University Libraries In Ghana Research Articles

Torn Between Two Worlds: Perceptions of the Role, Status, and Career Progression of Librarians Working in University Libraries

Librarians working in university libraries are torn between the two dominant categories (academic and professional) of university staff. Belonging to either of the categories of staff has implications for the employees' roles and duties, status, and career progression in the academic setting. This study sought to understand the perception of librarians' roles, status, and career progression with the changing frontiers of knowledge and education in contemporary times. Using the qualitative approach, fourteen (14) librarians working in seven university libraries in Ghana were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. These librarians were purposively selected because they possessed the qualifications of practice and were experienced in the academic library setting. The data collected from the interview was transcribed. Using Nvivo software version 14, the researchers used the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method to garner codes and themes from the data to understand the phenomenon under study. The findings from the study showed that librarians perceived their roles and responsibilities of academic librarians to be classified into three dominant categories: research support, teaching, and managerial/administrative roles. Again, academic librarians were assigned to either the academic or professional cadre in their universities based on the university's understanding of the library as a professional or academic unit irrespective of the Librarian's qualification, roles and responsibilities and the changing academic librarianship landscape. The study revealed the challenges librarians working in academic libraries face with their promotion and career progression, including long years of waiting (6 years) to qualify for the promotion, role inconsistencies, stagnation/lack of promotion, the presence of an unclear career path, and the inability to meet promotion requirements due to the lack of time for research, all of which have implications on their job satisfaction leading to demotivation and stress among academic librarians. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field, Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and researchers to understand the perception of the roles, status, and career progression of the librarians working in academic libraries in Ghana and to inform policy decisions.

Ethical challenges in the use of information in selected public and private university libraries in Ghana

Library professionals all over the world constantly encounter an ethical issue that affects the dissemination of information. Academic libraries are faced with different ethical challenges including information dissemination, lack of financial resources, human capacity etc. The study explored the ethical challenges in the use of information in the selected public and private libraries in Ghana using the PAPA’s model as a guide. The study adopted the survey method and quantitative approach. The study setting was in four universities namely: KNUST (public), UG (public), Central University (private) and Garden City (private). Ninety-three (93) library staff were the total population surveyed. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, whiles questionnaires were the instrument in use in collecting data. All data collected in person and online were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26. After analysis, the results were presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that scholarly materials are the nature of information materials in the library, while academic books are the type of information materials in the library. The study discovered that educational books are purchased from publishers while information materials are published through the university’s repository and online system. The study also demonstrated that patented materials are the only materials that can be subjected to copyright laws. Recommendations identified include: adhering to professional codes of ethics, developing and implementing policies and procedures, encouraging originality and creativity, providing education and training on accessibility, and reviewing and updating collections and resources.

Academic Libraries in Ghana and Their Strategies for Coping with the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, institutions of higher education shut down in compliance with the directives of the President of Ghana to curb the spread of COVID-19. In July 2020, when the lockdown restrictions were eased, universities resumed teaching, learning, and research in order to continue the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. Universities and their libraries immediately adapted to online teaching and the delivery of services and resources to their patrons even though most of them were largely unprepared for this ‘new normal’ experience. This paper adopts the qualitative research design which comprised documentary evidence of experiences of ten public and private universities libraries in Ghana with regard to their resources, services, facilities and staff as well as impact on library users during the pandemic. Findings reveal the strict compliance of the COVID -19 protocols and sanitation practices, the increased use of online databases, social media interventions and virtual training among others. The different strategies adopted by university libraries in Ghana are worth sharing and lessons learned provide a unique opportunity for academic librarians to rethink their key roles and core values in supporting the teaching and learning of their institutions during this very challenging time and the future.

Exploring Strategies for Marketing Library Products and Services in University Libraries in Ghana

This paper sought to understand the strategies for marketing library offerings in selected academic libraries in Ghana. Through a qualitative research approach, this study used a purposive sampling technique to conduct face-to-face interviews among 15 librarians (Departmental Heads) from four academic libraries in Ghana. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically with the help of QSR NVivo qualitative analysis software. It came to light that none of the libraries concerned had designated departments solely responsible for marketing library services, nor did they have dedicated budgets to drive their marketing plans. Consistently, all the libraries had adopted some form of informal marketing strategies. The study recommends establishing and subsequent resourcing of marketing units in libraries to help manage relationships and further create and deliver values for patrons. The findings of this paper would be relevant, especially for librarians, as they strive to manage their relationships with their users to deliver value to them.

