Browse
Recent Submissions
Now showing 1 - 5 of 75
- ItemCollection development practices in the digital age in public libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2025) Khanyile, Andile; Jiyane, G. V.The concept of collection development and its practices in public libraries have been recently and significantly drawing attention particularly in the digital era. The era of technology application in public libraries requires that the collection of such libraries should be done in alignment with the demand of the era of digital focus to meet the needs of the users of this century. In South Africa, collection development has always been practiced in a central place and not by individual public libraries. As a result, the centralized system selecting information materials for public libraries and not giving public libraries themselves a chance to develop their collection based on the information needs of the users they serve. This study investigated collection development practices in the digital era in selected public libraries in KwaZulu-Natal. It was guided by the following objectives: to establish collection development practices employed by Northern Region public libraries in the digital age; to determine the extent to which digital platforms are adopted in public libraries for collection development in Northern region public libraries; to assess digital communication channels used by public libraries and KZNDSAC for collection development practices in Northern region public libraries; to identify challenges confronted by Northern region public libraries in adopting digital practices for collection development; to formulate guidelines on collection-development practices in the digital age in public libraries. The study adopted interpretivism research paradigm and qualitative research approach. The case study was used as a research design. The target population for this study included 35 public librarians in the Zululand and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities. Purposive sampling was used to sample the participants, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and thereafter analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that of the study responded to its objectives and revealed that public libraries in the Northern region used the same library system for collection development practices, i.e. The SITA Library Information Management system. Supporting digital collection development, its digital collection development tasks include the selection of materials, user management, the circulation of material, and similar functions. The system allows the circulation of electronic materials such as electronic books. It was revealed that there is communication between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZNDSAC) and public libraries about collection development through various channels. The findings show that challenges confronted by public libraries in aligning with digital practices when doing collection development, include their lack of digital skills with the new innovations, lack of ICT infrastructure, and the poor internet connection. Recommendations were made following the findings from the objectives of the study. The study recommends that the KZNDSAC should allow more involvement of librarians in the use process of collection development in order for the practices to be in line with the digital era and impact in their communities they serve in the digital era. This is given that young librarians could contribute significantly collection development practices with their newly attained-digital skills. In addition, on-the-job training, i.e. continuous education and training of public librarians is key to add value on digital practices of collection development in the times of technology. This will allow the use of digital platforms for collection development. Internet connections should be improved using improved funding and budget allocation. Another recommendation for improving internet speed is to increase the equitable share of internet resources by spending more of libraries’ budgets on ICT infrastructure to support digital collection development. The study adds to the body of knowledge on public libraries of the 21st century and their practices as it seeks to help public libraries understand the gap in the use of ICTs in public libraries and provide an insight on decision making.
- ItemResearch data management services in selected public universities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2023) Mthembu, Mpilo Siphamandla; Ocholla, D.N.Research data is thought to be an essential component that assists researchers in forming the foundation of research output. To increase the amount of reproducibility in research data, the data should be accompanied by extensive documentation, making it more accessible and secure. As a result of the current digital world and the resulting explosion of multidisciplinary research data, Research Data Management (RDM) comes into play. The current study aimed to investigate research data management services in selected public universities in South Africa, particularly those based in KwaZulu-Natal province. This study was underpinned by the issue of varying cultures between disciplines or departments, as well as a lack of skills and infrastructure, as major challenges impeding the provision of RDM services in most higher education institutions. In terms of theoretical foundation, this study used the Community Capability Model Framework (CCMF) in conjunction with the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) Lifecycle Model. