Masters Degrees (UNL)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (UNL) by Title

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    Access and use of electronic resources by students at the selected campuses of the University of Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2020) Shigwedha, Johannes N.
    Academic libraries are now using electronic resources to fulfil the information needs of their clients. The study was carried out at the University of Namibia and was aimed at investigating access and use of electronic resources by undergraduate students at the selected campuses of the University of Namibia. The investigation utilized the descriptive survey study design, which is quantitative in methodology. The target population was 1,460 undergraduate students enrolled at Neudamm, Khomasdal and José Eduardo dos Santos campuses were targeted for this investigation and, using stratified random sampling, a corresponding sample of 292 undergraduate students was obtained. The study utilized two questionnaires to collect data from undergraduate students and twelve library staff and data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The study established that UNAM libraries were signed up to an extensive variety of electronic resources and that students were commonly mindful of the presence of these electronic resources. However, students were not using electronic databases, e-books, and e-journals provided by the library, to their fullest potential. Additionally, the study settled that students preferred to use search engines, such as ‘Google search, over other licensed databases for various purpose, including current and general information, preparing for examination, writing assignments and projects. Furthermore, the study reported lack of searching skills among students and ineffective information literacy program. Limited space in the training venues, limited online library guides and inappropriate timing of the training impedes the effectiveness of training programs. The findings also reported that a lack of ICT infrastructure, such as the unavailability of web network connectivity, inadequate number of computers, and slow internet connectivity were the primary elements limiting students from accessing and adequately utilizing electronic resources. Lastly, the study infers that students showed a desire and readiness to access and utilize electronic resources for their course work and research purposes regardless of some recognized difficulties that hindered their effective usage of these resources. To encourage more noteworthy access to, and utilization of, electronic resources, various recommendations based on the findings were presented. These were that students should be assigned academic tasks that compel them to access and use licensed databases, that Internet bandwidth be increased to ensure high speeds, the number of networked computers in the libraries be increased, the plug in points in the libraries be expanded to allow students to plug in their own devices, training venues be expanded, online library guides be developed to guide all library users and structured information literacy programs be developed and integrated into the university curriculum.
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    Adopting Research Data Management (RDM) practices at the University of Namibia (UNAM): A view from researchers
    (University of Cape Town, 2019) Samupwa, Astridah Njala
    This study investigated the extent of Research Data Management (RDM) adoption at the University of Namibia (UNAM), viewing it from the researcher’s perspective. The objectives of the study were to investigate the extent to which RDM has been adopted as part of the research process at UNAM, to identify challenges encountered by researchers attempting to practice RDM and to provide solutions to some of the challenges identified. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory was adopted for the study to place UNAM within an innovation-decision process stage. The study took a quantitative approach of which a survey was used. A stratified sample was drawn from a list of all 948 faculty members (the number of academics taken from the UNAM annual report of 2016). The Raosoft sample size calculator (Raosoft, 2004) states that 274 is the minimum recommended sample size necessary for a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level from a population of 948, and this was the intended sample size. A questionnaire administered via an online web-based software tool, SurveyMonkey, was used. A series of questions was asked to individuals to obtain statistically useful information on the topic under study. The paid version of SurveyMonkey was used for analysis while graphics and tables were created in Microsoft Excel. The results of the study showed that for the group that responded to the survey, the extent to which they have adopted RDM practices is still very low. Although individuals were found to be managing their research data, this was done out of their own free will; this is to say that there was no policy mandating and guiding their practices. The researcher placed most of the groups that responded to the survey at the first stage of the innovation-decision process, which is the information stage. However, librarians who responded to the survey were found to be more advanced as they were seen to be aware of and engaged in knowledge acquisition regarding RDM practices. Thus, the researcher placed them at the second stage in the innovation-decision process (Persuasion). Recommendations for the study are based on the analysed data. It is recommended, among others, that UNAM should give directives in the form of policies to enhance the adoption of RDM practices and this should be communicated to the entire UNAM community to create awareness regarding the concept of RDM.
