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- ItemAn investigation into the availability and suitability of Zulu children's literature for lower primary school pupils of Mehlwesizwe Circuit as a prerequisite for the cultivation of a reading habit(1987) Nhlanhla, Manana Margaret; Switzer, D.E.Primary school children of the Mehlwesizwe Circuit, who are learning to read for the first time do not have sufficient reading material in Zulu. These books are essential to the formulation of proper reading habits and the stimulation of the desire to read. An investigation was conducted with all lower primary schools of Mehlwesizwe Circuit, South African publishers, all local bookshops and libraries to ascertain whether any appropriate books in Zulu were available for purchase or loan. Results indicated that few such books were available and of those found, 88 % were translations from other languages and were often unsuitable.1 Possible solutions and recommendations have been presented.
- ItemThe historical development of the University Zululand library with particular reference to buildings, staff, collection, and computerization (1960-1987)(University of Zululand, 1988) Biyela, Sibongile Eunice.; Minnaar, P.This study is about the historical development of the University of Zululand Library, with particular reference to i ts buildings , staff collection and computerization, from 1960 to 1987. Also included in this study is t he branch library at Umlazi Campus. The aim of the thi s study is to trace the history of the University of Zululand Library from i ts inception i n 1960 to the most recent structure completed in 1987, since this has not been done before except the scattered information on the his t or y of t his library •
- ItemCareer preferences of library science students(University of Zululand, 1991) Nsingwane, Greatness Thulisile; Vermeulen, W.M.The underlying problem in this study is to look into the career preferences of library science students as related to university and public libraries. Career preferences will be judged by various factors which include the students' needs, professional education and social background. Prospective librarians, of course, have career preferences but should be reminded of the profound transformation of the public library in South Africa due to political and social-economic factors.
- ItemCollege libraries in Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele: a comparative study(University of Zululand, 1992) Nkosi, Agnes; Vermeulen, W.M.The purpose of the study is to determine whether Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele college libraries reach standards set for college libraries. To compare college libraries in Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele and to identify areas which need to be addressed to improve these libraries, and to alert administrators and managers of college libraries of both National states (Kangwane and Kwa-Ndebele) to the real needs of these libraries and to motivate them to be more involved in their improvement.
- ItemPublic relations in University and Technikon libraries in South Africa(1993) Jayaram, Veena; Vermeulen, W.M.Public relations is the art of relating to and communicating with one's public. The study emphasizes the dualistic nature of the concept, i.e. identifying the public's needs and wants ; and, keeping the public informed. PR is a planned process and planning effective PR programmes requires academic libraries to conduct a PR audit. The traditional concept of PR as merely a component of promotion is challenged. The role of PR is re-examined, indicating that PR could be regarded as the more dominant function over marketing of which promotion is only a component. An analysis of the statements by the Inter-University Library Committee (IULC) and the Committee of Technikon Principals (CTP) on the role of academic libraries, lends support to the view that PR should not be restricted to being a component of promotion, but that the converse should apply, and that promotion should rather become a component of PR. The view that academic libraries have a "captive audience" and therefore need not concern themselves much with PR, is therefore, rejected.. A survey of university and technikon libraries in South Africa shows that although PR should be a continuous and planned process of evaluating human needs and keeping users informed, only 33% of academic libraries have formal, planned PR programmes. Furthermore, the existing programmes address mainly one aspect of the PR function, namely that of keeping users informed. Only 26% evaluate user needs. This indicates that, for academic libraries, the PR audit is not yet fully visible.
- ItemCollection security in Natal libraries(1995) Serfontein, Theodoris Erens; Vermeulen, W.M.The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a collection security problem in South African libraries, with specific reference to Natal, to determine the extent of the problem, to find out why these problems exist, and to see if the countermeasures applied by the Natal libraries were effective-Data collection was done by means of a literature study, three empirical surveys, and a sample stocktaking exercise at the four libraries included in this project, to determine their loss rate. The results show that theft/loss and mutilation of library materials are problems of considerable magnitude, locally and internationally. (In 1991 it was estimated that in the United Kingdom library materials to the value of ± £100 million were lost) - The stocktake completed at three of the four Natal libraries included in this study , used the 3M electronic security system and the Durban Municipal Library the Checkpoint system. The main reasons for theft varied from, not having enough funds, and being selfish, to the book was not available in the bookshop and the user thought s/he would not get caught. The reasons for mutilation varied from, the user was not aware of the cost of replacing mutilated material, being selfish and to prevent others from getting the same information. It was also found that the photocopy services needed to be upgraded to prevent frustrated users from stealing or mutilating library materials, of the 343 respondents who participated in the survey conducted at the four libraries included in this study were inconvenienced by mutilation. The reasons for theft and mutilation by users in the Natal libraries coincided with those of the international world as found in the literature survey. Security or countermeasures are not effective and must be improved, i.e. the librarians must change their attitude towards library crimes, facilitate user access, implement a regular stocktaking programme, educate the library users, and publicise acts of theft and mutilation.
- ItemCommunity libraries : the concept and its application - with particular reference to the Pinetown community libraries(1997) Mostert, Bertha Jantine; Vermeulen, W.M.Since the establishment of the first libraries paradigm shifts occured, especially during times of political, social and cultural upheavals and change. It was the public library, more than any other library system, which had to continually adapt its services as its clientele changed from the privileged few who could read and write, to the masses who looked upon the library as an instrument for mass education. Although the Western public library service did not fulfil a formal educational role, it aimed to support informal and life¬long education . On the African continent public libraries were perceived as tools for mass education for a population thirsting for knowledge. Whereas in developed countries public libraries could still function by providing a relatively passive, buildings-based service, this was not possible in developing countries. What was needed to be relevant to the needs of the public, was a pro-active service, based on each specific community's needs. The ills of the public library system transplanted to Africa prevented such pro¬active and innovative services, thus leaving in its wake a disillusioned public as well as governments. Alternative approaches to rendering the services needed have been attempted, but with little sustained effort and success. At face value the South African public library system has seemed to be a well-organised and well-developed service. Unfortunately the country's political past hampered the provision of equal services to all race groups. This resulted in a service based on the needs of just one race group, excluding the majority of the population from gaining equal access to information. This situation is currently under revision, and serious efforts are being made to rectify the situation. As is the case with the rest of Africa, it would seem that far reaching adaptations to the existing service structure need to be made to enable the whole society to benefit from the services provided by libraries. Some pro-active and innovative library professionals have already started implementing alternative services to communities previously excluded from using library services provided for developed communities. These vanguard services, known as community libraries and resource centres have found innovative ways and means of serving their respective communities. The characteristics of community libraries were analysed in order to determine the functioning of this innovative system. The Pinetown community libraries aim to bring an information service to their disadvantaged communities. The research has shown that these community libraries are providing a service which has moved a considerable distance along the road of becoming a pro-active community service. Although there are still many shortcomings, the process of transformation is well under way.
