Libraries In Zimbabwe Research Articles

Training for Academic Librarians in Assistive Technologies (AT) Requires Higher Priority and Targeted Funding

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.

Impact of COVID-19 on Academic Library Service Delivery in Zimbabwe

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.

Provision of Assistive Resources for Patrons with Visual Impairment within Academic Libraries in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe

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.

Access to Health-Related Information in a Selected Community in the Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

The Gokwe South District is among the top districts in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe with several health-related challenges, as indicated by the statistics from the Zimbabwe National Health Profile. The premise of this study was, therefore, to establish mechanisms that could be instituted to ensure access to health-related information for the Gokwe South community members. The study was pragmatic, through an embedded mixed-methods design. Opportunity sampling was used to select 72 community members. Expert sampling was used to select an information officer of the Gokwe Rural District Council and two members of the Zimbabwe Library Association Midlands Branch. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the community members, whereas interviews were used to generate data from the information officer, and the members of the Zimbabwe Library Association Midlands Branch. The study found that the community members faced varied challenges when accessing health-related information, which included digital illiteracy, the lack of health information centres, geographic seclusion of communities, and information format challenges. As a way forward, the study noted the need for the institution of community libraries and health information centres by the government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, in conjunction with the local council. In addition, diverse associations, such as the Zimbabwe Library Association, were recommended to play an active role in offering digital and information literacy programmes to the community members.

The age factor in the use of peer-reviewed electronic journals by Zimbabwean academics

Background: The emergence of peer-reviewed electronic journals on the academic scene at the turn of the century was well received by university libraries in Zimbabwe. They established a consortium to facilitate conveyance of the resources to their patrons. Use of electronic journals by academics, however, has remained minimal almost two decades after their introduction. Efforts by librarians to address this challenge are hampered by lack of context-specific information on how age, among other demographic factors, affects adoption and use of electronic journals by academics. Such information is critical in promoting its use. Objectives: This study examined age differences in the awareness of peer-reviewed electronic journals by academics in Zimbabwean universities, use of electronic journals and possession of technological skills needed to negotiate the electronic journals environment. Method: This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 363 academics from three universities in Zimbabwe. Data were analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to produce tables. Results: Younger academics were more aware of electronic journals, however, the older academics accessed more articles. Younger academics possessed higher technological skills than older academics. Conclusion: There are age differences among academics with respect to awareness, use and possession of technological skills that librarians must take into account as they promote adoption and use of electronic journals.

Status of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) in Academic Libraries 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.

Knowledge Management for Climate Change Adaptation to Enhance Urban Agriculture Among Selected Organisations in Zimbabwe

Just like any other country in the world, Zimbabwe is vulnerable to climate change because of its position in a semi-arid exposed temperature variations among other vulnerabilities. The paper draws on various definitions, studies, policies and frameworks for knowledge management as the basis for recommending knowledge management strategy for climate change adaptation to enhance urban farming in Harare. It seeks to build on the existing knowledge management strategies for climate change adaptation to enhance urban farming in Harare. Currently, knowledge management strategies for climate change adaptation among selected environmental organisations and libraries in Zimbabwe are not being leveraged to actualise national development goals, however this paper seeks to examine these strategies in order to support urban farming. A well-coordinated national knowledge management strategy for climate change adaptation can contribute towards sustainable urban farming. The paper seeks to recommend knowledge management strategy for climate change adaptation among urban farmers in Harare.

Conundrum of resource sharing in Zimbabwe: a case of academic libraries

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.

The IFLA Global Vision Project in Zimbabwe: Towards a Unified Field Road Map for Libraries

The development of libraries in any country is critical for its socio-economic transformation especially during this 21st century era where access to information and knowledge underpins development. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) launched the Global Vision Project in 2017 as a way of strengthening library throughout the world. The project has seen over 190 countries participating worldwide. For most nations, especially those in the developing countries, this has indeed created platforms for strong and united library associations that are powering literate, informed and participative societies. A number of countries in Africa including Zimbabwe have taken the initiatives to participate in the IFLA Global Vision. This article seeks to examine the challenges and opportunities  for librarians in Zimbabwe in building a united library field. It will also scrutinize the road travelled by librarians in Zimbabwe in their pursuit of a vision to reposition their libraries on the global library landscape. The  article will also study the factors affecting the development of a unified library sector in Zimbabwe. It will also explore how the national professional association Zimbabwe Library Association (ZIMLA) can contribute towards a unified library profession through collaboration. The article also proposes a strategy to enhance cooperation among librarians in Zimbabwe.

