East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) Collection

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 108
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    Revitalizing the Somali National Library
    (Makerere University, 2026-10-22) Nor, Abdirahom Mohamed
    The aim of the study was to assess the current state of Somali National Library with the intent of exploring and proposing viable strategies for its revitalization and sustainable operation. The study was guided by four objectives: to establish the current state of the Somali National Library, to identify challenges that may hinder its effective functioning, to examine opportunities that can be harnessed for revitalization, and to recommend strategies for revitalizing sustainable operations. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and document review involving staff of the Somali National Library, Library and Information Science professionals, officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture, and representatives of non-governmental organizations supporting library development. Social Systems Theory informed the study by providing a framework for understanding the Somali National Library as an interconnected system whose effective functioning depends on the availability and coordination of its human resources, facilities, technologies, collections and stakeholder relationships. The major findings revealed that the Somali National Library faces significant shortages of human resources, information resources, technological infrastructure, facilities, and operational support systems necessary for effective service delivery. The study further established challenges related to inadequate funding, limited professional staff, weak technological capacity, and insufficient community engagement. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist through government support, partnerships with non-governmental organizations, international cooperation, fundraising initiatives, professional development programs, and community participation. The study concluded that the successful revitalization of the Somali National Library requires addressing critical resource and capacity gaps before full reopening to the public. The study recommends strengthening human resource capacity, mobilizing sustainable funding, improving technological infrastructure, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, expanding community engagement initiatives, and developing strategic partnerships to support the long-term sustainability of the library.
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    Capacity building needs of records officers in selected districts in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2026) Alum, Anne Mary.
    Effective records management is fundamental to accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery in Uganda's Local governments (DLGs). However, differences in institutional capacity, infrastructure, and digital readiness continue to affect records management practices across local government. This study assessed the capacity-building needs of local government records officers in selected local governments in Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: identify the current state of records management practices; establish the existing records management skills and knowledge of records officers; determine the knowledge and skills gaps that hinder effective records management; and propose strategies that will enhance the capacity of the staff in managing records. The study was conducted in eight local government across Uganda's four regions: Lira and Arua (Northern), Mbale and Moroto (Eastern), Mbarara and Kasese (Western), and Mukono and Masaka (Central). The study adopted an exploratory mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 32 purposively selected respondents, comprising 16 Records Officers, 8 Human Resource Officers, and 8 Chief Administrative Officers. Questionnaires were administered to Records Officers and Human Resource Officers, while Chief Administrative Officers participated in semi-structured interviews. Documentary review and observation checklists were also used to complement the primary data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 27 through descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that records creation, classification, and access control were generally well established across the selected local government. However, storage facilities, digitisation, and electronic records management remained inadequate, particularly in the Northern and Eastern regions. Although records officers demonstrated sound knowledge of traditional records management practices, significant gaps existed in digital records management, preservation, disaster preparedness, analytical reporting, and policy application. Limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate funding, and insufficient continuous professional development constrained effective records management across the local government. The study concludes that strengthening records management requires simultaneous investment in human capacity and institutional support. It recommends that Local governments allocate dedicated budgets for records management, the Ministry of Public Service develop and implement regular training programmes, the National Records and Archives Centre establish mentorship programmes linking well-performing local government with less-resourced local government, local government administrations conduct regular policy awareness programmes on records management standards, and government strengthen ICT infrastructure and monitoring systems to support sustainable digital records management.
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    Modern preservation strategies in broadcast libraries: A case study of Nation Media Group Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2026-09-02) Mpumbya, Gloria Anna
    Information preservation is crucial for maintaining access to valuable media content, especially as libraries face new challenges in the digital age. This study aimed to assess the 21st Century information preservation challenges at Nation Media Uganda (NMGU) libraries and propose ways to enhance preservation practices. The research was guided by four main objectives: to identify the types of information preserved at NMGU libraries, to examine the existing preservation methods, to investigate the challenges faced in preservation, and to suggest practical improvements. A case study design and mixed-methods approach were used, with a sample of 74 participants from the total population of 90 library users and staff. The findings revealed that archived videos were the most preserved and frequently accessed materials, alongside news articles, photographs, and audio recordings of past radio and television broadcasts. The libraries preserved a mix of analogue and digital formats, reflecting a transition between traditional and modern preservation practices. While most users were aware of the preservation efforts, perceptions of their effectiveness were mixed due to outdated equipment and inconsistent application of standards. Key challenges included limited storage space, frequent server crashes, obsolete digitising machines, lack of funding, shortage of trained staff, absence of clear policies, and improper handling of physical materials. These issues negatively affected access and the long-term safety of archival materials. To improve preservation, staff recommended upgrading storage infrastructure, modernising equipment and software, implementing metadata systems, and introducing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Continuous training and clear preservation policies were also considered essential, along with active involvement from senior management to ensure commitment and support.
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    Evaluation of the utilization of library services in Ndejje University
    (Makerere University, 2004) Lutaaya, Clement.
    This dissertation is based on a study carried out at Ndejje University Main library and Kampala library. The main aim of the study were to; establish library services provided, identify problems faced by users, establish whether the available reading materials are relevant to the programs taught, establish attitude of library staff and to make proposals for more effective utilization of library services. Qualitative design was used to carry out the study, using the questionnaire and interview methods, while the instruments used included questionnaire and interview guides. Major findings include: - general under use of the library services, lack of security lights via the university road and a stand-by generator, lack of relevant and adequate reading materials. There is general under utilization of the library service in Ndejje University. Major recommendations are:- Should stock relevant and adequate books, installation of internet at Kampala library, provide a stand-by generator, and security lights along the university road to main library, recruit more staff and expend Kampala Campus library.
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    Information literacy practices among adult learners in rural communities: a study of Nakasongola District
    (Makerere University, 2016) Ssentuuwa, Ronald.
    Despite several interventions that include early childhood development, adult education and community non formal education, information literacy practice levels remain low in Nakasongola district at only 35.6% (UDHS: 2006). The situation is not any better amongst adult literacy learners in Nakasongola district. This study was carried out to establish the magnitude information literacy practices of adult learners’ in Nakasongola district. Literature related to the study was reviewed to establish the existing gaps in information literacy practices among adult literacy learners that revealed minimum inadequacy of information literacy practices a concern of this study. This study seeks to identify strategies to improve information literacy practices in rural communities. A case study design of Nakasongola district was used with the specific study population of adult learners. Data collection methods included; focus group discussion, document review and key informative interviews. Data was collected from adult learners using FDGs, document review and content analysis were employed as data collections methods as well as key informants that included program implementers, district officials or local leaders and adult learners’ facilitators Findings revealed that the common information literacy practices acquired revolved around information generation, search and access, utilization and dissemination, e.g AL depended on key informants to acquire information literacy practices. However information storage practices were insufficient. The study revealed that librarians/ information professionals were not involved in supporting adult literacy learners to enhance information literacy practices; activities of adult learners that impact information literacy practices were facilitated by personnel from development agencies who lack relevant expertises to support the learners.