scholarly journals The Library and Information Science (LIS) Profession and the Cameroon Development Vision 2035: A Perception Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary M. Shafack
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
The Government

The world faces immense challenges which range from people living in poverty and denied dignity, rising inequalities, unemployment, global health threats, natural disasters, spiraling conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism and related humanitarian crises leading to force displacement of people, the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation and the resultant climate change problem, just to name these. Fortunately, there are recognized human rights in the context of the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Right in Article 19 and the Africa Chatter. These problems have thus challenged the world’s organizations to think and reflect on the way forward and some of these ways are developmental plans which include the UN Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda, the African Union (AU) 2063 Development Agenda with 17 aspirations, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Strategy Plan and key initiative and the Cameroon Development Vision 2035 emergence programme. These agendas require a number of stakeholders to intervene if these challenges must be reduced for the benefit of humanity. One of such stakeholders is the Library and Information Science (LIS) Profession. The question that comes up with respect to the Cameroon context is, “Is the LIS profession in Cameroon able to meet its information role?” In line with this, three research questions were coined to guide data collection for this paper. The survey method was adopted with document analysis and interview schedule constituting the main data collecting instruments. The simple descriptive statistical method was used for data analysis. The information profession is critical in the development agenda, because it provides the platform for access to various information that enhance the progress of all human activities. The LIS profession drives the knowledge economy. Thus it is well placed to roll the information literacy programmes of any nation to help people have access to quality information, enhance community education, social, health and economic needs thereby improving lives and development. There is equally the shift from a print to a digital information environment as supported by the advent of new Internet technology such as mobile or broadband. This is changing the means and mechanisms of information delivery in libraries which have the potential to lead, improve and provide more relevant services and programmes for users. This profession has proven to be the most suitable with skills and mandate to pull together, organize and make available and accessible information in all forms and formats to all irrespective of their social, educational and physical status. From the study it is clear that the LIS profession in Cameroon is not able to play its role of collector and steward of human heritage, is not able to play its fundamental role in enhancing education through the different libraries and information services, is not able to enhance and ensure inclusive, equitable, quality education and promote lifelong learning and is unable to increase access to information and knowledge assisted by ICTs to support sustainable development to help Cameroon in its development agenda. The recommendation is that it will be unfortunate for a nation like Cameroon not to afford to accord an appropriate attention to the LIS profession which is a suitable developmental tool. The government needs therefore to provide the needed status for this sector and put it on its agenda and this will usher in a new spirit of information professionalism in Cameroon that will go a long way to enhance literacy that is needed if Cameroon must develop.

MOOCs – an opportunity for international collaboration in LIS education

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 360-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamprasad M. Pujar ◽  
Prahalad G. Tadasad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
The Government

Purpose Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have opened up a gateway for ongoing learning opportunities to students, faculty and researchers. MOOCs are now being offered in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) by a number of universities and institutions. This paper aims to explore how this new model of education can bring opportunities to LIS schools to overcome such constraints as lack of teachers, variable skills levels, paucity of funds and limited infrastructure, all of which can be significant barriers to effective delivery of LIS education. This paper will provide the first perspective from a developing country like India. It will explain the concept of MOOC and discuss its present role in LIS, and will explore its potential for collaboration in furthering teaching and research in this area. Design/methodology/approach A desk-based approach was used to study the philosophy behind MOOCs and its applicability in the field of LIS. However, a survey method was implemented to collect views of LIS professionals in India, to assess their understanding and interest in MOOCs. The scope of this study was limited to explaining how this new form of education can bring opportunities to LIS schools in India. Findings The study reveals great interest among Indian LIS professionals in further study through MOOCs, although the adoption of this learning method in Indian LIS schools is still a rarity. However, policy initiatives recently proposed by the Government of India will make it necessary for LIS schools to start experimenting with this new medium of education. Originality/value Some of the areas of collaboration discussed in this paper may enable LIS teachers and schools to adopt MOOCs to further LIS education and research, especially in developing countries.