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    Collection development practices at institutions of higher learning in Namibia with special reference to electronic resources: The case of the University of Namibia library
    (2017) Ashilungu, Maria
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the collection development practices of electronic resources at the University of Namibia (UNAM) library and its constituent branches. Collection development is one of the critical activities of any library management process; therefore, the goal of collection development in university libraries is to effectively provide relevant and up-to-date information resources. The main aims of the study were: to explore the collection development procedures and policies for electronic resources at the UNAM library; to investigate the factors that influence the collection development of information resources; to assess the extent which teaching staff and subject librarians are involved in collection development at the UNAM library; to discover the barriers to effective collection development of electronic resources at the UNAM library; and to determine the influence of the UNAM library budget allocation on the collection development of electronic resources. The population of the study comprised of 291 teaching staff from all eight faculties of UNAM. A total of 149 faculty members responded to the survey, which gave a response rate of 51.2%, while a total number of 16 library staff were interviewed. The study employed a quantitative approach, and the qualitative approach was applied on the part of the library staff. For quantitative data collection, the study used a self-administered questionnaire, while for qualitative data, the study used an interview schedule with library staff. The data from the interviews were used to complement the data from the survey. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that not all faculty members are aware of the guideline, procedure, and policies on the collection development activities. Eighty one percent (81%) of the respondents are aware of the importance of their role in selecting library materials, 72% are aware of acquiring books, and 67% are aware of the budget allocated to their faculty. The majority totaling 94% of the faculty members are not aware of weeding or disposal of library books, followed by 83% who are not aware of collection evaluation, and 81% are not aware of the collection development policy in place at the UNAM library. From the data collected, the study found that a majority (67%) of faculty members are aware of ICTs used in collection development activities. Even though the majority of faculty members are aware of ICTs used in collection development activities, (45%) faculty members are not aware that ICTs can be used in collection development. The major challenge facing the UNAM library is the absence of the collection development policy, which makes it difficult for the teaching staff, students, and library staff to understand all the issues related to the collection development of electronic resources in the library. Another challenge is the inadequacy of funds to cater for the increasing costs of electronic resources in various subject fields
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    Developing information literacy skills within a virtual reference system
    (2016) Mwiiyale, Jakobina M.
    Abstract: The purpose of this study was to instigate the development of information literacy skills within a Virtual Reference System at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Library. An empirical survey was carried out between February and March 2015 using a quantitative approach to investigate how the UNAM Library could improve undergraduate students’ information literacy training using Web 2.0 tools. The author’s insights and understanding of the phenomenon studied was guided by a positivism paradigm and educational learning theories. Data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire, administered to a sample of 352 undergraduate students registered for more than 12 months at all UNAM campuses. An IBM SPSS statistical data analysis version 22 was used to analyse the collected data. Findings showed that although enquiries related to circulation co-activities; access to lecture`s notes and course materials dominated Reference Desk. A total of 36.9% possessed “a fair to moderate” knowledge and skills in searching the library bibliographic system (OPAC) and e-resources databases particularly those at third and fourth year level of study. The study also showed that there is a greater usage of laptops and mobile phones to access internet-based information at the university. Findings revealed that instant interactive services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Wikipedia and YouTube were the most used Web 2.0 tools by undergraduate students. The study therefore recommends that UNAM Library should integrate these Web 2.0 tools into the information literacy program to add value to undergraduate students’ academic knowledge acquisition and skills development processes. The study further recommends that future studies need to evaluate the usability and impact of the UNAM Library Website as well as Web 2.0 tools on students’ undergraduate academic performance.
