East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) Collection

Permanent URI for this collection

http://10.29.1.53:4000/handle/10570/6290

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 87
  • Item
    Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Library and Information Services Sector: Implications and Prospects for Uganda
    (EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025) Kutyamukama, Alice Gitta ; Ojulong, Andrew ; Ezuru, Alice Endra ; Nalumansi, Mary
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is characterised by advancements in the business models, transforming library and information services. To systematically explore the impact of the 4IR on library and information services, a comprehensive literature review was conducted employing predictive analysis. This methodology involved a multi-step process beginning with the identification of relevant literature through My LOFT, Research4Life, and Google Scholar. Keywords related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, library services, big data, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation were used to filter sources. This approach enabled the identification of key patterns, potential impacts, and future directions in the integration of 4IR technologies within libraries. Through this rigorous analysis, the review aimed to provide a detailed and predictive understanding of how libraries can adapt to and leverage these emerging technologies to enhance their service delivery and operational efficiency. Findings suggest that the 4IR technological disruption is distinct in its speed, scope, and impact on systems. Libraries from low-resource settings face unique challenges in adopting these technologies due to the digital divide perpetrated by economic constraints and infrastructural limitations. However, they have the opportunity to narrow the divide and enhance service delivery through innovative use of 4IR technologies. Despite the magnificent possibilities, there are some sceptics raising privacy concerns, job displacement, and the need for significant investment in human capital and technology. However, this study recommends that libraries must adapt by embracing flexible work models, leveraging mobile apps, employing AI and robotics where affordable, and investing in high-speed internet. The Fourth Industrial Revolution compels libraries to reimagine their roles, ensuring they remain vital in the trending digital dispensation. As such, library professionals in Uganda must stay abreast of technological trends, continuously update their skills, and foster an inclusive approach to technology adoption to navigate and thrive in this new era.
  • Item
    Digital preservation of information materials at Gulu University Library
    (Makerere University, 2025) Nambuza, Halid
    The study evaluated the digital preservation of information materials at Gulu University Library. It was structured around four main objectives: identifying digital information materials, assess digital preservation strategies, examining current challenges in preserving these materials, and proposing appropriate strategies for improving the digital preservation of information materials at Gulu University Library. The research involved 25 professional and paraprofessional library staff and used a qualitative methodology. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were utilized to select participants. Transcript analysis involved a multi-step process, starting with correcting any errors or omissions. The findings indicated that Gulu University Library is making concerted efforts to develop a digital preservation policy to address key challenges in preserving digital materials created by the library. Nonetheless, the library currently lacks the implementation of crucial digital preservation techniques as emulation, migration, encapsulation, and refreshment. This gap is primarily attributed to challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient ICT resources, under staffing, and the absence of a formal digital preservation policy. Nevertheless, this study concludes that libraries can surmount these challenges by developing a digital preservation policy, training staff members, pursuing external funding opportunities, seeking expert advice and garnering management support. The study concluded that inadequate funding is a significant barrier, as digital preservation technologies require substantial investment. Although most library staff are aware of digital preservation strategies, no strategies are in use due to the absence of an implemented policy. The study recommends that Gulu University Library should establish both internal and external training programs to enhance technical skills for digital preservation and develop a digital preservation policy to guide and coordinate efforts in the library.
  • Item
    Assessment of the stores records management at Kawolo Hospital
    (Makerere University, 2024) Naibinga, Lukia
