Utilisation of social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing among knowledge workers at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

This research article published by Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2019This study investigated the utilisation of social media tools to enhance Knowledge Sharing (KS) practices among knowledge workers at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) of Tanzania. A case study design was used in this study. Data was collected by adopting a combination of document content analysis and semi-structured interviews from library and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) staff. Data was analysed thematically. The study showed that social media tools can be implemented effectively according to institution goal, users’ need and capacity building among knowledge workers. The findings also reviewed the strong commitment of the institution to ensure knowledge dissemination and exchange among its employees through the establishment of an electronic library, reliable internet connection, and having an ICT centre. This is a comprehensive study focusing on knowledge workers’ ability and willingness in utilising social media tools for KS initiatives in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs); and reveals findings that are useful for planning and implementing social media tools initiatives for KS in other HLIs in the country

Research Data Management Among Researchers in Higher Learning Institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa

This book chapter published by IGI Global, 2020Advancement in information and communication technologies has made it easier for researchers to capture and store myriad data at a higher level of granularity. Higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide are incorporating research data management (RDM) services to enable researchers to work with their data properly. This chapter focuses on creating awareness amongst researchers on how researchers and HEIs can form strategies, design and restrict data management plan (DMP), integrate research data life cycle, and ensure quality data sharing, as well as integrate with developed RDM policies and guidelines to curb challenges prohibiting the practice of RDM in HEIs

Antecedents for the Utilisation of Web 2.0 Tools for Knowledge Management Practices in Academic Libraries of Tanzania

This research article published by Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2019The purpose of this paper was to investigate the antecedents for the utilisation of Web 2.0 tools to enhance Knowledge Management (KM) practices in academic libraries of Tanzania. Eight out of the twelve academic libraries were selected. Data gathered through questionnaires distributed to library staff (n= 278), with a response rate of 91.36%. The study used the DeLone and McLean Information System (IS) Success Model to come up with KMS Success Model. Thus, the KMS Success Model was empirically via a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach to examine the antecedents for the utilisation of Web 2.0 tools for the KM practices in academic libraries. The findings reveal that service quality increases user satisfaction and intention to use Web 2.0 tools. Knowledge quality and system quality increase the intention to use and net benefits of using Web 2.0 tools. Further, user satisfaction increases intention to use and net benefits, whereas intention to use increases the net benefits of using Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices in academic libraries. This study was conducted to introduce new direction of KM practices through the application of Web 2.0 tools. DeLone and McLean IS Model was used to develop KMS success model which was tested and proved positive significant in KM practices and in facilitating libraries services

Dissemination of Agro-based Information by Telecentres among Selected Rural Farmers in Tanzania with a focus on Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region

The study assessed the role of Telecentres in the dissemination of agro-based information among selected farmers in rural areas of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Moshi Rural District, in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. A total of 442 rural farmers aged 21-60 years were randomly selected as study respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. The study found that 205 (55%) respondents were not aware of the existence and services offered among Telecentres, whereas only 12 (7%) respondents reported visiting Telecentres once per day, and 70 (41%) once per year. A total of 140 respondents selected computer services including internet, printing, and scanning to be available among Telecentres. 162 respondents recommended promotion and marketing strategies to enhance the usage of Telecentres among rural farmers was recommended by 162 respondents, while 200 requested agro-based information on crop diseases and pest problems. Inadequate agro-based information in the local language (Swahili) was reported among the challenges hindering the usage of Telecentres among 180 respondents. We recommend the government to exploit the potential of Telecentres in the dissemination of agro-based information among farmers and societies at large

