Libraries In Tanzania Research Articles

The contribution of Tanzania library association in enhancing the librarianship profession: Views from the under 40-year-Olds - a quantitative study

This study assessed the contribution of the Tanzania Library Association in Enhancing the Librarianship Profession: Views from Under 40-Year-Olds librarians were gathered. The study adopted a quantitative approach with a case study design. Thirty-six respondents purposively selected from the Tanzania Librarian Forum and the Tanzania Library Association were involved in this study. Data were collected through a questionnaire created using a Google form. The questionnaire was shared with respondents and remained active for 2 weeks to allow them to fill it in. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 23 computer programme. The study found that 47.2% of participants were very familiar with TLA, which suggests that a substantial portion of the participants strongly understand the Tanzania Library and Information Association (TLA) and its objectives. Regarding the perceived contribution of TLA in advancing professional development opportunities for librarians under 40, results demonstrated that a majority, comprising 24 respondents (66.7%), agreed that TLA indeed fosters such opportunities. Furthermore, 41.7% reported that TLA enhances networking platforms for librarians under 40. However, another 30.6% said that TLA was essential in addressing the ever-evolving needs and issues faced by librarians under 40. Professional associations are vital for the career development of their members, and TLA is not left behind. From the findings, the study recommends that TLA continues to foster development in its members by utilising different strategies like preparation and conducting continuous professional training courses for its members and the library profession at large, publicity among different institutions within and outside the country and forging links with other international information professional associations.

Assessment of the effectiveness of online e-resources marketing tools in university libraries

Purpose This study aims to assess the effectiveness of online e-resource marketing tools used by university libraries to market e-resources. The specific objectives of this study were to uncover the e-resources that are showcased by university libraries, find out instructions posted by libraries to facilitate access and utilization of e-resources, examine marketing tools used, examine how current and relevant marketing messages and test the functionality of the marketing tools used. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research design was used to assess the effectiveness of e-resources marketing tools. The study population included all public university libraries in Tanzania. The sample was purposively selected to include all publicly funded libraries as they work under similar management environments. Data collection involved the evaluation of online marketing tools using a matrix checklist. Findings It was revealed that most university libraries use websites for showcasing e-resources. The commonly used social media for marketing e-resources is Facebook followed by Instagram while Twitter and Ask a Librarian are the least used. The results further show that only a few universities provide instructions on how to access and use e-resources. The findings indicate that universities had active communication platforms for marketing e-resources. Furthermore, less than 50% of marketing messages are active and current. It is recommended that marketing e-resources should be integrated into the library’s plans and strategies and this should be informed by library policies. Research limitations/implications Given that, this study involved Tanzanian public university libraries, it is possible that the findings do not represent the same situation in all academic university libraries in the nation. Originality/value This study assesses the effectiveness of online tools used to market e-resources in university libraries in Tanzania. It reveals the e-resources that are showcased online, the instructions provided on how to access the e-resources and the functionality of the marketing tools. Unlike the previous research, which primarily focused on evaluating the Web-based tools in university and college libraries, this study focused on public libraries in the country. The results will not only contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of the functionality of the marketing tools but also provide actionable insights to decision-makers in libraries in marketing their e-resources.

The role of public libraries in enhancing adult education: experience from tanzania library service board

ABSTRACT This study investigated the role of public libraries in enhancing adult education in Tanzania with particular reference to TLSB. Specifically, the study looked at the information services offered to adult learners, the availability of special areas for adult learners, the skills possessed by library staff serving adult learners, the challenges faced by library staff offering services to Adult Learners, and measures for improving Library Services for Adult learners. The study adopted a case design whereby Tanzania Library Board Services was used as a case. The study population included all TLSB stakeholders, including library users, staff, and the TLSB director. The sample size of this study comprised of 36 library staff. Respondents were purposively selected for inclusion in this study. Questionnaires were the data collection method employed to gather data from library staff and were analyzed descriptively, and results were presented in Tables, Figures and Charts. Information services offered to adult learners were identified, and thus, TLSB has a special area for adult learners was also revealed. The study also established that TLSB has staff with specialized skills serving adult learners. Challenges faced by library staff offering services to adult learners and the measures for improving library services for adult learners were also revealed in this study. The study concludes that providing library services has to go with the availability of other factors, such as adequate materials, reading space, and staff with the skills to assist adult learners. The study recommends addressing the identified challenges for adequate information services provision to adult learners, and the identified measures should be considered.