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and followed the post-positivist paradigm. As research methods, both qualitative and quantitative case studies were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online via Teams and Microsoft Teams with 23 study participants (Librarians, Library Technicians, Research Directors, Deans / Deputy Deans Research, Deputy Vice-Chancellors Research, and Heads of Departments) to collect qualitative data during the COVID-19 pandemic. To collect quantitative data, questionnaires were converted into Google forms and emailed to 30 NRF-rated researchers. The findings of this study revealed that participating institutions (University of Zululand- UZ, and Durban University of Technology- DUT) are still in the early stages of providing RDM services, as (UNIZULU) has a planning department that has begun RDM in the institution, though it is not widely known, and (DUT) RDM service provision is in the pipeline, as its RDM policy is still at the draft stage. However, as regards research activities, both institutions support data creation, storage, preservation, sharing, access, use, and re-use. Both institutions also support grant applications and collaborative research as research-related activities and data services, as well as RDM and data citation. DSpace and DUT Open Scholar are institutional repositories (IRs) that are used to permanently store, manage, and archive research data such as journal articles, conference proceedings, theses, and dissertations. Unfortunately, most researchers are unaware of how long their institutions keep research data. The findings also reveal that the majority of researchers store and backup their research data on personal computers, emails, and external storage devices like USBs, external hard drives, and CDs. The RDM service is important for new researchers because it promotes research visibility, data sharing, data storage and availability for researchers, data use and re-use. Research supervisors have the potential to assist emerging researchers in locating and publishing in reputable journals. Furthermore, data sharing contributes significantly to increasing the impact and visibility of research, promoting scientific inquiry and debate, and fostering new collaborations between data users and data creators. Knowledge and skills in data management, research methodology, data curation, metadata skills, and technical skills were overemphasised as truly necessary RDM competency requirements for both staff and researchers. Fortunately, most researchers understand the importance of ethics such as citation, data sharing, data analysis, searching and retrieval, and data capture. They are, however, lacking in data management and organisation, database development, data curation and re-use, and software skills. Short RDM courses, workshops, and professional body training are all practices that could be used in institutions to develop RDM skills. Furthermore, because the vast majority of study participants had not received RDM training at their institutions, data archiving and curation training are required. The findings of the study further reveal that UNIZULU currently does not have an RDM policy that facilitates research data management, whereas DUT has a research data management policy that is still in the draft stage. In terms of infrastructure or resources, the findings revealed that UNIZULU lacks resources and well-equipped staff to provide RDM services, whereas the DUT library has adequate resources; however, whether additional resources are to support RDM practices in their institution will be determined by the actual implementation of RDM. However, teaching and research findings at DUT revealed a lack of adequate infrastructure as well as a lack of human resources or capital. There are currently no specific capacity-building programs or strategies for developing RDM skills in the institutions studied. A lack of resources or infrastructure, skilled personnel, getting researchers on board, and adoption, which is about getting people to adopt the institution's culture of managing research data, were cited as major challenges in providing the RDM service. RDM challenges may be addressed through training, workshops, and institutional policies and procedures. Finally, as viable options for developing an RDM framework for South African public universities, the study suggests RDM policy formulation, a collaboration between universities and relevant stakeholders, and a responsible group or body such as NRF and StatsSA. This study's originality and novelty stems from its scope, subject matter, and application. The study's findings can be widely used in research, teaching, and learning. Furthermore, the study can possibly inform RDM strategy and policy in South Africa and even elsewhere.
- ItemAssessment of records management trustworthiness and authenticity to support the auditing process at Umgungundlovu District Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2024) Dlamini, Lindo Duppa; Luthuli, L.PThis study assesses trustworthiness and authenticity of records to support the auditing process at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. There have been a number of negative opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) resulting from inadequate records management in some public sector organisations. In conducting this, the study examined the types of records required for auditing at uMgungundlovu District Municipality, the contribution of records trustworthiness and authenticity to auditing, policies, procedures and guidelines in place for maintaining the authenticity of records, challenges hindering records authenticity and trustworthiness and recommendations to the management, on recordkeeping issue to support auditors at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The study used a qualitative approach and adopted an interpretive paradigm. Sixteen records keepers were part of the data collection for this study, and they were selected using purposive sampling. Google Forms, observation and document analysis were also used as data collection instruments, while thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Despite the existence of records management policies, procedures and guidelines, the study found that proper records management is not sufficiently prioritised at the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, even though a lot of work is required to perform proper records management. This was demonstrated by the absence of formal training for the staff on records management skills, the nonexistence of risk registers, and the lack of evidence which would lead to disclaimer of opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The uMgungundlovu District Municipality produces electronic records, paper records, audio-visual records, and micrographic records, which are kept in different divisions. Records are classified by means of a file system that consists of numbers and alphabets at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The issues of loss of information, unauthorised access, and insecurity of records are still prevalent at uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The study recommends that records management be considered a core component for clean and qualified audits at uMgungundlovu District Municipality, including the creation of risk registers to mitigate potential disasters and tempering the records, as well as the provision of formal records management training for staff.
