Dissertation (Masters) LSD

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.30.20:4000/handle/123456789/122

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Start date: 2020End date: 2022

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    Information seeking behaviour of visually impaired students: The case of University of Dar es salaam
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2020) Kabogolo, Dotto A.
    This study examines the information-seeking behaviour of visually impaired students (VIS) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The study was guided by the following specific objectives: determining information needs of VIS at UDSM; examining whether information sources used by visually impaired students meet their academic-related information needs and to find out challenges faced by VIS when seeking information. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Census sampling technique was used to obtain twenty-five VIS to participate in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary reviews. Data were analysed using the thematic data analysis method. With regards to information needs of VIS the study found out that information on how to cope with modern technology in learning and how to move independently are the most dominant categories of information needed by VIS at UDSM. In case information sources available meet VIS academic-related needs, results shows that VIS depends much on students’ group discussions. Information sources like books, e-resources and journals are less supportive for visually impaired students at UDSM to the extent that most of them. The following were the challenges faced by VIS when seeking information: time constraint, lack of modern and up to date facilities and less supportive infrastructures which impede their mobility. From the findings, it is concluded that visually impaired students’ information-seeking behaviours vary from one student to another due to differences in their sight disabilities. The study recommended the following: Special Education Unit at SOED must have enough computers with advanced technology for VIS to access information easily. There should be adequate resources such as the materials and facilities, the unit must repack information sources to a format conducive to VIS; Lecturers have to give proper attention to offer them proper attention in lecturing process.
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    The effectiveness of students’ knowledge ambassadors in promoting the usage of e-resources: A case study of Mzumbe University
    ( University of Dar es Salaam, 2022) Sulle, Elizabeth Slaqwara
    This study assesses the effectiveness of Students’ Knowledge Ambassadors (SKAs) in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources in academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to identify the criteria used to select SKAs in promoting the usage of e-resources, explore perceptions of fellow students towards the effectiveness of SKAs in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources, and examine the challenges of using SKAs’ to effectively promote the usage of subscribed e-resources and identify strategies that could be used by MUL to improve SKAs’ effectiveness in promoting the usage of 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, FGD, and observation 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 SKAs to join the programme include self-confidence, self-motivation, ICT competencies, and information search competencies as well as communication skills. The study also noted that SKAs are generally perceived positively by peers in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources. In terms of challenges, various factors that hinder the effective use of SKAs include low internet connectivity, inadequate mentorship, inadequate funds, lack of incentives, inadequate ICT facilities, and misconceptions about the role of SKA. The study concludes, that the best selection criteria for SKA must be guided by well-written rules and policies headed by librarians. The study indicates the need for SKA’s mentorship to improve peers' positive perceptions of SKA’s effectiveness in promoting the usage of subscribed e-resources. Therefore, the study concludes that there is a need to address several challenges affecting the effectiveness of SKA 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 its results, the study recommends several issues including putting in place SKA selection criteria guidelines or policy that intensifies the mentorship of SKAs, guaranteeing the sustainability of the SKA programme, establishing a progressive ICT infrastructure, and ensuring commitment from librarians.