Masters Dissertations

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Academic use of internet by secondary school students: a case study of Mbeya city, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Mwalukisi, Venard Wissman
The study was conducted in Mbeya region to four secondary schools located in Mbeya City. The study examined the use of the Internet by secondary school students in their academic studies. The study was aimed at determining how students use Internet in their academic studies and the challenges they face in the use of this new technology in secondary schools. A sample of 284 comprising of 176 students, 104 teachers and four Internet supervisors from the four secondary schools was used to generate the required information. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches in investigating the experiences of students in the use of Internet for academic purposes. The tools used to collect data were the questionnaire, interviews and observations. The study findings show that the secondary school students were able to use Internet for academic activities but in rather limited ways as they lacked essential skills and basic knowledge on how to use the Internet effectively in their academic activities. The study recommends that, all education stakeholders in the country should give special priority to Internet use for academic purposes in all secondary schools in Tanzania and prepare the students for even more challenging use of ICT in academics at the higher levels.
The acceptability of HIV/AIDS preventive information among youths in Dar-es-salaam city: the case study of Kinondoni Municipal
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Hamisi, Sefu
The broad objective of this study was to investigate the acceptance of HIV/AIDS preventive information among the youths in Dar-es-salaam City. Methodologically, this study used a qualitative approach. Data for this study were collected using a combination of techniques, namely questionnaires with open and close ended questions, face to face interviews and focus-group discussions. Sixty respondents participated in this study from Kinondoni Municipal to represent the population of Dar-es-salaam City. These were drawn from Kinondoni Muslim Secondary school, Biafra Secondary School and the Family Health International (FHI) at Kinondoni Municipal in Dar-es-salaam City. Key findings revealed that most youths in Dar-es-salaam City have a narrow knowledge base on HIV/AIDS preventive information.Tradidional and cultural believes are among the barriers in accepting the HIV/AIDS preventive information among the youths. Findings revealed that most youths/respondents preferred seminars and conferences to receive HIV/AIDS preventive information which is the lowest method used to fight the epidemic in the City. Based on the findings, it is recommended that all youths should be equipped with knowledge/education on HIV/AIDS so that they can accept the HIV/AIDS preventive information in order to fight the epidemic. To facilitate this, relevant stakeholders in HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives should work closely to fight the wide spread of HIV infection among the youths.
Access and use of e-resources by livestock researchers in selected livestock research institutes in Tanzania.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Angello, Consolata
This study was conducted to investigate the access and use of e-resources in which the role of livestock research institutes in facilitating accessibility and use of the e-resources by livestock researchers in Tanzania was determined. The methodology adopted for the study was survey in which both questionnaires and interviews were used in collection of the data, in addition to observations. A total of 50 respondents were included in the study. The study revealed a wide range of findings one of them being lack of awareness among the livestock researchers on various e-resources. The study also revealed that, livestock research institutes in Tanzania have very few e-resources for their researchers because this is not a priority in these institutions. Lack of Information Literacy (lL) skills among the researchers was found to be a limiting factor for these researchers, leading to lack of awareness and difficulties in the accessibility and use of the resources. The study concluded that livestock research institutes do not play their role in making the e-resources available to the researchers and ensuring that the researchers are aware of the resources so that they can access and use them effectively in their research work. Researchers in these institutions recommended for improvement of internet connectivity to enable efficient information searching from the internet. They also recommended for their institutions to subscribe to various e-resources and offer IL training opportunities in order to increase the accessibility and use of e-resources.
Access and use of health related information in the informal sector: a case of selected food vendors in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Njau, Editha Alfred
This study examined the accessibility and use of health related information in the informal sector among food vendors in Tanzania. The population of the study included food vendors, health officers and customers. Data for the study was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The study involved a sample size of 70 participants who were selected using simple random, purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Data analysis involved the use of content analysis for qualitative data and the use of Statistical Package and Service Solution (SPSS) for quantitative data. Findings from the study revealed that accessibility and use of health related information, is not food vendors’ priority. Poor use of health-related information among food vendors is attributed by the use of temporary business places and poor working environment. In addition, the majority of the food vendors are facing challenges such as low knowledge, lack of time, and poverty which hinder them to fully access and utilize health related information. Furthermore, the study found that sources of information such as seminars, outreach programmes and radio programme sessions for food vendors are only available for certain periods of time, especially when there is eruption of diseases such as cholera. The study recommends that, food vendors should give more priority in searching and using health-related information in their business. Secondly, health institutions should provide continuous programmes that can create health awareness to food vendor. Lastly, the government should provide enough health officers and permanent buildings for food vending business.