- ItemKnowledge management practices in public libraries: a case study of uMkhanyakude district in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2024) Ngcamu, Siphelele; Dlamini, P.N.The study's main purpose was to survey the knowledge management practices in public libraries in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Three research objectives informed the study: to identify knowledge management practices in public libraries, understand the value of knowledge management practices in public libraries, and determine the factors hampering knowledge management practices in public libraries. The study was underpinned by knowledge creation whose founder is Nonaka (1994). The study was informed by the interpretivism research paradigm, which is associated with qualitative studies. The study collected data from six librarians who were purposively selected from public libraries. The study adopted a social anthropological approach, which thoroughly evaluated each participant's response. Data was collected from the participants through telephonic semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis. The study's findings showed that all six (100%) selected public libraries apply knowledge management practices. The findings of the study revealed that public libraries have knowledge sharing as the main knowledge management practice. It was noted that public libraries employ many practices, but each library employed its practices of choice depending on their knowledge management practices structure. The findings further showed that knowledge management practices in public libraries are employed through meetings, training, information sessions, and awareness, to mention a few. The findings revealed that knowledge management practices make the libraries usable. The results also showed that 83.35% of public libraries had factors hampering knowledge management practices. The factors are not limited to shortage of funds, resources and space, and political interference. Several suggestions were made to improve knowledge management practices in public libraries. These suggestions include improving the library budget, increasing libraries’ building sizes, and conducting more staff training.
- ItemAcademics’ adoption and use of moodle in selected South African Universities(University of Zululand, 2024) Afolabi, Oluwafemi Sunday; Dr. P. Dlamini; Dr. N. EvansThe widespread adoption of e-learning resources since the start of the twenty-first century has significantly transformed the storage, access, and distribution of information in higher education institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Moodle, in many institutions worldwide, including those in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the adoption and use of Moodle by academics at the University of Zululand (UZ) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with the view of providing practical and theoretical knowledge to develop best strategies that can improve the adoption and use of Moodle. The specific research objectives were: 1. To assess the level of use of Moodle by academics in the selected universities before, during, and after COVID-19. 2. To determine the purpose of Moodle use by academics in the selected universities. 3. To examine the factors influencing the behavioural intention of academics in the selected universities to use Moodle. 4. To identify the challenges faced in the adoption and use of Moodle among academics in the selected universities. 5. To examine the moderating effect of age, gender, and experience on the adoption and use of Moodle by academics in the selected universities. The study was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study followed a positivist research paradigm, utilizing a quantitative approach. A Priori Power analysis determined the minimum sample size, and data were collected through an online questionnaire using Microsoft Forms. A total of 150 academics participated in the study (61 from UZ and 89 from UKZN), representing response rates of 47% and 68%, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that before COVID-19, most academics preferred face-to-face teaching, but during the pandemic, online teaching became more favoured. Post-COVID-19, a hybrid teaching approach was preferred. Academics mainly used Moodle for communication, delivering course content, and monitoring student attendance, as well as for assignments, quizzes, and chats. At UZ, performance expectancy significantly influenced academics’ intention to use Moodle, whereas effort expectancy and social influence did not. Facilitating conditions were also not influential. At UKZN, both performance expectancy and social influence significantly impacted the intention to use Moodle, while effort expectancy did not. Facilitating conditions and behavioural intention significantly affected usage behaviour. The moderating effects of gender, age, and experience were found to be insignificant at both universities. Challenges identified included poor internet bandwidth, lack of institutional policy on Moodle use, unreliable electricity supply, poor ICT skills among academics, and limited hardware availability. The study concluded that it is essential to provide conducive conditions for Moodle usage and develop an intuitive interface to enhance academics’ intention to use the platform. While the results are specific to UZ and UKZN and cannot be generalized to other universities, they contribute to the theoretical validity and empirical applicability of the UTAUT model in the context of Moodle adoption. The study recommended that both universities promote blended learning, encourage regular Moodle usage, and organize training sessions to equip academics with the necessary skills. These results have significant implications for e-learning implementation policies in higher education institutions in South Africa and globally. The originality of this study lies in its specific context, subject matter, and application. Its results are valuable for further research, teaching, and learning, as well as for informing e-learning policies in higher education institutions.