The effectiveness of students’ knowledge ambassadors in promoting the usage of e-resources: A case study of Mzumbe University
| dc.contributor.author | Sulle, Elizabeth Slaqwara | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-07-05T07:14:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-07-05T07:14:52Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022 | |
| dc.description | A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Information Studies of the University of Dar es Salaam | |
| dc.description.abstract | 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. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Mzumbe University | |
| dc.identifier.citation | APA | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://192.168.30.20:4000/handle/123456789/133 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | University of Dar es Salaam | |
| dc.title | The effectiveness of students’ knowledge ambassadors in promoting the usage of e-resources: A case study of Mzumbe University | |
| dc.type | Dissertation | |
| dspace.entity.type |