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

Volume 12, No 1, April 2002
Abstracts

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 1- 14

Computer Anxiety, Phobia, Obsession and Work-Stress at the University of Ibadan: Part 2 - Evaluation of a Model

M.A. Tiamiyu, A. Ajayi and W.M. Olatokun

The study modelled the personality, demographic and experiential determinants of some computing-related behaviours among students and staff of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The behaviours were information anxiety, computer phobia, obsessive computing, and computer work stress. Validated scales were designed to measure these behaviours as dependent variables, as well as computing expertise, self-esteem, locus of control, personality type, age, sex, occupation and discipline of respondents, as independent variables. Models relating to these variables were proposed, and multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the models. Self-esteem, personality type, age and sex correlated in various ways with information anxiety, computer phobia and work-stress.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 15 - 26

Resource Mobilisation for Library and Information Services Development in Africa

Elizabeth Kiondo
University of Dar- es- Salaam Library
P.O. Box 35092
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
[email protected] 

Abstract

This paper discusses the need for information professionals in Africa to mobilise resources for effective provision of library and information services. Resource mobilisation should include financial, human and material resources that are indispensable to providing innovative and dynamic information services in the 21^st century. The rationale for resource mobilisation is discussed within the context of the current socio-economic and technological environment that is not only characterising library and information services development but also developments in other sectors. The paper identifies and discusses major areas of library resource mobilisation by highlighting what is going on in Tanzania in particular and Africa in general. The paper concludes that in order to survive in the information market of the 21^st century, there is need to strive for innovative and sustainable services.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 27 - 39

Adriaan Swanepoel
Library Services
Technikon Pretoria
Private Bag X680
Pretoria 0001
Republic of South Africa
e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

This paper presents ideas and practical experiences gained by the author in his involvement in moving some small special and academic libraries. The emphasis is on ways to calculate shelf space, mark and prepare shelves, pack, unpack and re-shelve books and periodicals. Considering the importance and necessity of timely planning, this paper also gives information on the role and function of a planning committee for moving. The paper ends with a few practical suggestions on moving a small library.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 41- 47

J. Msuya
University of Dar es Salaam Library
P.O. Box 35092
Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania
[email protected] 

This paper is on the study conducted in 2000 on the reorganisation of the University of Dar-es- Salaam Library, Tanzania. It highlights the objectives of the reorganisation, showing the central idea behind the exercise and the rationale for the reorganisation. The paper also outlines the physical movements of materials that took place and the procedure that was followed. Finally, a presentation is made on lessons that other libraries can learn from the reorganisation experience.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 49 - 58

O. S. Oladokun and B.T. Fidzani
University of Botswana Library
P/Bag 0022
Gaborone, Botswana
E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected]

As a result of the affiliation of the colleges of education (COE) in Botswana to the University of Botswana, the libraries attached to the colleges were assessed with a view to finding out if they met the standards recommended for college libraries. Thus, the guidelines recommended in "College Library Standards, 1995 edition" were used in assessing the six colleges surveyed. The main factors used in assessing the libraries were: mission statement, collection, staffing, budget, technical services/materials organisation, library services, library administration and facilities. The findings revealed that most of the factors enumerated above were found to be inadequate in the six college libraries surveyed. Recommendations were made to all stakeholders to ensure that the libraries were considerably improved to enable them to perform the functions for which they were established.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 59 - 67

A.S. Obajemu
Medical Library, College of Medicine,
University of Lagos,
P.M.B. 12003 Lagos, Nigeria.
E-Mail: [email protected]

This paper assessed the library collection, staffing, building space, furniture and the profile of eight secondary schools in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The evaluation was based on the "Lagos Library Board for Schools Libraries Standards". The findings showed that school libraries were yet to achieve any meaningful growth in the educational system of Lagos State. The school libraries were completely undeveloped, under-staffed, under-used and improperly organised. Also the facilities were inadequate and the collections were obsolete. Suggestions on the revenue generation strategies in order to reduce over dependency on the state Ministry of Education for fund were made in the paper.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 69-80

Henry N. Kemoni
Department of Archives and Records Management
Faculty of Information Sciences, Moi University
P.O. Box 3900,
Eldoret,
Kenya.
E-mail: [email protected] 

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the utilisation of archival information by the University of Nairobi researchers and the extent to which their information needs were met by the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service (KNA&DS). The total population sample consisted of 55 respondents, namely: 45 researchers drawn from the Departments of History, Government and Anthropology and 10 archives personnel. Data were collected through the use of face- to -face interviews. The major findings of the study revealed that researchers used a variety of information sources to satisfy their information needs and that some of the existing access regulations need review. The study also found that the researchers relied more on archives personnel to access information, that the existing KNA&DS promotional methods were not effective and that both researchers and archives personnel faced problems in accessing and providing information. Among the recommendations of the study are that the KNA&DS needs to review some of the access regulations, introduce a user education programme, devise new promotional methods, conduct information user studies, and speed up the on-going computerisation programme

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 81-89

Samuel Adewale Ogunrombi and H. C. Pisagih
University Library
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,
P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria

V. W. Udoh
University Librarian
Federal University of Technology, Yola
Adamawa State, Nigeria

Using documentary sources, the contribution of female librarians in Nigeria to library development from 1960 to 2000 was examined. The study revealed that only few female women librarians were appreciated and cited in Nigerian biographical works. The status and role of women librarians in Nigeria revealed an explicit pattern of discrimination. The remarkable contribution of women librarians to library education, professional activities, including research and publication output was discussed in the paper.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 91- 99

H.I.T. Akinyosoye
Research Library
Development Policy Centre
P.O. Box 30733
Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected] 

This paper discusses first hand experience of database creation, formatting, indexing and some common problems in using Unesco CDS/ISIS software in a library. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the historical background of CDS/ISIS. The second section gives the general overview of CDS/ISIS, while the third dwells on database creation, formatting, indexing and common problems in the use of CDS/ISIS, and solutions proffered.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2002) 101 — 107

Christopher O. Ola
Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper conceptualises the creation of an Online National Bibliographic Network in Nigeria as the cataloguing and classification information agenda for the new millennium. To this end, a virile and efficient communication network system that will enhance the linkage of databases from the local, through zonal offices, to the national level is proposed as a preparatory step to ultimately connecting the international grid of databases. The continued relevance of cataloguers in professional practices is established. The attendant problems of "biblio-techno-volution"' are examined, while the role of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Library Association, the National Library of Nigeria, other library institutions, commercial agencies and individual librarians in meeting the challenges occurring in the business of creating access to the world of information is discussed.