East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) Collection
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ItemIntegration of digital library services into Jinja public library(Makerere University, 2026)Digital library services play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to knowledge, yet their use remains limited in public libraries in Uganda. This study examined the integration of digital library services into Jinja Public Library by assessing the technological infrastructure that supports these services, identifying the services offered, identifying the challenges faced in their integration, and suggesting strategies to strengthen it. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, the study used a qualitative case study design. Data were collected from 24 participants through semi-structured interviews with two library staff and two library management committee members and three group discussions with 20 registered library users, supplemented by non-participant observation and document review. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed a foundation on which digital transformation can be built. The library offers basic Internet access, staff were receptive to learning new technology, and users in all groups were interested in a more robust digital library. Some participants also suggested creative, low-cost ideas, such as young people helping older users through peer tutoring. However, integration remains at an early stage: the library had only basic Internet access and seven computers for users, and almost no electronic databases, virtual reference services, online catalogues or digital literacy programmes. The main challenges were inadequate financial support, low digital literacy among users, poor ICT infrastructure, unreliable Internet and electricity, lack of staff training, and the absence of a digital library strategy. The study therefore recommends investment in ICT facilities and equipment, digital literacy programmes, staff capacity development and improved accessibility of technology, together with strategic partnerships and a comprehensive digital library policy. Together, these measures would strengthen the integration of digital library services and help ensure equitable access to information. Keywords: Digital Library Services, Public Libraries, Digital Inclusion, Diffusion of Innovation, Uganda
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ItemTrends in records management and their applications in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Uganda( 2026-10-30)The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) has made significant progress in modernizing records management through digital systems, creating opportunities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how these systems are applied in practice. This study examined records management trends and their application within Uganda’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The study specifically sought to describe the records management trends adopted at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs; examine the contribution of these record trends in the management of legal and judicial documents at MoJCA; investigate the challenges affecting the implementation and adoption of records trends and applications at MoJCA; and propose strategies for improving records management practices within MoJCA. A qualitative case study research design was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of MoJCA’s records management processes and reforms. Data were collected from 15 purposively selected participants through key informant and in-depth interviews with court administrators, records officers, managers, accountants, and IT personnel, and through document review of legal and policy instruments, the MoJCA Strategic Plan (2020/2021–2024/2025), annual performance reports, and EDRMS and ECCMIS implementation reports. This approach enabled a comprehensive exploration of how modern records management systems have been introduced, integrated, and utilized within the Ministry. The findings indicate that MoJCA has made notable progress in modernizing its records management through digitization initiatives, the adoption of Electronic Document and Records Management Systems, and the Electronic Court Case Management Information System. These systems have improved document storage, retrieval, and workflow automation, leading to enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The use of cloud-based storage has strengthened data backup and accessibility, while the application of metadata standards and classification schemes aligned to ISO 15489 has standardized filing systems and improved interoperability. Partnerships with institutions such as NITA-U, UNDP, and the World Bank have supported infrastructure development and staff capacity building through phased and adaptive implementation approaches. The study concludes that MoJCA’s digital transformation has delivered substantial benefits, including centralized access to records, improved traceability and accuracy of information, stronger inter-departmental coordination, faster case processing, reduced backlogs, and improved public service delivery. However, persistent challenges, such as limited ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and inadequate staff training, continue to constrain full realization of these gains. The study recommends MoJCA to strengthen its digital transformation efforts by expanding ICT infrastructure, ensuring full integration of systems such as electronic documents and records management systems and electronic court case management information systems, and enhancing cybersecurity through robust data protection measures led by the Commissioner ICT in collaboration with NITA-U and relevant offices. The Ministry should also promote continuous staff training, review and enforce electronic records management policies, strengthen partnerships for resource mobilization, and establish effective monitoring, evaluation, and change management mechanisms to ensure sustainable, secure, and efficient records management practices.