Access to and usage of mobitel and vodacom mobile telephones for information communication in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2002) Kaddu-Birungi, Sarah
The study investigated the access to, and usage of Mobitel and Vodacom mobile telephones for information communication in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The two were selected because of the services that they offer to their users. Mobitel provides both analog and digital services whereas Vodacom provides Digital services. Secondly, because of the increasing competition, globalization and the drive for market share among the companies. A purposive sampling technique was used. Both primary and secondary data was used. The sample was 70, that is 35 from each, 20 for the service providers therefore, 10 each. Questionnaires, Interviews, published and un published works were used in data collection. Only data that was relevant to the study was summarized. The study revealed that information communication through mobile telephones is important for business communication, convenience, safety and micro coordination. Recommendations included making the services affordable to all, adequate telecommunication network to ensure accessibility to all in all parts of the country, and technical support. To a large extent, most of today's communication and information services are centralized. They require some basic underlying infrastructure without which the service cannot exist.
Access to and use of electronic information resources for research by postgraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA): Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Nkonoki, Ericah Simon
This study examined the accessibility and use of e-resources in research for postgraduate students at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The main objective of the study was to determine the level of access to, and use of electronic information resources for research purposes among SUA postgraduate students in Tanzania. The questionnaire, interview and observation were needed to collect requisite data, which were then analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel. A sample size of 160 respondents were selected, these were postgraduate students at the postgraduate diploma students, Masters and PhD levels. The study established that 94 percent of the postgraduate students use e-resources for their research proposal writing, coursework assignments and research report writing. Also the study found that problems, which hindered access and use of these e-resources, include lack of adequate search skills among postgraduate students, slow internet speed and information overload. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends more training on e-resource search skills. Such training should also be conducted to encourage postgraduate students and lecturers to use e-resources. Finally, the University should subscribe to more relevant e-resources, especially those which have current information and empirical research needed by postgraduate students.
Access to and use of information and communication techinology (ICT) in selected agricultural research institutes: a case 0f the ministry of agriculture and food security in Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2002) Elly, Tumsifu
The purpose of this study was to investigate access to and use of information and communication technology (ICT) in selected agricultural research institutes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Tanzania. The survey method was used as a technique for data collection, using both the questionnaire and interview schedule as data gathering instruments. A total of five research institutes and the Information Documentation Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security headquarters were surveyed and a total of 61 respondents were interviewed. The major findings of this study revealed that there was generally poor access to and use of ICT for managing agricultural research information in the surveyed institutes. The findings also revealed that the causes for this poor access to and use of ICT were poor ICT infrastructure, lack of ICT policy, poor ICT skills of the potential users and generally poor management in some of the institutes. The root cause of these problems emanated from the poor economy which results in little funds being allocated for research information activities and the acquisition of ICTs. In addition, poor access to and use were also associated with unfavourable management conditions especially in those institutes with the required ICT. These include: bad physical settings/ location of the gadgets, poor time allocation for use of ICT facilities and bureaucratic procedures in using those facilities. The study recommends an appropriate ICT policy formulation at both national and institutional level, training of the researchers and improved ICT infrastructure for effective and efficient ICT use for managing agricultural research information.
Access to and use of information by district planning officers in Tanzania: a case of selected councils in Dodoma region
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Chiduo, Peter Mauya
The study investigated access to and use of information for planning in the selected district councils of Dodoma region, Tanzania. The study worked on the premise that adequate and effective access and use information by district planning officers would enhance planning activities. The study used the questionnaire, interview guide, observation, and documentary review to collect ream site data. The study established that there was a lack of information searching skills, lack of funds and, hence lack of adequate information resources and services. Moreover, the rural information centres were found to be too inadequate to render vital information services. Also, the Information centres' hours hindered the OPO's from using information centres. However, many OPO's have a sense of information inadequacy and anxiety. They also lack development information. Inadequate information infrastructure and the absence of information policy hindered access to and use of information. The study, therefore, recommends the information system of LGA's should outline the support that information specialists can provide to enable planners to acquire requisite information, they should embed information literacy into their planning activities, and priorities adequate provision of funds necessary for the provision of current and updated information resources to all district councils for planners to utilise these resources for planning purposes. The LGA's should also design Information Systems Management for planners and establish rural community information centre system; in addition to developing the information infrastructure in all districts in Tanzania.
