Ghanaian University Libraries Research Articles

Readiness of Ghanaian University Libraries Towards the Adoption and Implementation of Resource Description and Access

This research paper, which is part of a broader study, seeks to contribute to knowledge on the Resource Description and Access standard by exploring the state of readiness of Ghanaian university libraries to implement the standard, as well as highlighting the myriad of activities and initiatives that libraries should undertake in preparation for RDA implementation. This convergent parallel mixed methods study engaged 62 cataloguing practitioners, across nine university libraries, through questionnaires and interviews as data collection instruments. The analysis of data revealed the importance of planning and an overwhelming state of unpreparedness among Ghanaian university libraries to implement the standard. The study also contributes various appropriate activities and initiatives for readying libraries for RDA implementation to RDA literature. It is recommended among others, that university library management and leaders of professional library organisations designate RDA preparatory periods and forge collaborations and partnerships with libraries that have implemented the RDA standard.

Reshaping Strategies of University Libraries in Ghana towards Sustainable Development Goal 4

Ghana has a large and complex higher learning educational system, with an increasing enrolment each year. Given the global significance of the Sustainable Development Goals, this study aims to assess the roles of Ghanaian university libraries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. The study applied a qualitative research approach to examine the strategies deployed by libraries in Ghana and the purposive sampling technique was used to select interviewees. The findings indicate that university libraries in Ghana are at the forefront of providing information and library services to support capacity building. These libraries have ensured inclusiveness to quality education by providing equitable library services, information access, and unbiased information services to all clients without discrimination. The study identified poor public perceptions of these libraries, inadequate funding, and emerging technologies as challenges facing libraries in Ghana. It was revealed that the areas in which information and library services have contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Ghana are (1) teaching and learning, (2) cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders, (3) promoting sustainable information practices among stakeholders, and (4) information in specific (specialised) contexts. The study concludes that university libraries in Ghana have created an enabling environment, making them increasingly relevant to national and global development. Strategies deployed by these libraries towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 include creating awareness, conducting cutting-edge research, sustaining lifelong learning and quality education, and providing high quality teaching and learning.

The Role of Academic Libraries in Research Data Management: A Case in Ghanaian University Libraries

Seeking information is of the great key for both researchers and academic li-brarians and for that matter getting data plays a key role. The act of sharing, preserving, collecting, disseminating, and managing of data with respect to re-search data is of the essence in our current system of retrieving information. This has been made possible by the collaboration with information communi-cation and technology for both researchers and academic librarians. Scholars are now producing, disseminating and storing digital data in much larger vol-ume than the text. Management of research data is a major challenge for many universities in Ghana. In case, having access to such data is really difficult because some data are not stored in libraries. The study reveals that some academic libraries are beginning to provide frameworks for these services with some degree of success as policies are being formulated. Also, infrastructures are being set up, and library staff trained, and awareness and advocacy campaigns held with academic staff and researchers. The study seeks to explore academic librarians’ perceptions of their roles and involvement in RDM support services. In view of that, the researchers used the qualitative method and gathered data using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data collected. A sample of 116 librarians was targeted for the survey in the data collection process. Out of one hundred and sixteen (116), only eighty-one (81) agreed to participate. The findings reveal that academic libraries in Ghana need to improve their technical skills and competency sets through training and other capacity building program. Based on the findings recommendations were also provided which can help major Ghanaian academic libraries to improve.

Interpersonal Conflicts In Ghanaian University Libraries

The paper reports on the results of a survey that identified the sources responsible for interpersonal conflicts in university libraries in Ghana. The case studies of three university libraries in Ghana are presented. A sample size of 150 was chosen from a population of 321 staff members to conduct the survey. Results indicate that personality differences, superior/subordinate relationships, power struggle and competition are responsible for interpersonal conflicts in Ghanaian university libraries. It then makes recommendations on how to manage the various types of interpersonal conflicts within university libraries. Keywords: Interpersonal Relationships, Conflict Management, Library Conflict, Academic Libraries Ghana Library Journal Vol. 19 (2) 2007 pp. 25-40

Ghanaian university libraries adn their image projection

Ghanaian university libraries adn their image projection

An evaluation of library automation in some Ghanaian university libraries

PurposeThe study was undertaken to find out which library processes have been automated in Ghana's three older public university libraries namely, the Balme Library, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Library.Design/methodology/approachUsing data obtained through the use of questionnaires, the study examined areas of general automation, automation of specific library processes, networking, internet connectivity, training, and major constraints to library automation.FindingsThe study found out that even though the university libraries realize the importance of library automation, they are hampered by lack of funds, lack of support from the university administrations, and lack of skilled staff to embark on automation of all library processes. It was also revealed that none of the libraries have on OPAC (online public access catalogue).Originality/valueThe study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the university libraries drive towards automation of their library processes and ensure effective and efficient use of the new technology to raise the image of the libraries and give their library clients more services.