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ItemGovernment support for library development In Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools: a case study of Sembabule District, Uganda(Makerere University, 2026-10-30)This study examined government support for library development in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools in Sembabule District, Uganda, focusing on Mateete Muslim Primary School and Masambya Muslim Primary School. Specifically, it examined the forms of government support provided, explored teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of libraries’ contributions to teaching and learning, identified challenges in accessing and utilizing support, and proposed strategies for strengthening sustainable library services. A mixed-methods case study design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that government support was limited and inconsistent, consisting mainly of curriculum-based textbooks, with no dedicated library funding, deployment of trained librarians, or provision of ICT resources in either school. Among the 88 respondents represented in the adequacy assessment, 66% rated government support as inadequate or not adequate at all. Nevertheless, teachers and learners expressed positive perceptions of school libraries: 80% agreed that libraries promoted a reading culture, while another 80% agreed that they supported lesson preparation. These perceived benefits were constrained by insufficient and limited varieties of reading materials, inadequate reading spaces, lack of trained personnel, irregular resource provision, and weak monitoring and supervision. The study concludes that textbook provision alone was insufficient to establish and sustain functional library services in the two schools. It recommends that the Ministry of Education and Sports establish a dedicated library budget within UPE funding arrangements, support the recruitment and training of library personnel, improve library infrastructure, and expand access to diverse print and digital resources. Integrating library indicators into school inspections and strengthening partnerships with communities, non-governmental organizations, and private stakeholders could further support sustainable library development. Keywords: Government support, Library development, UPE schools, Literacy, Teacher and learner perceptions, Sembabule District, Uganda
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ItemRecords management practices in Uganda’s power sector: a case study of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited(Makerere University, 2023)This study examined records management practices at Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), identified the challenges faced and proposed strategies that could be adopted to improve records management at this company. The study was motivated by the inefficiency demonstrated by Uganda’s power companies in creating, receiving, maintaining, storing and using records, and in submitting those required to fulfil compliance and accountability obligations to regulatory authorities. Such inefficiency led to questioning these companies’ records management practices or whether there were any challenges they faced. Consequently, represented by UEDCL, the specific objectives of the study were to:(a) examine the records management practices used at UEDCL; (b) challenges facing UEDCL’s records management; and (c)to propose strategies that UEDCL could use to address the challenges. The study was guided by the records continuum theory and adopted a case study research design involving a mixed methods approach. Qualitative data was collected using interviews with four senior managers and three records managers using an interview guide. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 38 employees. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods and qualitative data analysed using Yin’s (2015) framework of thematic analysis. The key findings indicate that the records management practices used at UEDCL included: records creation, especially through printing job-related information; classification using mainly open access; access control using mostly authorised requests for filed physical records; distribution by mainly transporting physical files and spiral bound books; storage decentralised at department level mainly; disposal through shredding and deletion; and preservation of strategic and policy company documents as well as customer and personnel records. However, records maintenance and scheduling of records retention and disposal were negligibly used as over 97% of the employees could not recognise them, yet these practices are among those recognised by the records continuum theory and most of the previous empirical studies. The challenges faced in UEDCL’s records management included: lack of a records management policy, lack of records retention and disposal schedule, inadequate records storage space, accumulation of no longer needed records, and insufficient records management resources. Other challenges were Internet instability, computer obsolescence, poor records maintenance, difficulty in locating physical files, lack of records security and using unprofessional records managers as the most critical challenge. The strategies proposed to address these challenges include: developing a records management policy and a records retention and disposal schedule; providing staff training; digitalization; records storage space management; upgrading computer hardware and software; improving Internet services; increasing budget for records management, and recruiting professional records managers as the most needed strategy. From these findings, the study concluded by underscoring the need to adopt these strategies to improve the company’s records management. Consequently, the study recommended to the Board and management of UEDCL to adopt the strategies. Further research was recommended into why UEDCL did not conduct records maintenance and scheduling of records retention and disposal; and why it allocated insufficient funds to records management on which the performance of all its business activities relied. An inferential study was also recommended to determine which of the established factors challenged records management at UEDCL in a significant manner.
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ItemRevitalizing the Somali National Library(Makerere University, 2026-10-22)The aim of the study was to assess the current state of Somali National Library with the intent of exploring and proposing viable strategies for its revitalization and sustainable operation. The study was guided by four objectives: to establish the current state of the Somali National Library, to identify challenges that may hinder its effective functioning, to examine opportunities that can be harnessed for revitalization, and to recommend strategies for revitalizing sustainable operations. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and document review involving staff of the Somali National Library, Library and Information Science professionals, officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture, and representatives of non-governmental organizations supporting library development. Social Systems Theory informed the study by providing a framework for understanding the Somali National Library as an interconnected system whose effective functioning depends on the availability and coordination of its human resources, facilities, technologies, collections and stakeholder relationships. The major findings revealed that the Somali National Library faces significant shortages of human resources, information resources, technological infrastructure, facilities, and operational support systems necessary for effective service delivery. The study further established challenges related to inadequate funding, limited professional staff, weak technological capacity, and insufficient community engagement. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist through government support, partnerships with non-governmental organizations, international cooperation, fundraising initiatives, professional development programs, and community participation. The study concluded that the successful revitalization of the Somali National Library requires addressing critical resource and capacity gaps before full reopening to the public. The study recommends strengthening human resource capacity, mobilizing sustainable funding, improving technological infrastructure, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, expanding community engagement initiatives, and developing strategic partnerships to support the long-term sustainability of the library.