African Journal of Library and Information Science

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 159-162, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of e-library in boosting high school students’reading habits and skills

Dewi Amara Svida

Sriwijaya University, Indonesia. E-mail: devwi_@[email protected]

Accepted 02 January, 2016

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to see the influence of four important factors of school libraries on students’ library visits, reading habit, and reading comprehension achievement based on gender and types of schools. Three hundred six students from 36 schools in South Sumatra were involved as sample of the study. Three instruments were used in this study. One questionnaire about the existence of the libraries was given to all the schools (12 schools of each type). Reading habit questionnaire and reading comprehension test were given to the students. The results show that the factors of school libraries (total) are significantly correlated with students’ library visits (p<0.000) and with reading comprehension achievement (p<0.01); the contributions of which are 43% and 23.1% respectively. When students’ reading habit and reading comprehension achievement were compared in terms of gender and types of school, the results show that there is no significant difference in reading comprehension achievement between males and females (p<0.095). However, there is a significant difference in their reading attitude and habit (p<0.000). This difference is strongly shown by those students from type B schools with girls having stronger attitude toward and habit of reading. The value of each finding of the study is discussed in relation to the development plan of both school libraries and literacy of the younger generation in South Sumatra.

Keywords: School library, library visits, attitude toward reading, reading habit, reading achievement, gender.

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 116-120, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Shortage of ICT infrastructure as a challenge to resource sharing in Indian public libraries

James Mwai Wangari

Library & Information Science Wing, Directorate of Distance Education Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar – 608 002, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 21 October, 2015

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology has revolutionized the concept of libraries. IT has almost converted the world into a global village. Libraries are also changing to meet the demand put on them. The new generation whose demand for information is never met is always demanding that traditional libraries should be developed as a well equipped and interconnected as computerized libraries. Public libraries are the need of society in order to educate the common people about their rights and duties and spread the environment of democracy and inculcate the values and culture among the people. One may find this library at every level like national, state, regional and district level. It serves the every common citizen living in the urban or rural areas. The people who are living in the villages may get benefit from the public libraries in order to update the information about their country’s development and technological changes. The information and communication technology has played a vital role in the library sector. The application of ICT is so much essential for public libraries because these libraries are carrier of information which is useful for the common people.

Key words: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Public Library, e-governance, e-learning, resource sharing.

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (1), pp. 097-101, January, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Review

An investigation of the effectiveness of grapevine information in management of University Libraries in Kenya

Wangari Muthui Mathai

 Librarian Kimathi University College of Technology P.O Box 657-10100 Nyeri, Kenya. Email: [email protected].

Accepted 04 January, 2016

Abstract

The need for sound decision making is a matter of necessity in any organization. Economic liberalization in Kenya is exposing organizations and institutions to fierce competition and hence calls for managers to improve their decision making. This study investigates the effectiveness of grapevine information in management of University Libraries. Grapevine being an informal communication network is like the cancer disease, there is no established cause and cure to it. At times, it is referred to us rumors. Like many other organizations worldwide, Grapevines are found in Institutions including universities. Grapevine does not always follow the same patterns as, nor do they necessarily coincide with formal channels of communication. The study therefore tries to establish the existence of Grapevine in University libraries, its cause, weakness and effectiveness in management and decision making. Finally the paper highlights the challenges and advantages faced in using Grapevine information in decision making and management.

Key words: Grapevine, librarian, management, decision making, information, library.

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 150-154, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

An analysis of the economic system of coagula production in Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria

¹Ali Sukhera, ¹Ibrahim Wanké and ²Amina Babangida

¹Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 1049, Benin City, Edo State Nigeria.

