetsa
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Symbols ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Innovative Products ◽  
The University

Due to colonisation and globalisation, ethnic cultures are changing and Botswana’s ethnic cultures are no exception to this change. This study aims to explore how the ethnic culture of different tribes in Botswana can be used to inspire the design of new products. A case study was conducted with students at the University of Botswana on particular themes of ethnic cultural knowledge, which inspired them to design futuristic innovative products. Visual analysis was used to assess the student designs for how they informed current trends without distorting their ethnic cultural meaning. The findings indicated that students were able to design using their own cultural heritage, to work in teams, thus, attaining soft skills, and to modernise ethnic cultural symbols to design symbolic, innovative, and futuristic products.

scholarly journals Making connections while earning an MLIS

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-172
Author(s):  
Sarah Loor ◽  
Michael A. Crumpton
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Real ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning Connections

Purpose This purpose of this paper is to discuss a collaboration with a non-profit organization conducted as part of the Real Learning Connections project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The authors discuss their experiences working with a non-profit partner from outside the university and the benefits gained from collaboration. Design/methodology/approach This is a reflection based on the personal experiences of the authors as collaborators in the project. Findings Through their experience with the Real Learning Connections project, the authors found that collaborating with a non-profit organization provides a unique opportunity for library school students to learn practical skills while also providing value to the non-profit organization in the form of expertise in information services. Originality/value This piece discusses the benefits of collaboration from the perspective of both an Library and Information Studies (LIS) student and a professional librarian, as well as considering the experiences of an external non-profit organization.

Seraphina by R. Hartman

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kymberly Sobchyshyn
Keyword(s):  
The Novel ◽  
Ancient History ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Non Fiction ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
The University ◽  
New Religion

Hartman, Rachel. Seraphina. Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2012. Print.Rachel Hartman’s debut novel, Seraphina, is a fantastical journey into a world where humans and shape shifting dragons live among each other. The novel follows Seraphina, a strong and intelligent female character with a talent for music, as she is caught between two races. Hartman has masterfully created a new religion, culture, language, political system, and multiple species in order to fully immerse the reader in Seraphina’s world.Hartman’s dragons, a unique breed of cold, unemotional mathematicians, are mostly intrigued and confused by what they consider to be overly emotional and artistic humans. The strong differences between the two races are cause for tension, but Seraphina has a mysterious gift of being able to understand how dragons think and why they react to humans in such curious and sometimes dangerous ways.Seraphina is a story of political unrest and adventure, with a little romance added in for good measure. Not only is the book a quick and entertaining read, but the glossary is not to be missed. That’s right, the glossary! Hartman created much of the foreign vocabulary in the novel, and the glossary is the place where her sense of humour and criticism of the world she has created really shine through. Some of the more challenging vocabulary in the novel is defined in the glossary so readers who might feel discouraged by the language should know that the author has invented most of these words. For a good laugh and some added detail about Seraphina’s world, the glossary is a great way to finish. Seraphina is the first in what Hartman has planned to be a series.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kymberly SobchyshynKymberly is currently in her second year of schooling to obtain a Master’s in Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. In her free time she enjoys traveling, ancient history, and reading of the fiction and non-fiction variety.

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