Browsing by Author "Lwehabura, M. J. F."
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Item Convergence of libraries and computer centres for African universities: A strategy for enhancing information services(IOS Press, 1999) Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Matovelo, D. S.This paper aims at stimulating universities in Africa to work towards convergence of computer centres and library services as a strategy for enhancing information provision in these institutions. It highlights the convergence initiatives in the context of developed countries and gives advantages and benefits of such a strategy particularly in developing countries' constraints in both material and human resources. Despite possible obstacles that have also been pointed out, the paper concludes by stressing the timeliness for convergence of the two services in African universities where IT is now rapidly being adopted.Item Creating a core journal collection for agricultural research in Tanzania: citation analysis and user opinion techniques(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2004) Dulle, F. W.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Matovelo, D. S.; Mulimila, R. T.The major objective of this study was to analyse the citation patterns of agricultural scientists in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: assess researchers' access to information as reflected from citation analysis; establish a list of core agricultural journals for agricultural researchers in Tanzania using citation analysis and user opinions; and find out the extent to which the available information resources meet the research needs revealed by the study. The study involved the analysis of 295 MSc theses and 21 PhD theses submitted at Sokoine University of Agriculture between 1989·1999, and 309 conference proceeding articles published during the same period. It is concluded that generally agricultural scientists in the country had limited access to current journals. A number of options are recommended to alleviate the situation, with a focus on electronic journal provision supported by international organizations.Item Information Literacy Delivery in Tanzanian Universities: An Examination of its Effectiveness(African Journal of Library and Information Science, 2008) Lwehabura, M. J. F.This paper presents the findings regarding information literacy (lL) delivery) in four Tanzanian universities in terms of IL content and delivery methods and their effectiveness. Based on a questionnaire survey of librarians and undergraduate students, the study found that the main IL teaching methods used include lectures, web pages and seminars, while content covered in IL sessions include information search skills, use of library facilities, information evaluation, and use of information sources. However, it is concluded that because of a number of factors, including lack of clear lL policy, inadequate time, the teaching of IL as stand-alone programme on voluntary basis, and non involvement of teaching staff, the current IL delivery approach is not effective for imparting adequate IL skills. A new IL delivery approach that addresses the identified weaknesses is therefore recommended.Item Information literacy for higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania: efforts and prospects for educational reform in teaching and learning(Innovation, 2010) Lawal, V.; Underwood, P.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Stilwell, C.This article reviews efforts made by higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania in transforming student learning through information literacy (II). It examines the need for higher education institutions in the two countries to create the necessary foundations for strengthening information literacy programmes as a strategy for ensuring viable transformation in teaching and learning. The paper is based on a review of related literature and observations drawnfrom working experiences in higher education institutions in both countries. It examines some of the meaningful educational transformations takingplace in higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania and makes recommendations for better standards to be developed in terms of curriculum structure and design, teaching methods, outcome assessment and a review of institutional policies and goals in order to encourage active teaching and learning.Item Information literacy in Tanzanian universities: Challenges and potential opportunities(SAGE, 2008-09) Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Stilwell, C.A study was undertaken in four Tanzanian universities to investigate the status and practice of information literacy (IL)so as to determine the best ways of introducing or improving IL programmes. This article reports on the findings related to challenges and opportunities that could influence the effective implementation and introduction of IL programmes in Tanzanian universities. Data for the study was collected using a questionnaire-based survey administered to teaching staff, librarians and undergraduate students. Semi-structured interviews collected data from Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs) for academic affairs, Faculty Deans, Library Directors and a Library Head. The findings of the study showed that IL was new in the university curricula although some IL rubrics were being practised. Lack of adequate resources, lack of an IL policy, lack of proactive solutions among librarians coupled with the need for adequate library staffing and training, and collaboration between librarians and teaching staff in IL activities were all identified as challenges facing IL effectiveness. Also identified were potential opportunities such as the support by the majority of university stakeholders to mainstream IL and make it a compulsory course. These opportunities would allow the introduction of effective and sustainable IL programmes. The article concludes that librarians should seize the opportunities that are available to spearhead IL while at the same time making sure they tackle the identified challenges.Item Marketing library services in academic libraries: A tool for survival in the 21st century(University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal, 2003) Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Dulle, F. W.; Mulimila, R. T.This article discusses the concept of marketing library and information services as an important library activity. It also stresses the need for librarians and information specialists especially those in academic libraries in developing countries to become proactive and to take marketing as a serious and obligatory library function. With the emergence of new information providers and diverse avenues that enable information users/seekers to access information even outside library premises, the authors argue that it is very likely librarians with lose potential clients. Marketing of library services is therefore considered to be a tool that can be used by librarians to fight and compete and also attract both new customers and old library users. The article also suggests a number of media that can be used to market library services in academic libraries.Item Status of secondary school libraries under the secondary education development plan: Case study of Dodoma municipality, Tanzania(2011) Mgina, S.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.This study was undertaken in Dodoma Municipal, Tanzania in order 10 assess the development and status of school library services under the Secondary Education Development Plan (SEDP). The study involved 44 secondary schools, 186 teachers, 44 heads of schools, 16 school librarians, one Regional Education Officer, and one Regional Librarian. Data were collected through a survey method using a questionnaire that has both closed and open-ended items, as well as through interviews and observation. The study found that only 16 (36%) out of 44 secondary schools had libraries, while during SEDP implementation period, no public school and only one private school established a library out of the 27 schools that did not have libraries at the beginning plan period. In the schools with libraries, only 11 (69%) of them had separate buildings for the library, while only seven (44%) had trained librarians. The study concluded that, despite SEDp, school library services were generally poor as most schools lacked libraries, or lacked information resources and staff. It is recommended that in order to improve the quality of school library services, the Tanzania government should enforce its regulation requiring every registered school to have a library.Item User fee in public libraries: perspectives, opportunities and challenges in Tanzania’s libraries(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Matovelo, D. S.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.The user fee practiced in public libraries in Tanzania since 1996 and implications of the fee are examined in relation to the role of libraries in economic development. The paper aims at stimulating discussions among professionals and other stakeholders regarding the effects and controversies of the issue. Based on a survey of literature, brief and informal. discussions with eight library users and librarians in three public libraries in Tanzania, it looks into the fee concept and discusses' the experiences and implications of the fee to both the public and public libraries that so far are not optimally used. In addition, charged services in four public university libraries have been examined for possible lessons to be learnt. While recognizing the growing pressure to commercialize access to information resources as a strategy for coping with economic difficulties in the public sectors, the paper cautions that the practice may have more disadvantages than advantages. It is observed that while there may be other reasons preventing the public from using libraries, the fee may actually be a hindrance to developing positive attitudes towards use of libraries by the public for their socio-economic development. The authors see the existence of an opportunity for librarians to make tangible contribution in the society's development process by promoting the use of easily accessible information through public libraries rather than supporting restrictive rules. It is concluded that paying for basic library services may not necessarily be a solution to the library's economic constraints across the board. For this reason, Tanzania's libraries should consider the present period as a period for promotion, advocacy, and investment in the value and role of information for economic growth and in the expansion as well as creation of public library clientele. Among the recommendations put forward is the need for conducting in-depth studies that would profile the actual users of these libraries, determine membership trend and find out user opinion and attitude towards fee practices in Tanzania. The paper also recommends the use of participatory methods in order to make fair decision regarding access, use and sustainability of public libraries. The paper finally suggests some possible alternatives for economic sustainability of the libraries ..