Strategic Management of Information Technology (IT) in University Libraries in Ghana

The study assesses levels of automation of Ghana five public libraries in Ghana and five university libraries in the UK and relates the findings to two dominant theories on the strategic management of IT namely - Competitive advantage approach and the strategic necessity hypothesis. The primary findings are that low levels of IT application exists in all the Ghanaian University libraries. There was a positive correlation of IT sophistication and organisational performance as the UK university libraries appeared to out- perform their Ghanaian counterparts in terms of service development. The UK university libraries were also found to exhibit a better fit of IT and strategy integration than the Ghanaian university libraries. The study concludes with some ideas on how to address the situation. The Information Technologist Vol.1(1&2) 2004: 25-37

Social and Technological Issues Affecting Strategic Planning in University Libraries in Ghana

Social and technological factors that affect strategic planning in Ghanaian university libraries are explored in a qualitative study of sixty-five senior university officials and three civil servants. Social issues discussed include low status of library profession, the historical weaknesses of school libraries and other specific behaviours that correlate negatively with strategy. Technological points include national technological infrastructure and the lack of technology to monitor the environment.

Macroenvironmental Analysis for Strategic Management: Stakeholders' View of Ghana's University Libraries

This article assesses some political, cultural, technological and international issues believed to affect strategic management in Ghanaian university libraries. The external environment of Ghana is perceived by some major stakeholders of the libraries to be highly uncertain. The macroenvironmental analysis of the strategic positions of the libraries is developed through the identification of opportunities and threats in the political and economic environments.

The African corporate culture: an obstacle to effective strategic planning in Ghanaian university libraries

Cultural practices are defined in the context of this paper as being the way things are done in an organisation. Aspects of cultural practices that may affect strategic planning are explored in a study of stakeholders of five Ghanaian university libraries and two senior civil servants. Points discussed include organisational values and beliefs, tribalism and organisational behaviour.

Developing an Information Provision Strategy for University Libraries in Ghana

This study explores the notion of organisational missions and goals held by the major stakeholders in university libraries in Ghana and assesses these visions for the libraries in relation to the development of a strategic planning process for the libraries. Multiple case studies were used to collect the data and the data were analysed using the multiple case study approach. The primary findings are that the major stakeholders in Ghanaian university libraries have different perceptions of the missions of their libraries. Two main perceptions emerged. The non-library stakeholders preferred a narrower mission for the libraries focused more on the needs of their institutions and emphasising collection development as the method of attaining excellence. The library stakeholders expressed a much broader mission defined in the context of national information provision, emphasising information access while at the same time balancing it with collection development. This multiplicity of strategic visions was found to be the subject of disagreement between decision-makers and the rest of the library staff. The study concludes with some ideas on how to address this situation.

Strategic Planning in an Uncertain Environment: the case of Ghana’s university libraries

Reports on a survey of the major stakeholders of five university libraries in Ghana, designed to determine the factors in the external environment that affect the development of strategic planning in Ghanaian university libraries. Economic and political factors are perceived to have had the most impact. Reasons for the poor performance of the Ghanaian economy in the last fifteen years include: inflation; currency depreciation; poor employee remuneration; resistance to educational reforms; and increase in educational enrolments.

Periodicals subscription under structural adjustment in Ghanaian university libraries: an appraisal

Looks at the gloomy economic conditions with the attendant foreign exchange constraints which made the ordering of periodicals impossible in Ghana from the latter half of the 1970s up to the mid‐1980s. Compares this with the situation in Nigeria during this period. This bleak picture, which stifled academic work, compelled the governments of the two West African nations to adopt the Structural Adjustment Programme in the Educational Sector in addition to other sectors. Views critically the measures taken in resolving the crisis, especially with regard to the ordering of periodicals to sustain academic work. Considers also whether these measures were enough to eliminate the gaps in the holdings that were noticeable as a result of the economic crunch. Considers benefits gained by the adoption of the Structural Adjustment Programme. Discusses another vital issue, whether the benefits gained can be sustained when the Structural Adjustment Programme comes to an end. Puts forward suggestions for sustainability, and concludes that the Universities cannot revisit the hard times of the 1970s and it will be helpful to pay heed to the recommendations.