Access to dissemination of domestic violence information by women journalists in Tanzania: a case of Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA).
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Shao, Focus Ibrahim
This study aimed at investigating access to and dissemination of domestic violence information by women journalists and used TAMWA as a case study. The study was guided by the following objectives; firstly, to identify domestic violence information sources' accessed by TAMWA; secondly, to examine how TAMWA accesses domestic violence information; thirdly, to find out how TAMWA disseminates domestic violence information; fourthly, to examine problems/challenges associated with access and dissemination of domestic violence information by women journalist; and fifthly, to suggest various ways by which women journalist could improve their access to and dissemination of domestic violence information. The study applied an exploratory research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through documentary reviews, face to face, in depth interview and self administered questioners. Findings from the study revealed that women journalist access information through research, survey and observation, and they disseminate information through all kinds of media such as radio and TV stations. Moreover findings also revealed that women journalist encounter a number of problems when accessing and disseminating domestic violence information which include people especially in the rural sector not being aware about domestic violence, victims not ready to provide information and journalists not trained on domestic violence aspects. The study recommends that, the media should make sure that it is more accessible to rural areas where domestic violence is more prevalent; journalist should be trained on the issue of domestic violence etc. The study concluded that domestic violence is a problem which is not well addressed; this is due to the fact that it exists within the household and hence there is a lot of secrecy around it, hence if efforts are made to educate and sensitize all stake holders on domestic violence, the problem will be reduced or eradicated.
Accessibility and use of agricultural information among small scale maize growers in Tanzania: a case study of Mbeya rural district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Laurent, Valentine
The agricultural sector is the backbone of the Tanzanian economy. An improved information and knowledge flow to-, from- and within the agricultural sector are key components in improving small scale agricultural production and the whole national economy. However, the government of Tanzania has not devoted its effort to the dissemination of agricultural information, especially in rural areas, where most of people live. As such, this study set out to find out the Accessibility and Use of Agricultural Information among Small Scale Maize Growers in Tanzania, A Case Study of Mbeya Rural District. The study employed mixed-methods research, in which quantitative and qualitative approaches were carried out simultaneously. The quantitative approach assumed a dominant status. Non Probability sampling was used to draw a sample of 60 small scale farmers and 2 Agricultural Extension Officers. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed by using SPSS, MS Word 2007 and MS Excel 2007. The study was guided by the Wilson’s Model (1981) of Information Seeking Behaviour but was slightly modified by the researcher to make it suitable for the purpose of the study. The findings of the study indicated that most of small scale maize growers access agricultural information through their relatives, friends, neighbours, fellow farmers and Agricultural Extension Officers. The most needed agricultural information among small scale maize growers was information about the application of pesticides, the application of various types of fertilizer, information on where to purchase fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and herbicides, new farming practices, weather forecasting, and information on how and where to rent land. The study findings also revealed barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area such as lack of Agricultural Extension Officers, poverty, illiteracy, poor roads and poor electricity infrastructure, being busy with other activities, poor network connection, absence of library and information centres, lack of seminars, training programmes and workshops and lack of printed sources of information. The study concludes that in order to facilitate the accessibility and use of agricultural information among small scale maize growers in rural areas, the government should devote its efforts in the dissemination of agricultural information and management that grow from a clear understanding of what small scale farmers information needs are. The study recommends that the government should ensure that each village has its agricultural extension officers, the improvement of infrastructure in rural areas such as roads and electricity supply, provision of an agricultural information centre or library at each village, that the small scale farmers in rural areas should be encouraged to form groups within the village, information sources should be written in the Kiswahili language, short training programmes, seminars and workshops, and there should be class field (shamba darasa) in each village.
Accessibility and use of family planning information: case study north region Zanzibar
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Hassan, Riziki Ameir
This study investigated the accessibility and use of family planning information (FPI) by rural women in North Region in District “A”, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The purpose was to examine the entire infrastructure required for accessing and using FPI in a rural setting. 100 respondents participated in this study, including both women and men of reproductive age, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic staff. These respondents were randomly and purposefully selected. A combination of methods was used to collect data for this study including interviews and observations. The study revealed that there is inadequate knowledge of various family planning methods (FPMs) and limited access to and use of FPI in Zanzibar. The situation is caused by ignorance, inconsistent availability of FPMs, few staff with limited training, inaccessibility of family planning services (FPS) and patriarchal gender relations. Furthermore, the study found that rural communities access FPI through radio programmes and MCH clinic staff. The study concludes that the surveyed rural communities/villages are disadvantaged in accessing and using FPI. It recommends that there should be provision of more health facilities in rural areas, training of MCH clinic staff, raising public awareness of family planning, ensuring constant availability of all FPMs, provision of family planning education in schools and provision of necessary facilities needed for effective dissemination of FPI in the rural settings.
