African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science

Does the type of open access matter in research impact in Sub-Saharan Africa? An informetric study, 2012-2021

Omwoyo Bosire Onyancha, Tom Kwanya, Naomi Mwai — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the publication pattern of open access (OA) and paywalled scholarly works, determines the citations and views impact of publications published through the different forms of OA, and disaggregates the scholarly outputs and impact across the different types of OA in sub-Saharan African countries, in order to assess whether the types of OA matter in research impact in sub-Saharan Africa. Data from the SciVal database, utilising bibliographic, citation, and views data drawn from Scopus, formed the foundation of this study. The research scope encompassed documents published over a decade, from 2012 to 2021. Research output, quantified as the number of publications (papers), constituted the primary focus, while citation-based and views-based metrics were utilised as proxies for measuring research impact. The findings underscore a steady rise in OA scholarly publications, indicating a growing inclination and uptake of OA scholarship within sub-Saharan African nations. Across most sub-Saharan African countries, OA publications comprised over 50% of the total publications. The study discerns a preference hierarchy for OA models: Green OA emerged as the foremost choice, trailed by Gold OA, and Bronze OA, while Hybrid-Gold OA registered as the least favoured model. Notably, publication counts exhibited robust associations with citation and viewing figures, displaying varying strengths in correlation with other citation and viewing metrics.

Use of artificial intelligence technologies in rendering library services: An empirical evidence from university libraries in Africa

Tukur Abba — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of adoption of artificial intelligence(AI) to support library services delivery in university libraries in Africa. Qualitative research method was adopted to collect data. A preliminary survey of 102 university libraries in English speaking countries in Africa was conducted to identify the university libraries that have adopted AI in their libraries. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses. The study found that the only few university libraries in Africa have adopted AI technologies such as Chatbot, ChatGPT, LibKey from ThirdIron, robots, RFID technology and Grammarly. These AI technologies are used to render different library services like answering of directional and ready reference questions posed by library users, serving as a knowledge base for cataloguing information of library materials, self-check- out machine for books, used as a marketing tool for the library, tool for statistics evaluation and recommendations, assisting in the charging and discharging of library materials, etc. Lack of funds to acquire the AI tools, training of librarians, and lack of full knowledge of AI were the most mentioned challenges associated with adoption of AI in the libraries. The study recommended a formulation of policy to guide the adoption of new technologies such as AI, and training and retraining of librarians through workshops equip librarians with skills needed to effectively use the AI technologies.

Perceptions on the utilisation of archives in enhancing research in Higher Educational Institutions

Oluwayemi IbukunOluwa Odularu — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

When used effectively, archives can stimulate creative thinking and the production of new information. The archives at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are priceless knowledge repositories that preserve and make accessible scholarly materials, historical records, and cultural artefacts vital for study, instruction, and developing a vibrant academic community. This study’s methodology is a systematic literature review completed by compiling pertinent works from other academics, from textbooks and journals. Although a substantial body of literature has been written about the value of archives in advancing HEI research, little is known about the factors that have influenced researchers’ opinions on the use of archives in HEI research. Even though previous research highlights the advantages and difficulties of using archives, a thorough examination of how these factors impact researchers’ perceptions regarding archives use is lacking. For this study, the social constructionist theory was used to understand better how archives are perceived as a means of advancing research in HEIs. The study also suggests recommendations for improved archiving.

Web information-seeking behaviour of undergraduate students in a private university in Malawi

Robert Banda Chalochiwawa, Austine Phiri — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to investigate students’ web information-seeking behaviour at Malawi Adventist University (MAU). A mixed methods approach was employed and underpinned by Wilson’s (1996) Model of Information Behaviour. The sample size of the study was 166 level four undergraduate students at MAU. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data. The results of the study revealed that undergraduate students have web information needs for academic information 91(77%) and major web information sources were scholarly journals, scholarly databases, and Google cholar 51(43%). Students mostly use simple search strategies such as keywords in searching for information 51(43%). The major challenge experienced by students was information overload 53(45%). The study has demonstrated that Web information is important for students at MAU for academic, personal, and health purposes. Therefore, the library at MAU should conduct tailor-made information literacy training sessions targeting undergraduate students to raise awareness of the existence of Web information ources and improve access and use.

COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, disinformation and vaccine hesitancy among library and information science professionals in Nigeria

Oluyemi Folorunso Ayanbode, Niran Adetoro — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the extent of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, disinformation, and their effects on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among library and information science (LIS) professionals in Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative method that deployed a questionnaire-based survey research design. Two=hundred and twenty-two (222) LIS professionals in Nigeria participated in the survey. Constructed based, on the variables synthesised from various studies, the questionnaire was self-designed on Google web form and was posted on online platforms to collect data from the participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modelling) with tables and charts adopted in the presentation of the results. Findings revealed that the extent of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and disinformation among LIS professionals in, Nigeria was at a low level. Moreover, the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among LIS professionals in Nigeria was at a low level. Even at that low level, a striking finding was that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation had more positive effect (β = 0.357, p =0.001) on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than COVID-19 vaccine disinformation had (β = 0.235, p =0.027). Moreover, COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and disinformation had jointly significantly predicted COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Efforts should be geared towards curbing disinformation and misinformation because they pose a grave danger to public health now and in the future.

