Assessing the Information Seeking Behaviour of Researchers at the Okavango Research Institute, Botswana

The Okavango Research Institute (ORI), a branch of the University of Botswana (UB), located in the North Western region of Botswana, serves researchers in the natural and social sciences. ORI researchers need information to support research that contributes towards sustainable use of Botswana’s wetlands, which includes the Okavango Delta and other related wetlands. This study investigated the information seeking behaviour of ORI’s researchers. The aim of the study was to understand how they seek information, the information sources they use, and the problems they encounter when seeking information. Since ORI is a small institution, all the organization’s researchers were included in this study, which used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The results showed that researchers in ORI seek information that is closely aligned to their research fields. The majority of researchers seek information to conduct research, write articles for publication, and to update their knowledge. Most of the researchers indicated that they prefer searching the internet and accessing the library remotely to satisfy their information needs. They reported poor internet connectivity, outdated library materials, and lack of time and skills to search for information as some of the challenges to successful information seeking. The study therefore recommends that acquisition of relevant and current information sources in appropriate formats be priortised and that library staff undertake information literacy skills sessions for researchers

SERVICE QUALITY GAPS AND CHALLENGES IN THE ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KENYA

Abstract The subject of service quality has been widely researched in various sectors and the academic libraries are no exception. University libraries in Africa, in Kenya in particular, are therefore required to re-examine and justify their very existence within the academic institutions. This study seeks to establish the level of service quality in Kenyan academic libraries by analysing, evaluating and assessing the level of service quality in the academic libraries. Applying the Gap model suggests there are gaps/shortfalls within the service delivery process thus resulting to users’ dissatisfaction. Descriptive survey research method is employed; and guided by the study’s research objectives, a combination of f qualitative and quantitative methods were employed for this study using questionnaires, interviews, and observation as data collection instruments. . From the entire list of accredited universities in Kenya as of 2015, a sample of 10 (ten) institutions was purposively selected. In each institution external (library users) and internal (librarians) users were targeted. Findings from the study revealed that academic libraries are faced by a myriad of challenges: a growing and divergent user population, limited range of information resources/services, poor infrastructure, inadequate staff working areas and tools, limited budgets, heavy bureaucratic tendencies, lack of top institutional management support, poor leadership by the departmental heads, and poor market orientation strategies; nonetheless they’re endowed with a rich pool of well-trained information professionals, large market for their services, and customer goodwill, all of which are under-exploited. In addition, the findings revealed that academic libraries are ill prepared to provide specialised services for People with Disabilities (PWDs). Recommendations include: increased budgetary allocations, acquisition of more diverse information resources, change in the management of the academic libraries (this may include, creating an enabling environment for optimal operation/functioning; improved organizational communication, effective supervision by the Commission for University Education (CUE), and introduction of a policy framework on the operations of the academic libraries

Issues and trends in the provision of public library services in Nigeria: A literature survey

The philosophy, orientation and nature of public library are routed in the responsibility of disseminating diverse and current information services to the members of its community. Waller and Mcshare (2008) posit two major challenges in the provision and use of public library services which are; lack of obtaining a thorough understanding of the nature of the environment which bothers majorly on information provision and use; and the development of policy frameworks that clarifies institutions goals and brings coherence to diverse and sometimes conflicting policy demands. This paper looks at issues and trends concerning some of the challenges bedeviling the provision and utilisation of public library services in Nigeria such as in-appropriate policies, lack of sufficient professionals, inadequate facilities and services and lack of awareness and proper understanding of the concept of public library services which led to non-use of the available services by potential users. Yield shift theory of satisfaction phenomena was used to explain the satisfaction phenomenon of public library services by users. Identified challenges were discussed and recommendations made towards developing a framework for improved public library services in Nigeria

Issues and trends in the provision of public library services in Nigeria: A literature survey

The philosophy, orientation and nature of public library are routed in the responsibility of disseminating diverse and current information services to the members of its community. Waller and Mcshare (2008) posit two major challenges in the provision and use of public library services which are; lack of obtaining a thorough understanding of the nature of the environment which bothers majorly on information provision and use; and the development of policy frameworks that clarifies institutions goals and brings coherence to diverse and sometimes conflicting policy demands. This paper looks at issues and trends concerning some of the challenges bedeviling the provision and utilisation of public library services in Nigeria such as in-appropriate policies, lack of sufficient professionals, inadequate facilities and services and lack of awareness and proper understanding of the concept of public library services which led to non-use of the available services by potential users. Yield shift theory of satisfaction phenomena was used to explain the satisfaction phenomenon of public library services by users. Identified challenges were discussed and recommendations made towards developing a framework for improved public library services in Nigeria

Barriers and facilitators for implementation of automated home medication dispensers in home care from Dutch professionals' perspective:a qualitative study