Demographic factors influencing the adoption and use of social media in university libraries in Ghana: A unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of demographics as moderators of the factors influencing library workers’ and library patrons’ behavioral intention toward the use of social media in university libraries in Ghana. The theoretical model for this study was based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The study employed a cross-sectional survey and quantitative data was collected from a total of six-hundred and five usable responses obtained from the sampled respondents using a pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical analyses were carried out using the t-test analysis (using Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances) and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. Key findings were that although partial relationships were established, the mediating roles of the demographics of library workers and patrons on factors influencing the intention to use and actual use of social media in the university libraries were significant. Establishing the effect of the user demographics on factors influencing social media use in the context of the UTAUT is novel within the Ghanaian university library setting and thus contributes new knowledge to methodological discussions to improve practices and policies on social media adoption and use. However, since this study was largely quantitative, future research could include both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to explore any other important constructs that fit into the context and can explain adoption in further detail. Recommendations based on findings are provided in the article.

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.

Managing stress among library staff in public university libraries in Ghana

The study investigated the management of stress by public university library staff in Ghana. The major purpose was to identify strategies that are employed by public university library staff to manage the stress they experience. One hundred and forty-four (144) respondents were sampled for the quantitative phase using the Fisher et al. (1998) formula for determining sample size, but for the qualitative phase nine (9) management staff were chosen. Purposive, simple random and convenience sampling techniques were employed. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as research instruments to gather relevant data for the study. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and thematic analysis were used as statistical tools to analyse the data. The study showed that indeed the library staff in public university libraries has a lot of stressful job events. However, it was indicated that library staff also adopt numerous coping strategies such as taking time off work and leave, positive thinking, building a strong human relationship and going for counselling in an attempt to manage their stress.

The influence of Public University library service quality and library Brand image on user loyalty

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of library service quality on user loyalty by using university library image as a mediator. The study examines the role played by university library image in influencing user loyalty. The study uses the LibQUAL+™ to measure the level of library service quality of public university libraries in Ghana. The study was conducted using university library users as respondents and the hypotheses were tested using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM). Service affect, information access, and personal control significantly predict library brand image. Library as place did not have a significant effect on library brand image. Service affect was found to be the strongest predictor of library brand image. Library brand image mediates the relationship between service affect, information access, personal control, and user loyalty. The major implication of this study is that the management of libraries must continuously improve service quality in an attempt to develop a positive brand image, leading to user loyalty. Also, the measure of service quality using the LibQUAL+™ enables library management to assess its users’ perception of library services, and also to detect gaps. This study contributes to the literature on using the LibQUAL+™ to measure service quality and provides empirical evidence on factors affecting library user loyalty.

Examining the intentions of a Ghanaian technical university students to use e-library

Purpose Electronic library (E-library) is a form of computer mediated system that uses electronic media, such as Web/internet devices and distributes resources to improve on the quality of teaching and learning. Students’ use of e-library for learning is essential and as such the government has invested hugely into its subscription for several university libraries in Ghana. However, most university students feel reluctant to use the e-library resources for their studies. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 students from one Technical University in Ghana. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS) was used to analyze the data. Findings The study found that accessibility, attitude, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and relevance to studies have positive significant effect on students’ attitude to use e-library. In addition, self-efficacy, subjective norm and attitude have positive significant influence on students’ intention to use e-library. Research limitations/implications Although the sample frame used for this study may be unique, but the total amount of data collected was limited to providing the general representative of the Ghanaian students in one particular university. Other researchers may consider collecting data from other universities to extend the sample frame for a larger sample size of students. Practical implications Academic administrators need to organize training and workshops on how to use the e-library portal for their search and other didactic assignments. Most importantly, students should be given IT or internet tutorials as foundation for the use of the e-library portal. Social implications Universities have to provide internet access such as hotspot and network routers at the labs, classrooms and other vantage points. It is believed that with these in place, adequate access to the internet would promote students’ engagement on the e-library facility. Originality/value The study examines the factors that influence students’ intention to use e-library resources for their studies in Ghana.

