Browsing by Author "Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph"

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    Application of open source software in University libraries in Tanzania: the case of Sokoine National Agriculture Library (SNL) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Library
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph
    The broad objective of this study was to assess the opportunities and challenges of the application of Open Source Software in information management in the university libraries of Sokoine National Agriculture Library (SNAL) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Library in Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the access and use of Open Source Software, chal1enges with the use of Open Source Software and ways to overcome them. The study recommends ways to improve the use of Open Source Software in library information management. As this was a qualitative study, data for this study was collected using a combination of techniques. These include observations, informal discussions and a questionnaire with open and close ended questions. Twelve respondents participated in this study. These were Library Directors, Data Entry Librarians and System Administrators. The study reveals that Open Source Software has a potential to enhance efficiency in Library and information management. About 70% of the respondents identified the main problem affecting library information management systems as the absence of sufficient expertise for software management in libraries. Findings also reveal that most of the library users lack skills with which to access resources from the Open Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Based on the findings, it is recommended that, the automated library systems which evidently lack a very important aspect on technical know-how regarding Open Source Software, must prioritize training for librarians not only on how to use the software but also on how to work around with codes and possibly create their own software. The library users also need appropriate training to enable them to make optimum use of these resources.
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    An assessment of collection development practices in selected hybrid academic libraries in Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph
    The main purpose of this study was to assess collection development practices in selected hybrid academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to examine the collection development practices; the policy, procedures and standards used to facilitate the practices; determined the involvement of library stakeholders in collection development, and identified factors which influence collection development practices in selected hybrid academic libraries. The study adopted and modified the conceptual framework developed by the International Federation of Library Associations and the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries for hybrid collection development. A mixed research design which integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to guide the study. A triangulation approach for data gathering was adopted. In the first instance, structured and standardised self-administered open and close-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from 82 respondents who were selected from a population of 297 library staff and Heads of academic departments from four purposively selected institutions. In order to complement the questionnaire, key informant interviews were conducted with four Library Directors, four Heads of library ICT section and four Ministers of Education for Students’ Organisations. The descriptive and multiple regression statistics of the Statistical Product and Service Solution were used for quantitative data analysis whereas content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings revealed that; evaluation and weeding practices are rarely conducted in these academic libraries. However, most of the surveyed academic libraries were operating without a comprehensive collection development policy. Library stakeholders are also rarely involved in collection development processes. The findings also indicate that hybrid collection development practices are constrained by; inadequate funding, lack of integrated collection development policy, poor strategies for professional development programmes, and poor infrastructures for collection development processes. The study recommends development of an integrated collection development policy and soliciting funds from various sources for effective collection development practices.