12 research outputs found

    The different roles of ‘design process champions’ for digital libraries in African higher education

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    The concept of design stakeholders is central to effective design of digital libraries. We report on research findings that identified the presence of a key subset of stakeholders which we term ‘design process champions’. Our findings have identified that these champions can change interaction patterns and the eventual output of the other stakeholders (project participants) in the design process of digital library projects. This empirical research is based upon 38 interviews with key stakeholders and a review of documentary evidence in ten innovative digital library design projects (e.g. mobile clinical libraries) located in three African universities in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Through a grounded theory approach two different types of the ‘design process champions’ emerged from the data with varying levels of effectiveness in the design process: (i) domain champions and (ii) multidisciplinary champions. The domain champions assume a ‘siloed’ approach of engagement while the multidisciplinary champions take on a participatory engagement throughout the design process. A discussion of the implications of information specialists functioning as domain champions is highlighted. We conclude by suggesting that the multidisciplinary champions’ approach is particularly useful in supporting sustainability of digital library design projects

    An empirical investigation of the emergent issues around OER adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa

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    In the past few years, Africa has joined the rest of the world as an active participant in the Open Educational Resource (OER) movement with a number of home-grown and externally driven initiatives. These have the potential to make an immense contribution to teaching and learning in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, certain barriers prevent full participation. This paper reports on qualitative research that sought to investigate SSA's readiness to adopt OERs. This study involves three case studies based in higher education institutions involved in OER projects and located in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Contrary to the popular belief, findings indicate that low technological levels in Africa do not necessarily impede the adoption of such educational technologies; the real challenges facing the readiness to adopt OERs appear to be related to socio-economic, cultural, institutional and national issues. This paper argues for a complete mind shift in how people perceive OERs. It also proposes raising awareness of OERs at all levels, involving institutions and government, versioning OERs for the African context and conducting more research on OER adoption

    Keynote Address: Re-Imagining Librarianship Beyond the Pandemic/ Discurso de Apertura: Reimaginando La Bibliotecología Más Allá de la Pandemia

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    Libraries have always been at the forefront of digital transformation and have invested in different technologies, such as automation of library services, provision of online information resources, and digital literacy, etc. More recently, libraries have been in a continuous process of re-inventing and leveraging on the transformative power of digital technology to become more people-centered and not mere resource-centered institutions. Modern libraries are being designed with common spaces and technologies that facilitate social engagement and interactions. The unexpected demand to shift services online that was created by the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this digital transformation process as libraries, like other service providers, were forced to close their physical facilities to keep their staff and patrons safe. The need to continue supporting library users meant that libraries had to quickly fast track their application of digital technologies and innovate new ways and tools to support effective virtual service delivery. With these sudden changes, how does the future of librarianship look, and how are libraries and librarians positioning themselves to adapt and thrive in a new space that presents unique challenges and opportunities? What is the place of disruptive technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality in a post-Covid-19 library service? The keynote address will reflect on how this important service responded and adapted itself to the challenges of the pandemic. It will then explore the nature of the emerging post-pandemic environment, the evolving characteristics and demands of patrons, and how libraries and librarians should adapt to this rapidly changing space. Participants will be provoked into thinking of new methodologies, competencies, and skills of the librarian of the future. Las bibliotecas siempre han estado a la vanguardia de la transformación digital y han invertido en diferentes tecnologías, como la automatización de los servicios bibliotecarios, la provisión de recursos de información en línea y alfabetización digital, etc. Más recientemente, las bibliotecas han estado en un proceso continuo de reinvención y nivelamiento del poder transformador de la tecnología digital para centrarse más en las personas y no en meras instituciones centradas en los recursos. Las bibliotecas modernas se están diseñando con espacios y tecnologías que facilitan el envolvimiento y las interacciones sociales. La demanda inesperada para cambiar los servicios en línea que fue creada por el Covid-19 pandemia aceleró este proceso de transformación digital como bibliotecas, como otras proveedores de servicios, se vieron obligados a cerrar sus instalaciones físicas para mantener a su personal y patronos a salvo. La necesidad de seguir apoyando a los usuarios de la biblioteca significó que las bibliotecas tuvieron que acelerar rápidamente su aplicación de tecnologías digitales e innovar nuevas formas y herramientas para respaldar la prestación eficaz de servicios virtuales. Con estos cambios repentinos, ¿Cómo se ve el futuro de la biblioteconomía y cómo están las bibliotecas y los bibliotecarios posicionarse para adaptarse y prosperar en un nuevo espacio que presenta retos y oportunidades únicas? ¿Cuál es el lugar de las tecnologías disruptivas como robótica, inteligencia artificial, aprendizaje automático y realidad virtual en un servicio post-Covid 19 de biblioteca? El discurso de apertura reflejará en cómo este importante servicio respondió y se adaptó a los desafíos de la pandemia. Luego explorará la naturaleza del entorno emergente post pandémico, las características en evolución y demandas de los usuarios, y cómo las bibliotecas y los bibliotecarios deben adaptarse rápidamente a este espacio cambiante. Se incitará a los participantes a pensar en nuevas metodologías, competencias y habilidades del bibliotecario del futuro

    Role of policies in collaborative design process for digital libraries within African higher education

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    Purpose – This paper aims to explore the role of institutional and national policies in the design process of educational digital libraries developed collaboratively with key stakeholders within the African higher education context. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research project based on three case studies of universities in Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Uganda) was carried out; comprising a retrospective review of the design process of ten innovative digital libraries through 38 in-depth interviews with key design stakeholders. The interviews were conducted between September and December, 2009, while the data were triangulated with observations and documentary evidence from key policies. Findings – Institutional and national policies were found to have tremendous impact on the design process of digital libraries as well as on their sustainability. Their absence in the design process was found to stifle innovation. Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to the design process of digital libraries in African higher education. The research findings suggest that policy makers are important design gatekeepers and as such digital library designers should actively review relevant national and institutional policies, incorporate the implications of policies into design processes, and help to develop relevant policies. Originality/value – The paper provides an understanding of the critical impact policies have with respect to supporting the design of educational digital libraries that are developed collaboratively with stakeholders. The retrospective review of completed digital library design processes carried out offers a different methodological approach for obtaining a high level understanding of the phenomenon under investigation
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