The impact of new information services on teaching, learning and research at the University of Zululand Library

Abstract
The rapidly-changing academic environment demands innovative library products, facilities and services. Libraries have to navigate shrinking budgets, currency fluctuations, and the high cost of print and e-resources. Other challenges include the growing need for research support services, improved information literacy, information client support services, and marketing of library services using social media. At the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Library, information librarians have played a pivotal role in the training of the academic community on modern information services for teaching, learning and research support. The purpose of this paper is to report on the perceived impact of the new information services initiated by information librarians and to establish how these services have made a difference in the teaching, learning and research activities at the university. A case study of UNIZULU Library was conducted using survey data collected from a sample population of academic staff and a random selection of evaluation forms that were completed by the students. The results of the survey showed a positive response from UNIZULU Library users to the newly-developed information services system. The paper concludes by noting the challenges to the services and suggesting areas for improvement.
Description
Article published in the South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, Vol 84, No 1 (2018). http://sajlis.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/1620.
Keywords
Library instruction,, Information literacy, Research support,, Academic libraries, University of Zululand
Citation
Ocholla, L., Mutsvunguma, G. and Hadebe, Z. (2017), “The impact of new information services on teaching, learning and research at the University of Zululand Library”, South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, Vol. 82 No. 2, doi: 10.7553/82-2-1620.
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