Ghana Library Journal

Improving copyright administration in academic libraries in Ghana: Stakeholder perspectives

2023-11-24T09:03:25+00:00

The interests of actors in the copyright debate needs harmonisation to properly harness the benefits of the copyright system. This study employed the mixed methods sequential explanatory approach to investigate the opinions of stakeholders on how the administration of copyright in academic libraries in Ghana can be improved. Data was collected from 530 postgraduate students and 38 library staff using questionnaires, and from four head librarians in one-on-one interview sessions. Data from two focus group discussion sessions involving six students each, on the one hand, and the five members of the Technical Committee of CopyGhana, on the other hand, was also used as part of the study. The students and the librarians were from two private and two public universities. The librarians recommended making copyright issues less technical, and less legal. They also suggested the need to enact laws or guidelines on digital content. Among others, the students suggested integrating IP education into their courses and linking it to their future career options. This was corroborated by the rightsholders. The rightsholders also believe that payment of a token reprographic fee by each student every academic year could mitigate the economic losses they incur due to unauthorised photocopying of their copyrighted materials. However, this requires a buy-in from the university authorities. The suggestion to incorporate issues of copyright into the academic curriculum from day one is a laudable one that must be taken seriously by authorities of academic institutions if copyright is to be given the needed attention in academic libraries.

The Knowledge and Use of Reference Management Systems (RMS): A Survey Among University Students in Ghana

2023-11-24T09:19:53+00:00

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and use of Reference Management Software (RMS) among university students pursuing various degrees in health and related programmes in Ghana. It further sought to find out respondents’ motives for choosing a particular RMS and also the various sources of support for users of such programmes.

Design/methodology/approach: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to solicit for data from third year, fourth year and postgraduate students of the University of Health Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana, on their knowledge and use of RMS in their academic and scientific writings.

Findings: This study found out that more males use RMS than females. It was also confirmed that Mendeley was the most known and used RMS and that training organised by the library contributed to the increased knowledge and utilisation of the RMS. Lack of knowledge about RMS and institutions not requiring students to use RMS contributed to their non-usage. The primary use of RMS among the respondents was for insertion of citations and generation of bibliographies for their assignments and theses.

Originality/value: In Ghana, institutes of higher learning have witnessed the use of RMS among their constituents. However, apart from a recent study conducted among researchers at CSIR, no scientific study had been conducted among students on the purpose of this study. Thus, the findings of this study will inform librarians and policymakers to appreciate what their students require as far as the management of their bibliographic needs is concerned.

Digital Literacy and Informal Learning among Students: A Case of Students in Petroleum Training Institute, Delta State, Nigeria

2023-11-24T09:40:37+00:00

Digital literacy is a set of 21st-century skills associated with the effective use of technology. This study investigated digital literacy skills of students and informal learning, a case of students of Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study. Adopting the descriptive survey research design, 220 students were accidentally selected from the population of students in the institution. The research design was survey and questionnaire served as the instrument for the collection of data. The finding revealed that the students in Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun engage in informal learning activities through social networking platforms, reading of web pages such as blogs and reports, reading of books, watching television programmes and taking online courses. They have moderate digital literacy skills and most of them make use of YouTube, WhatsApp group chat, Blogs, Wiki (Wikipedia), Twitter, Facebook groups, Google Talk (Hangouts), Pinterest, and Yahoo Answer. However, their extent of use of digital literacy tools in informal learning is low and they face challenges such as lack of familiarity with some digital literacy tools, limited internet access, high cost of data for surfing online, delay in downloading information from web browsers and difficulties when searching for the necessary materials.

Research Data Management Practices: Preparedness and Challenges among Librarians in Nigeria

2023-11-24T09:48:39+00:00

There is a global deluge in research data generation in academia and industries as a result of the proliferation of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). This data deluge has raised concerns that research data be properly managed for easy accessibility, retrieval, use, and reuse for scientific progress. Funding agencies and institutions have gradually set standards or requested researchers to provide necessary data management plans for their research. Based on these backgrounds, this study sought to investigate research data management (RDM) practices, the level of preparedness, and the challenges being faced by librarians in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design of quantitative methodology. Questionnaire developed using Google Forms and administered electronically on LIS platforms, was used for data collection from librarians across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data collected was presented in charts and analysed descriptively. Findings from the study show that lack there is a lack of awareness about RDM policy, and skills to organise research data among librarians. The study recommends the formulation of comprehensive RDM policies, awareness campaigns, and professional development initiatives to address these challenges, fostering a culture of effective RDM in Nigeria.

