Library and Information Services

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Information technology and deskilling of professional cataloguers with special reference to academic libraries in the Western Cape
(University of Cape Town, 1996) Lephoto, M.; De Jager, Karin
An investigation was undertaken to establish whether it was possible to assume that information technology has had an influence of the skills levels in the jobs of cataloguers. The research was conducted in two parts: the literature survey and the empirical investigation. The survey of literature was done on the literature from the United States of America (USA), from the United Kingdom (UK) and also from limited South African resource. The overseas literature was related to the situation in South Africa. The empirical investigation was confined to the academic libraries in the Western Cape region of South Africa. For the empirical investigation a mail questionnaire was constructed and sent to respondents in order to determine whether information technology was indeed affecting the skills of cataloguers in the academic libraries. 'The analysis of data obtained from the results of the questionnaire indicated that there was no sign of a negative influence in the skills levels of cataloguers in Western Cape Africa. Indeed, it seemed was apparent from the analysis of data that cataloguers find information technology to be a positive influence on their skills and on enhancing their status.
Performance assessment of technical reports as a channel of information for development: the Lesotho case study
(2002-01-25) Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.; Stilwell, Christine, Andrew Kaniki; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The study aims to assess performance of TRs as a channel of information for development in the Lesotho context. It concurrently evaluates how a specialized information unit of ISAS has performed in its obligation to devise adequate mechanisms for managing the report literature and meeting the development-related needs of users. In order to achieve that aim, the study contextualized development as a process, state, and condition and highlighted some development indicators for Lesotho. Agriculture and gender were selected as sectors of development. Global conferences, as one of the many development strategies that generate TRs heavily, were used as a benchmark. In the performance and impact assessment methodologies, case study techniques were applied with ISAS as a site and one unit of analysis. TRs on Lesotho were studied. Triangulation approaches were applied in sourcing data. The academics, information workers, government officials, NGOs and aid agencies based in Lesotho were surveyed. Research questions that guided the study centred on the productivity, distribution of TRs, their management by intermediaries, use, non-use and the effects thereon. Seven types of TRs feature in the development process, namely Academic, Project, Conference, Survey, Enquiry, Official and Special Committee Reports. TRs are produced at varying levels depending on needs and approaches to development by producers or commissioning bodies. Academic Reports are authored mostly by the academics. The Government, Aid agencies and NGOs produce widely through external consultants/experts, who utilize centres such as ISAS where commissioning bodies do not have information services. TRs productivity is high and diverse in Lesotho, but capacity to manage the output is seemingly low, and hence under-utilization results; ISAS’s out-dated mission, lack of, or limited resources and de jure national support in the form of acts and statutes affect the Institute’s TRs’ services. Production is gender biased, thus making for imbalance in reporting on development. Agriculture as a sector is heavily researched and reported about, with little or no commensurate benefits to the populace. Restricted materials are estimated at 30%, but most vi of the TRs are unaccounted for. Hoarding and poor records or information management leave a vacuum that leads to a duplication of previous studies and production. The study confirmed that TRs are required by all the surveyed groups. TRs are not of a transient nature even though they reach a peak of topicality and use at certain periods. Where the channel conveys factual data timeously, there are developmental benefits. Low or non-use is common where there are no specialized information services especially within the civil service. Such negative factors cause delays and infrequent currency, inadequate reporting and erroneous budgetary allocations, for example. Seemingly there is no clarity on what restricted, secret and limited materials mean. Major recommendations were made One concerned an integrated approach to managing the channel. This would involve preparing a Manual for the production of TRs which would clarify how to prepare them; for instance, the calibre of personnel/experts who should author reports, the conditions to be observed, the timeliness production, reliability of data used, and centres that would be acknowledged to then qualify for commensurate financial and other support. The other proposes that the envisaged National Research Council be given the powers to enforce the guidelines of the manual and related functions. The last recommends assigning to the documentalists for classified TRs, the role of managing classified items. Consideration should also be given to important issues raised in the study, being the role of ICTs, sectors of development to be attended to, training and networking in TRs. Further studies are also recommended mainly for the causes and effects of the closures of information services that managed TRs’ in southern Africa; longitudinal studies on the impact of non-use of technical reports in major sectors of development like Agriculture; comparative studies on the impact of specialized centres in the developed and developing countries. Further action is urged under the aegis of bodies like the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Librarians (SCECSAL), Standing Conference of National and University Libraries (SCONUL) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
An evaluation of information literacy of postgraduate students of the National University of Lesotho (NUL)
(2006-09-06) Mariti, Lineo Mary; de Jage, Karin; Nassimbeni, Mary
In this global information age many technological advances have changed approaches to education and the way libraries are managed. The massive increase of unfiltered information has resulted in high demands for information literacy programmes. Therefore, students need to be assisted throughout their learning process. The result of this change is the shift from teacher-centered type of learning to student-centered learning. The gap between the library and the classroom needs to be bridged by insisting on the use of information literacy skills and by promoting cooperation and collaboration of efforts between the teaching staff and the library. The learning organizations need to realize the need to embed information literacy within their curriculum to enhance quality education. The transformation requires libraries to embark on student learning and empower students with necessary information literacy skills. This issue of empowering students with necessary skills had become a motivating factor that drove me to carry out this research in order to find out the status and level of information literacy for postgraduate students of NUL. Information literacy standards were used as a measure. The study used a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A questionnaire was used as a main data collection instrument and the results were measured against the American Library Association (ALA) information literacy standards. Interviews were also conducted at NUL to supplement the main data collection instrument. Findings reflect a moderate to poor performance of a group of postgraduate and senior Law students who participated in this survey study. Findings from interviews provided evidence that NUL is aware of the concept of information literacy.