A model for open access institutional repositories usage for university libraries in Ghana

The aim of this article was to develop a model for the usage of Open Access Institutional Repositories (OAIR) in university libraries in Ghana. The article adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which was then modified to fit the study. The variables were adapted to improve the fit between data and the theoretical model, keeping the characteristics of TAM. Accessibility, availability and visibility were proposed in addition to the conventional variables of TAM. Positivist paradigm, quantitative methods research and survey design were used for the study. Simple random sampling and stratified random sampling were the sampling procedures and methods employed. A total of 998 respondents completed the questionnaires distributed. The questionnaire was used as a research instrument to gather relevant data for the study. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multinomial logistic regression and Confirmatory Factor Analysis [CFA], using structural equation modelling [SEM]) were used as statistical tools to analyse the data. The study developed an OAIR Usage Model, which would be instrumental in the usage of OAIR in university libraries in Ghana. The model will enhance both user satisfaction and intention to reuse the OAIR, and make OAIR research outputs available, accessible and visible. This article adds to the body of literature on OAIR, as it is used in university libraries.

Strategies for the use of open access institutional repositories at universities in Ghana

PurposeThis article suggests strategies for the usage of open access institutional repositories (OAIR) at university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachPragmatism paradigm, mixed methods research approach and convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted. Simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, purposive sampling techniques and the sample size converter were the sampling procedures and methods employed. The questionnaire and interview guide were used as research instruments to gather relevant data for the study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used as statistical tools to analyze quantitative and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.FindingsFactors such as software, staffing, advocacy, marketing and policies are crucial in the development of OAIR strategy at the University of Ghana.Research limitations/implicationsInformation from the National Accreditations Board (NAB) of Ghana (2018) indicates that Ghana has 92 Higher Educational Institutions (HEI). These are categorized into nine national public universities, eight technical universities, ten professional institutions and 65 private universities and university colleges. This article focuses only on five university libraries with the understanding that they were the only universities on the Directory of Open Access Repositories, authoritative international registries of repositories that provide data on the number of registered Institutional Repositories throughout the world.Practical implicationsIt is envisaged that the findings will benefit policymakers, academic staff, university library management and librarians. Academic staff will recognize the need to use OAIR. OAIR managers and administrators will be able to determine the factors affecting the usage of OAIR in university libraries and will be able to design strategies on how OAIR can be sustained and managed.Originality/valueThe article suggests strategies for the usage of OAIR that are instrumental for university libraries in Ghana. The strategies consist of an Institutional Guideline that requires adequate marketing, policies, software and staffing. The research also provided an understanding of OAIR through the lenses of technology acceptance model (TAM) an extension of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to explain the usage of OAIR in university libraries in Ghana.

Critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries in Ghana. This study is part of a PhD project that focussed on selected technical university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach to collect the data. Samples of 124 participants were involved in this study. PLS-SEM (Smart PLS3) software was used to analyse the data. Convergent, discriminant validity assessment was computed. Eight variables of critical success factors were tested in relation to total quality management implementation at selected academic libraries in Ghana.FindingsThis study established that out of the eight variables tested, six of them (i.e. top management commitment, employee innovation employee training, organisational culture, teamwork and effective communication, quality performance) indicated a significant positive relationship with total quality management implementation apart from strategic planning and human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to eight variables as the critical success factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. The use of one methodology might be a limitation as the use of multimethod might have given a more comprehensive picture than the case. This study was limited to only technical university libraries in Ghana hence caution must be exercised when applying the results to contextually different academic environments. The results are applicable to academic universities library in Ghana and beyond if they are adjusted to suit the context.Practical implicationsThis study is timely as it may lead to effective total quality management implementation and the sustainability of technical university libraries in Ghana and Africa in general.Originality/valueThe proposed model can be used to enhance the smooth implementation of total quality management in academic libraries in general and Ghana in particular. The framework is termed as Eddie and Pat's Achievement of Quality Performance (EPAfQP) model.

Professional Development Programmes and their Effect on Staff Performance: A Study of Technical University Libraries in Ghana

Professional Development Programmes and their Effect on Staff Performance: A Study of Technical University Libraries in Ghana

Professional development in private university libraries in Ghana

PurposeThere has been a significant change in the provision of library services due to the application of technology to every aspect of library services. This has posed a major challenge to library staff as they need to be abreast with current technologies and their application to library services. One means by which a librarian can overcome this challenge is through professional development (PD) programs. The purpose of this paper is to determine PD opportunities in private university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey of 61 staff and interviews with 20 heads of libraries was conducted to collect data from 25 private universities in Ghana.FindingsThe study revealed that not all library staff in the private universities were allowed to attend PD programs. None of the private universities studied had a policy on PD and only three institutions made budgetary allocation to PD programs. Majority of the private universities did not have in-house PD programs and there were no means of knowledge sharing in most of the libraries studied.Originality/valueIn this paper, the researchers identified the major challenges encountered by library staff in private universities in Ghana and propose that librarians should see PD as a part of their own responsibility while, libraries should have a PD policy and make budgetary allocation toward PD.