Introduction and aims:Present-day home care needs to be more efficiently organized in view of the aging of the population and the current nursing shortages. Ensuring safe medication use is part of the challenge. The number of required visits could be reduced if automated home medication dispensers (AHMD) are adequately implemented. However, the barriers and facilitators for implementation are unknown. This project explored determinants (barriers, facilitators, or both) for implementing AHMD in home care, from Dutch home care nurses' perspective.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 home care nurses. Determinants were identified through thematic content analysis. The first four transcripts were coded inductively. Then, a code tree was developed based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist, consisting of seven domains. Each code/determinant was then labelled as a barrier, facilitator, or both.Results:The most relevant domains were innovation factors, individual health professional factors, and patient factors. The most frequently mentioned barrier was the required unplanned visits when patients did not withdraw medication within the scheduled time limit (alarm). According to our respondents, carefully assessing patients' eligibility (e.g., learnability) and properly instructing and guiding them will help prevent these alarms from occurring. Next to these determinants, motivating patients to start using an AHMD and professionals having sufficient knowledge and confidence were the most frequently mentioned facilitators.Conclusion:This project provided an overview of 78 determinants from nurses' perspective for implementation of AHMD in home care. This can form the basis for developing strategies for implementing AHMD in home care. Further research is recommended to investigate the perceived determinants from the patients', relatives', and informal caregivers' perspectives, and to prioritize the determinants from all perspectives

Barriers and facilitators for implementation of automated home medication dispensers in home care from Dutch professionals' perspective: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Present-day home care needs to be more efficiently organized in view of the ageing of the population and the current nursing shortages. Ensuring safe medication use is part of the challenge. The number of required visits could be reduced if automated home medication dispensers (AHMD) are adequately implemented. However, the barriers and facilitators for implementation are unknown. We aimed to explore determinants (barriers, facilitators or both) for implementing AHMD in home care, from home care nurses' perspective. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with home care nurses. Determinants were identified through thematic content analysis. The first four transcripts were coded inductively. Then, a code tree was developed based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist, consisting of seven domains. Each code/determinant was then labelled as a barrier, facilitator or both. RESULTS: Fifteen home care nurses were interviewed. The most relevant domains were innovation factors, individual health professional factors and patient factors. The most mentioned barrier was the required unplanned visits when patients do not withdraw medication within the scheduled time limit (alarm). According to our respondents, carefully assessing patients' eligibility (e.g. learnability) and properly instructing and guiding them will help prevent these alarms from happening. Next to these determinants, motivating patients to start using an AHMD and professionals having sufficient knowledge and confidence were the most mentioned facilitators. CONCLUSION: An overview of 78 determinants from nurses' perspective for implementation of AHMD in home care was established. This should form the basis for developing strategies for implementing AHMD in home care. Further research is recommended to investigate the perceived determinants from the patients', relatives' and informal caregivers' perspectives, and to prioritize the determinants from all perspectives

A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD

Research in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has had a clear focus on treatment and the dysfunction in specific situation associated with the condition. However, self-report, observational and anecdotal evidence indicates that there are also positive aspects associated with ADHD. Research on the potential positive features in individuals with an ADHD diagnosis is still limited, especially studies with larger representative samples. Here we performed qualitative research to identify positive aspects and strengths associated with ADHD in a large convenience sample from the Dutch organization for people with ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. We sent out open-ended questionnaires to the members of the organization, asking what they consider to be positive aspects of their ADHD. From the responses of individuals with ADHD (n = 206), we extracted 116 codes, which were assigned to thirteen subthemes, which in turn led to five themes. These themes were: Creativity, Being dynamic, Flexibility, Socio-affective skills, and Higher-order cognitive skills. Core symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity and hyperactivity were also considered positive aspects of ADHD by a minority of participants. After showing our results to a group of additional individuals with ADHD (focus group) they confirmed the identified positive aspects of ADHD. They also helped us with the interpretation of our findings and mentioned certain positive aspects to be a consequence of living with ADHD (being open minded and being honest). In conclusion, experiencing positive aspects seems to be common in ADHD as almost all participants reported positive aspect of ADHD, these aspects cover many different domains. Awareness about ADHD's strengths might help individuals with ADHD and their environment to better cope with, accept or embrace their diagnosis and for example make educational or occupational choices that fit them well. To incorporate these positive aspects in the understanding of ADHD, future research should focus on quantifying strengths in ADHD, and on investigating the link between these aspects and clinical characteristics and how this new knowledge can be implemented in psychoeducation and find its way to education and occupational settings

Is indigenous knowledge accessed and used by agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe?

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is knowledge which has been developed and accumulated over time by a community and has been passed down over generations. It is represented in most spheres of human activity: in agriculture, traditional and alternative medicine, human and animal health, forestry and botany. This article discusses how Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) is accessed and used by agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe. We review the relevant literature, largely focused on IAK, to support a case study in Zimbabwe that responds to the following four research questions: What is the importance of IAK to agricultural research and extension in Zimbabwe? How frequent is IAK utilised? What are the sources of IAK and what are the types of IAK in use in the country? We conclude that IK is relevant in modern day agriculture and should be given sufficient attention in general and by researchers and extension workers. We conclude that the documentation and integration of IAK into research, and education and training is essential.Innovation, No.44, June 201