Institutional capacities for sustainable implementation of open-source assistive resources in academic libraries in a developing country

The study assessed the strategies that academic libraries in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe could adopt to enhance the provision of assistive resources to patrons with visual impairment. The assessment grew out of the realisation that even though the introduction of assistive resources within academic libraries in the 20th century impacted positively on such libraries, their uptake in developing countries, including Zimbabwe, is inadequate, uninspiring, and fragmented. A qualitative research approach was adopted. The sample constituted five academic libraries that met the conceptual criteria of academic libraries in the study, 32 patrons with visual impairment, 12 library staff members, five lecturers who teach special needs education, four staff members from student services, and six Zimbabwe Library Association members who were purposively sampled. Questerviews, interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data for the study. The study established that the libraries faced varied challenges in providing assistive resources to the visually impaired patrons, which mostly included inadequate equipment and infrastructure, a lack of budget and financial resources, inadequate training and development, the attitude of library staff members, and a lack of national legislation. The study noted the need for the libraries to implement creative and unique solutions, which include sourcing for donations, undertaking crowdfunding initiatives or establishing public-private partnerships (PPPs). The study also underscored the need for the establishment of Disability Resource Centres in each library under study. In addition, library practitioners, through the Zimbabwe Library Association, should advocate for the establishment of national legislation that focuses on service provision to individuals with disabilities in academic institutions.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities for Zimbabwe’s academic libraries in their endeavour to provide quality services. It will examine how library consortia, namely, the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and the College and Research Libraries Consortium (CARLC), have been able to provide for the information needs of their users at a time when budgets are inadequate and subscription costs to journals remain unaffordable. It will examine how academic libraries, through resource sharing platforms, have been able to exploit ubiquitous technologies and build on from the traditional interlibrary loan (ILL). The paper will recommend a strategy based on a model to strengthen access to scholarship through resource sharing.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher opted for a qualitative research design. A purposive sample of 32 participants drawn from ten academic librarians located in Zimbabwe was used to collect the information. The participants were chosen because of their involvement in resource-sharing activities. The participants were drawn from the two library consortia, namely, CARLC and ZULC. Data for the study was collected using structured interviews.FindingsThe findings revealed that resource sharing was critical for the survival of academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The study found out that resource sharing was the only option to overcome the challenges of the paywall. It highlighted the need for a concerted effort of all academic institutions in adapting a model that provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to widening access to scholarship. However, in spite of the success of library consortia in enhancing resource sharing in Zimbabwe, there are challenges that require the concerted effort of all academic institutions in coming up with a model that best provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to resource sharing.Practical implicationsThe results of the study will be useful in providing a long-term strategy for enhancing resource sharing among academic libraries in Zimbabwe in their endeavor to support teaching, learning and research.Originality/valueThere is a scarcity of scholarly studies on resource sharing initiatives among academic libraries in Zimbabwe. This study is unique because it tackles the experiences of the academic libraries in overcoming the challenges of the paywall.

Background: Information literacy (IL) skills are significant in the knowledge and information economy because the IL skills allow information users to cope with the challenges of an evolving and complex information landscape. IL is one of the most important aspects in academic libraries because it equips university communities with the skills of finding, locating and using information effectively and efficiently.Objectives: The study focused on evaluating the IL programmes and practices, as well as the challenges of implementing IL at selected academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The objective was to establish the existing policies and skills required by institutions of higher learning to implement and teach IL.Method: Qualitative data collected using face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were analysed with the assistance of Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Atlas. ti version 8). Participants of the study included the library directors and assistant librarians with regard to IL modules and the Zimbabwe Universities Library Consortium policy documents.Results: The results revealed that all librarians understood the importance of IL in academic libraries; however, there were no IL policies and skills in existence, either at national, consortium or institutional levels. The study revealed that Zimbabwean academic libraries used different and incoherent methods in implementing and teaching IL and that IL initiatives were confronted with a myriad of challenges.Conclusion: The study concluded that academic libraries should have IL policies in place which aid in the implementation and teaching of IL in Zimbabwean academic libraries, as well as guide all the consortium members especially on collaboration issues, teaching aspects, as well as the recognition of IL by university stakeholders other than the librarians.