- ItemReading habits and interests of parents and their influence on the reading habits and interests of their children in Umlazi Township(1997) Mngoma, Ntombifuthi Patricia.; Vermeulen, W.M.The study was prompted by the lack of a reading culture observed at schools in Umlazi area. An overview of the literature on Black family life and its possible influence on reading, pointed to various factors which could have a negative influence on Black pupils' reading, for example, poor home conditions, lack of parent models, oral culture and difficulties with regard to the language of available reading material. Home background was identified as a major factor in preparing children for leisure reading The respondents in the survey on reading interests and habits of pupils at three Umlazi schools, and their parents, represented a cross section of families, i.e. from unemployed to professional parents. Nearly half (47%) had an income of less than R 1 799,00 per month. The majority of the parents (66.7%) came from a rural background in which the oral culture is still predominant. Based on the research conducted for this study, it was concluded that parents, regardless of their cultural and socio-economic and geographical backgrounds were readers, providing their children with positive role models to copy. Parents stimulated the reading habit through pre-school story reading (52.5%) and story telling (77.5%), purchasing of reading material (61.7%), and encouragement of public library use (78.7%). The findings also indicated that factors such as TV watching, listening to the radio, lack of public libraries, inadequately trained teacher-librarians, and lack of encouragement from teachers to use the school library had a negative influence on pupils' reading habit. The results of the survey can however not be regarded as conclusive. With face-to-face contact with respondents and in-depth interviewing different results might be obtained.
- ItemA study of information needs and uses of the informal sector of Uganda(2002) Ikoja-Odongo, John Robert; Ocholla, D.N.The aim of this study was to determine the information needs and uses of the informal sector in Uganda. For this purpose, it was necessary to review literature on the informal sector and to provide an overview of the information systems and services in the country. The demographic, business and cultural characteristics of the informal sector have also been established in order to identify the information needs of the informal sector and to explore the ways in which entrepreneurs seek information and the sources that they use to access such information. The study furthermore explored the uses to which information is put and the impact that it has on the sector. In addition to this, the study identified factors that affect access to information as well as shortcomings in the information services and systems of Uganda. Solutions are suggested to fill gaps that are seen to be present in the system and, finally, an information model, which generates an agenda for further research, is proposed for the sector. The study made use of qualitative study design, the historical survey, observation, and the critical incident method to achieve its goals. The survey covered the populations residing in the various districts of Uganda, including entrepreneurs working in the informal sector. Samples were taken from six districts, of which twenty-eight persons formed the focal discussion group for the pilot district, while six-hundred-and-two entrepreneurs, twenty-three organisation representatives, and thirty-five informants represented the national population sample. Six research instruments were used in the study. The findings show that the informal sector in Uganda dates back to prehistoric times. Uganda's information systems and services vary greatly in that they range from indigenous information systems to the more formal kinds. Adults as well as children are employed in the sector and their income is generally low. While the entrepreneurs encountered in the study usually had a very basic educational background, there were also some well-educated people, including university graduates, working in the sector. Working hours were found to be flexible and depended on the type of activity that the entrepreneurs pursued. The activities of the sector were basically motivated by the need for personal survival, possible opportunities for further training, and the availability of market and specific skills. The study found that some 1,5 million people in the informal sector were employed by about 800,000 entrepreneurial business concerns spread throughout the rural and urban areas. Very little evidence of division of labour and organisation of production was found, while most of the businesses were found to be unregistered. Record keeping, however, was found to be prevalent among the businesses covered in the survey. Personal capital was mostly relied on for starting up the businesses, and products tended to be inferior. There was limited evidence to suggest that cultural beliefs had any influence on the sector's activities and/or performance. The information needs of the sector were found to be contextual. Entrepreneurs typically needed information with regard to the following areas of activity: training and skills, markets and marketing techniques, cheaper sources of raw materials/supplies, finance, tools and equipment, business management and development, information centres, knowledge of production processes, advocacy and lobbying skills, new areas of investment, record keeping, quality improvement and recognition by government. Methods of information seeking were largely found to be informal. The informal entrepreneurs made very little use of reading and libraries for accessing information, and informal sources were used more often than formal sources. However, the radio as a source of information found ubiquitous use among the entrepreneurs. It was found that information is used in marketing, the location of raw materials/supplies, pricing of products and services, improving skills, making decisions, becoming more enlightened, in order to promote self-reliance, and in understanding current affairs, including government regulations and how to deal with and relate to other people. The impact of information use was judged in terms of business improvement, improved coordination of workers and activities, the upgrading of skills and the creation of better opportunities, improved living standards, sales and increased profits, among others. Problems encountered among the informal business communities included the inability to obtain required information, lack of specific sources of information, high cost of information and the time factor involved in getting the required irrforrnation. Many entrepreneurs did not know what information facilities existed and were apathetic in this regard. It was furthermore found that language barriers and illiteracy impacted negatively on entrepreneurs in their efforts to obtain information. Entrepreneurs were furthermore found to have the habit of concealing information from one another. Problems encountered in the usage of information systems in Uganda included the following: limited use of the public library system by entrepreneurs, very few public libraries, the availability of irrelevant information in public libraries for entrepreneurs, lack of information centres for entrepreneurs, very low usage of associations for information, under-developed telecommunications infrastructure throughout the country, wrong timing of programmes on radio, low priority given to information in budgets, the publication of newspapers in a few local languages only, and poor marketing of information services. The study recommends that, in order to increase information availability to the informal sector, it is necessary to deal with the following problems: illiteracy, languages of packaging information, convenient timing of information distributed by means of radio broadcasts, redefining the role of the public library to society, increased research into the specific types of information needed by the entrepreneurs in their different trades. The study urges'government to establish an information centre for entrepreneurs and to increase publication of information in other local languages and other formats as a means of increasing channels of information dissemination. The Government is furthermore urged to work hand in hand with the private sector to increase programmes meant for the informal sector. Organisations owning radio programmes aimed at the sector are urged to plan convenient times for airing programmes for the benefit of the entrepreneurs. Individual entrepreneurs are urged to take information seriously and to use any means available to them to acquire information. Finally, the study shows that there is an urgent need for the establishment of a policy with regard to informal sector information systems and services, and that policy frameworks need to be developed for the information systems in the country.