Accessibility and use of Tanzania local journals by Graduate students and academic staff at the University of Dar es Salaam.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Ramadhani, Zaina
Journals in academic institutions play a vital role in storage and dissemination of scholarly information. Accessibility to local journals provides researchers with information that is not available in international journals. However, due to several factors most locally published journals are not indexed and hence lack visibility and limited usage. The study was conducted to examine the accessibility and use of locally published journals by graduate students and academic staff at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The main objective of the study was to assess the current status of local journals and investigate factors affecting accessibility and their usage. Data collection methods were questionnaire, interview and observation. Sampling procedures used to select respondents included purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A sample size of 80 respondents was selected, among these there were 50 academic staff and 30 graduate students. The study revealed that 10% of graduate students and academic staff use local journals for research activities and the remaining 53% were not using the journals at the UDSM library. The study found that the major problems for underutilization of local journals include lack of awareness, missing issues, poor management, delayed publication and lack of user training. The study recommends increasing accessibility of local journals regionally and internationally through indexing in Africa Journals Online (AJOL), digitization and establishment of indexing and abstracting database in Tanzania. It further recommends enhancing Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) so that it can be used to search articles from local journals.
Accessibility and utilization of information on cervical cancer prevention among women in Dar es Salaam regional hospitals
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Marandu, Deodatus Sabas
The main objective of this study was to examine accessibility and utilization of information on cervical cancer prevention among women in Dar es Salaam regional hospitals. A cross sectional survey design was conducted in three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam from January to March 2015. Data for the study were collected from both secondary and primary sources (through face-to-face interview with key informants, researcher administered questionnaires and observations). Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis while analysis of quantitative data was done with the help of SPSS programme Version 19. Findings from the study revealed that although majority of respondents have heard about cervical cancer from various sources including doctors and nurses, still their information needs about this disease were not fully met. Radio messages were the leading approach used to disseminate cervical cancer information (80%), followed closely by outreach activities and facility based programme. Majority of respondents know the importance of information in the management of their health though not all of them used the information acquired. Various challenges such as financial problems, limited information searching skills, taboos and secrecy associated with the disease, limited time, poor infrastructures including the problem with electricity, telecommunication and transportation, and language problems hindered access to information. The study concluded that, the government should improve means of disseminating information, employ enough well trained professional health workers and build capacity for them to reach the community by providing enough funds.
Accessibility of agricultural information in supporting climate change adaptation in Tanzania: a case study of Chamwino district, Dodoma region.
(University of Dar es Slaam, 2011) Mwalukasa, Nicholaus
This study aimed the exploring to access and use of agricultural information by farmers in supporting climate change adaptation in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region. Data was collected from the two villages of Kilangali II and Mvumi Makulu from Buigiri ward and Mvumi Makulu wards respectively. The sample of 100 respondents was used, that included farmers, village Executive Officers and Agricultural Extension Officers. Frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and multiple linear regressions were employed. The study identified that radio, relatives, friends, neighbours and fellow farmers were the most useful sources of agricultural information about climate change. The conveyed sources of information were types of seeds resistant to drought, mixed crops, soil management, water management, irrigation system, planting trees and changing planting dates. However, only growing drought-resistant and early maturing crops, intercropping and planting trees were the major agricultural practices adopted in the study area. Income of respondents has a significant influence on accessibility to agricultural information supporting climate change adaptation. The study concludes that accessibility of agricultural information about climate change and the adoption of recommended agricultural practice in the study area is low.The study recommends that strategies for increasing access to information supporting climate change includes the establishment of rural agricultural libraries and information centres, employing committed and adequate competent Agricultural Extension Officers, provision of printed material, in a language and content relevant to rural farmers and giving more time to agricultural information on radio and television programmes.