Application of web 2.0 tools to enhance knowledge management

The emergence of Web 2.0 tools has transformed the operation of Knowledge Management (KM) practices in the academic libraries. This study has investigated the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Eight out of twelve academic libraries located in public universities in Tanzania were purposively selected in this study. The study included two categories of respondents: ordinary library staff and senior library staff (directors, heads of libraries, library managers, and Information and Technology (IT) specialists in the library etc). The findings of the study were determined after applying methodological triangulation within quantitative and qualitative research contexts. This included the use of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and observations. In the first instance, questionnaires were used to collect data from 278 library staff selected using systematic sampling technique. Interviewing targeted 69 senior library staff was done using purposive sampling technique. In total, 254 (91.4%) ordinary library staff completed the questionnaire; while 57 (82.6%) senior librarians were interviewed. The study findings have indicated the low level of KM application in academic libraries. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) Library showed the strongest application of KM practices, followed by State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Library. Lack of KM enablers in academic libraries was indicated as one of the significant challenges that hinder the application of KM practices in academic libraries. It was noted that most of the academic libraries visited had websites. On the other hand, the majority of respondents acknowledged that they had personal accounts of the various Web 2.0 tools. The study findings imply that most library staff had some level of experience with a variety of Web 2.0 tools. It was further established that despite the high level of familiarity and use of Web 2.0 tools, respondents were not frequent users of their library websites. The study findings have also indicated a low level of access and use of Web 2.0 tools within academic libraries. Mzumbe University (MU) and SUZA Libraries were the main users of Web 2.0 tools; followed by University of Dar-es-Salaam (UDSM) Library. Knowledge Management System (KMS) Success Model was employed to investigate factors that affect the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices. The study findings have demonstrated that the KMS Success Model is suitable for guiding the understanding of the contributing factors with respect to library staff‟s intention to reuse Web 2.0 tools. The study findings supported the KMS Success Model well, whereby seven of the twelve hypothesised relationships were found to be significant. The study recommends that academic libraries in Tanzania should promote and integrate KM practices in their daily operations as well as the use of KM enablers such as; reliable budget, Web 2.0 tools, reliable power supply, internet connectivity availability and adequate ICTs infrastructure.Information ScienceD. Litt. et. Phil. (Information Science

Utilisation of Social Media tools to enhance knowledge sharing practices among knowledge workers at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, Tanzania

It is vital for knowledge workers to utilise social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing practices and the adoption of these collaborative tools in higher learning institutions. This study investigated the extent to which social media tools are utilised to enhance knowledge sharing practices among knowledge workers at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania. The study conducted semi-structured interview with the NM-AIST library staff and Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICT-RC) personnel in 2014. The study found that, the utilisation of social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing among knowledge workers is still in its early stages in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. However, there was much interest amongst respondents for integrating and utilising social media tools to support knowledge sharing in higher learning institutions. The findings indicated that: social media tools can be used to enhance knowledge sharing practices; however, face to face mechanism, Google Mail, and Google Drive were indicated as main mechanisms to enhance knowledge sharing practices in higher learning institutions. Knowledge workers at the NM-AIST shared knowledge to facilitate teaching and learning activities, research and innovation; however knowledge sharing practices occur when needs arise. The study revealed the lack of knowledge sharing culture documented at the NM-AIST. The study has recommended the following: proper training for knowledge workers, employment of skilled and experienced knowledge workers, provision of full support (motivation), provide support to individual users. Application of social media tools which are very familiar and simple to use, establishment of a good relationship between knowledge workers and the management, as well as with schools and departments in higher learning institutions. Additionally, the study recommends the provision of adequate social media tools to facilitate knowledge diffusion within institutions.Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2014.Information ScienceMITUnrestricte

HIV/AIDS information and changing sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in Tanzania