- ItemThe internet as a resource for research, teaching and learning : a comparative study between the University of Zimbabwe and University of Zululand(2002) Mugwisi, Tinashe; Ocholla, D.N.The Internet has been described as a collection of sprawling computer networks that link millions of computers used by tens of millions of people all over the world (Leedy 1997:66). From an initial few hundred computers, the Internet has grown exponentially enabling users to communicate with each other and share information. Libraries have embraced the Internet in order to deliver improved services and extend and expand the scope of what they offer. The purpose of this study was to explore and examine, through a comparison, the use of the Internet for teaching, learning and research by academics and students at the Universities of Zimbabwe and Zululand. It was also to explore how their libraries could contribute towards achieving this aim. The survey method was largely used in which both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed, one to academics and students, and the second to professional librarians in the two institutions. Interviews were also conducted with IT divisions. Data was then analysed using the SAS programme and Microsoft Excel. The study found out that there were high computer and Internet skills among the respondents, both among academics and students, and librarians. The Internet was used in both institutions, for study and work purposes. Among the resources used, e-mail and the web were the most used by the majority of respondents. The study found out that there was no recognisable difference between Internet use and academic discipline, between and within the two institutions. This was contrary to studies in literature reviewed where Sciences were found to use the Internet more than Humanities. No significant differences were also noticed when Internet use was analysed by level of study and status of faculty academics. The study however established that the Internet had changed the information seeking behaviour of the majority of respondents in all categories. There was evidence of use of others services like telnet, electronic journals and other library OPACs by librarians for work purposes. There was however a poor link between librarians and their users with regards to use of Internet resources. The study also highlighted rather similar problems facing the two institutions in terms of Internet accessibility. Access was a major concern, due to inadequate provision of computers and existing connection to the Internet. The need for more formalised training in the use of Internet resources and the creation of awareness among academics and other potential users were also highlighted. Despite these problems, the study revealed that there is a great potential for Internet use and appreciation among academic librarians and users in the two institutions. Recommendations were put forward, among them, the need for management in the two institutions to make resources, both financial and materially available in order to sustain Internet use programmes and initiatives that are already in place.
- ItemThe use of electronic journals for the dissemination of scholary information by the University of Natal and University of Zululand: a comparative study(University of Zululand, 2002) Mgobozi, Margaret Nonhlanhla; Ocholla, D.N.The study investigates the use of electronic journals for the dissemination of scholarly information at the Universities of Natal and Zululand and attempts at determining the level of electronic journal use by the scholarly communities, and the perceived impact that these journals have on the community. Similarly, the role-played by the academic libraries in the provision of the journals has been explored. The scholarly community included the academic staff, the library staff and postgraduate students at the two universities. A survey research method was used to elicit information from the subjects. The population was sampled by use of stratified random sampling technique. Firstly, five academic faculties were selected, four from the University of Zululand, and three from the University of Natal. This was done by first drawing an alphabetical list of the academic staff in faculties by academic status. Secondly, The Deans were approached for permission to seek assistance of various heads of departments and heads of schools in distributing the questionnaires to postgraduate students. However, with postgraduate students it was not possible to secure a usable list as most of them are part timers and far away from campus. As a result as many questionnaires were distributed to postgraduate students before they were randomly selected for the sample. Ultimately, a sample of 10% was drawn from the population of 1969 postgraduate students. Regarding the academic staff a sample of 20% was drawn from each strata. The total population for the academic staff was 557. All professional librarians in the two university libraries were identified and included in the study. Data available in the university calendars and the figures obtained from the Division of Information Technology and Faculty Administration Offices was invaluable. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to the two groups, one to the academic staff and postgraduate students and the other one to the library staff. The sample frame was distributed as follows: 197 postgraduate students, 111 academic staff and 34 library staff. Data was analyzed by means of the SYSTAT Version 7.0 and Microsoft Exel for coding data. The results show that the level of electronic journal use by the two universities is still low, because, as a matter of verification. respondents found it difficult to select the type of journals they use most between electronic journals and printed journals. A large number (61 %) identified printed vi joumals. There is a slight difference between the various disciplines in the use and understanding of electronic joumals. It is reccmmended that the academic library should provide the facilities where users could access electronic joumals on their own as well as the marketing of the available services to the library clientele. There is a strong need of user education, more especially in the use of electronic joumals.
- ItemAn exploratory study of the information availability and utilization by the rural women of Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal(2002) Jiyane, Glenrose Velile; Ocholla, D.N.Women constitute 51,6 % of the population of South Africa. It is widely known that in many households, especially blacks, men leave homes for urban areas in search for jobs, leaving women behind to maintain the entire household on their own. Despite significant role played by the women, they are faced with many problems as those experienced by women in other developing countries such as illiteracy, poverty, low social status and multiple roles of child care, farming and housework. The plight of women in rural parts of South Africa, hinder their access and exploitation of media, that can enable them to participate responsibly in nation building. The study explores the media needs of the rural women and how they are fulfilled in the areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Through a normative survey method and critical incident technique, 109 women were interviewed and questionnaires administered to 18 community leaders as well as observation for primary data. Evidently, there is need for suitable media where information on agriculture, health, education, business, legal, and career opportunities as well as self-help-related activities can be accessed. Such media should be available closer to home environment, in visual and sound formats, orally delivered by people closer to the community such as friends, relatives and neighbours as well as community leaders. Methods of information transmission should be overwhelmingly oral that includes greater use of radio transmission. Largely, the findings are consistent with similar studies conducted elsewhere in the developing countries. Conference presentation and publication in a peer-referred journal is planned in 2002.