Conceptualisation and Practice of Research Support: A Proposed Model for Effective Research Support in Zimbabwean University Libraries

This paper reports the findings of a study that was carried out to establish the relationship between conceptualisation and practice of research support in Zimbabwean university libraries. Librarians in Zimbabwean university libraries were seemly invisible in the research orbit. Their ineffectiveness in practice was thought to be intrinsic to the understanding of research support since there has been a call to reconceptualise the concept. To understand the relationship, the study used the Theory of Action as its theoretical lens. Eight university libraries were examined and a meta-analysis of findings using the constant comparison method was conducted. Meta-claims were contrived from the eight group studies and this facilitated the juxtaposition of the two variables. Major congruence and incongruence were found from the constant comparison of meta-claims. It was concluded that incongruence in areas such as services, staff deployment, collaboration, and training contributed to the ineffectiveness of librarians in support of researchers. And these incongruences were caused by, inter alia, poor funding, lack of infrastructure, shortage of staff, lack of management support and an enabling policy. Resultantly, a model for effective research support for academic libraries in Zimbabwe was developed.

Zimbabwean Academic Libraries — Success through Cooperation and Collaboration

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.

Open Access initiatives in Zimbabwe: Case of academic libraries

Globally library consortia activities are gaining momentum and Africa is not an exception. The Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) dispensation has ushered in a transformative era characterised by the open access initiatives (OAI). Technologies development has added a new dimension to how academic libraries manage scholarly content. This article seeks to explore how academic libraries are progressing in their open access initiatives in Zimbabwe. This article also examines the extent to which open access has been adopted in Zimbabwe's higher education institutions (HEIs). The article seeks to find out how academic libraries can benefit from open access initiatives. The article also analyses the roles of stakeholders in strengthening the open access initiatives among academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The paper will suggest strategies to strengthen the open access initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Digital curation after digital extraction for data sharing

Digital curation after digital extraction for data sharing

Library cooperation in Zimbabwe: in search of a suitable model to underpin national development

Purpose The paper explores library cooperation in Zimbabwe and gathers views from librarians on the need for a library consortium model to underpin national development. This study aims to investigate the development of library consortia in Zimbabwe and then propose a model that will both accelerate their development and support the country’s national development agenda. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an investigative study using a multi-method research design. Data on existing library consortia, namely, Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and College and Research Library Consortium (CARLC), were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data were complemented by documentary analysis including primary sources of information, for example, annual reports and brochures. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings The paper provides empirical insights on how ZULC and CARLC are transforming the provision of library services in several ways, for example, providing for the dynamic needs of users and strategizing on overcoming rising costs of scholarly content through resource sharing. The proposed model effectively elevates the fundamental library consortium principles of cooperation and sharing onto the national development stage, and it is novel and pioneering. The gestures and general remarks made recently by Zimbabwe Library Association and some ZULC members about national development and ZIMASSET are given rigorous and scholarly expression in this model. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability beyond Zimbabwe. It is therefore imperative for researchers to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of a library consortia model to underpin national development in Zimbabwe. The existing academic sector library consortium still excludes other types of libraries from participating in resource sharing and promoting access to information on a national development scale. The proposed library consortium model providing for nation-wide access to information is critical in realising national development goals in Zimbabwe. Currently, academic library consortia are contributing immensely through supporting learning, teaching and research in their respective institutions. Such benefits can also be extended to all institutions through a national library consortium to support development in Zimbabwe. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the development of a nation-wide library consortium model can be realised. There is relatively little researched information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Southern Africa with specific reference to Zimbabwe. The paper seeks to close the gap by providing information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Zimbabwe.

Analysing information literacy practices at selected academic libraries in Zimbabwe

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.