Proposed Pathway for Nigerian Libraries in The Face of Prevailing Educational and Societal Requirements

2023-11-24T09:53:17+00:00

It is very clear that the library, regardless of the type, plays a fundamental role in the educational and societal
development of any nation. The resources and services offered by these libraries create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society. Sadly, most of these libraries Nigeria are highly faced with great challenges, hence, the need to device a pathway. This paper critically looked at the state of the Nigerian libraries in terms of its educational and societal requirements. However, before delving into the pathway for the Nigerians libraries in the face of prevailing educational and societal requirements, some of the challenges faced by these libraries were x-rayed. The paper concludes that much is expected of these Nigerian libraries which have strived from the periods of less competition to the period of high competition and expectation. in order to meet these numerous educational and societal requirements, there is need for a pathway, especially a joint role to be played by the librarians, educators, and government. One of which is the issue of a national policy and proper funding of these libraries.

Finding true north in ethical practices in information service provision in academic libraries in Uganda

2023-11-24T10:10:26+00:00

Ethical practices in information service provision have become integral for librarians and information professionals in the ever-evolving landscape of information dissemination and access. These practices encompass an array of principles governing professional behaviours, ensuring moral conduct, and preventing potential misconduct. This paper explores the ethical practices and information services in the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) library. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, with semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis as the data collection methods. The findings illuminated a comprehensive array of services available within the MUBS library context, including textbooks and eBooks short-term loans; reference books and e-reference books; internet and WIFI; current awareness; interlibrary loan; journals and e-journals access to patrons; MUBS librarians’ dedication to principles such as equitable access, privacy protection, and intellectual property rights. Ethical dilemmas arising from balancing intellectual freedom and responsible information provision are also unveiled. These findings resonate with global ethical considerations in librarianship, reflecting libraries’ evolving roles in the digital age. The study’s insights will inform MUBS library operations and contribute to the scholarly discourse on ethical library practices. The research implies that librarians’ ethical decisions impact service quality and user experiences.

Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Librarianship in the Global South: A Renewed Mission for Libraries and LIS Professionals during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

2023-11-24T10:25:42+00:00

COVID-19 undoubtedly brought about drastic and dramatic change in library service delivery. Libraries adopted several strategies to ensure that their services were continuously offered without significant interruptions. Consequently, this article focused on reshaping libraries after the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted the impact of the pandemic on libraries and library professionals. With the adjustment in the pattern of service delivery, the article also examined the new normal caused by the pandemic and possible barriers to adapting to this new normal. The library services, innovations, and experiences of libraries and their professionals during the pandemic were critically examined. The future of libraries is also discussed after the analysis of experts’ predictions put forward in various forms.

Editorial

2023-11-24T08:43:50+00:00

No Abstract.

Visually Impaired Students in Quest of Information in Two Public University Libraries in Ghana

2023-11-24T08:48:11+00:00

Public university libraries in Ghana can boast of numerous resources to support their users’. However, visually impaired students are unable to easily access, use and profit from these numerous resources available to all other users. The study targeted eighty visually impaired students in two public universities in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to identify assistive technology devices used by students, challenges visually impaired students faced in quest of information and strategies to enhance access to information. The study adopted quantitative survey design and questionnaire was used for the study. The results were presented in percentages, frequencies and tables. The major challenges identified were format barrier, mobility, lack of assistive technology devices and negative attitude. The study also revealed that only one library had a special section for the visually impaired students and the facilities were inadequate. The study recommended teamwork between the University Library and Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN)/Resource Centre and provision of ICT-based facilities and software. The University Librarian should take into consideration visually impaired students when providing information materials to library patrons. This study can also be used as a guide by librarians in providing information infrastructure for students with visual impairment.