Department of Library and Information Science

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Data literacy: a catalyst for improving research publication productivity of kyambogo university academic staff
(Journal of eScience Librarianship (JeSLIB), 2023-11) Robert, Stalone Buwule; State, Eliz Nassali; Edward, Mukiibi
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore how data literacy can influence the research and publications productivity of Kyambogo University academic staff. Methods: The study employed a literature review to collect detailed information. It observed lessons, and studied patterns of the phenomenon to explore data literacy initiatives that can be used by Kyambogo University academic staff to improve their research publications productivity and also to mitigate the accrued challenges. Results: The paper explored eight initiatives through which data literacy skills could enhance the research productivity of Kyambogo University academic staff. These were awareness and promoting freedom of using open data, engaging students in data literacy activities, pedagogical reflection, datafication of single and joint academic staff publications, visualization of data, storytelling, ethical use of data, and preservation of research data. Conclusions: While this paper relies on the context of the Kyambogo University academic staff, the authors posit that these data literacy skills can be embraced by universities in developing economies; especially those struggling with poor research and publications productivity. The paper further identifies areas where universities in developing economies, in conjunction with their libraries, can improve the academic staff pedagogy and compliance to eScience through polishing their data literacies.
The effectiveness of COVID-19 surveillance applications in Uganda: assessment of a medical rapid response system
(ScienceOpen Preprints, 2024-03-06) Goswami, Nandu; Acanit, Mary; Buwule, Robert Stalone; Schmid-Zalaudek, Karin; Brix, Bianca
Different Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) health-based innovations such as cloud computing, web and mobile surveillance applications were used by proactive governments to fight COVID-19. Contact tracing mobile applications were used by more than 100 countries. However, the extent to which these surveillance applications have been used to track Covid-19 in Uganda is not clear. This study aimed to establish the use of COVID-19 surveillance applications in Uganda. This was a purely qualitative study. Health practitioners managing these surveillance applications were interviewed from Kampala City, Mukono and Wakiso districts of Uganda. The assessment of the COVID-19 surveillance applications underscores the relevance of health-based ICTS. The surveillance applications provided accurate, authoritative and timely data. However, there were false alerts as result of inaccurate data supplied by the applications. The study recommends increased facilitation of the surveillance officers, continuous training of surveillance teams and integration of the applications for the management of other non-communicable diseases.
Enhancing African indigenous knowledge collection management in Ugandan public university libraries: lived experiences of senior library staff
(IGI Global, 2023) Rugambwa, Nina Olivia; Akena, Francis Adyanga; Nabutto, Claire Clement Lutaaya; Bugembe, Kamulegeya Grace
Various studies in library and information science have emphasized that indigenous knowledge management is still a neglected area and a challenge in the discipline of information management. However, the rationale for this neglect and driving challenges in university libraries has not been documented from the practitioner's perspective. This chapter shares lived experiences from experienced senior staff of public University libraries in Uganda regarding the management of African Indigenous knowledge collections. The study uses the theoretical lens of Wilson's information behavior model interpolated with participants' views to gain insight into the perspectives of the practitioners. The findings revealed challenges in lack of appropriate metadata descriptors to accommodate this knowledge, biased knowledge organization tools that are incompatible with African indigenous knowledge metadata characteristics, and limited funding in university libraries for research and indigenous knowledge collection development.
Evaluation of Information literacy training for enhanced teaching, learning, and research competence for academic staff and students at the University of Rwanda: A descriptive mixed-method study
(Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 2024-07-09) Namuleme, Robinah Kalemeera; Umutesi, Annonciatte
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Information Literacy Training (ILT) for academic staff and postgraduate students in the digital era. A descriptive mixed-method approach was used, with data collected from 87 postgraduate students, academic staff, and librarians from nine Campuses across the University of Rwanda. The results showed that providing ILT at the beginning of student’s study program significantly enhanced their capacity to identify, access, evaluate, and use information effectively. It also improved students’ competencies in research and scholarly publishing. The study highlights the importance of ILT evaluation in training, providing critical insights into program effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term impact. It recommends ILT as a mandatory component in the curriculum for all students. Keywords: Information Literacy, Critical thinking, Reference Management, Digital literacy, Literacy proficiency.