Research Article published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited Vol. 64 No. 5, 2012Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the level of HIV/AIDS information among undergraduate students at two university colleges in Tanzania, and its role in changing risky sexual behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 151 undergraduate students from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. Findings – Of respondents 86 per cent were aware of the pandemic and its modes of transmission. The main sources of information were books, journals, magazines, television, internet, DVD/CD, radio and research reports. A total of 32 per cent reported having tested for HIV/AIDS; 40 per cent use condoms during sexual intercourse. Among condom users 63 per cent used them consistently. Factors hindering the use of HIV/AIDS information include the time spent on studies, the unavailability of the information, and the religious, cultural and family background of respondents. Research limitations/implications – In a country with over 30 university and university colleges, generalization is not possible on the basis of research restricted to a small number. Practical implications – Universities should establish partnerships and networks with various stakeholders to ensure access to HIV/AIDS information and to share experiences. Originality/value – The level of HIV/AIDS information among Tanzanian undergraduates is under-investigated. This paper helps to fill some of the gaps in the research

Metadata Standard for Continuous Preservation, Discovery, and Reuse of Research Data in Repositories by Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesised existing research papers that explore the available metadata standards to enable researchers to preserve, discover, and reuse research data in repositories. This review provides a broad overview of certain aspects that must be taken into consideration when creating and assessing metadata standards to enhance research data preservation discoverability and reusability strategies. Research papers on metadata standards, research data preservation, discovery and reuse, and repositories published between January 2003 and April 2023 were reviewed from a total of five databases. The review retrieved 1597 papers, and 13 papers were selected in this review. We revealed 13 research articles that explained the creation and application of metadata standards to enhance preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. Among them, eight presented the three main types of metadata, descriptive, structural, and administrative, to enable the preservation of research data in data repositories. We noted limited evidence on how these metadata standards can be used to enhance the discovery and reuse of research data in repositories to enable the preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. No reviews indicated specific higher education institutions employing metadata standards for the research data created by their researchers. Repository designs and a lack of expertise and technology know-how were among the challenges identified from the reviewed papers. The review has the potential to influence professional practice and decision-making by stakeholders, including researchers, students, librarians, information communication technologists, data managers, private and public organisations, intermediaries, research institutions, and non-profit organizations

Utilisation of social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing among knowledge workers at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

This study investigated the utilisation of social media tools to enhance Knowledge Sharing (KS) practices among knowledge workers at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) of Tanzania. A case study design was used in this study. Data was collected by adopting a combination of document content analysis and semi-structured interviews from library and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) staff. Data was analysed thematically. The study showed that social media tools can be implemented effectively according to institution goal, users’ need and capacity building among knowledge workers. The findings also reviewed the strong commitment of the institution to ensure knowledge dissemination and exchange among its employees through the establishment of an electronic library, reliable internet connection, and having an ICT centre. This is a comprehensive study focusing on knowledge workers’ ability and willingness in utilising social media tools for KS initiatives in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs); and reveals findings that are useful for planning and implementing social media tools initiatives for KS in other HLIs in the country.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprachj2020Information Scienc

Information seeking behaviour of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness in Tanzania

Research Article published by Library ReviewPurpose - The aim of this paper was to assess information needs and information seeking behaviour of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania. The study mainly assessed the information needs of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness, their preferable sources of health information, and their constraints on information seeking. Design/methodology/approach - A case study research design was used in this study, where 168 structured questionnaires were distributed to parents and caregivers of children with mental illness at the Neurological Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic (NPOC) of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical centre (KCMC). The rate of response was 89.3%. Findings - The study found that health information needs of parents and caregivers were mainly associated with health care (for example, nutrition, treatment), and health education. Parents and caregivers of children with mental illness used the internet as the main source of information about their children's health, which was followed by printed books and television. Health information seeking behaviour appeared similar across gender categories, but there were differences on the use of print and electronic information sources according to age and level of education. The main factors that hindered access to health information included low level of education, lack of funds and health information illiteracy. Practical implications - The paper provides practical suggestions that would facilitate information seeking and use among parents and caregivers of children with mental illness in Tanzania and other countries with similar conditions. Originality/value - Previous studies on the topic are scanty and, therefore, the paper provides important insights into the information needs and information seeking behaviour of parents and caregivers of children with mental illness in a developing country setting