D.Litt. et Phil. / The need for an authority list for South African names has been expressed on various occasions. The general aim with this study was to determine the reasons for this need and propose an effective solution to the problem. At the hand of a comprehensive literature study an overview was given of what authority control is, why name authority control is necessary and the problems experienced during name authority control. This literature study was done for two reasons, namely to: Use the information obtained in this way, as a basis to analyse the South African situation in regard to the standardisation of South African names. To clear up the existing, ignorance in South Africa about the nature, aim and necessity for standardisation of names. In the light of the poor quality of records imported by participating libraries into the South African cooperative databases, it was concluded that the participating libraries are not really aware of the impact the standard of their work has on resource sharing and shared cataloguing. By providing this background information an attempt is made to make libraries and information services aware of the importance of. the standardisation of names on national and international levels. With the basic information on name authority control as starting point, the South African situation was investigated with regard to standardisation of South African names. Important roleplayers were interviewed in order to determine how they go about standardising South African names and to identify the problems experienced with the standardisation of names. In order to get a better understanding of the problems the roleplayers experience, a sample of names was taken from the name authority file of the South African National Bibliography (SANB). The sample of names was identified by random sampling. The minimum size of the sample was determined by using, s statistical formula. The sample of names was analysed regarding_ variations in names, the same name for different people as well as changes in corporate names. A critical analysis of the South African situation regarding the standardisation of South African names was done, using all the information gathered. In order to find a solution to all the problems experienced, two models were proposed, namely a traditional model and a model consisting of an alphanumeric code. The two models were compared to each other in order to determine which one of the two models would be the most effective for the standardisation of South African names. In the presentation of the one model a programme was developed in order to practically demonstrate the model and to test its viability. During the comparison of the two models the ordinal and interval scales of _ measurement were used. At the hand of the results of the measurements, the most effective model for the standardisation of South African names was proposed. Thus, an answer was provided to the original problem statement namely: How can a standardised list of South African names be compiled cost-effectively in order to make names available timeously for use by libraries and information services nationally and internationally?

This project is concerned with the development of a search algorithm for a large archival database. The Port Elizabeth Genealogical Information System (PEGIS) contains a database consisting of almost 600000 individuals. The standard search algorithms are no longer sufficient to locate individuals in the database. A new algorithm was required that allows searches on any of the words or dates in the database, as well as a means to specify where in the desired record a word should occur. A ranking function of retrieved records was also required. A literature study on the field of Information Retrieval and on algorithms designed specifically for the PEGIS was done. These algorithms were adapted and hybridized to yield a search algorithm that allows for the boolean formulation of queries and the specification of the structure of search words in the desired records. The algorithm ranks retrieved records in assumed relevance to the user. The new algorithms were evaluated with regards to retrieval speed and accuracy and were found to be very effective.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examined the information seeking behaviour of the researchers attached to the Parliamentary Research Unit in Parliament. It looked at their use of the Parliamentary Library, their use of the library and its resources, what other avenues for information they use and what suggestions they have for improving the service. A questionnaire was developed and e-rnailed to researchers. As the response rate was poor, it limited the conclusions that could be drawn from the research. In line with other studies, it was found that electronic resources and the Internet played a great role in how they sourced information. Researchers frequented the Internet to find information more than they use the library and they have difficulties with accessing online resources and the catalogue. The manual circulation system was a source of frustration as well. They made use of personal contacts to a certain extent to find unpublished information and very recent information. These categories of information, especially government information, are crucial to their work. Suggestions for improvement centred on the online catalogue, instruction in the use of the online resources, updating the collection of books and journals and consulting researchers where necessary. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie ondersoek fokus op die inligtingsgedrag van die navorsers in die Parlementêre Navorsingseenheid. Dit ondersoek hul gebruik van die Parlementêre biblioteek en sy bronne, die alternatiewe inligtingskanale tot hul beskikking en watter voorstelle hulle het vir die verbetering van dienste. 'n Vraelys is ontwerp en per e-pos aan navorsers gestuur. Swak terugvoering het die proses om finale gevolgtrekkings te maak, beperk. In ooreenstemming met ander studies, is wel gevind dat die Internet en elektroniese bronne 'n groot rol speel in die proses om inligting te bekom. Daar is ook gevind dat navorsers hierdie tipe bronne verkies bo traditionele biblioteekbesoeke. Opleiding om die elektroniese bronne en die katalogus te gebruik is noodsaaklik. Alternatiewe bronne van inligting soos persoonlike kontakte met ander kundiges word tot 'n sekere mate gebruik om inligting te kry wat beide op datum en ongepubliseer is. Voorstelle vir verbetering fokus op die elektroniese katalogus, opleiding in die gebruik van elektroniese bronne, die kwaliteit en inhoud van die versameling en konsultasie met die navorsers.

Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / South Africa’s ten year old democracy puts great emphasis on being a participatory government, where citizens are able to engage with the policy and legislative process. An important aspect of this is the role played by Parliament which is not only the place where citizens are able to make their voices heard, but is also an important mechanism in keeping the government in line with the views and needs of the “people”. Its role of oversight (of the government departments) is a critical one in keeping the democracy intact, and an important part of this is their ability to access and use information from a wide range of sources. The purpose of this assignment was to consider the current use of information in Parliament and identify the flaws in the management and use of information by Parliamentary Committees. A number of questions are posed, questioning whether the current management and use of information allows Parliamentary Committees to fulfill their obligations in terms of the Constitution. In exploring these questions I have provided background to the role that NGOs have played in the past in South Africa, with specific reference to their relationship to Parliament/government and their expertise in the area of sustainable development. I have explained the role of Parliament (and more specifically the Parliamentary Committees in South Africa), as envisaged in the Constitution, as well as the problems facing Parliament in fulfilling these roles. I also indicated the ways in which civil society organizations could assist Parliament in fulfilling its role as effectively as possible. After considering the various theories of information and knowledge management a model was built on which the current information behaviors of Parliamentarians, specifically with regard to their work in the Committees, could be evaluated. Various key problems were identified and elaborated on. A strategy was outlined to address some of these problems.

This dissertation analysed the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of visual artists. An empirical survey was conducted on a sample of the more informationliterate visual artists in South Africa. A model of the information environment of South African visual artists was developed. This model provides a basis for another model which represents the optimal service that should be rendered to meet the needs of this user group. It was found that the general information needs of South African artists are fairly adequately met, but that there are several shortfalls, especially in serving their more complex information needs. The most important problems are the lack of training in the use of information sources and services, inadequate marketing of services and inadequate coverage of South African art. It was also found that greater coordination between service providers is urgently required, especially in the provision of information about South African art. / M. (Information Science)

This research investigated the feasibility of South African translations of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). The study provides an introductory overview of DDC throughout the world, followed by its use in South Africa. The introduction highlights shortcomings and possible solutions – of which translations seem to be the most ideal. This research involved a critical analysis of the literature on DDC translations, a documentary analysis and technology-based research in the form of Google translations and evaluation of parts of Abridged Edition 15 of DDC. The critical analysis of the literature and the documentary analysis identified problems relating to translations, how translations deal with shortcomings in DDC, the fact that no literature exists on multilingual translations, and the process of translations (including the fact that this is an expensive endeavour). It also revealed information about sponsorship and the mixed translation model. The technology-based research, using Google Translate for translations of parts of Abridged Edition 15 and the subsequent evaluation of these translations indicated that Google translations were comprehensive and needed minimum editorial effort. Further to this it paved the way for describing a possible workflow for South African translations and indicated that the parts already translated as well as further Google translations can expedite the translation process. A model for South African translations, based on only the cost of the Pansoft translation software was proposed. The mixed model approach, where some languages are used as main languages (schedules, Relative Index terms and the like) and others for Relative Index terms only, was deemed the most appropriate in the South African context. This led to the conclusion that DDC translations into ten of the official South African languages are indeed feasible. The research supports translations that keep the integrity of DDC intact, with possible expansions based on literary arrant. It is important, though, to get the support of the South African library community and authoritative bodies such as the National Library of South Africa and/or the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) to negotiate and sign a contract for these translations. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

This dissertation analysed the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of visual artists. An empirical survey was conducted on a sample of the more informationliterate visual artists in South Africa. A model of the information environment of South African visual artists was developed. This model provides a basis for another model which represents the optimal service that should be rendered to meet the needs of this user group. It was found that the general information needs of South African artists are fairly adequately met, but that there are several shortfalls, especially in serving their more complex information needs. The most important problems are the lack of training in the use of information sources and services, inadequate marketing of services and inadequate coverage of South African art. It was also found that greater coordination between service providers is urgently required, especially in the provision of information about South African art. / M. (Information Science)