Bile acids as Specific Faecal Pollution Indicators in Water and Sediments
(European Scientific Journal, 2013) Obuseng, V. C.; Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.; Nareetsile, F.
Microbiological indicators such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) have been extensively applied to monitor sewage contamination in waters and sediments. However, it has been accomplished by many researchers that microorganism indicators of faecal pollution in aquatic environments have limited applicability, owing to their lack of specificity and variable life span induced by environmental factors such as sunlight and chlorination. This review highlights the use of chemical indicators for faecal or sewage pollution monitoring. It highlights that the differences in bile acid distributions in animal faeces could be utilized to differentiate inputs in an environment. Furthermore, the high resistance to degradation by some of the bile acids would make them better suited for long standing pollution compared to coprostanol, as it is more readily degraded. Bile acid data could be used in conjunction with other available evidence, be it ethnographic or as part of a multi-biomarker approach, employing 5 ?-stanols and bacterial indicators, such as C. perfringens, to distinguish amongst the different environmental inputs.
State of the art of library service for 2012-2014
(2014) Mokotjo, W.
Measuring Innovation environment through Open Access and Information Literacy Programmes of Southern African Libraries
(UNISA & Know-res Publishing, 2014) Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.
Use of electronic resources in Lesotho - performance of Lesotho Library Consortium
(2014) Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.
Political tensions in Lesotho coalition government: newspaper summaries and clippings
(E. M. Nthunya, 2014) Nthunya, E. M.
Life challenges and information needs of children and young adults in Lesotho : lessons from an internet-connected hybrid library
(Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M., 2014) Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.
This discussion argues that, never before has the African child and youth been so vulnerable to social deprivation that comprises civil wars, drugs, disease and orphanage as in the 21st century; and to an extent that youth generally have to vie for themselves. The situation has also culminated into the African Union coming up with the African Youth Charter (2006) by which member states committed themselves to relevant policies and care. This paper reports on an enquiry into life challenges of children and youth as traceable from myriad reasons for using the Mafeteng hybrid type of district public library. Key categories of reasons for use of the library are educational, entertainment, adventure/curiosity (pornography, satanism) and solving livelihood challenges such as job seeking and disease cure. Efforts for an internet-connected library provision should not end at that, and assume that all is well. Since it seems use of Internet by children and youth within a library poses advantages and risks, the situationcalls for a joint responsibility of all the concerned to ensure guidance which should minimize risks while maximizing benefits to the innocent minds
From Ethics to Information Ethics : an overview
(2014) Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa, M. M.
