Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-137).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Loughborough University of Technology, 1991. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 202-235).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed Aug. 2, 2007). PDF text: vi, 182 p. UMI publication number: AAT 3256645. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 3, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current situation of the library and information services of the Arab National Commissions for Unesco. Based on a desired image anticipated by the respective Organisations and the Commissions, and in consideration of the requirements of a specialised library to support the mission of its parent commission, a theoretical framework to act as a guide through this investigation was developed. Within the context of this framework, the relevant components and factors were identified. The focus was placed on input and output factors, and the interaction made by users with these components. For this purpose, a survey of the libraries, and two parallel surveys of both internal and external users were carried out. Relevant data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, visits and observation. Hypotheses to examine the level of use by internal users and how their characteristics influenced the frequency of use were designed and tested. Being interested in certain topics, and seeking information to perform certain tasks were the main significative factors influencing the level of use of internal users. The distance, external users travelled to the library, was the main factor influencing their use. The study also intended to identify the problems inherent in these libraries, and to detect the causes of these problems. A hypothesis designed to examine the relationships among personal attributes and their frequency of encountering the problems was tested. Another hypothesis to test the relationship between some input elements and the frequency of encountering problems was also tested: The main problems relating to availability and accessibility of information, originated from the libraries rather than from the users. In addition, the study considered the needs of internal users, and their level of use, their methods of getting information from the libraries, and what action they took to solve the problem of availability. A general assessment of the effectiveness of the services was discussed, and the main problems hindering the effective role of the libraries were identified. In the light of the analysis of the literature, and the findings of the study, the desired image became more apparent, and an action plan for the development and improvement of the services was formulated.

No description available.

M.Bibl. (Information Science) / Difficulties in satisfying the information needs of the engineer operating in the developing world led to a requirement to determine through research what information technologies are available and now they might be implemented to meet these needs, A growing recognition by engineers operating in the developing world of the importance of information and information sources for economic and social development fuels their need for engineering information. The information explosion s problems of scatter, diversity, volume and cost are very real in the developing world and are exaggerated by the prevailing economic, social, political and cultural conditions in developing countries. A literature study established the most striking characteristics of developing countries and special attention was given to Africa and Botswana. Factors hampering the developing world in gaining access to information and become part of the world "information economy" was identified. A literature study was also conducted to establish what information technology was available world wide, what has already been tried and tested, and which information technologies have the potential to be introduced in developing countries. It was found that despite the problems and obstacles which exist when introducing IT to developing countries, scientific and technological information services cannot get by without the use of IT. Certain information technologies such as CD-ROM, which seems to be promising in providing access to bibliographic and full text materials, need to be introduced. The use of information technology could also be successful to assist in educating people in developing countries about the importance and benefits of information systems for survival by providing easy access to coping and helping information as well as enriching and edifying information. An empirical study by structured interview was carried out on a representative sample of consulting engineers working in Botswana. Their information needs, access to engineering information sources and IT availability were establish. Evaluation of the responses to the structured interview reveal that engineers in Botswana are quite a diverse group, but that they could be grouped together by virtue of certain common characteristics such as place of work, civil engineering disciplines, membership of professional organisations, country in which engineering qualification was obtained and home language.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

No description available.

The recent promotion of male circumcision as a public health strategy in settings with low circumcision rates is based on research evidence suggesting that male circumcision provides heterosexual men with 50 to 60 per cent protective benefit against HIV infection. For the Kikuyu people in Kenya, male circumcision is a cultural ritual and a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. The study explored the male circumcision ritual and practices in Muranga, Kenya and their implications on public health. A qualitative research design underpinned by an Interpretivist paradigm was employed. Focused ethnographic methodology was used to capture the cultural context of the ritual and its meanings. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 13 circumcision mentors, participant observations in three churches and written narratives with 43 male students from six schools. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest a changing circumcision ritual with women as key agents of change in a ritual considered a male arena. The church, hospital and urbanisation emerged as the drivers of the changes which women effected with the aim of protecting their sons from institutional bullying and the culture of pain in the era of HIV and AIDS. The latest change in the ritual feature boys getting circumcised and recuperating in hospitals. The changes in male circumcision practices are of significance to public health. The changes in sexual practices are likely to increase the risk of HIV infection counteracting the protective effect expected of circumcision. The study recommends a revision of policies especially the WHO policy on male circumcision for the effective impact on HIV prevention among the circumcising communities. Women can be engaged in mobilising changes in the circumcision ritual that are significant to the health of young men through institutions such as hospitals and churches.