From crisis to continuity: Analysing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public records and archives management in the Gambia

Maimuna Janneh, Olugbade Oladokun, Tshepho Mosweu — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) heralded a dreadful global disaster that had a collateral effect on many businesses. It affected people, information, and global economies. However, its impact on public records and archives management is under-researched in Africa, particularly in The Gambia. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public records and archives management in The Gambia. Adopted for the survey is pragmatic research paradigm, which employs mixed methods using a purposive sample of 65, constituting 31% of a population of 211, comprising heads of Public Records and Archives staff and National Records Advisory Committee members. The ISO 31000:2018 Risk Assessment tool was employed as the theoretical framework. A questionnaire and telephone-based interview were administered to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using IBM Statistical Packages for Social Science (IBM SPSS), while qualitative data was analysed based on the study objectives. The research shows that a significant minority confirmed information leakage during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily through social media, phone, and email. Most records and archives are in physical format, as established by 59.1% of respondents. The records sector responded poorly due to inadequate capacity, emergency policies, and interventions. Most respondents claimed a lack a disaster plan, with 67.7% of respondents finding it ineffective in mitigating COVID-19’s impact on records and archives, and 82.4% confirming inadequate documentation during the pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has moderately impacted Public Records and Archives Management in The Gambia, with staff being protected more than information, the effect severely affected archival services. The study recommends robust risk plans, digitalisation, professional capacity building, adequate resources, effective monitoring, and decentralisation, among others.

Influence of research skills on librarians’ research productivity in Public Universities, North-West, Nigeria

Khali Allahmagani, Yemisi T. Babalola, Vincent E. Unegbu — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Survey research was conducted to determine the influence of research skills on librarian’s research productivity in public universities in North-West Nigeria. The population comprised 373 librarians working in 18 public universities in the zone. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 193 from the population. Data was collected with a structured, validated questionnaire. The instrument was pretested among librarians at Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, North-East zone. Cronbach’s alpha reliability was 0.809 for research productivity and 0.908 for research skills. A response rate of 93% was achieved and the data was analysed with Spearman correlation regression. Findings revealed that research productivity (mean 1.81) was low while research skills (mean of 3.06) was high. There was no significant influence of research skills on research productivity. Possibly, other factors than research skills influence the research productivity of librarians in public universities in North-West Nigeria, hence the study recommended the management of universities should motivate librarians towards improving research productivity by recognising and granting incentives to productive librarians.

Managing human resource records for accountability at Garissa County Government, Kenya

Makwae Nyanyu Evans, Jane C. Maina, James Ochieng’ Ogalo — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Accountability within management of human resource records is to a large extent, reliant on the availability of human resource records. Human resource records management issues have been addressed in a number of ways, including the creation of a policy and a complex manner of file tracking system. However, despite these efforts, keeping human resource records remains a concern. The aim of this research was to establish whether management of human resource records in Garissa County Government (GCG supports accountability. The study objective was to determine the need for the management of human resource records to accountability in Garissa County Government (GCG). The study was informed by the records continuum theory. The target population comprised 88 respondents from human resource departments and offices of Garissa County Government. The study adopted census survey since the target population was small. Descriptive surveys and structured questionnaire were used to obtain the data. The study’s findings showed that human resource records support accountability and good governance as this enables GCG to fulfill its mandate that is good governance and accountability. The study recommends proper management of human resource records to improve accountability in Kenyan private enterprises.

Legal factors as precursors of consortium building readiness among university libraries in South-West, Nigeria

Olalekan Abiola Awujoola, Abiola A. Abioye — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated legal factors as precursors of consortium building readiness among university libraries in South-West Nigeria. In line with this, two research questions were posed: what are the prevailing legal factors for consortium building readiness among university libraries in South-West Nigeria? What is the level of consortium building readiness among university libraries in South-West Nigeria? These were the research questions, and one hypothesis: there is no significant relationship between legal factors and consortium building readiness among university libraries in South- West Nigeria. The study adopted the survey design of the correlational type. The population comprised all the 643 library staff that possessed at least diploma or degree in library and information science, in the 45 university libraries in South- West Nigeria. Total enumeration (census) technique was adopted for the study and the instruments used for data collection were the questionnaire and Interview schedule. Data collected were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, using the descriptive and correlation and regression analysis of inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the most prevailing group of legal factors is dispute resolution (_X̄=3.21; std dev. = 0.61), followed by dissolution (_X̄ =3.14; std dev. = 0.58), nondisclosure (_X̄=3.14; std dev. =0.58); log-in-option (_X̄=3.13; std dev. =0.58); cash contribution (_X̄ =3.12; std dev. =0.62) and governing law (_X̄ =3.09; std dev. =0.60). The finding reveals that legal factors altogether (r = .415; p<0.05) has significant positive relationship with consortium building readiness (CBR) among university libraries in South- West Nigeria. The study concludes that university libraries must provide legal factors to show their readiness for consortium building.

Attitude of traditional health practitioners to the documentation of indigenous knowledge in South-West, Nigeria

Peter Olufemi Owoeye, Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays prominent roles in primary healthcare. IK is prone to distortion and it is gradually going into extinction, due to its oral nature and the lukewarm attitude of the younger generation. Therefore, this study investigated attitude of traditional health practitioners (THP) to the documentation of indigenous knowledge in South-West, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the correlational type. Three hundred and sixty-two (362) THP were sampled out of the population of 3,850 using Yaro Yemane model for calculating sample size. Traditional health practitioners were purposefully selected because of their roles in primary health care. Proportional sampling technique was used to determine the sample for each state in South-West, Nigeria. The research question was answered, using mean and standard deviation, while Pearson Moment correlation analysis was used to test research hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that traditional health practitioners have positive attitude to the documentation of IK, wanting other people to know about their IK (mean= 4.19) and that there is significant relationship between attitude and documentation of IK. The study therefore concluded that the traditional health practitioners in South-West, Nigeria, have positive attitude to the documentation of IK.