The effectiveness of library information literacy instructions given to undergraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of library information literacy instructions offered at the University of Dar es Salaam. The study population consisted of undergraduate students and library staff at the Mwalimu Nyerere Campus. The study employed a mixed methods approach under which a survey design was used to collect data with the use of questionnaire, observation, and interviews methods. Whereas quantitative data were processed through Microsoft Excel program to simplify analysis, qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that the library’s information literacy instructions had moderately impact on majority of respondents’ ability to articulate and locate information they require, use information ethically, and evaluate online information for credibility. Based on these findings, respondents recommend extension of library opening hours, integrating information literacy in the university’s curricula, increasing the number of  computers, and deploying more library staff to oversee information literacy instruction. Keywords: Information competence, Information literacy, User satisfaction, UDSM Library, Undergraduate students

Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in learning by undergraduate students at the University of Dar Es Salaam Library in Tanzania

This study was carried out in January, 2019 at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The low level of application of ICTs in learning processes at some of the academic institutions in Tanzania was a major stimulant for this study. The principal objective was to determine the extent to which ICTs are used for learning by undergraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam Library. A mixed research approach was employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 96 respondents. Whereas qualitative data was collected through using key informant interviews and Focus Groups Discussions qualitative data and analysed using content analysis, quantitative data was collected using questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions which was administered to respondents in face to face interviews and data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The findings revealed that available ICT facilities for learning include internet, audio devices, networked computers, You Tube (audio/visual materials) and mobile phones. The level of utilization of ICT resources is high for majority of the respondents admitted they use ICT resources in learning a large extent. Also, it was revealed that students’ low level of search skills is a major challenge in using ICTs effectively in learning. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that computers are the major ICT facilities available at UDSM Library. The incompetence of undergraduate students in accessing information constrains effective use and application of ICT in learning. It is recommended that the University of Dar es Salaam Library should continue to train students and teaching staff in information literacy skills, increase bandwidth, and avail students with laptops, printers and data analysis programs. Also, The University of Dar es Salaam should deliberately incorporate ICTs in learning processes to ensure effective use of ICTS

The Impact of Smart-phones Usage on Third-Year Undergraduates in Tanzania: A Case of the University of Dar es Salaam

This study investigated the impact of the use of smart-mobile phone by undergraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam. Specifically, the study sought to establish the academic-related purposes for which university students use smart-phones and the impact of such usage on their academic life. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a mixed methods research approach in which questionnaires and an interview guide were used to collect data from a sample size of 166 students. The results of the study revealed that the majority of undergraduate students own smart-phones which they used for different purposes, including for academic intentions such as reading lecture materials, and watching academic-related videos. The study findings also reveal that smart-phones to an extent enhance the undergraduate students’ performance of academic activities

Users’ awareness and satisfaction with the biodiversity information in Dar Es Salaam, Iringa and Morogoro regions.

This article examines the users’ awareness and satisfaction with biodiversity information that was being provided by their respective information systems. The study was conducted among biodiversity databases user communities in Tanga, Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and Coast regions of Tanzania. Mixed research design was used in which techniques such as questionnaires, observation, interviews and focus groups’ discussions were employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The key findings indicate that the majority of the respondents were not aware of the existence of biodiversity information in their institutions. The respondents who seemed to be aware of its existence opined that biodiversity information which was being dispensed by their information systems was relevant but not updated and adequate for planning and decision-making. The article incorporates some recommendations on how the situation may be improved to enhance access and use of the biodiversity information in Tanzania

Factors constraining effective application of ICT's in teachers training colleges in Tanzania

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