Accessibility of information to rural women in access and control of land resources in Muheza district, Tanga region, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Omary, Tabu Jumanne
In Tanzania and elsewhere around the developing world, rural women are socially, economically and politically marginalized. This marginalization is a result of inadequate rural women development policies, inadequate formal education and lack of access to adequate information in access and control of land resources for sustainable livelihood. The objective of this study was to examine the accessibility of information to rural women on access and control of land resources in Muheza District, Tanga Region, Tanzania. This study adopted the communication model of Shannon and Weaver (1949) which is based on examining problems associated with information accessibility. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The data was mainly collected through the use of interview, focus group discussions and the questionnaire. The study findings show that most of the rural women have a low level of education and earn the below poverty line. Rural women lack information on access and control of land resources and other various economic, social, cultural and political issues in their communities, as a result the majority of them suffer from severe poverty. Rural women need information about the Law of land, the Law of Inheritance, the rights of women on land issues, division of land and Law of Marriage. The study concluded that information is considered to be strategic resource to rural women that can make them gain access and control of land resources as the result of their sustainable development. In order to meet the rural women’s needs information must be acquired, processed, stored and retrieved and disseminated according to the rural women needs. Multiple sources of information must be used to disseminate information. The study recommended that education and training should be provided to the rural women on how to access appropriate information in order to gain access and control over land resources. Also the government must support the information sectors by providing adequate funding for improving information infrastructure. Both government and non-government organizations should work together to ensure that the socio economic environment among rural women communities is made conducive for effective information systems to operate.
Accessibility of information to small scale industries (SSI) in Tanzania: a case study of selected SSI in Dar es Salaam
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2001) Mwansasu, Mpale Yvonne
This study was conducted at six SSI and four information centres in Dar es salaam. The objective was to examine the accessibility of information to SSI workers in order to identify barriers to the accessibility and utilisation of information to the SSI sector in Tanzania. Four aspects were examined: The status of SSI workers, their information needs and awareness to its availability and usefulness, information-seeking strategies used, and the barriers to information accessibility and suggested ways out. The major findings indicated that the SST sector was not doing well. Various problems related to marketing, financial constraints, high production costs, lack of technology and unavailability of information were said to slow down the development of SSI. The findings further indicated that SSI workers were more conversant in Kiswahili than English and/or any other foreign languages. They were also found to be mostly of low social economic status with some of them working for long hours. Those factors were additionally indicated to be the barriers affecting their accessibility to information. In addition, the study indicated that SSI workers mostly need information on business and managerial skills, business practices, credit and financial opportunities, marketing, science and technology, news, religion, policies and guidelines of SSI in Tanzania. Other findings were that, most of SSI workers do not visit Libraries and other centres to access information; instead, they rely on printed and electronic media. Use of oral, informal conversation, training and slight reading of books were also reported to be common. SSI workers made specific recommendations on removing barriers to information accessibility as follows: The media should be widely used to disseminate information, information units be established at various SSI, frequent training and seminars be given to SSI workers and that information providers should offer translation services.
Addressing challenges of access to and use of e-resources in Tanzania’s academic libraries: the case of Mzumbe University and Sokoine University of Agriculture
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Nyamadyaki, Bahati Ali
The study examined the extent to which academic libraries address challenges of access to and use of electronic resources using twin cases of Mzumbe University and Sokoine University of Agriculture libraries in Tanzania. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample of 50 respondents made up of 30 library staff, 10 academicians and 10 students. Primary data were collected through self-administered questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions, in-depth interviews and observations. Secondary data were collected through documentary review. As the study used a mixed methods approach, data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study established that academic libraries have strived to overcome challenges of access to and use of electronic resources. In consequence, there have been notable improvements in access to and use of electronic resources. The improvements include increased level of users’ awareness, increased numbers of computers, improved internet connectivity and increased amount of relevant electronic resources .On the basis of these findings, the study recommends for continuous development of strategies aimed at promoting and marketing electronic resources to potential information users. Moreover, there should be frequent and continuous training of both the library staff and end-users to increase not only their access to these resources but also their use skills. There is also a need for a continuous subscription to relevant electronic resources and the university management funding support to address the challenges of access to and use of electronic resources in Tanzania in a sustainable manner.