70th Anniversary of the National University of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2015) National University of Lesotho
Improving Service Delivery at the National University of Lesotho Library through Knowledge Sharing
(UNISA, 2016-10) Tseole, T. E.; Prof. Ngulube, Patrick; Prof. Dube, Luyanda
Knowledge is now considered the most important organizational resource, surpassing other resources like land and capital. It has, therefore, been acknowledged that knowledge can play an important role in ensuring an organization’s competitive edge. The purpose of this study was to investigate if knowledge sharing is being used to improve service delivery at the National University of Lesotho’s Thomas Mofolo Library. The researcher held the view that Librarians at Thomas Mofolo Library have different sets of skills which, if combined, could improve service delivery. By not sharing and retaining this existing wealth of knowledge, the researcher claimed that when librarians retire or resign from work, they will certainly take with them the knowledge they possess and the result of this knowledge loss is that the Library may be plagued by an inability to learn from the past experiences, which leads to reinvented wheels, unlearned lessons and the pattern of repeated mistakes. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the case study design in order to allow for multiple methods of data collection. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were administered to all librarians who were available at the time and purposive sampling was used to determine interview participants. Out of the 25 questionnaires administered, 15 were returned, providing a response rate of 60%. The data collected by means of questionnaires was processed using Microsoft Access and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (Version 17). The results of analysis were exported into Microsoft Excel for visual presentation and reporting of the results. The data from the interview sessions was analyzed manually by content analysis, using the notes that were taken by the researcher from the respondents during the interview sessions. The findings pointed to the fact that knowledge sharing does occur at TML, although mostly in an informal manner. This was largely due to a number of impediments such as lack of trust and the absence of motivations and rewards. The study concluded by recommending a number of initiatives that could be implemented in order to retain knowledge within the Library. The recommendations included developing a knowledgemanagement strategy and formalizing knowledge sharing by formulating the desired policies.
Access to and use of electronic information resources in the academic libraries of the Lesotho Library Consortium
(2017-06-11) Sejane, Lefuma; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie
The study presents the findings of a survey regarding access to and use of electronic information resources in academic libraries of the Lesotho Library Consortium (LELICO). Nine institutions were studied, namely; the National University of Lesotho; Lesotho College of Education; Lesotho Agricultural College; Lerotholi Polytechnic; Centre of Accounting Studies; National Health Training College; Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre; Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management, and Institute of Development Management. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by Venkatesh et al., (2009) underpinned the study, using the main variables or constructs of direct determinants of intention, being; Facilitating Condition (FC), Effort Expectancy (EE), Performance Expectancy (PE) and Social Influence (SI), also the direct determinants for use behaviour, User Behaviour (UB) and Behaviour Intention (BI). The study adopted the postpositivists paradigm and mixed methods were used; that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the librarians (systems librarians, subject librarians and acquisition librarians), while the two semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Directors and Rectors, University Librarian, and Library Directors. Response rate of 69.6% for librarians, 44.4% for PVC, Directors or Rectors and 56% for University Librarian and Library Directors were achieved. To analyse quantitative data, the SPSS Version 20.0 was used, while qualitative data was analysed by sorting, classifying and arranging data which were examined in relation to combined thematic content analysis. To ascertain reliability and validity of the instruments, pre-testing was done of both the instruments for librarians and the Library Director of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Library, in Pietermaritzburg. The research study was guided by the ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which was adhered to. It was established that the type of e-resources accessed and used by academic libraries of LELICO included: e-mail, search engines, websites, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), ejournals, full-text databases, reference databases, institutional repositories (IRs) and Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs). The study established that e-resources which were accessed and used mostly were e-mail, search engines and websites, followed by the OPAC, ejournals, full-text databases, IRs, reference databases. The study further found that main uses of e-resources were for communication, to support teaching and learning activities, such as professional research, assignments and lecture requirements. The findings showed that vi awareness of e-resources was mainly through formal engagement, such as library orientation and through informal engagement such as colleagues. The following strategies were in place: IRs, Open Access (OA), Information Literacy (IL) programme as well as library orientation sessions to improve on the access to and use of e-resources. It has been further revealed that challenges such as budget cuts, low internet bandwidth, lack of up-to-date Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, inadequate searching skills, shortage of staff and high cost of subscription fees posed many of the threats to access to and use of e-resources in the institutions libraries. The findings revealed lack of guidelines and e-resources collection development policies. The study concluded that access to and use of electronic information resources in the academic libraries were influenced by how e-resources were accessed, systems in place, effectiveness of the consortium, challenges facing libraries and strategies in place. The study recommended the establishment of e-collection development policies, guidelines and procedures for budget allocation, conducting of needs assessment to selection, collections maintenance, evaluation and resource sharing formulated to be implemented to enhance the efficient management of e-resource collection by providing selection procedures, requirements, standards and specifications in terms of Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs) infrastructure, equipment and human resource recruitment. The findings of the study influenced the formulation of e-resources collection development policies in academic libraries of the LELICO. The research is a strong platform for critical knowledge exchange and engagement and the presentation of results enhanced the understanding of the current realities and status in relation to access to and use of e-resources in the higher educationsetting particularly in the academic libraries. Furthermore, the study makes significant contribution in the areas of policy, theory and practice regarding access to and use of eresources. The present study contributes to the body of knowledge, information and literature,especially in the context of Lesotho.
ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION LITERACY TRAINING AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LESOTHO
(2018-12-22) Lefalatsa, Limakatso; Bitso, Connie
Information literacy skills are a necessity among university students, hence information literacy instructors should keep abreast with the 21st century information literacy curriculum, its delivery and assessment. The study investigated information literacy training and its needs at NUL. The purpose was to investigate information literacy curriculum, delivery and assessment at the National University of Lesotho. Guided by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) information literacy framework for higher education, the study sought to establish the extent to which the NUL information literacy programme considers ACRL frames or any other standard of relevance. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a phenomenology research design. Data was collected from NUL Subject Librarians through focus group discussions and one on one interview with the Lecturers. Data was generated from structured interview questions; analysed manually and presented in an interpretative form such that participants’ responses were tabulated under subheadings corresponding to the items from the research instruments that were formulated from the research questions. Major findings are that there is no information literacy programme in place hence there is no specific curriculum at NUL, as a result there is also no benchmarking. NUL Subject Librarians take initiative to improvise information literacy content; they use lecture mode and library tours as their predominant mode of information literacy teaching and learning. Although there is a Communication Skills Course meant to assist students with information and communication skills, students struggle to search for information; they are even unable to consult a variety of information sources. The study therefore recommends NUL Library to establish a clear information literacy training programme that is delivered in collaboration with academic staff. It is further recommended that Subject Librarians should contribute to the content of the Communication Skills Course.
Adoption of cloud technology services at the National University of Lesotho Library
(University of Zululand, 2020-04-14) Tseole, Tahleho
The information landscape across the globe is swiftly changing owing to the latest developments in technology and innovation. One aspect of such technological developments is cloud computing, which over the few years become the buzzword in the information environment. Libraries are no exception, as they are the powerhouses of information and knowledge. Library and information professionals therefore need to have an understanding of what constitutes cloud computing, and in particular, the issues of data storage, security and retrieval. The purpose of this study is to examine the adoption of cloud technology services at the National University of Lesotho library. This is a qualitative case study which made use of interviews as instruments for data collection. Data was analysed manually by content analysis using the notes taken by the researcher during the interview sessions. The study provides valuable first-hand insight into the adoption and implementation of cloud computing in the context of libraries in Lesotho.
Determinant factors of intention to adopt blockchain technology across academic libraries
(Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2020-09) Lengoatha, Lebohang; Seymour, Lisa F.
Academic libraries experience a lot of pressure due to rapid changes in technology, budget cuts and increasing demand of information services from their clientele. At the same time, libraries are expected to improve their information services at the global level to meet the increasing demands of libraries’ population. Therefore, an effective collaboration in academic libraries is not an option anymore, but a necessity in order to cope with the rapidly changing technologies and external pressures. Blockchain technology because of its capabilities to record transactions and digital interactions in a transparent, secure, resilient, efficient and traceable way across untrusted parties, offers new opportunities for academic libraries’ collaboration. However, due to its infancy stage of development, literature on blockchain technology adoption behavior is lacking, especially in the context of academic libraries. This therefore opens up the opportunities for further research in this area. Based on the technology innovation theory and technology-organisation-environment framework, a conceptual research model has been developed to investigate the determinant factors of intention to adopt blockchain technology in South African academic libraries’ collaborative business processes. This conceptual paper also gives directions for future research in the form of 11 hypotheses.