Factors influencing the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda
(Sage Journals, 2024-10) Acanit, Mary; Ngulube, Patrick; Mojapelo, Samuel Maredi
The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda to make suggestions on how to improve access to and use of e-library resources. The study adopted a survey research design to collect data from postgraduate engineering students. Following a census sampling strategy, data was obtained from 58 out of 80 registered postgraduate engineering students using online self-administered questionnaires. The findings revealed that the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students was influenced by ease of use, convenience, level of awareness, and information search skills. However, access restrictions and high internet costs negatively affected e-library resources usage. It is the conclusion of the study that the use of e-library resources was largely influenced by personal factors. This study has implications on e-library resources collection development, policy development, and service delivery in academic libraries. The study bridges the knowledge gap in the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students.
Fostering a Culture of Quality Research at a Young Institution: Insights from Kyambogo University.
(Library waves, 2023-12) Mukiibi, Edward; Buwule, Robert Stalone; State, Eliz Nassali
The study explored the trends and quality of research output of academic staff at Kyambogo University, Uganda for the period 2003 to 2020. Using desk research content analysis, the findings showed 199 (47%) out of 425 staff had published 440 articles of which 266 (60%) were credible. The three most productive Faculties were: Science 110, Education, 106, and Arts and Social Sciences with 90 publications. The most prolific author produced 35 articles 6 of which were the first author. This productivity was attributed to factors commended for leveraging the identified niche in science, education, and humanities. The study is instrumental in advancing strategies that could foster a culture of quality research through deliberate policy actions.
Misinformation, indigenous health information and HIV prevention among in- school adolescents, Uganda
(DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2021-06) Olivia, Rugambwa Nina; Ruth, Nalumaga; Ikoja-Odongo, J.R; Otim, Onapa Maxwell
HIV/AIDS is still a major killer disease among adolescents in sub- Saharan Africa and Uganda in particular. There are many factors attributed to high HIV infections among young people in Uganda such as, multiple sexual partners, low condom use, those born with HIV and poverty. High level misinformation in the indigenous knowledge related to sexuality and HIV prevention remains an under investigated and under documented factor escalating the disease. Yet, the indigenous knowledge health information system is a major critical information source adolescents depend on for health information on HIV prevention in Uganda. Indigenous knowledge informs health interventions for HIV prevention among young people in many African communities and is relied on for decision making on health choices. This paper documents indigenous knowledge on practices for HIV prevention among secondary school adolescents in an urban context in Kampala District. A qualitative case study research design was employed. The findings revealed use of witchcraft, local herbs, male circumcision, elongation of labia menorah, abstinence, sexual taboos like not having sex with women in their menstrual periods and avoiding homosexuality as the key indigenous management practices for HIV prevention. Some of the findings were in agreement with existing biomedical information on prevention strategies while others were in contradiction. The findings also revealed that adolescents have a lot of misinformation on HIV prevention; such information may not support right healthy choices. The study contributes to the body of existing knowledge on HIV prevention using indigenous knowledge practices. The findings appeal to information science professionals to participate in ensuring that communities they serve have access to accurate and timely information to curb health emergencies and improve on health of societies they serve.