Agricultural information needs and information -seeking behaviour of small-scale sugar cane growers in Tanzania with a gender perspective: a case study of Kilombero District
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Siyao, Peter Onauphoo
This study is about the agricultural information needs and information - seeking behaviour of Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers in Tanzania with a gender perspective: A case study of Kilombero District. The study used a sample of 83 respondents drawn from three villages and five institutions. This study used a cross- sectional design while using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data for this study were collected by using structured questionnaires, face – to - face interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS.11 and Excel, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis procedure. The study findings revealed that the most needed agricultural information is information about the harvesting, tons harvested, transportation, dates of payment and actual payment. Informal sources of information are the most preferred sources of gathering agricultural information as they appear to be reliable, authentic and cheap. Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers prefer to seek information by consulting other growers, listening to the radio, and attending farmers’ association and group meetings. Traditional media such as the radio is mostly used by females. On the other hand females are poor attenders of farmers’ association meetings and they are characterised by fear or inability to ask others. The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area are associated with the lack of means and facilities by which information can be easily accessed. It is therefore recommended that means and facilities by which growers can access agricultural information are put in place, rural women empowerment and involvement in the decision-making process at all stages, and the provision of agricultural information to rural farmers should be gender sensitive.
Assessing the impact of application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on distance learning management in institutions of higher learning: a case of the Open University of Dar es Salaam (OUT)
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Mgulambwa, Chamwela
The study aimed to assess the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on distance learning management in higher learning institutions, focusing on the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Specifically, the study aimed at identifying changes in distance learning resulting from application of ICTs and identifies factors hindering effective application of ICTs in distance learning. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam at OUT. The study involved a sample of 100 respondents, comprising 90 students and 12 members of staff at OUT Headquarters. The methodology used was descriptive in nature and included the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation as well as secondary data collection methods such as documentary review. Findings revealed that the application of ICT in distance learning facilitates communication between and among staff and students, dissemination and sharing of information, management of students’ records (examination results and other records). Challenges identified include wrong posting of examination results, inadequate computer skills, and resistance to change, inadequate ICT facilities, unreliable Internet access and technophobia. The study concludes that application of ICTs has improved the management of distance learning but faces a number of challenges. It recommends that in order to benefit from the opportunities offered by application of ICTs, OUT should enhance ICT support services, invest in ICT facilities, offer frequent training on application of ICT in distance learning, introduce new teaching technologies such as teleconferencing, introduce WIFI technology, digital library and video lectures.
An assessment of academics` information needs and the effectiveness of African university library services: a case study of the University of Dar es Salaam library with comparative notes on selected libraries in East and Southern African universities.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1999) Butz, Cornelie
African universities have had to operate in an economically harsh climate over the Last decade. Government funds have dwindled due to decreasing expenditure on social services, especial in the education sector. University Libraries which try to cope with the ever increasing amount and diversity of information have been hit hard by these financial constraints, unable to replace outdated textbooks and to purchase current journals and important research materials. This study examined services of the UDSM Library for the university community, on the one hand, and academics' information needs for their teaching, research and consultancy activities, on the other hand. UDSM Library is presently undergoing an extensive transformation process - as is the University itself - to adjusting to the new economic realities and developing new services for its customers. The study could only briefly describe this on-going-development. Interviewees included UDSM academics from the Humanities and Science Faculties, postgraduates and academic librarians, as well as University administrators. For comparative reasons four other university libraries in the region were visited. Methods used for data collection were documentary review, questionnaires, interviews and observation. The research revealed that UDSM Library was still the major source of information for academics and postgraduates. However, library usage among academics was generally low. Their frequently pursued information seeking strategies were not mainly book-oriented, but more of an oral nature and their personal book collections grew only at a very modest rate. The prime interests of UDSM academies were research information needs, followed by current awareness and consultancy information needs. Academics and postgraduates used mainly two sectors of the UDSM Library collection, Periodicals and East Africana. The CD-ROM sector enjoyed a modest popularity among academics. Both the Periodicals and the CD-ROM sector rely heavily on donor money for funding. Apart from the Main Library, academic regularly used departmental libraries which they believed to be more specialised and more relevant. A majority of academics profited from link arrangements with foreign universities regarding their information needs. However, the major reason -for limited academic support for the Library as related to poor Library funding. Dissatisfaction with library services culminated in complaints about the lack of new and current books, inadequate funds and space constrains within the Library building. Regarding its mission, the Library defined its role as similar to that of an academic department, claiming to also have a threefold mission of teaching, research and consultancies. Therefore, one of a University Library's most important tasks-to provide relevant services to users-has became only one library objective among others. This study placed UDSM Library fourth place out of five in a ranking involving other regional University Libraries. The differences, however, between the Zambian (99 points), the Tanzanian (101 points), the Kenyan (102 points) and the Ungandan (105 points) Libraries were very small. Botswana with 126 points was the exception, showing that economic differences were the most critical factor in determining library performance. The study indicated that the UDSM Library services do not meet the information needs of academics and postgraduates.

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