This study is a brief history of college libraries in the former Transkei, from 1882 (the period of the missionaries) to 1994 (the year when Transkei was reincorporated into the Republic of South Africa). The history of college libraries in the Transkei has never been fully documented, despite the fact that some of the colleges and their libraries have been in existence for some time. Besides, there were some colleges which were without libraries. Even those that existed had not been fully developed, and the reasons for this have not been articulated. The author, therefore, considered it relevant to research the development of college libraries in this region. Fourteen college libraries were examined chronologically, starting from the colleges established during the missionary period (1882-1953), to the colleges established during the period of independence (1977 -1994) . Other periods covered were those of Bantu Education (1953-1962) and self-government (1963-1976). In order to provide a framework for the study, the historical development of each of the college libraries was examined in terms of the following criteria: adequacy of library accommodation; staffing; budget; the size and type of collection; users and types of services offered. The researcher gathered data by consulting and interviewing relevant people. Both primary and secondary sources were consulted. Conclusions drawn in this study clearly show that college libraries in the former Transkei were far from being centres of teaching, learning and research. Library staff were hampered in their efforts to improve library services, not only by a lack of funds and resources but also by the lack of a clear government policy regarding college libraries and by a lack of moral support. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

The study focused on the evaluation of the psychology book collection at UNITRA library. In particular, the study investigated the adequacy of the psychology book collection in terms of accessibility, availability, and pertinence. A sample of 264 respondents was selected from a population of 1123 students. A proportionate random sampling was used to select respondents from each stratum. The survey method was used, and questionnaires were administered to the sample of 1995 registered psychology students at UNITRA from Year 1 to Honours level. The questionnaire focused on the research questions, relating to accessibility , availability, and pertinence of the psychology collection. The data was analysed by means of a statistical package, SAS. The results were interpreted in relation to the variables. The findings revealed that accessibility and availability were affected by: the attendance of the first library orientation programme which is usually offered at the beginning of the year; the availability of library services at high school; the number of copies of the same title in the library; library opening hours; attitude of the librarians; procedure for locating books; number of borrower cards; and the age of books in the library. The identification of entries representing books on the catalogue, and the location of books on the shelves were found to be easier for those users who had attended library orientation and those who had libraries at their high school. It was recommended that lecturers and librarians should encourage students to also use the subject catalogue in order to get more books on the same subject. A number of other recommendations were suggested taken from the findings and other authorities on the subject to improve the accessibility, availability and pertinence of the psychology collection. The development of a written collection development policy would make the implementation of the above recommendations easier. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.

Combined libraries are school facilities that double as public libraries, to allow libraries to reach areas not previously served, in a very cost-effective way. These libraries are most suitable for small disadvantaged communities which cannot afford to provide minimum library services through seperate services. This study is based on the extension of library services in the Umtata district of the former Transkei, where library services are almost non-existent. It sets out to establish the following: (i) the status quo in terms of school library provision and availability, (ii) the extent of, or lack of awareness with regard to the role of the school library in education, (Hi) the existing relations between the school and the community, (iv) the attitude of school principals to the concept of combined libraries. The survey research was employed with person-to-person interview using an interview schedule. Ninety two school principals and two teacher-librarians were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. The findings revealed that school library provision in the Umtata district is poor, the few libraries that exist are inadequate in terms of material, staff and accomodation. There is however, a growing realization of the necessity for libraries in educational institutions. There is also a healthy relationship between the school and the community as a result most respondents supported the idea of joint-use. In conclusion, the study is in concurrence with previous studies on combined libraries, that they are suitable for those communities that are unable to provide minimum library services through seperate facilities. The adaptation of combined library services to suit the divergent needs of people with different cultural and social background is recommended. A local-based information system, which takes the form of a community participatory model is recommended. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.

As academic libraries continue to evolve as service organizations, they should focus on their users. This calls for a better understanding of the specific needs of library users in order to provide the appropriate type and level of service that meets those needs. The overriding goal will be user satisfaction. In this study, a survey was used to determine the levels of satisfaction of post-graduate education students with library services at the University of Transkei. A questionnaire was administered to 100 post-graduate education students registered in 1998 of which 57 responded. The most important finding that emerged from the analysis of the responses was that the majority of the respondents were in general satisfied with the library services offered at UNITRA. However, dissatisfaction was expressed by at least twenty percent of respondents with noise levels, opening hours, lack of photocopiers, the accuracy of the library catalogue, materials being in their correct place, inefficient staff and interloans. It was found that respondents were reluctant to commit themselves to expressing high levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Suggestions made by respondents included computerization and the need for staff training. Recommendations based on the findings were then made followed by suggestions for further research. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.