- ItemDiffusion of information and communication technologies in communication of Agricultural information among agricultural researchers and extension workers in Kenya(2004) Kiplang'at, Joseph; Ocholla, D.N.; Adigun, M.The purpose of this study was to investigate the ditTusion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the communication of agricultural information among agricultural researchers and extension workers in Kenya. In particular. the study focused on the public agricultural sector and covered the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD). A survey research method. comprising a self-completed questionnaire and a structured interview schedule was utilized to gather data from the respondents. This was supplemented by observation and document review. The questionnaire was used to solicit information from agricultural researchers and extension workers. while the face to lilCe interview was used to obtain information from the key informants of the study. The agricultural researchers were drawn from the 21 KARI research centres distributed in all the eight provinces of Kenya and strategically spread to cater for different agroecological zones and socio-economic systems. The extension workers, on the other hand. were drawn from the Uasin Gishu and Baringo Districts, while the Key informants of the study were drawn from all the institutions surveyed. A total of 356 respondents compnsmg 159 agricultural researchers, 138 extension workers and 59 key informants participated in this study. The completed questionnaires were reviewed to determine their usability. Two questionnaires were discarded because they were incomplete. A total 01'295 questionnaires (159 agricultural researchers and 136 extension workers) and 59 recorded interviews were usable. This brought the lotal number ofrespondents to 354. It was observed that KARI and MoARD had adopted a wide variety of ICT tools and services in an effort to facilitate information sharing and exchange among agricultural researchers. extension workers, farmers and other actors involved in research and extension. These ranged from modern ICT based on digital information that included computers, the Internet and emaiL electronic sources. scanners. digital cameras among others. Traditional ICTs based largely on analogue information wa\'Cs included radio VI cassettes, tape recorders, television. video cameras, VCR. telephone. fax (analogue and digital) among others. lt was further established that the Agricultural Information Centre (AIC) had a modern radio studio equipped with professional sound recording equipment and editing suites amongst a variety of other video production facilities. The wide range of leT models adopted addressed the ditTerent kinds of intormation needs and commtmication problems encountered by agricultural researchers. extension workers and fanners. The agricultural researchers and extension workers had a critical need for information that was specific to the nature of their work. In addition. they needed information on agricultural policies and meteorology. The intormation needs of the two categories of respondents were met through the use of print and electronic sources. Agricultural researchers obtained useful infornlation from the Internet and CD-ROM databases with TEEAL database having the most useful information, while the Kenya Agricultural Research Database (KARD) provided useful information on local content. In contrast. the extension workers were disadvantaged as the majority lacked skills and physical access to ICTs. Their information needs were, therefore, met through the use of printed sources of information, and by attendance of meetings, workshops and seminars, Most of the respondents used ICTs to communicate among themselves and also with actors involved in research and extension. The Internet and email was used for consultation purposes, for communicating agricultural information, for research purposes and for collaborative projects with other colleagues. Radio, television and video were used in disseminating agricultural information to the farming community. Mobile phones were found to be a convenient means of communicating short messages. It was observed that use ofICTs had increased the respondents' work productivity and creativity. Information literacy programmes were taking place in the institutions surveyed although at different levels of intensity and continuity. Through the programme most of the respondents had improved their skills on the use of computers. Internet, emaiI and VII electronic sources. The programmes were better coordinated and managed at KARI than the Ministry of agriculture. Although ICTs had facilitated communication of agricultural information among actors involved in research and extension. it was yet to improve the linkage between agricultural researchers and extension workers. For ICTs to be levera~ed in the agricultural sector. it ~ ~ was observed tbat the agricultural researchers and extension workers should work more closely as tbeir activities are interrelated. Each group should play their roles in the multifaceted process of transmitting new knowledge of farm technology to farmers and getting their leedback. An attempt had been made to formulate institutional ICT policies to guide the dilTusion of ICTs at KARl and the Ministry of Agriculture. Implementation of these policies had been hampered by the lack of adequate funds. poor infrastructure and lack of commitment by some of the policy makers. The policies had also failed to address the over-reliance of donor funded projects, capacity building and skill development and to bring institutional changes. It was observed that the Kenya Government had formulated policies to guide liberalization. privatization and tariff reform. These policies had been implemented to a greater extent and had paved the way for the involvement of the private sector in the development of the various sectors of economy in the country. The government was also in the process of formUlating a comprehensive national ICT policy to provide guidelines in the ICT sector. Despite the efforts to expand and modernize lCTs in the agricultural sector, its gro\\1h had been hampered by a number of constraints and challenges. Among them includc inadequate funding; poor infrastructure: inadequate skill development; lack of comprehensive national and institutional ICT policies: lack of monitoring and evaluation system; inadequate provision of ICTs tools and services; poor maintenance, and overreliance of donor funded projects leading to a low level of sustainability. To address these problems requires the intervention and interaction of all the stakeholders in the agricultura~ and ICT sector and also involvement of the government. The study viii recommends the following: improvement of telecommunication inti'astructure and rural electritication: tormulation of comprehensive institutional and national lCT policies: alternative sources of tinance: employment of more IT personnel: comprehensive strategies on lCT skills development: reduction of taxes on lCT tools and services: development of responsive content: development of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms tor lCT projects: improvement of communication between agricultural researchers and extension workers: and adoption of FAO Virtual Extension. Research and Communication Network (VERCON) system to improve the linkage among and between actors involved in research and extension. It is concluded that despite the constraints and challenges encountered in the application and use of lCTs in the agricultural sector. a wide variety of ICTs had been adopted to tacilitate information sharing and exchange among agricultural researchers and extension workers. The application and use of these lCTs have a greater role to play in the context of the changing paradigms in agricultural research and extension. where linear information flows are being replaced by pluralistic information flows.