Big Data Analytic Tools Usage among Academic Libraries in Tanzania

This study examines the implementation of Big Data analytics in Tanzanian University libraries. Employing a qualitative approach within the interpretive paradigm, the study conducted interviews to collect data from 12 library staff across various University libraries in Tanzania. The qualitative data collected was analyzed using Atlasi.ti 7, focusing on emerging themes. The findings established that most University libraries in Tanzania utilize social networking sites for marketing their products and services. However, only a few academic libraries employ analytics tools such as Apache Hadoop, MongoDB, Apache Spark, Tableau, Zoho Analytics, Apache Storm, and others due to insufficient skills. The study concludes that library administrators could greatly benefit from integrating Big Data analytics into their daily operations. Recommendations include developing Big Data analytics policies to ensure proper handling of user data and offering training on the use of such analytic tools to librarians to equip them with necessary skills and techniques.

Big Data Analytic Tools Usage among Academic Libraries in Tanzania

This study examines the implementation of Big Data analytics in Tanzanian University libraries. Employing a qualitative approach within the interpretive paradigm, the study conducted interviews to collect data from 12 library staff across various University libraries in Tanzania. The qualitative data collected was analyzed using Atlasi.ti 7, focusing on emerging themes. The findings established that most University libraries in Tanzania utilize social networking sites for marketing their products and services. However, only a few academic libraries employ analytics tools such as Apache Hadoop, MongoDB, Apache Spark, Tableau, Zoho Analytics, Apache Storm, and others due to insufficient skills. The study concludes that library administrators could greatly benefit from integrating Big Data analytics into their daily operations. Recommendations include developing Big Data analytics policies to ensure proper handling of user data and offering training on the use of such analytic tools to librarians to equip them with necessary skills and techniques.

Artificial Intelligence Services at Academic Libraries in Tanzania: Awareness, Adoption and Prospects

Libraries use various information management systems for organizing, packaging, and repackaging services to mention a few. The reliability of these services is highly affected by several factors including; an increase in the number of users, limited resources, decentralized learning, and the emergence of digital resources. Bearing the benefits that AI technologies offer to libraries including cost-effective operations, improved services, and timely analyses, research to investigate the awareness and prospects have been conducted in various countries. Several studies investigated the level of adopting AI technologies for effective services in academic libraries for a particular study area. The general observation from such studies indicates that the level of AI adoption and awareness varies depending on a particular country under investigation. Therefore, due to the diversification of awareness and adoption levels from various areas, it is vital to investigate it in the Tanzanian context. This study aims to investigate the level of awareness and prospects of AI adoption in Tanzanian academic libraries using a qualitative approach in which 36 librarians from 7 giant and widespread higher learning institutions (HLI) are interviewed. The findings reported in this study indicate that the level of awareness is high (68.3%) while that of adoption is low (23%). Furthermore, the findings imply that the demand and readiness for the adoption of AI among librarians is very high. Therefore, this work provides new information to librarians, HLIs’ management, and policymakers regarding the trend of artificial intelligence adoption in academic libraries. The findings reported in this paper can be used by librarians and management to align their plans toward AI adoption for effective and better service delivery.

An Assessment of Students' Knowledge Ambassadors Program in Promoting Usage of e-Resources in the Academic Library at Mzumbe University, Tanzania

