African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science

The Open Access Movement and its March in Africa

Idowu Adegbilero-Iwari — 2023-10-16

The past two decades have witnessed growing call and actions for free and immediate access to published scholarship online without technological, monetary or legal barriers from around the world. The phenomenon described as open access (OA) has been strengthened by the possibilities of digital network technologies represented in the ubiquitous Internet. While the goal of the OA movement remains good, it appears the epistemic disbalance in global knowledge creation and access has not abated. However, the promise of OA, the motivation on which it stands, its consequence and current state are reviewed in this paper with particular focus on the contribution of Africa to the global OA movement. It has been reported that the emergence of OA on the continent is albeit slow but with a mixed fortune of both progress and challenges. Notwithstanding, open access is seen as a development imperative for Africa that offers tremendous opportunities to the continent to actively contribute to global knowledge. It was reported that a number of universities and research institutions in Africa have adopted open access policies that require their researchers to publish their work in open access journals or repositories. The paper presented a number of open access initiatives and platforms that are actively being deployed to achieve OA mandate in the continent and concluded with recommendations.

Transparency in the Application of Theoretical Frameworks to the Advancement of Knowledge in Selected Library and Information Science Journals: A Systematic Review

Patrick Ngulube — 2023-10-16

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the extent of theoretical transparency in library and information science (LIS) scholarship. Many studies have looked at theorising and the use of theory in LIS. Unlike previous studies this research provides insights into transparency in the use of theoretical frameworks in the LIS field. Transparency is essential because different researchers employ the terms theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework in various ways.The transparent use of theory and the resultant theoretical framework enables other researchers to assess whether the theory is appropriate, consistent, and coherent with the empirical evidence. This systematic search followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting on systematic reviews supported by ADIMA®. A total number of 138 out of 2029 articles from 12 LIS-focused journals were analysed in March 2023. Most of the articles (88.6%) specified the framework they used. There was a high level of transparency in relation to the suitability of the theory to address the research problem. The degree of openness about the aim to utilise a theoretical or conceptual framework was moderate to high. The articles had a low or minimal level of transparency when it came to justifying why a certain theory was chosen for the study. Theory dropping was not apparent in the articles. The results from the articles demonstrate that LIS scholars appreciate that a theoretical framework or conceptual framework must be used in research. To ensure that readers understand the rationale behind the theories chosen for a study, it is necessary to be open about the reasons behind the selection of a particular theory. The explanation of how the theory contributed to explaining the phenomenon of interest is also essential. This article might help scholars get beyond theoretical obstacles related to the transparent use of a theoretical framework and produce theoretically sound research. It also opens discourse on “best practice” in the use of analytical tools forresearchin the advancement of knowledge.

Readiness of Ghanaian University Libraries Towards the Adoption and Implementation of Resource Description and Access

Eugene Baah Yeboah — 2023-10-16

This research paper, which is part of a broader study, seeks to contribute to knowledge on the Resource Description and Access standard by exploring the state of readiness of Ghanaian university libraries to implement the standard, as well as highlighting the myriad of activities and initiatives that libraries should undertake in preparation for RDA implementation. This convergent parallel mixed methods study engaged 62 cataloguing practitioners, across nine university libraries, through questionnaires and interviews as data collection instruments. The analysis of data revealed the importance of planning and an overwhelming state of unpreparedness among Ghanaian university libraries to implement the standard. The study also contributes various appropriate activities and initiatives for readying libraries for RDA implementation to RDA literature. It is recommended among others, that university library management and leaders of professional library organisations designate RDA preparatory periods and forge collaborations and partnerships with libraries that have implemented the RDA standard.

Acknowledgement Patterns in Information Science Students’ Dissertations in a Nigerian University: Are there Generational Differences?

Janet O. Adekannbi — 2023-10-16

This study investigated generational differences in acknowledgement patterns of Information Science students’ dissertations at Nigerian’s premier university in the past 30 years. Acknowledgements have become commonplace in thesis and dissertations, however, with culture shifting and individuals reflecting this in their attitude, such cultural change may likely produce generational differences in acknowledgement behaviour of different disciplines. A total of 961 Information Science dissertation acknowledgements (DAs) from 1992 to 2021 at the Wilson Olabode Aiyepeku (WOA) library were examined and categorised into two generations – 1st-Gen (1992 – 2006) and 2nd-Gen (2007 – 2021). Data analysis involved descriptives and content analysis of the DAs. Results showed no significant differences in the number of individuals acknowledged by names but a decrease in the average length of DAs in the second generation. Generational differences were observed in the number of individuals acknowledged by categories and in the acknowledgement of library/librarians. Generally, 1st-Gen DAs had the tendency to acknowledge supervisors first, while 2nd-Gen DAs generally acknowledged God first. Expressions of gratitude in the 1stGen were more informal than among 2nd-Gen DAs. Also, 1st-Gen DAs acknowledged gratitude for technical, clerical and access types of support than 2nd-Gen DAs while the latter acknowledged moral, financial and spiritual supports than 1stGen DAs. The study showed a declining tendency by the students to acknowledge library/librarians. It also revealed that students in this discipline gave less recognition to data sources, as expression of gratitude for data access dropped significantly in the second generation.