Career progression of female librarians in public university libraries in Ghana

The growing interest in gender issues and female employment has generated a number of studies and the library and information profession has not been excluded from this interest in promoting female equality in employment. This study investigates the career patterns of practising professional female librarians in six selected public university libraries in Ghana, in order to establish the enhancers and inhibitors they experience in their career progression. The study, conducted with a survey method, adopted the use of self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Quantitative data gathered from the 128 librarians were analysed to report on descriptive characteristics of respondents, while qualitative data, from open-ended questions, were analysed, using the narrative analysis technique, to present a profile of respondents and their career histories. The findings reveal females in the study were unable to meet requirements for promotion in their various public university libraries, which has resulted in very slow progress in their careers and even stagnated careers. The study concludes by recommending that there should be a career development support system for females, to help them overcome barriers to advancement in university libraries

Staff training and development programmes and work performance in the university libraries in Ghana

This paper investigated the relationship between staff development and job performance of the library staff of five selected universities in Ghana. The paper examined the effectiveness of staff training and development policies, programmes, methods, training needs analysis and the monitoring and evaluation methods of the university libraries in order to establish the effectiveness of staff development initiatives in library and information services. The study adopted survey design and mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study. Data was largely collected with a questionnaire, while interviews were used to collect data from head librarians and heads of departments. The observation instrument was also used to confirm some information provided by the respondents. The findings of the study established that there is a positive relationship between staff training and development and work performance of library staff in the selected university libraries in Ghana. The results also revealed that even though staff development contributes greatly to effective provision of library and information services, staff training alone did not contribute to staff effectiveness. Staff development must be complemented with other human resource management strategies such as reward, promotion, retooling, etc. The paper makes recommendations on how staff development can help improve upon library staff effectiveness.

Managing newspaper collections in public universities in Ghana

This study was to find out how state-owned or public universities in Ghana are managing their newspaper collections, from acquisition, processing, preservation to dissemination of newspaper information. The study was also to find out challenges encountered and offer recommendations. Data was collected from the eight public university libraries in Ghana using a questionnaire. Copies of the questionnaire were e-mailed to the libraries outside Accra whilst those in Accra were hand delivered. The study found that the numbers of newspapers acquired by the libraries vary but activities concerning their management were similar. The only method of preserving the collection was by binding. None of the libraries was digitizing their collection and it was only one library that adopted electronic means of indexing the newspaper information. All the activities undertaken by the libraries in managing their newspaper collections (except indexing done by one library electronically) were done manually. It is hoped that the findings will inform and encourage the libraries to pool together their efforts and resources to adopt modern methods of preservation (for example digitizing) and managing the newspaper information for easy accessibility.

Performance measurement in academic libraries in Ghana

The study is a survey of 97 members of Ghana’s five public university libraries on measurement of performance of their organizations. A questionnaire and interviews were both used to gather data for the study. Findings show a shift from a situation of the University libraries in Ghana not measuring performance of their libraries in 1998 to one of having performancemeasurement policies as a means of diagnosing and justifying their existence. Three of the libraries were found to measure the performance of their libraries whilst two of the libraries did not measure performance of their libraries. It is concluded that an excellent use of performance indicators is key to effective, efficient and economical performance measurement.

The Knowledge And Practice Of Continuing Professional Development Among Professional Librarians In State-Owned University Libraries In Ghana

The study looked into the level of awareness and involvement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by professional librarians in the five state-owned university libraries in Ghana. The study also considered factors hindering and motivating participation in CPD activities. The survey approach was used. Findings revealed that majority of the population was aware of CPD and was involved in it to some extent. Respondents were generally motivated to pursue CPD. Funding stood out as the biggest obstacle to pursuing CPD activities. Keywords: University Libraries, Continuing Professional Development (Cpd), Professional Librarians, Academic Libraries, Ghana Ghana Library Journal Vol. 19 (1) 2007 pp. 1-19

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