This study assesses the Effectiveness of Students' Knowledge Ambassadors (Student Knowledge Ambassadors s) program in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources in an academic library in Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to identify the criteria used to select Student Knowledge Ambassadors in promoting the usage of e-resources, examine the performance of students' knowledge ambassadors in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources and examine the challenges Students Knowledge Ambassadors face in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources. A descriptive case study research design, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study. Along with this, cross-sectional surveys and Focus group discussions (FGD) were employed to collect data. Whereas SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data, content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Important criteria considered in selecting students knowledge ambassadors to join the program include self-confidence, self-motivation, ICT competencies, and information search competencies as well as communication skills. The majority of students were aware of the student's knowledge ambassador. Various factors hindered the effective use of student knowledge ambassadors, including low internet connectivity, inadequate mentorship, inadequate funds, lack of incentives, inadequate ICT facilities, and misconceptions about the accountability of student knowledge ambassadors. The study concludes that in the qualitative findings, the best selection criteria for student knowledge ambassadors must be guided by well-written rules and policies headed by librarians depending on the activities. Similarly, the study concludes that there is a need to address multiple challenges affecting the effectiveness of Student knowledge ambassadors as well as improve viable strategies that aim to promote the effectiveness of students' knowledge ambassadors in promoting the usage of electronic resources. Based on the results, the study recommends the practice of the student knowledge ambassadors program in the university library across all faculties and at all campuses, as stated in the strategic plan.

Library’s Legal Framework: Legislations, Regulations and Policies on Educational Transformation in Tanzania-An Enabler or Deterrent?

This is an exploratory paper which presents an analysis of the state of the library legal framework, and its impact on educational transformation in Tanzania. The paper focuses on legal and policy aspects of the law, to establish whether they enable or deter the education transformation process and to propose reforms. The data were collected through document analysis. The reviewed documents include the Education Act Cap 353 of 2002 and the School Library Resource Centres Regulations (2002); Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Licensing of Reproduction and Rental Rights) Regulations, 2014; Education policy of 2014; the National Library Policy; and Tanzania Library Service Board Act 1975. Others are the Sokoine National Agricultural Library Act No 7 of 1991; the role of Open Educational Resources (OER) in education, and the significance of the legal framework. The study established that the 2014 Education Policy is silent on library-related issues. Although the Education Act Cap 353 sect 60 (u) G.N No.282 (2002) assigns the Minister of education powers to affect the provisions of the Act, such instructions are missing in the parent Education Act. Some sections of the Legal Framework are inconsistent with the educational transformation in Tanzania. Based on these findings, it is argued here that a conducive environment for educational transformation may be attained by the following. First, by amending the existing legal framework. Second, by ameliorating the legal framework of the Education Act Cap 353 60 (u), Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Licencing of Reproduction and Rental Rights) Regulations (2014). Third, by enhancing awareness amongst library professionals of the laws, regulations and policies enacted by the Government.

Marketing of electronic resources by universities and colleges in Tanzania

Purpose This study aims to evaluate Web-based tools that are potentially used by universities and college libraries to market e-resources in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach This study evaluated Web-based tools that are potentially used to market e-resources in libraries in Tanzania. A sample of 52 universities and colleges was approved by Tanzania Commission for Universities and was purposively selected for this study. The evaluation was conducted with an established checklist to evaluate the websites with a view to identifying Web-based tools, which are potentially useful in marketing e-resources. Findings The finding of this study indicates that most libraries have websites linked to their institutional websites. The finding has revealed that social media are mostly used by public universities to market e-resources. However, only one university is using WhatsApp to communicate with patrons. The findings show that the majority of public university libraries display a list of e-resources on their websites. Moreover, the displayed e-resources of most websites are not up to date, and some of them are irrelevant. Also, most public universities provide guidelines on how to use the subscribed e-resources as opposed to their counterpart. Originality/value The study on the evaluation of Web-based e-resources marketing tools is new in Tanzania. The finding of this study will trigger efforts to adjust the way libraries market their e-resources online.

Preservation Practices for Information Resources in Public University Libraries in Tanzania

Abstract The present study examined the preservation practices for information resources in seven public university libraries in Tanzania. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit library staff and library directors respectively to participate in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (version 20) software while the qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using the thematic data analysis method. Regarding the effective preservation approaches for information resources, the study established that binding, digitization, migration, and emergency preparedness plans were highly cited. The following were the recommended preservation approaches for adoption in public university libraries: digitization, refreshing, proper shelving, and cleanliness of all library areas, migration, technology preservation, and binding. From the findings, it was concluded that public university libraries have a variety of preservation approaches for both print and digital information resources. The study recommends that policymakers and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology should train librarians in skills that they can apply in preserving information resources using modern technologies.