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    The information needs of people with albinism in Khomas region, Namibia
    (2018) Ngula, Anna Kaukowe
    The dissertation is a report of an investigation of the information needs of people with albinism in Khomas region, Namibia. The investigation aims to ascertain the information needs of people with albinism (PWA), including the kind of information needs they have. It also seeks to establish the mechanisms used by PWA to seek information and to determine who initiates their information-seeking activities. Furthermore, the study identifies the challenges PWA in Khomas region face on a daily basis when seeking information and recommends information services that could be suitable for PWA in Khomas region. For its theoretical framework, the study applies Moore (2002) and Wilson’s (1996) model of information behaviour. It is situated within the interpretivism paradigm following a qualitative approach. The research design is that of a case study with aspects of autoethnography resulting from the researcher’s personal memory of her lived experiences of albinism as a mother of two children with albinism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with sixteen people with albinism; six parents of children with albinism (CWA); and two key informants from associations dealing with PWA in Namibia. The findings reveal that PWA have information needs related to their condition, specifically skin and eye care, as well as other basic needs, such as shelter, employment opportunities, education prospects and the process of their acquisition of identity and travel documents. The study revealed that the internet (especially Google), the radio and television, healthcare professionals and Support in Namibia of Albinism Sufferers Requiring Assistance (SINASRA) and Namibia Albino Association Trust (NAAT) are some of the sources and mechanisms used by participants when searching for information. The organisational participants revealed that they provide a range of services to PWA, including information about skin care and protective clothing, as well as applications for disability grants. PWA who participated in the study indicated that they encounter problems when accessing information. These include the long distances between information seekers and providers, time constraints and the cost associated with accessing information. Language was identified as a major barrier to information access because most of the content is in English. Lack of awareness of information sources coupled with poor eyesight for PWA the reading of information in small fonts that is not provided in alternative formats a glaring challenge. The study concluded that information about albinism is critical not only for PWA, but also to an African society that often subjects PWA to grievous harm, simply because it still holds myths and stigma about albinism. Therefore, the study recommends that it is crucial to provide information to PWA, including their family members through platforms such as open days, sensitisation meetings, and the creation of WhatsApp groups. These interventions should also be directed at society at large in order to create a sense of belonging and get rid of isolation suffered by PWA. The study also recommends that an information booklet be developed by the ministry of health and social services. This booklet should contain information on different types of disabilities that can affect unborn children, in order to prepare the parents.
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    Information-seeking behaviour of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources' students at Neudamm campus, University of Namibia
    (University of Cape Town, 2017) Uugwanga, Nekulu Selma Takatsu
    This study investigated the information-seeking behaviour of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources' (FANR) students at Neudamm Campus, University of Namibia (UNAM). It determined their information needs, informationseeking patterns, information use and information evaluation including preferences for information resources. In addition, it considered the challenges students encountered when accessing and using information at Neudamm Library. This was done in order to improve the delivery of information services. Taking a qualitative research approach, this study was guided by Kuhlthau's (2004) Information Search Process model which served as a theoretical framework. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample through focus group discussions that were held with undergraduate students and interviews with postgraduate students and academic staff. The key findings from this analysis are that FANR students need information to write assignments, class tests, examinations and research projects. They value both printed and online resources. However, they are frustrated by the outdated resources, shortage of printed materials, and the limited and restricted access to e-resources. When in the library, they mainly browse for books on library shelves and search for information on the internet, and rarely use library electronic databases. There is a need to train students on the formulation of search strategies and the use of library e-resources. It transpired that students seldom use advanced search strategies, instead they either type short keywords or long sentences on Google search engine. Their challenges include very noisy library study area, ineffective interlibrary loan systems and fellow students' unwillingness to share facilities such as computers. The findings indicate that the library needs to acquire the latest e-resources, provide robust information literacy training and redesign its space to increase study space that students can use to access quality information. Additionally, the university should source funds from external donors to build a state of the art library to accommodate the increasing number of FANR students.
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    Investigating the library research support services in the Faculty of Education, University of Namibia (UNAM): A Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus focus
    (University of Cape Town, 2019) Aipinge, Maria Magdalena M.