    The aim of the study was to assess the store records management at Kawolo Hospital. The specific objectives were to establish the type of stores records created and maintained at Kawolo Hospital, examine the stores records management practices at Kawolo Hospital, establish the challenges associated with stores records management at Kawolo Hospital, and propose strategies to improve the stores records management at Kawolo Hospital. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Data was collected from 26 respondents, including records staff, stores managers, nurses, and medical staff. It was found that stores’ ledger cards were the most managed types of records, followed by weekly summary sheets, goods received sheets, weekly stock returns, issue and receipt vouchers, material transfer notes, and lastly bin cards. The various stores records management practices at Kawolo Hospital included records creation, records processing/documentation, records storage and maintenance, records access and retrieval, records retention and disposition, and appropriate use of technology to manage records. The major challenges associated with records management at Kawolo Hospital included unskilled personnel, rejection of some of the electronic information systems, computer breakdowns, lack of staff sensitization, and technological obsolescence, among others, as detailed in objective four in chapter four of the study. It is recommended that to improve the stores record management at Kawolo Hospital, more funds should be allocated to the records department; more trained records staff should be employed; records storage and retrieval systems should be automated; and a records management program should be developed to improve the records filing system. Further, the study recommended that policies, strategies, and decisions to positively support and guide the proper implementation and usage of a digital records management system should be prioritized.
  • Item
    Indigenous knowledge utilisation strategies for HIV prevention in Uganda: A study of secondary school adolescents in Kampala District
    (Makerere University, 2019-01-15) Nina, Olivia
    HIV/AIDS remains a global threat especially amongst young people in the Developing world. Several preventive options have been fronted, most especially informed by biomedical facts, but HIV prevalence still remains high. In circumstances of ethnic diversity, the use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) generated in one’s cultural context is one of the avenues being exploited by Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to guide adolescents in secondary schools on healthy information choices on HIV prevention. However, there was insufficient information on the implementation of this approach, especially IK content, how it is sought and used in the school setting. This study assessed use of IK in HIV prevention, among adolescents in ten secondary schools in Kampala District. Wilson’s model of Information Behavior and Social Network Analysis framework formed the conceptual anchors for the study. The objectives were; examining IK utilization in the existing HIV/AIDS school initiatives, identifying and documenting IK content used by adolescents for HIV prevention, analyzing adolescents’ information seeking and to propose a model for enhancing IK use in secondary schools in Uganda. Concurrent mixed methods research design was adopted with a study population of 578 respondents. Over all 399 survey respondents participated with 46.6% males and 53.4% females, while a total of 179 key informants engaged in 39 key informant interviews and 20 adolescent single sex focus group interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi square statistic test. Content and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found out that IK is minimally used for HIV prevention in the schools, yet adolescents had high IK content awareness. Gender and school category were significantly associated with IK use at P-values<0.05. Some of the IK content identified promotes safer sexual practices, while some information was gendered and misleading on HIV prevention. At family level, mothers were most popular information source (48%) while at school, senior men teachers (65%) were identified. Multimedia was preferred by the adolescents for communication of IK including; print (78%), Electronic (74%) and IK media (68%). The study concluded that the cultural approach has not yet been fully operationalized for HIV prevention in the schools. The study recommends that a national IK school health policy be developed by the MoES to guide IK use and make it acceptable in the school setting. The level of interaction, synergies between IK sources and adolescents in the schools be strengthened and both misleading and useful indigenous information documented in this study is integrated in HIV/AIDS school information.
  • Item
    Evaluation of information systems and services in Mengo Hospital, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025-06-16) Kwetiza, Francis
    The rapid advancement of health information technologies has significantly transformed healthcare operations globally. This study evaluates the adoption and utilization of Health Information Systems (HIS) at Mengo Hospital, Uganda, to assess their effectiveness in improving healthcare delivery. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data collection involved structured questionnaires administered to 67 system users, semi-structured interviews with 10 IT staff, and document reviews. The findings reveal that Mengo Hospital has integrated various information systems, including the Outpatient Service System, Laboratory Management System (LMS), Clinic Master, and Counselling Information System. These systems support patient records, appointment scheduling, laboratory procedures, and billing. However, some departments, such as pharmacy and radiology, have underutilized systems, indicating gaps in integration and user adoption. The study found that HIS adoption was moderate, with 54% of respondents actively using the systems, though usability challenges persist. Qualitative findings highlighted the need for system updates and user-friendly interfaces. Staff training on HIS utilization was also found to be inadequate, contributing to underutilization, especially among non-technical personnel. The study recommended comprehensive staff training programs, system integration across departments, and policy reforms to enhance system maintenance, periodic updates, and patient data security. These improvements will optimize HIS adoption, leading to better healthcare outcomes and overall system sustainability.