- ItemCustomer care services and strategies in academic libraries in tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal(2004) Dlamini, Petros; Ocholla, D.N.The study defined customer care as an activity that allows customers to make direct contact with an organization to pass comments on products and their use. It also observed customer care as a customer service that seeks to acquire new customers, provide superior customer satisfaction, and build customer loyalty. The aim of the study was to investigate customer care strategies and services in academic libraries in tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. Two research assumptions were made. Firstly, it is assumed that academic libraries in South Africa do not have operational customer care strategies and services in place. Secondly, there is a relationship between poor information use and customer service and lack of customer care strategies and services in academic libraries in tertiary institutions. The study targeted 401 respondents, 307 students and 79 academic staff as well as 15 library staff. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches and the population targeted was sampled by the use of stratified random sampling techniques. Three hundred and eighty six (386) questionnaires were distributed to both academics and students while interviews were conducted with the library management or unit and committee responsible for customer care. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data from academic staff and students. This software was selected because it is a user friendly data management and analysis package that can perform a variety of data analysis tests and presentation functions. Additionally, Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data collected from the library staff respondents. The study focused mainly on the problem areas, which depicts customer care policy and structures, customer care products and services, conducting of customer care, satisfaction of customers and strategies of customer care. It was discovered that some academic libraries do not have a formal policy on customer care in place. However, respondents were aware of and familiar with customer care policies in their libraries. Additionally, awareness and familiarity with information products and services was found to be known among library users. Furthermore, it was found that academic libraries do not have proper methods and strategies of customer care. Even those strategies that exist, are unknown among library users. It was further drawn out that library users are satisfied with information resources offered by their libraries. The study therefore, recommends that academic libraries should have a unit/person and committee responsible for customer care in place. In addition to that, library staff should attend workshops on customer care, to get formal training on how to deal with customers. It was observed that proper strategies and methods of conducting customer care must be implemented.
- ItemParliamentary information sources, systems and services in South Africa and the role of parliamentary libraries in information provision(2004) Mostert, Bertha Jantine; Ocholla, D.N.Modern legislative functions demand that legislator's access, exploit and use information for effective decision making on a regular basis. It is increasingly assumed that legislative functions in a democratic country are becoming more complex as the electorate's political consciousness and knowledge of their rights and responsibilities is dramatically changing and transforming. During parliamentary sessions information is used for a variety of purposes. These include: preparation for speeches, participation in parliamentary debates, maintenance of formal and informal conversation with colleagues and constituents about matters of mutual concern, and to be able to contribute towards the legislative processes. It is also noted that during recess periods information is needed to communicate with constituents on a variety of issues. Parliamentary libraries are formal institutions whose specific functions are to provide information services to parliamentarians. Currently they provide a variety of services to parliamentarians such as searching and retrieval of information on request, pro-active information packages on specific topics, research assistance and photo-copying services. In some parliamentary libraries searching facilities to conduct electronic searches are part of the services rendered. Based on their close proximity to the parliament environment, it could be assumed that the libraries would be heavily utilised by the parliamentarians. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which various information sources, services and systems are used by parliamentarians to access information. The role of parliamentary libraries within the parliamentary information provision sector was also investigated. Similarly, the efficienc\ of these services in satisfying the information needs of their clientele was also to be established. Specific attention was given to the utilization of electronic information sources, especially the Internet. It was assumed that unsatisfactory educational background of the majority of the current parliamentarians impedes their ability to access information sources. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods that involved largely surveys by use of questionnaires were used. Informal interviews and observation were also used to collect data for the study. Data was collected from the parliamentarians, both on a national and a provincial level, as well as from the parliamentary librarians. Two questionnaires were designed, one for the parliamentarians and a separate one for the librarians. Informal interviews with staff from the Library of Parliament, Cape Town were held to supplement information gained from the questionnaire. An observation schedule was used to capture information relating to the conditions at the Library of Parliament, Cape Town. The questionnaire for the parliamentarians was distributed to all parliamentarians on address lists provided by the parliaments, or those available on the Internet. Seven hundred and sixty questionnaires were mailed to parliamentarians and 167 were returned, giving a return rate of 23%. It was recognized that a low response rate is common on related studies reported in the literature. The low response rate, in our view, did not obscure the validity of the results obtained from the study. The questionnaire for the Parliamentary Libraries was mailed to all ten of the parliamentary libraries and a 100% response rate was obtained. The major findings of the stud} were that South African parliamentarians indeed had the same incessant need for information as their counterparts in other countries. A variety of information needs were expressed, many of which could be directly related to the portfolio or committee to which the parliamentarian was attached. Three major information needs however emerged i.e. the need for information on governance, politics and provincial issues, as well as safety and security. It was found that the respondents used various information sources, services and systems to satisfy their information needs. The strongest preferences were expressed for printed materials; however utilization of electronic sources were strongly supported. In respect of using electronic sources a number of problems were highlighted by the respondents. Both formal and informal information services and systems were utilized a lot less than anticipated. However, a close relationship was found between the level of education of the parliamentarian and the variety of sources used. For example, the higher the educational levels attained the wider the variety of sources used. It was interesting to note that only a small discrepancy was found between the preference to receive information in a printed or an electronic format. The oral medium, which is a prevalent medium within the African continent, was the least preferred. The respondents notably preferred to took for the information themselves, but a large group also used an intermediary close to them, i.e. their Personal Assistants to do their information searches for them. Information sources utilized were mainly sources personally available to the parliamentarian. A large group also used their computers to search for information. Parliamentary libraries, even though they provide a variety of traditional and pro-active information services were not utilized optimally. This trend was reiterated by some of the librarians who mentioned that they were severely under-utilized even during parliamentary sessions. With the exception of the Library of Parliament, Cape Town, parliamentary libraries at provincial level are new developments, and as thus still busy establishing themselves as role-players in the information provision sector. The success of their activities varies from library to library, from being well-utilized units, to being severely-underutilized. Problems identified in this regard are the marketing of services and products and user-education. The majority of the libraries are moving progressively towards the utilization and the provision of electronic information sources for parliamentarians. Recommendations included an aggressive and effective marketing strategy to keep parliamentarians informed on the latest available products and services. In this respect, the electronic medium should be used optimally, either through the Intranet or the Internet. Innovative ways and means of user education should also be investigated. It is also recommended that the parliamentary Libraries develop a niche area for themselves in respect of the provision of electronic information services. Parliamentarians do not have the time, nor the expertise, to spend on doing fruitless searches. Particular attention should be given to the role of the Personal Assistant in the information seeking. Similarly, parliamentarians need to be educated about the advantages of using a skilled information-seeking intermediary instead of an unskilled person. Attention should be given to educating parliamentarians about the various information sources available to them, both within the parliamentary libraries, as well is in the country. Once again the parliamentary libraries could see this as a niche area for service delivery.