    This study investigated the library research support services in the Faculty of Education at Hifikepunye Pohamba (HP) Campus, University of Namibia. The research problem is that UNAM has an interest in growing its research, but the library does not have strong research support services; these needed to be investigated, along with researchers’ support needs. The study explored the research support services currently in place at HP campus in order find out to what extent the campus’ library services meet the needs and expectations of the researchers and academic staff. The study further examined how the research support service at the HP campus library could be re-conceptualised. The results of the study aimed at guiding librarians on what research related services should be offered to researchers in order to improve research outputs. The study was guided by the Research Librarianship conceptual approach which provided direction and ideas on an ideal research support service which responds to country, institution and individual research needs and changes in scholarly communication. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected using two sampling methods. They are: a census which was conducted for academics and convenience sampling for emerging researchers. Questionnaires were distributed to academic (established researchers) and postgraduate students who are referred as emerging researchers in the study. The findings are that the HP campus library does provide research support services, but they are not really core activities of the research support services as the concept would suggest. Many researchers felt their needs were being met but the current services are not specifically research-related activities and therefore do not help improve on research outputs as much as more targeted research services would. The findings indicated that there is a need to advance the campus’ traditional library services by adding activities which respond to research needs. The study therefore recommended that the library at the HP campus should enhance the research support services by responding to new trends in an academic library which fit into the new higher education teaching environment. Furthermore, the library should develop awareness programmes of the library research support services for academics. It is also recommended that the library should integrate IT skills into library training and that new set of skills such as research and subject-related skills are required by academic librarians. Therefore, staff development should be a continuing programme for UNAM librarians to constantly adapt to new trends and ensure library services are on par with the changes in research. The main recommendation is that the librarians should adapt to new trends and ensure that the library services remain relevant by contributing to research outputs. This will mainly be made possible if librarians have relevant qualifications to enable them to have the competence and skills in research related activities.
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    An investigation into the awareness and usage of e-resources by the University of Namibia students: a case study of Ogongo campus
    (University of Namibia, 2023) Uukongo, Wilka Nandjambi
    The aim of this study was to examine the awareness and use of e-resources by the students at the University of Namibia (UNAM) in the library of the Ogongo Campus. The research was conducted as a qualitative phenomenological case study following an interpretive research paradigm. The objectives of the study were: to determine awareness of e-resources among UNAM students at Ogongo Campus; identify the types of e-resources available on UNAM's Ogongo Campus; to determine the level of usage of e-resources among UNAM students at Ogongo Campus; identify the purpose and reasons for using e-resources and identify student difficulties in using e-resources. Data for the study were collected from 20 students and two librarians. Both cluster and targeted sampling were used to select the 22 participants who participated in the study. The study used focus group discussions, observation, and semi-structured interviews as data collection methods. All proposed ethical considerations were applied to data collection and processing. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis; therefore, they were presented according to themes and sub-themes arising from the data. The results of the study showed that some students are not aware of the e resources available in the campus library. Some e-resources such as CDs, videos, AGORA, HINARI, EBSCHOST and Google Scholar, which are believed to be helpful for students, are available. The frequency of use of e-resources is more strongly influenced by the e-resources known to the students. Most e-resources are aimed at conducting scientific studies. The study also pointed to challenges such as lack of computers, subscription to an abstract database only, slow internet and lack of awareness that e-resource use as being widespread. The study recommends library awareness campaigns and student orientation courses that include a skills training component. It is recommended that libraries provide enough computers, and libraries should educate students more on the benefits of e-resources
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    The management of semi-current records in the public sector in Namibia
    (2013) Katjiveri, Mercia
    The study assessed the management of semi-current records in the following Government Ministry headquarters: Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Works and Transport; Ministry of Local Government; Housing and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources; Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare; Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology; Ministry of Lands and Resettlement; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Youth National Service, Sport and Culture. The main objective of the study was to assess the manner in which semi-current records are managed in the public sector in Namibia and to propose solutions for their effective management and disposition. The study assessed the records management regulatory framework in Namibia with the view of determining their impact on records management. The next item looked at was the status of records management in Namibia with the view of determining how semi-currents records are managed in the public sector. Furthermore, the study looked at the need to establish a national record centre, the study also looked into the use of commercial storage providers to determine the cost factor. Lastly, the study looked into the skills and competencies of recordkeeping staff. To meet the aim and objectives of this study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The data collection was conducted via questionnaires, interviews and personal observations. The target population consisted of 30 Clerical Assistants, 10 Action Officers, 7 Chief Control Officers, 2 Deputy Directors and 1 Chief Archivist. The major findings of the study were: that the management of semi-current records is subjected to the Archives Act; the Archives Code; the State Finance Act and the Treasury Instructions; that the Namibia archival law is archaic and in need of amendment to address issues of electronic records management; that records surveys to determine volumes held in various ministries were not conducted on a regular basis due to shortage of staff; that there was no centralized government facility for the storage of semi-current records; there was lack of safety measures, there were no retention and disposal schedules in all the ministries studied and that the ministries were ill-prepared for disasters such as fire and floods. The findings also revealed that though it was NAN's objective to establish a government records centre, the desire is yet to be realized due to substantial capital investment required as well as the creation of maintenance posts. NAN has inspected and approved four private service providers to store government records but they are not meeting a number of standards required for an efficient and economic service. The study further revealed that the staff managing semi-current records are ill-equipped for the tasks they are required to perform. It can, therefore, be concluded that the management of semi-current records in Namibia is poor and in need of major improvement. The study recommends that there is need to amend the National Archives Act so as to meet the demands of modern day governments. There is need for the development and implementation of records retention schedules; disaster preparedness plan focussing on records management should be developed and approved. In order to control the accumulation of semi-current records and to economize on office space, the study believes a national records centre to be operated by the National Archives of Namibia must be established. More attention should be paid to the training of records keeping staff and by making all government employees from top down aware of each individual's role and responsibility towards the sound records management practices.
