African Journals Online
African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science

VOLUME 11, NUMBER 1, APRIL 2001

Disaster Management in Academic Libraries in Ghana

Harry Akussah
Department of Library and Archival Studies,
University of Ghana, Legon.

and

Venatus Fosu
Balme Library,
University of Ghana, 
Legon

Abstract

The article presents the findings of a survey of the management of disasters in academic libraries in Ghana. In the 12 academic libraries surveyed, the findings revealed varying levels of unpreparedness of most academic libraries for disasters in Ghana. The absence of purpose of recovery after disasters, the lack of disaster plans, inadequate human and material capacity to recover after disasters and the lack of conservation units or workshops to restore damaged information materials characterised the academic libraries. Recommendations to rectify the situation are made.


Graffiti as Feedback Tool in Library Management: A Nigerian Case Study


T. Agboola
'Nimbe Adedipe Library
University of Agriculture
P.M.B. 2240
Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential of graffiti scribbled by users on library walls, furniture and materials as feedback tool in library management. An Analysis of 285 graffiti found in different places within the library of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria yielded interesting results. While 162 (56.84%) of them were social, political and religious in nature, the remaining 125 (43.16%) covered readers' opinions of different aspects of library services in the university. Those related to the library were further categorised into graffiti on (a) staff and their attitudes (25.20%); (b) quality of services rendered (20.32%); (c) noise level in the library (15.44%); (d) particulars of books used (17.88%); (e) frustration with other library users (11.38%); and (f) miscellaneous matters about the library (9.75%). Next to suggestion boxes, graffiti may be said to represent, to a large extent, users' candid opinions on library services and effectiveness. The paper recommends that university libraries should take time to study and analyse graffiti found in their libraries for their potential as feedback mechanism in library management.


The Effect of Information Technology on Library Acquisitions: Experiences at the University of the North, South Africa

M. M. Chuene
University of the North Library
Private Bag X1112, Sovenga 0727
South Africa
[email protected] 

Abstract

Information technology has eliminated many routine tasks and increased speed in the acquisition of materials. Reduced library budget is forcing the acquisitions staff to be on the alert to new free online information and ensure that user access to information is increased, promoted and enhanced. Free electronic sources, some of which offer fulltext access, are being identified on the Web, through listservs and aggregator services. New tasks include designing the acquisitions Web page, ensuring continuous access to information and processing of licence agreements. Future plans include hyperlinks from bibliographic records in the OPAC and construction of a subscription database.

Applied Bibliometrics and Cooperative Acquisition, as Tools for Selecting Journals and Sharing  in Nigerian Fisheries Libraries

M. O. Ibeun
National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research,
P.M.B. 6006, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria


Abstract

One hundred and eight journal titles in ranked order were identified as been used by Nigerian fisheries scientists. These were grouped into four zones. The first of 7 titles (6.5%), the second with 11 titles (10.5%), the third with 26 titles (24%) and the fourth with 64 titles (59.0%), contributing 46.6%, 17.7%, 18.8% and 16.9% respectively to the total information needs of the scientists. The cost of acquisition of the first twenty- five titles on the list is put at N2.4 million (US$ 25000). However, evidence from budgetary allocation shows that none of the fisheries libraries had ever received N.5 million (US$ 5000) for capital expenditure. A theoretical approach using bibliometrics for judicious selection combined with a well -articulated Cooperative acquisition has been proposed
as tools to solving the problem inhibiting journal acquisition in Nigerian fisheries 
libraries. 

ISO Standards and Records Management: The Case of the Botswana Meat Commission

Peter M. Sebina
Department of Library and Information Studies
University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana
[email protected] 

Abstract

In 1997 the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) appointed consultants to advise on ways of improving records management activities in the company. This paper presents the results of the efforts of the BMC to set up effective ways of managing its records. It also explores the use of ISO (International Standards Organisation) 9000 standards in the management of BMC records. The paper explains the steps followed by BMC and the consultants to have their records systems streamlined to meet ISO requirements and concludes by arguing that there is no way BMC could have resisted ISO 9000 certification if it was to continue being a player in the world beef industry.

Employee -Driven Staff Training and Development : The University of Natal Libraries (Durban) Experience

Reggie Raju
G.M.J. Sweeney Law Library
University of Natal Libraries (Durban)
P.O. Box 18070
Dalbridge, 4014
South Africa
[email protected] 

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of staff training and development within the South African context. The changing labour legislation in South Africa makes it mandatory for the employer to provide training and development. However, staff have an important role to play in staff training and development. The paper gives an account of the role that the staff can play, via their unions and worker organisations, in developing themselves 

The Botswana Collection : An Evaluative Study of the University of Botswana Library Special Collections

Reason Baathuli Nfila
University of Botswana Library
Private Bag 00390
Botswana

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the awareness and usage of the Botswana Collection by the students of the University of Botswana. A questionnaire survey was utilised for data collection from the students in all the five faculties of the University of Botswana. The study showed that the awareness of the Botswana Collection and its information services provided, and the usage of the information materials, was high amongst the faculties of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It was found that the rate of awareness of the Botswana Collection and its information services provided was low in the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Technology. The majority of the students from these two faculties did not use the Botswana Collection because either the materials were not relevant to their learning, and research needs or they were not aware of the materials and the services provided by the collection.