University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal

Editorial Note

Faraja Ndumbaro — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This journal issue presents a collection of empirical studies focused on library science, indigenous knowledge management, technological integration, and user experience in educational and governmental contexts across Africa.

Promotional Strategies for Effective Students’ Utilisation of Library Resources in Kwara State Government-Owned Colleges of Education, Nigeria

Salami Waheed Akolawole Onitola — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates promotional strategies to enhance effective utilisation of library resources in “government-owned” colleges of education in Kwara State of Nigeria. It assessed resource availability and student usage and identified challenges such as limited awareness and insufficient facilities. A survey design was used, with 33 out of 47 participants sampled. Findings reveal adequate resources, but usage is mostly during examinations. Recommendations include raising awareness and increasing funding to improve library services and meet financial needs.

Library Collection Development and Circulation Policies Relative to Service Delivery in Nigeria’s South-South Federal Universities

Chibueze Norbert Onwuekwe — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the relationship between library collection development policy, circulation policy, and service delivery in federal universities in South-South Nigeria. Two research questions guided this study, while hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a correlational research design. The study population comprised 115 professional librarians. The sample comprised 115 librarians, and a census method was adopted. A structured questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale was used to collect data. Data collected were analysed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to determine the accuracy of the analysis. The findings showed a significant relationship among collection development policies, circulation policies, and service delivery in federal universities in South-South Nigeria. The study findings support the following recommendation: Library management should effectively implement collection development policies by acquiring new editions to replace old ones, in line with policy guidelines for effective service delivery. Moreover, circulation librarians should adequately enforce penalties for overdue resources to ensure timely returns and effective service delivery.

Indigenous Information Systems for Communicating Agricultural and Climate Change Knowledge among Maasai Communities in Morogoro District, Tanzania

Dotto Paul Kuhenga — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the role of indigenous communication systems in disseminating indigenous knowledge on agriculture and climate change among Maasai communities in Morogoro District, Tanzania. Guided by the Indigenous Communication Systems framework, the study focuses on two specific objectives: to establish the indigenous communication systems the Maasai of Ngerengere use or depend on to disseminate indigenous knowledge on agriculture and climate change and to explain the reasons for categorising such communication systems as indigenous. The study employed an embedded case study design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through interviews and observations from 80 respondents, including Maasai pastoralists, agricultural officers, journalists, and communication experts. The results show that the Maasai predominantly rely on interpersonal communication, village meetings, divine practices, and cultural traditions to disseminate and preserve agricultural and climate-related knowledge. Elders play a central role as information authorities, while oral traditions and participatory methods ensure trust inclusivity, and local ownership of messages. Indigenous communication systems were preferred over modern media due to their cultural relevance, contextual adaptability, and low cost. The study concludes that indigenous communication approaches are effective in conveying indigenous knowledge about agriculture and climate change. It recommends policies that recognise and mainstream indigenous knowledge in agriculture and climate change communication strategies to strengthen sustainable development and local
empowerment.

Role of Librarians in Nigeria’s Indigenous Knowledge Management

Adeolu Kolade Bolarinwa — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in Nigeria, encompassing traditional medicine, agricultural practices, folklore, and ecological wisdom, is a vital cultural and intellectual resource for over 250 ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. However, globalisation,
urbanisation, and technological advancements threaten its survival, as oral traditions risk extinction without systematic documentation. Librarians, as information management experts, are uniquely positioned to preserve and promote IK through documentation, digital archiving, and community engagement. This paper explores the transformative role of librarians in Nigeria in managing IK, identifying their responsibilities in collecting, preserving, and disseminating this knowledge, and examining challenges such as limited funding, inadequate technological infrastructure, language barriers, and the absence of a standardised national framework for IK management. Through a systematic literature review, the study highlights librarians’ efforts to create digital repositories, develop culturally appropriate classification systems, and advocate for the integration of IK into formal education. Key challenges include the oral nature of IK, lack of institutional support, and intellectual property complexities, which hinder effective preservation. The paper proposes actionable strategies, including capacity building, policy formulation, collaborative projects, and enhanced funding, to empower librarians. By leveraging modern technologies and fostering community partnerships, librarians can bridge traditional and contemporary knowledge systems, ensuring the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for sustainable development and community empowerment.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Tanzania's Academic Libraries

Rose Tinabo — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies that are changing how sectors operate, including education. This study examined the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tanzanian academic libraries using a SWOT framework. The study used semi-structured interviews with 36 librarians. The findings show that although several challenges limit the integration of AI, its use contributes to improving library services. A majority of respondents reported that AI has enhanced the speed of information retrieval and automated routine tasks (83%), improved access to digital resources (78%), and enhanced user experiences (72%). These results suggest that AI is helping libraries become more efficient and responsive to user needs. However, the study identified key challenges hindering AI integration. The most mentioned challenges are limited funding (86%), a lack of AI-related
skills among librarians (81%), and inadequate ICT infrastructure (75%). Moreover, some resistance to change (50%) was observed among librarians. The SWOT analysis identified strengths such as efficiency and improved services, as well as weaknesses including financial, skill, and infrastructure constraints. The identified opportunities include training, technological advancement, and institutional collaboration, while threats include data privacy concerns, job security risks, and a lack of policies. The study recommends investing in capacity building, improving infrastructure, strengthening collaboration, and enhancing AI policies. It recommends integrating AI in a way that considers Tanzania's unique conditions, maximising opportunities while minimising threats.

Customer satisfaction analysis of e-filing system effectiveness in reporting annual tax returns for individual Tanzanian taxpayers

Fred Phanuel Okangi, Theresia Edward Busagara — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) introduced e-filing as part of its efforts to modernise its tax systems. Nonetheless, complaints about its accessibility, usability, performance and navigation persist. As a result, only 45 per cent of usage was reported in
2022. As existing research on e-filing in the African context often focuses on its technical functionality, this research addresses the remaining gap in overall taxpayer satisfaction with the system. The study analysed how various factors related to the e-filing system influence user satisfaction. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from randomly sampled taxpayers of the Kinondoni Tax Region. In all, 339 responses were received and analysed using multiple regression. The findings indicate that the system's user-friendliness influences customer satisfaction, the responsiveness of authority staff, and the effectiveness of information dissemination regarding e-filing processes. Likewise, the filing and payment processes, the effectiveness of notifications, and system availability were also important in shaping customer experiences. The study recommends improving the e-filing system by enhancing user training, streamlining communication, and ongoing system enhancements. By addressing these factors, the Tanzania Revenue Authority can significantly improve customer satisfaction and foster greater compliance within Tanzania's tax administration framework.

University Instructors’ Perceptions of the Adoption and Use of Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment for Teaching and Assessment

Blandina Daniel Mazzuki, Enerico John Sumbizi, Sarah Vincent Chiwamba — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of technologies such as the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) into teaching and learning has become a global priority. This study examines university instructors' perceptions of the adoption and use of Moodle LMS, considering perceived
usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioural intention, and overall attitude. The study also investigated differences in perceptions in three universities and the barriers to the actual use of Moodle LMS. Data were collected from 100 instructors across three universities, namely the University of Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam University College of Education - DUCE), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), using structured online questionnaires integrated with a subsection of qualitative information. The findings indicated that university instructors had positive perceptions of the adoption and use of Moodle LMS. MUST had the highest levels of positive perceptions, followed by DUCE and then SUA. Despite positive perceptions, instructors do not use Moodle LMS effectively due to barriers such as unreliable, unstable internet connectivity, limited knowledge among instructors and students, and poor infrastructure. Also, electricity issues, technical problems and failure to interact with students during the teaching and learning process emerged as other stumbling blocks.