Facilitating knowledge retention in cross-border mergers in the telecommunications industry of Lesotho
(University of South Africa, 2020-09) Tseole, Tahleho; Ngulube, Patrick
Knowledge should be retained because it is an organisational asset. The management of knowledge, particularly knowledge retention, has been widely researched by several scholars. However, little research has been done on facilitating knowledge retention in the organisational cross-border mergers of the telecommunication industry in Lesotho. The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the process of knowledge retention in the context of organisational cross-border mergers in Lesotho, particularly in the telecommunication industry. This is a quantitative case study research that triangulated interviews and questionnaires as instruments of data collection. Quantitative data were gathered from all 14 the staff members of Econet telecom Lesotho who went through the merger process as well as 14 former employees of the organisation who left the organisation for different reasons during the merger. Qualitative data, on the other hand, were gathered by means of interviews from selected staff members who held managerial positions. The aim was to check for consistency and corroboration of the findings. Quantitative data analysis was done with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. The responses from the questionnaires retained 75% and four informants were interviewed. The results for the study indicated that although there were no formal policies in place that guided the retention of knowledge, somehow knowledge was retained during the merger process. On the other hand, a considerable amount of valuable knowledge may have been lost because employees who either left the organisation during the process or those who were apparently forced to resign just left the organisation with no proper knowledge retention arrangement. The findings of the study also showed that the Econet Telecom Lesotho merger was accompanied by a high staff turnover resulting from both forced and voluntary resignations. Furthermore, the results of the study indicated that the following were used during the merger: job rotation, communities of practice, mentorship, job shadowing and storytelling. However, the interview findings showed that ii Econet Telecom Lesotho did not do anything to retain knowledge during the merger process. Moreover, the results showed that there was indeed visible cultural differences between the two organisations. The cultural differences appeared noticeable even at the managerial level. Furthermore, the findings also pointed to the fact that those cultural variations tended to impede knowledge retention between staff members as they had different cultural backgrounds. Based on the study findings, the following recommendations are made: it is imperative to have a knowledge management policy in place to guide all knowledge management activities in organisations, including those in the telecommunications industry, and consequently, the study recommends the development of a knowledge management system at Econet Telecom Lesotho. This study also recommends a thorough cultural due diligence exercise for future cross-border mergers.
Responding to COVID-19 in an African university: the case the National University of Lesotho library
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020-10) Mbambo-Thata, Buhle
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the National University of Lesotho Library’s shift to supporting of contact teaching to e-learning because of COVID-19. The university library increased access to digital content and broadened digital services. Design/methodology/approach This case study is based on reflective practice methodology in which practitioners learn from their practice, reflect and adapt to change as they improve on their practice. The library team members were reflective participants in the transformation of library services from on-site to digital services. The main research questions are “How did the digital libraries meet the needs of the digital community?” and “What will be the new normal after COVID-19 experience in digital libraries and their communities?” The literature review juxtaposes reports on transformation of library services to digital services. Findings The library transformed from on-site to digital services library. It also reports on observed increase in databases usage during lockdown. Research limitations/implications The nature of a case study is limited by time and geography. Practical implications This paper has implications and possible applications for other university libraries in African countries that are resources constrained such as Lesotho. Originality/value This paper makes a valuable contribution to lessons on how African universities’ libraries respond to pandemics such as COVID-19. It speaks to the need to strengthen existing infrastructure and digital content, while ensuring the library staff and the university community adapts to the new normal.
Knowledge sharing and the improvement of service delivery in an academic library
(Orcid, 2021) Tseole, Tahleho Emmanuel
Knowledge can play an important role in ascertaining an organization’s competitive edge if the knowledge of employees is nurtured and utilized as an asset with a potential to improve service delivery. The study focused on knowledge sharing at the Thomas Mofolo Library in Lesotho to determine if knowledge sharing was being used to improve service delivery at the library. A case study design that triangulated interviews and questionnaires was used in this study. Quantitative data was processed using software packages. Data from the interviews was analyzed through content analysis based on the objectives of the study. This study established that staff recognized the need to share knowledge. However, knowledge sharing occurred on an ad hoc basis. There was a limited use of technology-based and human-based mechanisms of sharing knowledge. The study suggests practical knowledge-sharing practices that may contribute to improved service delivery in a library setup. As a case study, the study may also contribute to the development of theory about the phenomenon.
A framework for knowledge retention to support business continuity in the cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry in Lesotho
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2021-12-01) Tseole, Tahleho
Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate a framework for knowledge retention to support business continuity in cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry in Lesotho. Design/methodology/approach – This study applied a qualitative case study, with data collected through interviews from a purposively selected sample of staff members who held managerial positions. Information in this study was partially extracted from the PhD thesis of Dr Tseole ET supervised by Prof Ngulube P at the University of South Africa completed in 2021. Findings – The study discovered that a considerable amount of knowledge may have been lost because employees who either left the organisation or those who were apparently forced to resign during the process had left without any proper knowledge retention arrangements. Research limitations/implications – The framework proposed in this study may be used in framing future studies as a theoretical framework. The study also provides new literature for review and discussion of background in future related studies. Practical implications – The framework provided in the study may be used as a benchmark in the knowledge management industry and/or organisations for policy development or improvements and implementation of knowledge retention strategies. Social implications – Through recommendations and framework provided by this study, organisations will be able to improve their services to their sphere of influence in the surrounding communities. So, community will be receiving an improved and good service at all the times. Originality/value – A framework for facilitating knowledge retention in the cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry is therefore proposed and the researchers believe it will be helpful to the organisation for improving knowledge retention going forward, particularly in the merger process.

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