Applications of digital libraries and electronic technologies in developing countries: practical experiences in Uganda

Magara, Elisam

doi:10.1108/00242530210428746

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Several authors such as Magara (2002), Mutula (2002), McDonald and Kebbell (2004), Jain (2006) and Rosenberg (2006) have written on the advantages of digital libraries. These advantages make the creation of digital libraries a strategic method to enhance information access in the Sub‐Saharan region:Digital libraries provide a faster method of accessing and exchanging information in all sectors such as research, scholarship, medicine, government services and business.Digital information can easily be shared and therefore is available to everybody, which is a great improvement on print libraries, which require expensive duplication of material in different locations.Given their sinking cost of establishment, digital libraries can make it possible to provide everybody even those in the remotest parts of the Sub‐Sahara with information in its most up‐to‐date form.…”

Section: The Case For Digital Librariesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Kavulya

2007

The Electronic Library

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PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region.Design/methodology/approachA selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries.FindingsThe paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today's digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub‐Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub‐Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government‐backed strategy on digital libraries.

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Section: The Case For Digital Librariesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Kavulya

2007

The Electronic Library

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“…Although availability of IT does not translate to its utilization; it is pertinent to state that the extent of IT functionality in an organization have correlation with its utilization (Chisenga, 2004). Job satisfaction and job performance are not entirely contingent upon the development of technology alone but on other organizational situations (Magara, 2002;Ajayi, 2002& Okon, 2005.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Information Technology Availability, Use and Job Satisfaction of Academic Staff at Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria: A Correlative Study

Adetoro

2014

BLUJ

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Job satisfaction may not necessarily be contingent upon availability, accessibility and utilization of facilities, especially technology. This is why this study investigated the relationship among information technology (IT) availability, utilization and job satisfaction by academic staff of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted. Using the stratified proportionate random sampling technique, data were gathered from the academic staff in the four colleges and the University Library using a questionnaire tagged information technology and job satisfaction questionnaire ITJSQ (α=0.72); 214 questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents out of 286 administered to a population of 286 respondents. This represent 75% response rate.The study found that the IT resources available were internet (x=3.62; SD=1.13) computers (x=3.61; SD=0.92) CD-ROM and Online databases (x=2.72; SD=1.32) printers (x=2.51; SD =1.41) audio visuals (x=2.46; SD=1.29) and local area network (x=2.26; SD=1.46). It also revealed high IT utilization levels for internet (x=3.46; SD=1.07) computers (x=3.17; SD=1.05) photocopiers (x=2.63; SD=1.07) Online/CD-ROM databases (x=2.47; SD=1.23) audio-visuals (x=2.25; SD=1.27) and printers (x=2.19; SD=1.43). IT availability and utilization by the academic staff had no significant relationship with job satisfaction (r=-0.071; p>0.05) and (r=0.102; P>=0.05) respectively. The study recommends improved access and use of IT resources, efficient feedback mechanism, promotion of academic culture and participatory management.

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“…However, in order to understand how ICTs impact upon skills development in developing countries, it is necessary to recognize the situation that currently exists regarding the ICT infrastructure. For example, in Africa, one in 100 people have access to a PC; the few Internet Service Providers are comparatively expensive; power supplies may be unreliable (even non-existent) and telecommunications are sparse, with the 90 percent of the population living in rural areas having only 50 percent of the telephone lines (Jensen, 2002;Magara, 2002). Steinmueller (2001) suggests that many ICT users are self-taught, and are capable of developing an understanding of ICTs through the experience of utilizing them.…”

Section: Ict Skills and Reference Servicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria

Ashcroft

Watts²

2005

IFLA Journal

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Changes in the provision of information brought about through the emergence of electronic information resources have created subsequent changes in the skills needed by information professionals. Information professionals are now expected to be aware of and capable of using emerging information communication technologies, as well as having essential communication skills. Professional bodies, such as CILIP in the UK and the ALA in the US, recognize the importance of continuing professional development in order to keep skills and expertise up-to-date for all aspects of work. The necessity of ICT skills has a clear impact on reference service professionals, with the emergence of digital reference services. A research project carried out at Liverpool John Moores University into the provision of electronic information in Nigeria identified a significant skills gap amongst information professionals. Collaboration and strategic management of resources may be key to alleviating this problem.

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Applications of digital libraries and electronic technologies in developing countries: practical experiences in Uganda

Cited by 9 publications

References 2 publications

Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Information Technology Availability, Use and Job Satisfaction of Academic Staff at Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria: A Correlative Study

ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria

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