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

This study aimed to examine the role of Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy to users in the public library. Specifically the study examined the available facilities and resources available in public libraries that would facilitate the teaching of information literacy; established what users were taught during information literacy courses and identified barriers in implementing information literacy courses in public libraries. It also sought to gather views from the users on the roles of TLSB in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy courses in public libraries. The study was carried out in 7 regional libraries working under the administration of the National Central library in Dar es salaam. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were conveniently distributed among 58 library users who were found in the reading areas and other service points in the selected libraries. Face to face semi-structured interviews were carried out among purposely selected 11 librarians who were providing services at different points in the libraries. Results of the study indicated that TLSB was involved in organizing and teaching information literacy courses to users who visited the library either in groups or as individuals. Users were taught how to search for electronic resources, utilizing special collections, borrowing and returning library books and using the library OPAC. Challenges facing TLSB in offering information literacy courses included lack of expert trainers; limited number of facilities such as computers, some users did not want to attend training and lack of motivation among library staff to participate in teaching information literacy courses. The study recommended that TLSB should collaborate with other institutions by facilitating the teaching of information literacy courses to users in various libraries in the country.

Prisoners’ Information Dissemination by National Central Library in Tanzania: Challenges and the Way Forward

ABSTRACT This study discussed challenges facing the Tanzania National Central Library (TNCL) in providing information services to prisoners. Data were collected using a structured interview and standardized questionnaire that were administered to 41 librarians. Face to Face interview was conducted with the Library Director and two Heads of Departments who were purposefully selected. Each interview lasted between 30 and 40 minutes. All 41 TNCL employees were included in the sample of the study. The quantitative data outputs were presented in the form of descriptive statistics, mainly in tabular form while qualitative data, which were subjected to content analysis were presented mainly in a narrative form. The findings indicated that TNCL uses various sources to disseminate information to prisoners. Moreover, they also indicated that TNCL faces several challenges including inadequate funds, poor infrasture systems, restrictive prison policies and lack of library buildings which is deterring provision of information services to prisoners. The study recommended that all of the raised challenges should be solved to facilitate information provision services to prisoners.

Information Resources Preservation: Bottlenecks and their Effect on Library Information Services

Abstract This study investigated the factors hindering information resources preservation and the extent to which information services are affected in academic libraries. The population consisted of 170 library staff who were conveniently selected from the seven academic libraries under study. The researchers prepared a well-structured questionnaire for data collection and the responses were subjected into SPSS version 20 and content analysis. Findings revealed that lack of awareness, inappropriate building, and lack of preservation plan and being unsure on how to get started, being unsure on how to protect digital information resources and inadequate funding are the factors hindering effective preservation in academic libraries in Tanzania. The study also revealed that lack of information resources preservation affects library services to a great extent. The study concludes that damage of information resources affected information services. The study recommends that academic libraries management in collaboration with other stakeholders should establish a preservation consortium that will oversee the preservation issues in academic libraries country wide that may reduce the extent to which the barriers of information resources preservation affects the information services in the country. Through this consortium experts in the field of preservation will share skills on how they could tackle the preservation challenges together.

Collection Development Guiding Tools in Academic Libraries in Tanzania

ABSTRACT This study aimed at assessing the application of guiding tools in collection development practices of academic libraries in Tanzania. Data for this study were collected through structured and standardized questionnaires administered to 44 librarians. Face-to-face interview was also conducted with four Library Directors who were purposely selected. The Statistical Package and Service Solution – Version 23 was used to analyze the obtained information. The study revealed that 70.5% of the surveyed academic libraries performed collection development processes without a comprehensive collection development policy. The study recommends on more efforts to develop a comprehensive collection development policy to ensure effective practices.

Collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania

The aim of this study was to assess the collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the collection development practices and factors that influence these practices. The study involved four academic libraries and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. Primary data were collected through informant interviews, observations and questionnaires methods. The study involved 44 library staff who filled in self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that collection development practices and particularly evaluation and weeding or deselection are rarely conducted at these academic libraries. The findings further reveal that collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania are constrained by inadequate funding, lack of skills for hybrid collection management and lack of collection development policy catering for both print- and electronic-based information resources. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that academic libraries should establish a comprehensive collection development policy and introduce professional development programmes to library staff for efficient management of hybrid collections.