Ontology of plagiarism: the non-academic perspectives
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2024-01) Ongaya, Kizito; Agatha, Alidri; Emily, Bagarukayo; Benedict, Oyo; Charles, Bazibu M.; Godfrey, Luyimbazi
Existence of plagiarism is an occupation of education in two dimensions: for learning and a mental process construct of lack of acknowledgement of innovations in learning. Unfortunately, the common concepts of plagiarism has not been clarified in learning process. This paper argues that plagiarism is an inherent natural process of learning. With the objectives; to examine the intrinsic nature of plagiarism and to explore the trans-disciplinary existence of plagiarism in human knowledge as categorised by Dewey Classification scheme 000-999. The study applied positivist paradigm and investigated the existence in relationship between learning processes and plagiarism. The study quantitatively measured opinions of 28 participants in these processes using the Likert scale. Dewey Decimal Classification Systems was used to examine epistemic harnessing of plagiarism in the advancement of different disciplines. The findings were that plagiarism is a natural, intrinsic process of learning through which research, innovations and evolution builds on. The paper concludes by putting a case that acknowledgement and development of referencing and citation technologies are evidence of ontological realities of plagiarism and evidence of the learning process.
Perspectives on university library automation and national development in Uganda
(IFLA Journal, 2017-06-05) Buwule, Robert S.; Ponelis, Shana R.
Academic libraries in universities store large volumes of research that can be used for development purposes to support teaching, learning, research, innovation, community outreach and partnerships. Library automation incorporates the adoption of integrated library systems. Effective adoption of an integrated library system enables broad-based access to global and local knowledge sources to solve local, regional and national development challenges. Using a sequential mixed methods approach in a case study of a Ugandan public university, Kyambogo University, this study investigated the perceptions of librarians, information workers and other university stakeholders with respect to library automation and the contribution thereof to national development. The results confirmed that the integrated library system improved library operations and played an important role in supporting national development. This study also highlights the continued challenges of adopting an integrated library system in developing countries such as Uganda, which, if addressed, could further improve information service delivery for a nation’s socio-economic transformation.
Research data management readiness at Uganda cancer institute
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)., 2023) Mukiibi, Edward; Bukirwa, Joyce
The study explored research data management readiness at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Its objectives were to; establish the state of research data and the institutional readiness for research data management practices. The case study applied a survey method using a questionnaire modified from the Data Asset Framework and the Community Capability Model Framework. The respondents were 60 staff members at different professional levels purposively selected. The findings show massive data generated from clinical trials, and routine cancer clinics at the institute. The business processes are mainly manual except for the funded research projects which are hybrid. The existing data sets could not be quantified, but all patient-related physical data are permanently archived in the institute’s registry. The electronic research data from funded projects is under the responsibility of the System Administrator and the Data Officers of respective projects. Research data management readiness assessed through collaborations was taking place and beneficial to the institute, and the technical infrastructure was robust. Findings indicate the absence of an institute-wide legal/policy framework and a substantive skills training program for staff research data management competence development. Research data management practices were intuitively executed in funded projects, the ethical requirements were embedded in the research cycle and adhered to. The study recommended emphasizing a written localised Data Management Plan for all projects submitted for approval; initiating a tailor-made RDM training program; a comprehensive RDM policy, and creating RDM awareness and interest among staff at the institute.