- ItemMapping and audit of information and communication technologies in Library and Information Science education in Sub-Saharan Africa(2004) Minishi-Majanja, Mabel Khayisia; Ocholla, D.N.Technology is a key subject with in C2005-RNCS and is targeted as a learning area which will contribute towards preparing learners for their roles in society and in the world of work. School principals are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that Technology as a learning area is successfully implemented at schools in line with national and provincial guidelines. This research examined management of the curriculum with specific reference to Technology as a learning area. The management role of principals is central to implementation of this learning area, including provision of resources for teaching and learning and assignment of technology education to qualified educators. A literature review was undertaken to establish the relevant technical knowledge and professional skills that the principal would be required to possess in order to bring about meaningful changes and to implement Technology education. The study revealed that there are challengers regarding management of Technology curriculum and resources to implement the learning. The study also revealed that in spite of barriers to successful implementation school principals have devised measures to implement and manage the curriculum, including communicating with the interest groups. The researcher has made recommendations regarding management and implementation for Technology education.
- ItemThe management and diffusion of HIV/AIDS information in institutions of higher learning in South Africa(2005) Dube, Luyanda; Ocholla, D.N.The impact of HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is devastating worldwide especially among tertiary institutions whose constituencies are within the age bracket between 15-45 years. Unfortunately there is still no cure for the disease, and one way of controlling the rampant nature of the pandemic is through educational and enlightening interventions backed by appropriate information. The aim of the study was to assess the framework, nature and scope of the institutional response as well as the appropriateness of HIV/AIDS information dissemination interventions developed and employed by institutions of higher learning in South Africa for the prevention of the spread of the pandemic. The study was informed by theoretical framework grounded on the Diffusion of Innovations theory. Both qualitative and quantitative research design and methodologies were employed largely through survey, observation and document analysis. The study targeted HIV/AIDS service providers, health centers and institutional libraries within all public universities and technikons in South Africa. The respondents within institutions were identified largely through non-probability sampling techniques such as snowball and purposive sampling. The study mapped out the HIV/AIDS response of the higher education sector in relation to programmes offered and strategies and methods that are used to manage the pandemic and disseminate information. The findings reveal that the response of the higher education sector to HIV/AIDS is not uniform, but there is a positive move towards strong management of HIV/AIDS and information diffusion. Secondly, it is observed that the disease has some impact on institutional mandates such as teaching, learning, research and community service. Unexpectedly, the study confirmed widely held views that are also reported in related studies, that the response of academic institutions to the disease is still characterized by silence, denial, discrimination and stigma as most institutions do not address the disease openly. Thirdly, it was established that in those institutions where there is an AIDS Centre the response seemed to be more systematic and well guided as compared to those that relied on the services of the health centre. Fourthly, there was no distinction made in terms of the nature and strength of the institutional response between service providers that had higher academic qualifications and those that did not have. Most highly qualified respondents though had other academic responsibilities, dealt with HIV/AIDS as additional job. Fifthly, it was easy to distinguish between historically advantaged and disadvantaged institutions, as the tatter had interventions that were underdeveloped and limited in scope and depth. Similarly, universities as compared to technikons demonstrated more intense interventions and better resource provision. Sixth, in most institutions management supports the institutional HIV/AIDS management and response. This involvement was evident through observation on the nature of the response, capacity buildings and resources on the ground. However, it was sadly observed that this executive commitment to HIV/AIDS seemed to be overridden by other priorities such as the reconfiguration and reconstruction of the sector. Further, noted that all institutions have HIV/AIDS policies, but some of them have not implemented these policies. Seven, though the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme is coordinating the HIV/AIDS response within the whole sector, it does not seem to have all the answers for the systemic problems that are cropping up. Eight, HiV/AlDS information is disseminated by the institutional libraries, HIV/AIDS service providers and health centers. Mostly, information is disseminated in print form while other modem media seemed to be underutilized and repackaging is not extensively done due, partly, to shortage of resources and capacities. The study found strong link between the theoretical models earlier mentioned and results of the study. Specifically, these theories confirmed the importance of the content of HIV/AIDS messages and the value of horizontal and vertical communication strategies. The study recommends that the institutional response needs to be revamped and redesigned to improve the traditional information dissemination strategies that are used by most academic institutions. Information dissemination strategies should be designed in line with current trends in socio-cultural and political lifestyles of young people. However, though there are still flaws and inefficiencies, the sector is responding positively to the epidemic and efforts are being made to synchronize and coordinate the systemic response. The study recommends further research on feasibility, applicability and effectiveness of the centralized coordination of the higher education HIV/AIDS response. It also recommends that the higher education sector should be more involved in the initiative of the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme to make valuable contributions based on experiential encounters. Similarly, strategies should be rapidly implemented to redress past imbalances in relation to strengthening capacities and resources of previously disadvantaged institutions to enable them to deal effectively with the disease. Other issues have been unearthed and a model for effective HIV/AIDS management and information diffusion in the sector suggested.
- ItemTowards Management Information System in public administration in Uganda(2006) Matovu, James; Ocholla, D.N.; Adigun, M.O.A study based in Uganda, examining and evaluating the theoretical and practical challenges in establishing a management information system (MIS) for public administration. The study focused on the information system at the Ministry of Health (MOH), and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MFPED) in the case of Central Government; and that of local administration of five districts, namely, Arua, Bushenyi, Kampala, Masaka, and Mbale. The study involved administration of a survey questionnaire to 530 respondents as well as conducting face to face interviews with 53 respondents. This was on top of the review of the literature that included journal publications, monographs, institutional reports, and conference proceedings. Data collected was analysed using SPSS, Excel, and Epinfo software programs and was later interpreted accordingly. The findings of the study reveal that introduction of new public management, in particular, result oriented management trigger off the desire for the introduction of MIS public administration. Initial efforts towards MIS in public administration proved faulty due to lack of coordination. The effort also resulted in MIS programmes which are limited in scope as they are designed mainly for planning purposes. The steps towards review of the MIS program in 2002 aimed at establishing an integrated MIS program. The leading information needs of public administration were identified as financial management, capacity building, national policy, central government policy, economic conditions and HIV/AIDS. Despite the claim of having an MIS, the information system in place is said to be considerably lacking in the ability to supply adequate, well processed, timely, and easy to use data. The system was found to be lacking in the supply of grey literature, and value added data. Websites suffer from inadequate scope and limited currency. In-house databases by the established information system are non¬existent. The system suffers from the lack of a LAN system, meaning non-availability of online access for most people. It also surfers from undeveloped CD-ROM, and flash disk technology, meaning that information from databases is only accessible in printed form or on diskettes. The MIS programme also suffers from excessive donor dependence, resulting in the development of incompatible systems. Local governments in particular suffer from inadequate computer stock. Public administration, as a whole, suffers from inadequate computer accessories, a problem aggravated by lack of a LAN system to support resource sharing. It also suffers from inadequate computer literacy by both information resource personnel, and public administrators which then results in the under-utilisation of computer resources. To most respondents, the productivity of the MIS program is less that 30 percent of its potential. There is a need to; a) strengthen training in information management, including information gathering, knowledge management, indexing and abstracting service, information analysis and consolidation, and information repackaging; b) establish sectoral information analysis centres with legal deposit rights on government and non¬government publications, to assume management of the national websites and online databases; c) create a Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to elevate the information resource to a ministerial status; d) effect greater investment in group decision support systems as opposed to decision support systems; e) invest in information sharing networks as opposed executive information systems; f) emphasise information reporting and communication as opposed to production of decision models; g) increase government active participation in MIS programs demonstrated through independent budget lines in the national budget and lastly there is a need to integrate the various information systems into a public administration management information network (PAMIN). In conclusion, MIS for public administration is the only way to activate the critical role of information in public administration. Bearing in mind that MIS is computer based, and that the ICT industry is ever changing, the Uganda Government is faced with an uphill task of making MIS a success.