This study assessed the accessibility of assistive technologies (AT) for patrons with visual impairments (VI) within academic libraries of Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. Employing a case study design with a subjectivist epistemology, the research explored the needs of patrons with VI and the current provision of AT in five libraries. Data generation used a combination of questerviews, interviews, focus groups and document analysis, involving library staff, patrons with VI, disability studies lecturers, student services staff and members of the Zimbabwe Library Association. The findings revealed a significant gap between the needed AT (including Braille, screen readers, accessibility software, book readers, reference services and Internet of Things [IoT] applications) and what libraries currently offer. Challenges identified included inadequate equipment, funding limitations and, at times, staff’s negative attitudes. To address these issues, the research suggests creative solutions like seeking donations, crowdfunding or establishing public–private partnerships. Additionally, the study recommends the creation of disability resource centres within the libraries and advocates national legislation, through the Zimbabwe Library Association, to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities in academic institutions.

Introduction: Open access initiatives in academic libraries have gained momentum globally, driven by the need for equitable access to scholarly knowledge and social justice. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed to explore the status of open access programs in Zimbabwean academic libraries and examine the obstacles encountered during their execution. Data were collected through literature review, document and web content analysis of the websites of 20 academic libraries in Zimbabwe, open access platforms, registries, and signatories of open access policies. Results: The findings revealed that the academic libraries had made some strides in initiating open access activities. Nonetheless, difficulties were encountered, including a lack of capital, a poor technology infrastructure, copyright issues, and opposition from conventional academic publishers. Notwithstanding these difficulties, these institutions have seen some encouraging developments, including the adoption of open access repositories, partnerships with foreign organizations to expand the accessibility of open access materials, open access publishing, the signing of open access declarations, and the creation of institutional open access policies. Recommendations: The authors recommend strategies such as increasing funding for open access projects, investing in technological infrastructure, and building the capacity of both librarians and researchers. Collaboration among academic institutions, government bodies, and international organizations is crucial in sustaining the sustainable growth of open access in Zimbabwe.

Library cooperation and collaboration have become the key to the success of academic libraries in their endeavour to provide for the dynamic and diverse needs of users. The future trajectory of library development will require innovative and flexible strategies for cooperation transcending time and space. This article examines the challenges and opportunities for cooperation and collaboration among Zimbabwe’s library consortia. The study used a case study approach in assessing challenges and opportunities for cooperation and collaboration among academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The key research questions steering the study are “What are the main reasons for joining the consortium?” and “How can academic libraries in Zimbabwe utilise cooperation and collaboration to improve service delivery?” The research sites for this study were academic libraries subscribing to the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and the College and Research Library Consortium (CARLC). The researcher selected 10 members from the ZULC and 5 members from the CARLC as research sites. The researcher also reviewed literature on developments relating to library cooperation from other countries within and outside Africa. The study recommends library cooperation and collaboration among the different sectors of the library profession. It also recommends negotiations for an inclusive model for cooperation for all types of libraries to avoid the pitfalls of separate development and to strengthen the library system in Zimbabwe.

Globally, electronic thesis and dissertations (ETDs) are deposited within the institutional and national repository portals and related databases. The purpose was to increase visibility of research output, and preserve and manage knowledge sharing among scholars. The growth of ETDs throughout the world has transformed the scholarly communication landscape and Zimbabwe is no exception in this revolution. ETDs are important data sets for research and socio-economic development, such that, their creation, coordination and management in academic institution should not be undermined. The article explores how ETDs have transformed scholarly research through knowledge sharing. The article highlighted the experiences of academic institutions in creating and developing ETD's in Zimbabwe. The study makes recommendations to enhance ETD's culture in academic libraries in Zimbabwe.

A Review of: Munyoro, J., Machimbidza, T., & Mutula, S. (2021). Examining key strategies for building assistive technology (AT) competence of academic library personnel at university libraries in Midlands and Harare provinces in Zimbabwe. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(4), Article 102364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2021.102364 Objective – To explore strategies for building up library worker abilities in assistive technology (AT) for inclusive implementation. The primary focuses of the study’s interviewing included the extent of existing training, the challenges of funding and executing this type of training, and any notable strategies for creating greater access to high-quality AT training. Design – A qualitative exploratory study of library workers. Setting – Three academic libraries in Zimbabwe. Subjects – Thirty library workers comprised of Senior Library Assistants, Administrative Assistants, and Assistant Librarians. Methods – The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews confidentially over WhatsApp and telephone. They then conducted thematic analysis on the results. Main Results – Exposure to AT training for academic librarians in Zimbabwe is low. Of the 30 librarians interviewed, only 13 had been exposed to any formal AT training. Of those 13, 12 scored their AT training experience as “not very effective.” Primary challenges listed included lack of AT experts as trainers, not enough funding, and ignorance around disability issues. Conclusion – To improve AT expertise in academic librarians, suggestions included integrating AT training into LIS professional education, and for those already in the profession to establish partnerships across academic departments to perhaps leverage more professional AT training across campus. There was also a noted suggestion that hands-on exposure is more beneficial than passive training.

