Browsing by Author "Uutoni, Wilhelm"

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    Electronic governance and hybrid libraries in Namibia
    (SAGE, 2011) Uutoni, Wilhelm
    A nation that is information empowered is capable of contributing to the democratic process. Governments are realizing more the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as governing tools. Libraries have always been valued institutions within societies as trusted sources of information; and are becoming e-government access pomcs relied on by both the patrons and government agencies Jaeger and Fleischmann, 2007). They assist in finding information and some provide computer access and free Internet access. It is not surprising that with electronic governance (e-governance), libraries; in particular public libraries are expected co provide citizens with access and guidance in using e-government websites, forms and services. The paper is based on a study commissioned by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and carried out by the Department of Informacion and Communication Studies in 2009 on electronic governance and hybrid libraries in Africa. One of the study objectives was to investigate the existence and the role of hybrid libraries in e-governance in Africa. The study, which included a survey of several southern African countries and a case study of Namibia, employed the use of questionnaires for data collection. The paper focuses on the Namibian case study. The authors conclude that there is great potential for libranes to provide and promote e-governance but this is faced with many challenges, which include technological and human and financial resources.
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    Evaluation of digital reference services in academic libraries in Namibia
    (2014) Uutoni, Wilhelm;
    Launching of digital reference services by academic libraries is on the increase. Libraries are exploring new ways of expanding their services by interacting with users and responding to user inquiries via the Internet, especially students enrolled on the distance mode of studying. The purpose of this study was to evaluate digital reference services at the Polytechnic of Namibia library and the University of Namibia library. Two aspects were evaluated, namely, ‘Resources’ and ‘elements of the general digital reference model’. This study was a summative evaluation study in which semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. The research findings showed that these libraries used the general digital reference model in providing responses to the library users. The study established that the two libraries did not follow the IFLA and RUSA standards of staffing and training of librarians working with digital reference services. The study further found that a lack of ability to fully demonstrate to users how to access various library services was one of the major problems that the librarians experienced.
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    Health Information Literacy of the University of Namibia’s Students
    (University of Namibia, 2015) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Abankwah, Ruth M.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Pazvakawambwa, Lillian
    This article presents the findings of a study on the health information literacy of students at the University of Namibia main campus. The study was conducted between 2013 and 2014 and consisted of two hundred and seventy one (271) participants aged between 17-19 years old. The quantitative study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. The findings show that the majority of the respondents strongly believed that health information is important and they were able to seek health information. They also strongly agreed that they knew where to seek health information and they liked to get health information from a variety of sources. The respondents indicated that they were more comfortable getting information from the Internet than print sources. A gap in health information literacy was revealed by the fact that the respondents found it difficult to know who to believe in health issues, suggesting difficulties in critically evaluating the health information and sources. The study concludes that although UNAM students appeared knowledgeable in some health information issues, there are some gaps which need to be addressed. The study therefore recommends Kickbusch’s (2008) three way intervention strategy which comprises of culture and society, health and education systems to address the existing gaps in health information literacy.
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    The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement
    (University of Namibia, 2012) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Yule, Wilson
    Suclies have shown a strong link between school libraries and academic performance. However for a school library to effectively have an impact on academic achievement, it must fulfill a number of requirements such as, a conducive physical infrastructure, which is well furnished,· be well equipped in terms of computers (with internet facilities) and photocopiers; a strong collection with relevant and up to date materials: and qualified skilled staff to run the library. The school must also effectively integrate the library activities into the school curriculum with a strong programme to enhance information literacy skills amongst learners. This paper is based on a study entitled: "The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement: a case study of Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas regions in Namibia" which was conducted by the University of Namibia's Department of Information and Communication Studies from July 2009 to February 2010. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design using a triangulation of data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The study's main research question was, ''Do well run school libraries make a difference to academic performance in Namibia?" Although the study showed the existence of libraries in all the schools; more than 80% of these were not adequately resourced in terms of reading materials, equipment, staffing and hence the impact on academic petformance was negligible.
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    School libraries and their role in promoting a reading culture: Case study of Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas regions of Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2012) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Yule, Wilson
    The importance of school libraries cannot be overemphasized. This paper is based on a study on school libraries in Namibia which was conducted by the University of Namibia, Department of Information and Communication Studies from July 2009 to February 2010. The study covered five of Namibia's thirteen regions, namely Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design using a triangulation of data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Some of the questions the study aimed to answer were, "What is the state of school libraries?" and "What is their role in promoting a reading culture in Namibia?" The World Bank (2008, p. xxi) describes how effective school libraries can be as "they provide additional reading opportunities for students, which in turn improve reading skills, comprehension and writing clarity of expressions, which in turn support student performance in all other curriculum subjects. Although the study showed the existence of libraries in all the schools; more than Bo per cent of these were not adequately resourced in terms of reading materials, equipment, and stafj1ng. The study also established that although learners said that they liked reading there was no strong library programme to inculcate a reading culture in the learners. A number of other factors can contribute to a good or bad reading culture. These include the language of instruction and home/family environment. In Namibia, a 2011 report of the education system audit notes that proficiency in English, the language of instruction is below basic. The study concluded that the majority of school libraries in Namibia are not in a position to provide the benefits described by the Word Bank above. This is evidenced by the fact that there is a high failure rate in Namibian schools. The small percentage of schools with libraries that were well run happened to have a good pass rate but in these cases the libraries were also adequately resourced, equipped and staffed.