- ItemThe role of information and communication technologies in harnessing information for women in rural development : case studies of South Africa and Kenya(2007) Kituyi-Kwake, Alice Wafula; Ocholla, D.N.The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify ICTs that provide access to information/ enhance quality of life, and improve the economic standards of rural women by conceptualizing a model for the development, management, exploitation and use of ICTs in an African rural environment. In order to obtain data from the respondents, two research methods were utilized, namely the case study and survey research. In the former, data was collected from key informants in organizations that work with ICTs and rural women. Using frame lists from both South Africa and Kenya, a total of four organizations were purposefully selected, i.e. Womensnet and the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) in South Africa, and AfriAfya and the Arid Lands Information Network (ALJN-EA) in Kenya. The survey research method was used to interview women aged between 16 and 60 years. 400 respondents formed the sampling size, randomly selected from census household data. Survey data in Kenya was obtained from the sub¬divisions of the Kaplamai Division in Trans-Nzoia district, namely: Kimoson, Sinyerere, Sitatunga and Makutano. The sample frame included: small-scale traders (68; 34%); housewives (29; 14.5%); educators/teachers (27; 13.5); farmers (26; 13.0); students (11; 5.5%); domestic workers (10; 5.0%); preachers (10; 5.0%); farm workers (6; 3.0%); large-scale entrepreneurs (5; 2.5%); nurses (4; 2.0%); clerical workers (2; 1.0%); and community development workers (2; 1.0%). In South Africa, a similar sample frame included: small-scale traders (58; 29.0%); housewives/homemakers (48; 24.0%); farm employees (25; 12.5%); domestic workers (18; 9.0%); educators/teachers (16; 8.0%); students (15; 7.5%); entrepreneurs managing large-scale enterprises (3; 1.5%); clerical workers (9; 4.5%); community development workers (6; 3.0%); and two preachers (2; 1.0%). Sampling data was obtained from census household data belonging to the magisterial districts of Umlalazi, i.e. Eshowe, Amatikulu, Gigindlovu and Mtunzini. By using the snowball sampling technique, female respondents directly and indirectly connected to one another were identified and consequently interviewed. A few major recommendations stemming from the study include the need for: women to be involved in deciding which ICTs would directly and immediately benefit their lives; sensitization and training in the use of ICTS before project implementation; resource centers with skilled human resources and technological capacities to train communities about ICTs; more enhanced collaboration with rural women by being flexible and aware of their needs and requirements; collaborative efforts with other stakeholders at community level; the establishment of intermediary working committees at community level for enhanced communication processes; and a feasibility study that assesses the physical infrastructure and needs assessment survey before project implementation. The study concluded that there is a strong co-relation between the levels of education of a community, types of ICTs used, information seeking behavior, and the socio-economic landscape/environment. It was also established that the enactment of a National Policy on ICT development does not guarantee the efficient and effective use of ICTs, especially by marginalized rural communities. Special efforts must be made to involve rural communities. These efforts would require policies that: encourage competition between various stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, govern the costs of ICTs, and govern connectivity in areas that are not commercially viable. As women form the majority of most rural households, special efforts need to be made in order to involve women in development initiatives such as skills enhancement initiatives, participatory mechanisms and follow-up programs.
- ItemAn informetric analysis of HIV/AIDS research in Eastern and Southern Africa, 1980-2005(2007) Onyacha, Omwoyo Bosire; Ocholla, D.N.HIV/AIDS is said to be a new type of global emergency - an unprecedented threat to human development requiring sustained action and commitment over a long term. Nowhere is its impact felt more than in Sub-Saharan Africa, even more so in Eastern and Southern Africa. HIV/AIDS, in all its dimensions, demands novel alliances between the social and biological sciences, particularly when it comes to designing effective interventions to prevent or treat the complications of HTV transmission. This study therefore sought to provide decision makers and other stakeholders with a tool to use when formulating policies on HIV/AIDS intervention programs. To that end, the study set out to examine the research output and impact of HIV/AIDS by identifying and determining its nature, types, and trends in Eastern and Southern Africa as indexed and reflected in the MEDLINE, Science Citation Index (SCI) and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases. Specifically, the study's focus was: ♦ To examine the nature, trend and type of HIV/AIDS research collaboration in E&S Africa between 1980 and 2005 with a view to recommend ways of improving or strengthening such collaborative activities. ♦ To examine the growth, productivity and scientific impact of HIV/AIDS sources of information [source publications] as they relate to E&S Africa between 1980 and 2005 in order to assess the visibility and coverage of HTV/AIDS sources and to provide relevant information so as to assist information providers, users in general, and more specifically, collection development librarians, particularly in the two regions, in their decision making processes regarding the identification, selection and development of relevant HIV/AIDS resources •> To evaluate the performance of individual authors, institutions and countries in terms of their productivity and scientific impact with a view to: (a) identify the most prolific and influential researchers, countries and institutions that conduct HIV/AIDS research in and about E&S Africa and (b) to compare the productivity and scientific impact of domestic/regional authors, institutions, and countries with their foreign counterparts. ♦ To assess the publishing activity in the fields/topics of HTV/AIDS research in order to: (a) distinctly bring out a clear picture on the efforts made in the various sub-fields of HIV/AIDS research and (b) to find out the relatedness of the risk factors, opportunistic infections, pre-disposing factors, sexually transmitted diseases and other tropical diseases that are common in Africa to HIV/AIDS. Using informetrics (as a research method) and more specifically publications count and citations count and analyses, relevant data was extracted from three key bibliographic databases (i.e. MEDLINE, SCI and SSCI) through an advanced search strategy which was employed to search and download HIV/AIDS documents specific to Eastern and Southern Africa using the Title, Abstract, Authors address and Subject Fields. This was accomplished by combining the names of the countries and 26 HTV/AEDS-specific terms which