A system dynamics approach to support strategic planning for sustainable paved-road infrastructure management in Uganda
(International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2022) Godfrey, Luyimbazi; Christopher, Ntwatwa
Sustainable transport infrastructure and services contribute significantly to the rate of economic growth and improvement of a country's standard of living; and also critical to a country’s competitiveness and ability to harness its regional and globalization potential. However, unlike in the developed economies where a holistic approach is applied for strategic planning and management for sustainable construction and maintenance of the paved-road network, a good number of developing economies where this approach is not applied are challenged on sustainable transport infrastructure development and management. This study aimed at providing a system dynamics model to support holistic strategic planning for sustainable paved-road infrastructure construction and maintenance management with Uganda as a case study. Using secondary data, the study developed a model capable of predicting the behaviour of such a system. The study suggested a number of recommendations most importantly the need to experiment the envisaged system beforehand and base on lessons learnt to make informed decisions and formulate appropriate policies and legislation before actual strategy implem
Tacit knowledge management system practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing economies: a systematic literature review
(London journal of research in humanities and social sciences, 2022) Godfrey, Luyimbazi; Annabella, Habinka Ejiri
This study sought to investigate the factors that influenced tacit knowledge retention and management in higher education institutions in developing economies as well as the extant tacit knowledge management systems applied/used in higher education institutions in developing economies. The penultimate aim of this research was to serve as an affirmative study whose findings shall serve as input to developing a model for tacit knowledge management in HEIs. Papers were searched from Elsevier, Emerald Insight, and ProQuest databases. The systematic protocol combined ideas presented by Jesson, Matheson and Lacey; as well as ideas by Nunes, McPherson, Annansingh, Bashir and Patterson. The latter suggested the following steps: 1. Identification of keywords; 2. Production of search queries; 3. Definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria 4. Identification of relevant databases; 5. Query of databases and selection of relevant documents; 6. Analysis of the dataset selected. The term ‘tacit knowledge’ generated 41,810 articles. 23 articles fitted the inclusion criteria. Causes for tacit knowledge loss from HEIs in low-developed economies included: death, burnout, uncertainty, mistrust in the institution, early retirement, and flaws in extant tacit knowledge management systems and processes. Various TKM frameworks in various contexts have been tried. Few were found to specifically address TKM in HEIs. Essential factors were: individual/personal factors, institutional environment factors, institutional management practice factors; and factors relating to institutional culture. Systems that were employed to manage tacit knowledge in HEIs were found to be piecemeal. The study thus highlights the status of TKM in HEIs in developing economies.
Use of COVID-19 ICT Surveillance applications in Uganda: A case study of Kampala City, Wakiso and Mukono districts
(ScienceOpen Preprints, 2024-12-11) Goswami, Nandu; Acanit, Mary; Buwule, Robert Stalone; Schmid-Zalaudek, Karin; Brix, Bianca
Different Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) health-based innovations such as cloud computing, web and mobile surveillance applications were used by proactive governments to fight COVID-19. Contact tracing mobile applications were used by more than 100 countries. However, the extent to which these surveillance applications have been used to track Covid-19 in Uganda is not clear. This study aimed to establish the use of COVID-19 surveillance applications in Uganda. This was a purely qualitative study. Health practitioners managing these surveillance applications were interviewed from Kampala City, Mukono and Wakiso districts of Uganda. The assessment of the COVID-19 surveillance applications underscores the relevance of health-based ICTS. The surveillance applications provided accurate, authoritative and timely data. However, there were false alerts as result of inaccurate data supplied by the applications. The study recommends increased facilitation of the surveillance officers, continuous training of surveillance teams and integration of the applications for the management of other non-communicable diseases.
Using Social Media Platforms to enhance marketing of library services by staff at Hamu Mukasa Library, Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2023-06) Mayira, Kizito; Nina Olivia, Rugambwa; Vivian, Kansiime
The study focused on use of social media platforms by library staff to market library services at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. The study objectives included; to identify the types of library services offered by the library, social media used in marketing library services and challenges faced by library staff. The study adopted a case study research design. The study population consisted of 12 library staff who were selected purposively. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and observation methods and was analyzed qualitatively using content and thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that both traditional and online library services were provided to patrons in the library. Various social media platforms were used for marketing library services. Library staff faced various challenges in marketing library services using social media; patrons had limited awareness of existing social media platforms for the library, there was no policy to guide staff on how to use social media platforms. The library had limited computers and related computer accessories to support provision of library services. Some library staff also lacked the knowledge and skills to provide library services using social media. The library Wifi was unstable and costly to be consistently used by reference library staff to support their work. The study recommended that trainings should be organized for both library staff and users on how to access, and retrieve information resources from the library social media platforms. Library patrons should be informed about the library official social media platforms. Also library management should develop a clear policy to guide staff on the use of social media platforms in marketing library services, acquire modern computers, relevant computer accessories and provide stable internet to support reference librarians and IT staff to market library services and information resources in the library.

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