The Use of Principles of Good Assessment in Recognition of Prior Learning Practice in Library and Information Science in South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ike Khazamula Hlongwane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Prior Learning ◽  
Good Assessment ◽  
Recognition Of Prior Learning ◽  
Appeals Process ◽  
South African Higher Education

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practice offers sound benefits to library and information science (LIS) schools. Despite these envisaged benefits, very little is known about RPL practice in LIS schools in South Africa. This study sought to establish whether principles of good assessment were being followed in the LIS schools to ensure the integrity of the RPL outcomes. A combination of a questionnaire and document analysis were used to collect data from the ten LIS schools in the South African higher education and training landscape. The questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data through a survey method. In addition, the researcher employed content analysis to collect qualitative data from institutional RPL policy documents. The findings indicate that RPL assessment processes across LIS schools in South Africa were largely subjected to principles of good practice. The study found that in accordance with the SAQA RPL policy the purpose of assessment was clarified to the candidate upfront, the quality of support to be provided to the candidate in preparing for the assessment was established, an appeals process was made known to the candidate, and the choice of assessment methods was fit for purpose to ensure credible assessment outcomes. It is therefore recommended that other disciplines or departments use LIS schools’ experiences as a benchmark to improve their own RPL endeavours.

scholarly journals Humanitarian crisis and sustainable development: perspectives and preferences of internally displaced persons in the northeastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muazu Shehu ◽  
Adamu Abba
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Durable Solutions ◽  
Local Integration ◽  
The Government ◽  
Major Factors

AbstractThis study seeks to contribute to the knowledge of linkages between humanitarian actions in conflict situations and sustainable development. We analysed data generated from qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with encamped and self-settled internally displaced victims (IDPs) of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern Nigeria. Our analysis searched for themes that summarise their preferences and desires of durable solutions. Overall, the majority of the IDPs were more inclined to local integration or resettlement than return. More than males, female IDPs were likely to cite personal experience of violence as a reason for rejecting voluntary repatriation. Feelings of vulnerability, experience of violence and hope of economic and social empowerment were major reasons given in support of local integration or resettlement. Self-settled IDPs are more disposed to returning to their places of origin than encamped IDPs. The need to rebuild livelihoods and restore social and community networks were the major factors participants associated with the choice of return. Beliefs in divine destiny, lack of trust and confidence in the government were dominant views expressed by participants who were indifferent about durable solutions. There is a sense that cultural androcentric norms which give men the power to make decisions for the family shape decision-making even in emergency situations. We conclude that, regardless of their preferences about durable solutions, IDPs have long-term needs that can only be provided if humanitarian actions are integrated into the overall development agenda and programmes of governments.

scholarly journals Content analysis of European library and information science journals

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 161-170
Author(s):  
Yuliia Shevtsova ◽  
Hanna Shemaieva
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Interdisciplinary Communication ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Information And Communication

Content analysis of 28 library and information science journals of the leading European countries has been conducted in the context of the current research. The thematic focus of these journals has been the priority of the research. Several thematic groups of library and information science journals have been identified. They include the journals that cover the following topics related to: 1) digital information; 2) development of information and communication technologies and their application in library practice; 3) library and information with the key topic of library and information management; 4) various types of communication. The conclusion has been made that scholarly interdisciplinary communication is expanding in the context of information society development. The analysis provides means for taking into account the trends in the leading European countries that help to evaluate and compare the performance of Ukrainian libraries and increase the level of professional knowledge and communication of library and information science professionals.

Information Seeking Behavior of Medical Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science

2017 ◽  
pp. 177-187
Author(s):  
Bobby Phuritsabam ◽  
Arambam Bidyaluxmi Devi
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Article Type ◽  
Medical Scientist ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the library services and facilities provided to the Medical Scientists of JNIMS, Porompat. The study is limited to Medical Scientist of JNIMS who employed at twenty two (22) different medical departments of JNIMS. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on survey method; questionnaire and interview method is used for collection of primary data. Hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed to the medical scientist of JNIMS. Findings: Services and facilities provided by the library are not satisfied by the medical scientist; library lack qualified manpower to function the library. Originality/Value: The study is part of the dissertation submitted to the Department of Library and Information Science, Manipur University for the year2014-2015. Article Type: Case Study

scholarly journals Information transparency: How do Department of Library and Information Science students at South Valley University perceive the state’s dealing with the novel coronavirus outbreak?

2020 ◽  
pp. 096100062096568
Author(s):  
Essam Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Information Transparency ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

This study proposes to investigate the knowledge and perception of students in the Department of Library and Information Science at South Valley University in Upper Egypt about the state’s dealing with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 that has been detected in Egypt in February 2020. A quantitative research approach was adopted in the form of a survey. The target population of the study included students ( N = 295) of the fourth year of Department of Library and Information Science at South Valley University, of which 253 responded to the study questionnaire, representing 85.8% of the total number. The study found that there is no significant relationship between the students’ gender and other variables of the study according to the statistics used. It also showed that the most popular information sources mentioned by Department of Library and Information Science students to get information related to the coronavirus were social media and the Internet/Web. The publication/dissemination of information and its availability were badly perceived by the students. About one-third of them questioned the government’s ability to deal with the novel coronavirus. They highly believe in the role of information transparency in fighting both administrative and human corruption. The students emphasized the citizens’ right to criticize the government when it does not comply with the transparency, as well as the right to access any information owned by it in any formats at any time. They were dissatisfied with the government’s ability to retrieve information, organize, store, have legislations, and own a good database of citizens, as well as its capabilities, in terms of transparency, competence, benevolence, honesty, accuracy, efficiency/effectiveness, practicality, and confidence, in relation to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Finally, the study indicated that barriers, such as the spread of administrative and human corruption, security restrictions, and the fragility of the freedom to disclose government information, were highly significant by the surveyed students.