included the terms by which HIV/AIDS was known at the beginning of the epidemic. The downloaded data was analyzed using various computer-aided bibliographic software that included Sitkis version 1.5 ©2005, Microsoft Office Access ©2003, Microsoft Office Excel ©2003, Bibexcel ©2005, Citespace version 2.0.1 ©2005, TI, UCESTET for Windows ©2002, and Pajek version 1.08 ©1996. The findings show that HTV7AIDS research in E&S Africa is largely conducted through collaboration, as illustrated by the number of co-authored papers, which accounted for over 70% of the total number of papers in each country. Research collaboration between E&S African countries is rninimal when compared to the collaborative activities between these and foreign countries (i.e. countries outside Africa). This type of collaboration was predominant, and collaboration between E&S African countries and the rest of Africa was found to be almost non-existent, with the countries in West Africa recording a comparatively higher pattern than North African countries. Institutional collaboration is mainly between universities. Nevertheless, industry-university collaboration was visible, especially between government laboratories, ministries or teaching hospitals and the university, which to a large extent was responsible in the day-to-day running of the hospital teaching facilities/programs. It was also observed that there has been a remarkable growth in the number of HIV/AIDS researchers' networks between 1980 and 2005. The composition of these networks shows a high pattern of collaboration between local and foreign researchers. Finally, it was noted that research collaboration increases the average impact by 12.75 citations, while research conducted by individual researchers increases the average impact by only 3.48 citations. Concerning the sources of HTV7AIDS research, it was noted that the coverage of sources published in E&S African countries in key bibliographic databases is minimal, with the MEDLINE database indexing only 14 (1.01%) serials, while SCI and SSCI respectively covered 23 (1.65%) and 4 (0.29%) of the total 1393 serials published in the regions. Furthermore, sources that publish HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa are evenly distributed in the MEDLINE and ISI databases, although about 50% of the total research output is unique in each database. Other observations were as follows: (a) journals are the most commonly used sources and channels in publishing and disseminating HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa. The second most preferred source and channel was that of newspapers; (b) the number of sources publishing HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa has exponentially increased over the period under study, i.e. 1980-2005, thereby posing serious challenges to collection development librarians and researchers/authors; (c) sources that publish HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa are largely published in foreign countries. Out of the total 804 and 823 HIV/AIDS sources in MEDLINE and ISI, respectively, 92.54% and 97.57% were published in foreign countries, while locally published sources accounted for 3.73% and 2.19% of the total source publications in MEDLINE and ISI, respectively; (d) most HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa is published in relatively low impact factor journals. Out of the total 823 sources in ISI, only 11 sources had an impact factor of more than 10.0; (e) HIV/AIDS research on E&S Africa is largely published in medical science-specific source publications, and more particularly, in general medical sources; and (f) there are about 13 core sources of HIV/AIDS research, namely, AIDS, LANCET, J INFECT DIS, NEW ENGL J MED, J VIROL, J ACQ IMMUN DEF SYND, JAMA, AIDS RES HUM RETROV, SCIENCE, BRIT MED J, S AFR MED J, SOC SCI MED, and J CLIN MICROBIOL. An analysis of the data according to the producers of HIV/AIDS research yielded the following findings: (a) a relatively high number of countries (i.e. 120) have been or are engaged in conducting HIV/AIDS research about E&S Africa; (b) HTV7AIDS research is evenly conducted in and/or by regional and foreign countries. Counting the frequencies of occurrence of each country in the address field yielded a total sum of 7041 occurrences for foreign countries and 6161 for African countries; (c) most HIV/AIDS research about E&S Africa is published in foreign countries, which accounted for approximately 83% and 88% of the total research papers in MEDLINE and ISI, respectively; (d) HIV/AIDS research is largely conducted by or at universities; and (e) the impact of HIV/AIDS research in and about E&S Africa has continued to increase as illustrated by the continued growth of the number of citations between 1980 and 2005. Nevertheless, a relatively huge amount of HIV/AIDS research (26.2%) remains uncited. Concerning the subject content of HIV/AIDS research, the following were the main observations: (a) the number of keywords/terms that are used to index HIV/AIDS research outputs has exponentially grown, thus providing a number of options for accessing HTV/AIDS research findings; (b) HTV/AIDS-specific terms (i.e. HIV infections and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are the major keywords by which HIV/AIDS research findings can be accessed in the indexing services/databases; (c) HIV/AIDS research in E&S Africa is mostly on the sub-fields of epidemiology, prevention & control, transmission, complications, and Drug therapy; (d) drug therapy and Anti-Retrovirals (ARVs) are quickly emerging as the main areas of HIV/AIDS research in E&S Africa; and (e) HIV/AIDS is strongly associated with opportunistic infections, pre-disposing factors, risk factors, sexually transmitted diseases and other tropical diseases that are common in Sub-Saharan African countries. Finally, the study, while commending researchers in the region for their collaborative efforts, recommends that research collaboration, both at the national and international level, should be encouraged through such means as organizing international conferences within E&S Africa where researchers can exchange ideas and in so doing they can identify researchers from other countries with whom they can collaborate. Regarding the dissemination of HIV/AIDS research through publications, it was recommended that researchers be encouraged by way of incentives to present the findings in regionalized conferences as well as publish them in both print and electronic conference proceedings while publishing the papers in foreign sources. For purposes of visibility and impact, local journal publishers should endeavor to publish their journals both electronically and in print. In this way, both researchers and sources that publish HIV/AIDS research would receive a wider visibility and produce higher impact. In conclusion, it is hoped that the findings of this study will support HTV/AIDS researchers, funding organizations, AIDS prevention and control institutions, public health professionals, information service professionals, and government health ministries, among others, looking for information which can improve the quality of their decision making and/or increase their competitive intelligence.