Issues of Confidentiality and Public Interest: A Case Study from a Library Perspective

In 2004, Zimbabwe suffered a number of undocumented challenges, including the externalisation of billions of United States (US) dollars. This was associated with the buying of assets abroad with foreign currency acquired in Zimbabwe. A number of prominent public figures were implicated in these transactions, leading to investigations which did not spare libraries from revealing information about patrons. Libraries connected to institutions, such as the police, hospitals and parliament, have information that is of interest to researchers and, like any other library, also store patron records, which are considered to be of public interest. This article reports on a study that explored a court case where information was provided by the Parliament of Zimbabwe library. The study used a case study methodology and reviewed information in the literature relating to confidentiality and public interest issues, as well as the use of a decision-making model and documents to identify existing operating procedures, if any. The study pointed to the debatable issue of public interest and the need for clear laws on the confidentiality and privacy of patrons in Zimbabwe. It also highlighted the importance for Library and Information Science (LIS) practitioners to understand the legal issues relating to the confidentiality of patron records. Accordingly, clear guidelines are important for decisionmaking when such practitioners are faced with the need to provide patron records. A simple decision-making model is thus recommended to complement existing legislation. Although the story of the court case appeared in local papers in Zimbabwe, placing the case study in a research context provides a useful tool for LIS students and practitioners.

Public libraries and national development plans: a case of Gweru public libraries on the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset)

Access to information is an indispensable pillar underpinning national development goals and sustainable development within communities. Public libraries in Zimbabwe are expected to have mechanisms to support and implement national strategies and policies, such as ZimAsset, to benefit the communities they serve. However, public libraries in Gweru have not been active in terms of propagating informational resources on ZimAsset. The libraries were failing to propagate information on ZimAsset due to lack of resources, this included financial, materials and human resources. In addition, the study found out that the Mtapa and Mkoba 6 libraries were underdeveloped to such an extent that they were not functional. The libraries should undertake diverse fund raising activities to generate income and advocate for volunteers and attaches. In addition, the library should undertake continuous needs assessment to anticipate informational needs of its various clients to ensure that the library provides relevant information on ZimAsset.

ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY IN ZIMBABWEAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have to a large extent influenced the way information is made available, published and accessed. More information is being produced too frequently and information users now require certain skills to sift through this multitude in order to identify what is appropriate for their purposes. Computer and information skills have become a necessity for all academic programmes. As libraries subscribe to databases and other peer-reviewed content (print and electronic), it is important that users are also made aware of such sources and their importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching of information literacy (IL) in universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the role played by librarians in creating information literate graduates. This was done by examining whether such IL programmes were prioritised, their content and how frequently they were reviewed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 12 university libraries in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned. The findings revealed that IL was being taught in universities library and non-library staff, was compulsory and contributed to the term mark in some institutions. The study also revealed that 44 per cent of the total respondents indicated that the libraries were collaborating with departments and faculty in implementing IL programmes in universities. The study recommends that IL should be an integral part of the university programmes in order to promote the use of databases and to guide students on ethical issues of information use.

Once upon a time in Zimbabwe

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a parallel timeline between the Zimbabwe Librarian, the national trade journal for librarianship during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, government statistics, non‐governmental information, media reports, and other secondary sources to determine the effects of Zimbabwe's political and economic fortunes on libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe primary methodology is a review of secondary sources in the form of trade journals, economic data and media reports. The approach of the paper is to compare the state of libraries in Zimbabwe during the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2005, showing the change in librarianship and library services as economic prosperity changed dramatically.FindingsThe policies of three successive governments have promised support for libraries but have ultimately been unable to implement a national library system. Libraries in 2008 have fewer resources available than they had in the 1960s.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on media sources as well as statistical data. The Zimbabwe Librarian ceased as a quarterly journal in approximately 1997. Since 2000, it has been issued as a semi‐annual journal. The author had access to a limited span of the Zimbabwe Librarian; therefore, this article focuses on the period from 1969‐1995. Media sources available in Zimbabwe after 2001 are frequently propaganda organizations.Originality/valueThis article provides an overview of historical and current events in the Zimbabwe library community in the light of political and economic events.

Library Staff Retention Strategies in the Face of Accelerated Turnover

This paper focuses on problems of accelerated staff turnover by looking in retrospect at the staffing phases that the University of Zimbabwe Library went through. Between 1991 and 1993, staff turnover culminated in a loss of over 55% of the professional staff from an establishment of 25 (professional staff). The paper discusses three categories of problems and situations that led to the accelerated staff turnover, and the turnover's impact on the library service. Suggestions are made on ways in which the situation could be remedied and possibly prevented from recurring. Staff retention strategies discussed include among others, human resources planning and development, staff motivation, organizational redesign, and competitive remuneration packages. This paper concludes that human resources are perhaps the most vital resource required to run an institution, and as such, should be given a corresponding priority in the strategic planning process.