²Delta State University Abraka, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 20 January, 2016

Abstract

The study was conducted at Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Iyanomo, Benin City, Edo State. Data were collected on the production and sales of coagula for the period of eleven years (2001 - 2011) in the Institute for analysis in order to examine the trend movement of the activities. Descriptive statistics were implored for the analysis, and the results indicated that a total of 2,041,954 Kilograms was produced during the period of study; while revenue of ₦ 542,555,720.00 was realized from the sales of this quantity. Fluctuations in the production trend was observed during the period, however, the percentage changes in revenue were positive. This implies that there was stable increase in the price of coagula in the Institute. Recommendations were made for the Institute to expand her rubber plantation size in order to earn more revenue.

Keywords: Coagula, natural rubber, research institute, revenue.

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (1), pp. 102-108, January, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of the challenges of information retrieval among university students in Ghana

*Aidoo Kufuor¹, Kwesi Tedam² and Paul Poreku ³

¹W.A.F. Consult Services, Ghana.

² University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

³CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana.

*Corresponding author E-mail: aidoo_kufuor @ygmail.com

Accepted 22 December, 2015

Abstract

The poor performance of students in the various universities has been attributed to the inability of students to effectively retrieve information for academic work. The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges of information retrieval among university students. The survey was used to investigate the awareness and use of information retrieval systems, document retrieved and its relevance to student’s information needs and challenges of information retrieval among students. Three student faculties in the University of Ghana, Legon participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 29 items was used as an instrument for collecting data. The results revealed that students from all the faculties considered are highly aware of the information retrieval systems. The Faculty of Science students used periodical index and journal contents more than the Social Studies and Arts Students. Bibliographies were most commonly used by Faculty of Arts students. The study also shows that the use of information retrieval tools to retrieve relevant information depends on the information needs of the student and their level of study. The Science students used the Boolean Operators whilst most of the students from the Social Studies and Art Faculties did not find the Boolean Operators useful in retrieving relevant information as expressed in their request. Majority of the Arts Students used the Index Phrase more than the Science and Social Studies Students. Majority of M.Sc students sometimes get the information they need more than Students from M.A, M.PHIL and Ph.D. The study recommends that information retrieval skills training programme should be embedded in the curriculum and undertaken at an appropriate time and supported by academic staff of the university. In addition, the university administrators should ensure that students in the Art faculty receive sufficient information retrieval skills training so that they are not prejudiced against due to subject chosen. Also, ensure that information retrieval skills training are pitched at a level which is appropriate to the individual needs of the student.

Keywords: Information, retrieval systems, information needs, challenges, periodical index, journal contents, bibliographies, boolean operators, Index Phrase.

Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 129-144, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of internet literacy and usage patterns to access e-resources by Assam university library users

Kumar Arun Chanda

Reader and Head of the Department, Department of Library and Information Science, Assam University (A Central University), Silchar-788011, India. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 02 December, 2015

Abstract

The present study was undertaken with a view to know the extent of Internet Literacy amongst the University Library Users. The samples of the present study are mainly drawn from the teachers, research scholars and students are not very much comfortable using computers. In order to assess the Internet literacy and access patterns of e-resources, survey method has been adopted by the investigator, which comprises of administration of questionnaire, observation of the participants, and interview of some of the participants for knowing the opinion of the respondents in respect of awareness of ICT and Internet Literacy Skills and E-Resources access pattern for their day-to-day requirements pertaining to their academic and research activities. For carrying out the survey , purposive sampling technique has been adopted. The self designed questionnaire comprising of 18 questions has been distributed amongst the randomly selected 480 samples which comprises of faculty members, research scholars, UG/PG Students, Officers and Staff, out of which 324 respondents have responded. On the basis of filled up questionnaire received from the respondents, the data has been analysed and tabulated using SPSS Software. For data analysis and interpretation, percentage technique has been adopted. The present work was carried out during April 2009 to July 2010. Therefore the present investigation is delimited to the members of the Assam University community. The paper highlights the important survey findings in respect of ICT and Internet Literacy Skills, Internet usage pattern , Training and some problems faced by the respondents along with few suggestions and recommendations.

Key words: Internet, internet literacy skills , Assam University-Silchar, e-resources.