Correlational Impact of Personal Factors on Library Use among Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities

Christy Olabisi Adeeko — 2023-10-16

Personal factors explicate the reason undergraduates behave differently when they are apparently undergoing the same experiences which has correlate impact on the use of their university libraries. This study therefore investigated the correlational impact of personal factors (age, gender, academic discipline, type of secondary school attended, level of study, previous library experiences and level of awareness) on library use by the undergraduates. Descriptive survey of the correlational type was adopted. Multistage sampling procedures through purposive sampling method were used to select five conventional federal universities and three homogenous faculties. Two departments common to the faculties were also purposively selected, while five percent of 200 to 400 level undergraduates (797) were selected from a total population of 116, 213. Instruments used were Personal factors (previous library skills (r=0.85) awareness of library resources and services (r=0.93).Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation and Multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. All Personal factors showed positive significant relationships with library use except gender and level of study (academic discipline r=.08, type of secondary school attended r=.09, previous library skills r=.33, level of awareness of library resources and services r=.24, gender r=-.01 and level of study r=-.06). The result indicates that Age (â = .014, p>.05), gender (â = .012, p>.05), academic discipline (â = .045, p>.05) and level of study (â = .022, p>.05) had no significant relative contribution while type of secondary school attended (â = .068, p<.05), previous library experience (â = .198, p<.05) and level of awareness (â = .213, p<.05) had significant relative contribution. Personal factors determined library use by the undergraduates in federal universities in the North-central, Nigeria. Therefore, the stakeholders in the university library should create awareness about the importance of library through current awareness programmes in order to increase library use.

Framework to Infuse Data Science in the Archives and Records Management Curriculum in South Africa

Makutla Mojapelo — 2023-10-16

Current trends in technology dictate how archives and records management fraternity should take action to remain relevant in the industry. The mode of operation illustrates that current business strategies intend to go fully online without any physical records to be managed. Records practitioners are thus systematically becoming irrelevant and unemployable. This study sought to investigate a framework to infuse data science into archives and records management curriculum in South Africa. This qualitative study relied on literature review to explore a framework to infuse data science into the archives and records management curriculum in South Africa. The study discovered that archives and records management education is still lagging technology; this may result in candidates with impressive qualifications but dated knowledge and expertise. The study recommended an infusion of data science into the archives and records management curriculum, using the proposed framework to guide the process. It is hoped that this will enable institutions of higher learning to upskill students in line with the growth in technology and modus operandi.

Research Data Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa

Patricia Badenhorst — 2023-10-16

The rapid pace of technological change has significantly transformed the librarianship profession, impacting the required competencies for professionals working in library and information services (LIS). As new roles emerge within academic libraries, librarians need to assess their current knowledge and skills as well as identify additional knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving roles and responsibilities. This paper reports findings of a study conducted at two university libraries in South Africa. The objective of the study was to identify the competencies necessary for academic librarians in providing research data management services (RDM). While previous studies have explored the knowledge and skills required for academic librarians in Southern Africa and globally, there is a research gap concerning the specific competencies necessary for RDM. This study employed semi-structured interviews with librarians from two selected university libraries, using purposive sampling. The research also included document reviews and content analysis of relevant academic library job advertisements. The study’s findings highlight key competencies such as information and data management practices, repository management, data curation, data collection management, understanding funders’ policies, research Research Data Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa methods and processes, as well as ICT and digitization skills. The findings also highlight the importance of robust training and selfdevelopment through online courses, webinars, and freely available materials as strategies to support RDM.

The Effect of Computer Self-Efficacy and Utilisation of Electronic Information Resources by Students of a Nigerian University

Emmanuel Babatunde Ajala — 2023-10-16

The study examined the effect of computer selfefficacy, college affiliation, year of study and barriers to utilisation of electronic information resources (EIRs) by students of Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria. The study undertook quantitative research. Stratified simple random technique was used to select sample size of 200 respondents from 374 undergraduate students of Samuel Adegboyega University, across the three Colleges in the University. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using inferential statistics. The study indicated students had high-level of computer self-efficacy in relation to the utilisation of EIRs and high level of utilisation of EIR. The study showed computer self-efficacy, College and Year of study positively influenced students’ utilisation of EIRs. Erratic power supply and poor internet connectivity were the barriers to effective utilisation of EIR by students.

Archival Silences within the National Archival Documentary Heritage Institutions of Botswana

Tiragalo Josephine Masibi — 2023-10-16

The study is an interpretive qualitative multiple case study, which examined archival representation of social groups in five selected heritage institutions in Botswana. Purposive sampling was used to select study participants. Data collection for the study was through semistructured interviews, non-participatory observations and document analysis. The findings indicate that archival representation of social groups is still at infancy stage in Botswana, as a result of poor interpretation and implementation of the National Archives and Records Services of 1978, (amended in 2007); lack of updated policies that inform practice and limited resources to do archival processes. The contents of the archival collection revealed a male, ethnic based, linguistic oriented and ruling party inclined image with underrepresented groups consisting of people with disabilities, the poor and women. For under-documented groups, the LGBTQ+ community, people living along borderlines and refugees come out. The causes for silences in the archival collections is attributed to discriminatory sections of the constitution, lack of reflexivity on the part of the archival institutions, mistrust of mainstream heritage institutions by communities and failure to survive time by indigenous culture which is mainly oral to name but a few. Consequently, the study recommends an acquisition and management model based on stewardship and a national archival system, that can ensure the documentation of a socially representative archival heritage.