Self-management and information services delivery of library and information science professionals in federal universities in Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 454-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ucha Mbofung
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Delivery

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on ongoing research examining the current level of self-management of library and information science (LIS) professionals in federal universities in Nigeria. The long-term objective of the study is to determine the effect of self-management on information services delivery of LIS professionals. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive survey method was adopted to gather data from the LIS professionals in the selected 24 universities. The questionnaire was administered on 429 professionals (census) and all were received, processed, analysed and the results presented. Findings – The study reveals that majority of respondents have high level of self-management and applied relevant strategies that enabled them identify opportunities and act on them for personal and professional growth. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to practising professionals in the federal university libraries but has implications for implementing continuing professional development for all professionals in similar institutions across Nigeria. Practical implications – The study places emphasis on professionals, library management and library schools that they cannot downplay the relevance of self-management in the workplace, consequently training should be ongoing. Originality/value – The future of LIS professionals has not been viewed in the light of adopting self-management competence on such a broad scale, and with a view to assessing how this skill can help change the perception of professionals to its relevant contribution to personal development and professional growth.

Library software in Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadeem Siddique ◽  
Khalid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Principal Researcher ◽  
Theses And Dissertations ◽  
Standard Library

Purpose – This paper is the part of PhD research of the principal researcher. This paper aims to describe current status of library software being used in the libraries of Pakistan, role of national and foreign agencies in the development of library software in Pakistan, problems faced by the libraries in implementation and to highlight the recommendations by the experts in the field to overcome the problems. It also attempts to provide a bibliography on the topic to researchers in the field of library and information science. Design/methodology/approach – Available literature was reviewed. The articles were usually published in national and international journals of library and information science and contributed by Pakistani authors. Other sources consulted were books, conference proceedings, theses and dissertations and websites of libraries and professionals’ organisations. Findings – The situation in Pakistan regarding library software cannot be compared with the that in advanced countries. Lack of standard library software, the multilingual nature of the library collections, poor budgets, computer illiteracy, software piracy and unavailability of support from local vendors are the main hindrances in the effective implementation of library software. In the available literature, experts have recommended the formulation of a consortium or a body under the umbrella of the Government of Pakistan which could provide standard library software, along with technical support, innovation and upgrades of the software, to meet the needs of Pakistani libraries. Originality/value – This is the first paper that presents the current status of library software in Pakistan, problems faced by the libraries in implementation of library software and recommendations suggested by the experts to overcome the problems.

Role of Library Professionals in Content Development

2020 ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
J. P. Singh Joorel
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
Content Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Library Professionals

The overall goal of any country is to create high quality, curriculum-based interactive content for all subjects and host them on a platform for the benefit of universities, colleges, and the worldwide academic community in open access. The Government of India has initiated several projects for the e-content development. One of important project is e-PG Pathshala, which is a gateway to PG courses. The bigger challenge to developed this is content creation. So, library professionals made a vital role during the phase of e-content development. This chapter focused on e-PG Pathshala project and how library professionals helped to develop the content. e-PG Pathshala has 15 courses, which comprises of 387 e-modules developed n four quadrants. The INFLIBNET Centre is an anchor institute for the courses of library and information science.

scholarly journals Digitization and Developing Digital Library and Information Support in Bangladesh: Professional Challenges

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Saiful Alam
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
Skilled Manpower ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
The Government

The digital revolution throughout the world has brought about new challenges as well as new opportunities for the information professionals. The information professionals of the developing countries are grappling with problems like weak infrastructure, lack of skilled manpower, financial stringency etc. in implementing information and communication technologies in the libraries and also in the digitization of information resources. This paper explores the problems and potential of ICT and digitization in context of the library and information sector of Bangladesh. An elaborate analysis of various challenges for establishing digital information systems and services in the backdrop of the socio-economic realities of Bangladesh has been presented in the paper, along with indications as to how these challenges could be overcome. The paper ends with the conviction that, if these challenges could be dealt with successfully, the Vision 2021 stated by the Government could be realized in time. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.57-66DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12922

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