The fate of indigenous knowledge: The role played by libraries in Tanzania

The study aimed at assessing libraries’ role in sustaining indigenous knowledge (IK) in Tanzania. To do so, an exploratory design that used face to face semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observations were employed to collect data. The study has established that libraries play an insignificant role in collecting IK, especially when it comes to its codification. However, the libraries have also been found to play a good role at preservation of IK and use a number of ways to disseminate and promote IK usage. Unfortunately, these efforts face a number of challenges including insufficiency of funds and lack of interest in IK.

Entrepreneurial opportunities: A roadmap for diversifying financial sources in libraries, Tanzania

Dwindling of operating budgets is one of the longstanding problems libraries of different kinds and sizes face. This study has examined entrepreneurial opportunities and ventures available at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) libraries in Tanzania. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Apart from key informant interviews and observations, primary data were collected from 55 library staff using self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that entrepreneurship opportunities were insignificantly harnessed to diversify financial sources at these libraries. The findings further inform that donors and the government remain the principal sources of income for these libraries. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that libraries should formulate and implement strategic plans that will guide entrepreneurship projects. Also, as a way to create entrepreneurship readiness, capacity building among library staff has been recommended.

Marketing and Promotion of E-journal in Academic Libraries in Tanzania

This paper examines promotion and marketing strategies used by academic libraries in Tanzania to make users aware of the availability of e-resources. To collect data, this study used survey. Data were analyzed using an Independent T-Test and One-Way MANOVA using SPSS Version 16. Documentary review of secondary data related to the study was done. Major findings of the study revealed that e-journals are being used in Universities and Colleges in Tanzania despite the various challenges. Various marketing strategies such as use of OPAC, the Web 2.0 and others were used for informing users about a range of available e-resources in academic libraries and thus promoting their access and use. Finally, the recommendations for enhancing the marketing of e-resources are given.

English

Collection development in any academic library is an on-going process. It is undertaken by librarians and library services staff with inputs from different stakeholders, including the academic and non-academic staff, administrators, and students. The main objective of this paper is to assess the involvement of library users in collection development of hybrid academic libraries in Tanzania. A triangulation approach for data gathering was adopted. Structured and standardized self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 82 respondents who were randomly selected from a population of 301 library professionals and academic staff. Key informant interviews were conducted with four library directors and four ministers of education for students’ organisations to complement the data obtained through the questionnaires. The findings of this study indicate that library users lack information literacy skills and they are rarely involved in selection, evaluation and weeding of library information resources. Based on this ground, it is recommended that academic libraries should establish an academia forum within a library website for sharing information with the academic departments and information users in general in respect to library collection development. Additionally, users should be provided with annual evaluation and weeding forms to comment on quality and usefulness of the resources and data sources available in their respective areas of study and suggest for amendments where necessary. Key words: Hybrid academic library, collection development, library users, Information literacy skills, library professionals.

Health Libraries and Information Services in Tanzania: A Strategic Assessment

BackgroundThe intention of the Government of Tanzania is to establish more health information resource canters in all health facilities. With this regard, health information science personnel are needed to provide adequate and accurate health information services. However, availability of these personnel remains to be a challenge because of their non-existence. ObjectiveTo identify the current status and local impact of health sciences libraries and user perception of these libraries, as a prerequisite to the development of a competence-based curriculum for health information science training in Tanzania. MethodsA needs assessment was carried out using a convenience sample of local respondents, including librarians, trainers, academicians, students, health care providers, and patients and families, drawn from national, referral, regional, district hospitals, health training institutions, and universities from both government and nongovernment entities in Tanzania. A focus group approach was used to gather data from respondents. ResultsResults from this assessment revealed that health science libraries in Tanzania are faced with the challenges of insufficient infrastructure, old technology, limited facilities and furniture, inadequate and incompetent library staff, lack of health sciences librarians, outdated and insufficient resources, and low knowledge and use of information technologies by library clients. Most respondents would prefer to have both physical and electronic libraries, as well as librarians with specialized health information science skills, to cope with changing nature of the medical field. ConclusionsThe findings obtained from this assessment are strong enough to guide the development of a curriculum and training strategy and an operational plan and training packages for health information professionals. The development of a training curriculum for health information science professionals will mean better health information service delivery for Tanzania.