Awareness of Open Data among Researchers in Selected Public Universities in Tanzania

This study explored the extent of researchers’ awareness on open data (OD) in selected universities in Tanzania. Various scholars have highlighted several benefits that are associated with the adoption and use of Open Datathat include validation and accountability of research findings, minimization of duplication of studies, protectionof researchintegrity and increased visibility of both research results as well as the host institution.The study employed a crosssection research design which combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 200 researchers was drawn from a sampling frame of 1846 using both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques.The findings of this study have revealed that majority of respondents lacked a deep understanding of OD concept.Based on the findings,the study recommends that open data weeks and open data days should be adopted and used by academic and research institutions to create awareness on OD. Academic institutions need to integrate OD and research data management in course of their degree programmes, especially at postgraduate level. Awareness creation mechanisms such as workshops should regularly be used to create OD awareness at all levels of academic institutions

Coverage of Information and Communication Technology News by Selected Newspapers in Tanzania

This study explored media coverage of Information and Communication Technology in Tanzania’s four print media published between 2009 and 2013. Specifically, the study aimed at; assessing the trend in covering ICTs information from 2009-2013, identifying ICTs themes covered and exploring the geographic coverage of ICTs information from 2009-2013. Data were collected using informetrics method. Microsoft Excel software 2007 and content analysis were used to analyse data. Results revealed 823 articles were published on ICTs in five years. Additionally, despite variation trends in coverage, the year 2013 had highest coverage. Results showed ICTs themes related to mobile technologies were highly reported compared to others. Results indicate international news on ICTs to be highly reported compared to local news. The study concludes that there is still low coverage of ICTs information in Tanzania newspapers. It recommends increased coverage of ICTs information in media by privately owned newspapers and reporting in local language