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    Utilisation of library websites for information literacy delivery in five selected universities in South Africa
    (2018) Iyambo, Laimi
    The purpose of this study was to investigate how library web sites are used in delivering information literacy to a diversity of users in five selected universities in South Africa. Drawing from the Association of College and Research Libraries’ information literacy framework for higher education, the study sought to establish how information literacy content is designed into curricula and delivered. It further established tools that are used to deliver information literacy via library websites, strategies that are adopted in managing the process as well as the assessment tools used to test students’ learning of information literacy. Ultimately the study established the challenges librarians encounter when developing information literacy curriculum/content and using technologies on their web sites. This was done to improve the current practice of information literacy programme delivery at the University of Namibia libraries. The study was guided by Constructivism paradigm and the framework for Information Literacy Competency for higher education. The study employed a qualitative approach in which research participants were purposely selected. While a checklist was used to collect data from the library websites, interviews were used to collect data from librarians who are information literacy coordinators in their institutions. The study found that information literacy content encompasses the ability to identify an information need, locate, evaluate, use and manage information legally and ethically. Academic libraries used various strategies to inculcate information literacy skills among others includes Libguides, YouTube, videos, presentations in PDF and Microsoft Words, blog, Ask a Librarian and live Chat with a Librarian. Technologies such as Camtasia, Articulate software for videos, games, audios, quizzes creation, and Libguides are often used to develop and deliver information literacy content through library web-pages. Challenges that were highlighted by the librarians include inability to identify appropriate technologies to use and in most cases, librarians depend on IT personnel for assistance. The study will be useful to libraries which are in the process of developing online tutorials; it has potential to help librarians to identify appropriate technologies and processes involved to effectively develop tutorials that will eventually transform library websites into educational and learning platforms.
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    The views, adoption and use of e-books by undergraduate students at the University of Namibia
    (University of South Africa, 2017) Leonard, Anna
    The advancement of Information Communication and Technology, especially the vast development of the Internet, which makes information more widely available to more people, has brought changes to the publishing industry. This technological development includes the introduction of electronic information sources such as e-journals and e-books. The research aimed at investigating the adoption of views about and use of e-books at the University of Namibia. The research design was exploratory and the study adopted a mixed approach, in which both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Data collection was done through administering questionnaires, a focus group discussion and observation, combined with think-aloud methods. Both purposive sampling and random sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. The results of this study reported a high awareness about e-books by students. The study also revealed frequent general use of e-books. The study further reported that respondents used both the non-library search engines and the library search tool as starting points to search for e-books, with the result that the use of the library provided e-books has not reached any significant level. The study also observed positive attitudes towards e-books by students, as they indicated a preference for e-books over printed books and reported using e-books mainly for course work and research purposes. In identifying factors that hinder the use of e-books, aspects such as slow Internet connections, lack of knowledge (including the awareness and skills required to utilise e-books), limited and/or lack of relevant e-books titles, preference for print, eye strain and difficulty reading on screen, as well as limited computers and lack of e-readers, were identified as major deterrents for the use of e-books. Additionally, the study found that the relative advantage, compatibility, trialability and observability have significant influence on the adoption of e-books.