The paper adopted descriptive survey research method to assess collection development policy and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in rivers state, Nigeria. The population of the study includes 42 professional librarians in three university libraries – University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University. Census sampling technique was used to sample all the 42 librarians. Three objectives guided the study. Self-developed questionnaire was utilized for data collection and 100% return rate was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean (x̄) and standard deviation (±) was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that that collection development policy has a positive influence on the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.84 ≥ 2.5), several factors affecting collection development policy in promoting the utilization of information resources in academic libraries (x̄: 2.73 ≥ 2.5), and there are several ways to improve the effectiveness of collection development policy in ensuring the utilization of information resources (x̄: 3.57 ≥ 2.5). The study concluded that Libraries without a collection development policy or poorly written collection policy would suffer waste of fund, poorly offered library services, and low patronage or poor usage of the information resources by users. Among others, the study recommended that continuous training of library staff concerned with the activity of collection development, academic libraries should explore various ways of generating funds independently such as the offering of photocopy services to users, and academic libraries should learn to patronize local but quality information resources.

study examined information and communication technology and management of human resources in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The research design adopted for the study was the descriptive research design. The study involved 41 library personnel in 3 academic libraries in the study area. The entire population of 41 library personnel was used as sample size, using purposive sample technique. A structured questionnaire tagged “ICT and Management of Human Resources in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (ICTMHRALQ)” was designed by the researchers and used for data collection. The instrument was vetted by the two experts with a total of 15 items based on the variables of the study. The instrument was administered on the respondents by the researchers with the help of 3 research assistants in the 3 academic libraries in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions and t-test to test the hypotheses. The result indicated that there is influence of e-mail on management of human resources, also, there is influence of WhatsApp on management of human resources and influence of Facebook on management of human resources in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State. The findings also indicates that the null hypotheses were rejected in favor of alternative hypotheses, meaning that there are significance influence of e-mail, WhatsApp and Facebook on management of human resources in academic libraries. It is concluded that e-mail, Facebook and WhatsApp significantly influenced the management of human resources in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom state. Based on this, the researchers recommended among other things that the management of academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State should trained and retrained the library staff in appropriate ICT skills and knowledge in order to equip them with effective skills for their duties.

5 - Analysing the future of Zimbabwe’s academic libraries: from their historical past to preparedness for current realities and requirements

The paper examined electronic information resource management in academic libraries. The paper is an opinion paper based on existing and related literature. The paper provided an introduction to academic libraries and electronic information resources (EIRs) as part of its resources. Other issues discussed in the paper include the concept of electronic information resources (EIRs), types of electronic information resources, benefits of electronic information resources and services in academic libraries, electronic information resource management in academic libraries, and challenges of managing electronic information resources in academic libraries. The paper concludes that proper management of electronic information resources (EIRs) in academic libraries is imperative to guarantee that users have access to sufficient and up-to-date information. Recommendations include continuous training programs for library staff and users, user-centric support services, collaborative partnerships with faculty and researchers to understand their needs, accessibility initiatives, usage data analysis, and the continuous effort of librarians in charge of academic libraries.

Open Access initiatives in Zimbabwe: Case of academic libraries

The higher and tertiary education system was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic leading to tremendous changes in service delivery in academic libraries. All the higher education stakeholders were affected including lecturers, students, researchers, and librarians, and they were forced to adjust accordingly in order to remain relevant. A survey was done using a multiple case study design where online questionnaires were distributed and participant observation were used to collect data from three academic libraries in Zimbabwe. It was discovered that academic libraries changed the way they deliver their services to meet the new demands when teaching and learning was shifted to online as a way of curbing the spreading of the virus. The author recommends that academic librarians should be continuously trained to deal with the skills gap created by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is need to provide appropriate information and communication technology infrastructure and the supporting policies and guidelines for academic libraries to continue supporting the research, teaching and learning activities in the COVID-19 environment.

The study sought to explore strategies used by academic libraries in Zimbabwe to improve user expectations. Even though academic libraries play an important role in supporting teaching, learning, and research activities, this study was sparked by a drop in statistics for library borrowing and online resource usage. A mixed-method approach was used, and a population of 120 participants was purposively sampled. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 postgraduate students while 20 library staff were interviewed. Expectation-Confirmation Theory guided this study. The findings indicated that academic library users now have different expectations. It was found that users anticipated new information distribution methods. According to the findings, users were no longer using library resources. It was recommended that academic libraries surpass user expectations by providing excellent customer service, top-notch collections, and user-centered strategies. Authors suggested that to improve user expectations, academic libraries should keep up with new trends and technologies.