The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of electronic databases by postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, with a view to proposing a set of recommendations based on the findings that would contribute to a more effective use of these databases. The study focussed on the use students made of electronic databases provided by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Library and any other electronic databases which provided information and were needed for their studies. The study population consisted of 500 registered postgraduate students. The survey instrument used to elicit data was a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to a sample population of 100 postgraduate students. The questionnaire sought to establish if postgraduate students used electronic databases, which electronic databases postgraduate students used and the reasons for their choice, to identify problems postgraduate students encountered, how students became aware of the databases and how often they used the available databases. A total of 65 postgraduate students responded, a response rate of 65%. The results were analysed in terms of frequency responses and they are graphically displayed in the form of tables and graphs. The study found that postgraduate students did use the electronic databases, but a few of the databases were not used. A number of problems were experienced when using the databases. Students became aware of the availability of electronic databases from a variety of sources such as friends, library orientation programmes and academic staff. Search engines were identified as a resource that was very popular with almost all the students. There was a need for training on use of the databases and a need for improving access for all campus and off-campus users. Recommendations for action and further research, based on the conclusions of the study, are made. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

In South Africa, government (Mbeki 1996:37) and educators (SAIDE Report 1998:9) have expressed concern over the provision of microcomputers for learners. Their provision to schools would allow their effective use across the curriculum and enhance education. This study investigated the role of microcomputers as information retrieval tools in the 1997 schools' Water Audit projects in the greater Pietermaritzburg area. The study considered, firstly, a discussion of environmental education with emphasis on water conservation, and secondly the Water Audit projects. An overview of issues relating to microcomputer systems as information retrieval tools in education was presented. A descriptive survey method was employed for the study, with questionnaires as the data collection technique. Thirty out of 40 teachers/school project co-ordinators were sampled, with a 24 (80%) response. Twenty percent of 550 pupils who participated in the projects also responded. Data was presented by the use of tables. The study revealed an unequal availability of microcomputers among the schools in the departments of education, as they existed prior to 1994, that participated in the projects. Findings also revealed that only a minority of pupils used the microcomputer system for information retrieval during the projects. The use of hard copy sources was significantly high within the departments. A high number of pupils who used the microcomputer found it useful. A higher number that used hard copy sources found them useful. Training of pupils to acquire computer and information skills was inadequate. Major problems encountered during the projects included congestion, lack of computer skills on the part of both teachers and pupils and inadequate training of participants. The study found infrastructural backlogs and logistical problems as hindrances to the delivery of education in South Africa using microcomputers. Non-involvement of media teachers negatively impacted on the results of the projects. It was recommended that schools without microcomputers liaise with donor agencies to acquire microcomputers, while government initiates policies to address the issue of equity. Educators and media teachers should be given concerted training in computer and information skills, as training underpins the use of microcomputers in an information age school. / Thesis (MIS)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O objetivo geral desta dissertação foi analisar o perfil das publicações realizadas sobre capital natural na região metropolitana de Curitiba (RMC). A pesquisa foi baseada no modelo analítico proposto por Meadows, na abordagem dos três capitais (capital natural, capital social e capital construído), utilizando-se especificamente da “lente" capital natural. Tal análise buscará estabelecer relações e correlações entre a produção científica e o contexto territorial escolhido, demonstrando a forma como o capital natural da região é retratado dentro da produção científica sobre a mesma. Como metodologia, a pesquisa se baseia na revisão sistemática e na análise de conteúdo, utilizando-se de método misto para caracterizar quantitativa e qualitativamente a produção científica realizada na RMC no período de 1992 à 2017. A partir da categorização do capital natural em oito categorias, foi possível inferir sobre as principais tendências temáticas e temporais de pesquisa, além de avaliar este perfil a partir dos indicadores de qualidade, fator de impacto, SJR e SNIP. Notou-se uma maior tendência temática sobre o tema biodiversidade, justificado pelo elevado número de mananciais e remanescentes florestais na região, porém quando observado o número de citações as publicações sobre ar/clima possuem maior visibilidade na comunidade científica. / The general objective of this dissertation was to analyze the profile of publications on natural capital in the metropolitan region of Curitiba (RMC). The research was based on the analytical model proposed by Meadows, in the approach of the three capitals (natural capital, social capital and built capital), using specifically the "lens" natural capital. This analysis will seek to establish relationships and correlations between the scientific production and the chosen territorial context, demonstrating how the natural capital of the region is portrayed within the scientific production on the same. As a methodology, the research is based on systematic review and content analysis, using a mixed method to quantitatively and qualitatively characterize the scientific production carried out in the MRC from 1992 to 2017. From the categorization of natural capital into eight categories , it was possible to infer about the main thematic and temporal trends of research, besides evaluating this profile from the indicators of quality, impact factor, SJR and SNIP. There was a greater thematic tendency on the biodiversity theme, justified by the high number of sources and forest remnants in the region, but when the number of citations is observed, air / climate publications have greater visibility in the scientific community.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O objetivo geral desta dissertação foi analisar o perfil das publicações realizadas sobre capital natural na região metropolitana de Curitiba (RMC). A pesquisa foi baseada no modelo analítico proposto por Meadows, na abordagem dos três capitais (capital natural, capital social e capital construído), utilizando-se especificamente da “lente" capital natural. Tal análise buscará estabelecer relações e correlações entre a produção científica e o contexto territorial escolhido, demonstrando a forma como o capital natural da região é retratado dentro da produção científica sobre a mesma. Como metodologia, a pesquisa se baseia na revisão sistemática e na análise de conteúdo, utilizando-se de método misto para caracterizar quantitativa e qualitativamente a produção científica realizada na RMC no período de 1992 à 2017. A partir da categorização do capital natural em oito categorias, foi possível inferir sobre as principais tendências temáticas e temporais de pesquisa, além de avaliar este perfil a partir dos indicadores de qualidade, fator de impacto, SJR e SNIP. Notou-se uma maior tendência temática sobre o tema biodiversidade, justificado pelo elevado número de mananciais e remanescentes florestais na região, porém quando observado o número de citações as publicações sobre ar/clima possuem maior visibilidade na comunidade científica. / The general objective of this dissertation was to analyze the profile of publications on natural capital in the metropolitan region of Curitiba (RMC). The research was based on the analytical model proposed by Meadows, in the approach of the three capitals (natural capital, social capital and built capital), using specifically the "lens" natural capital. This analysis will seek to establish relationships and correlations between the scientific production and the chosen territorial context, demonstrating how the natural capital of the region is portrayed within the scientific production on the same. As a methodology, the research is based on systematic review and content analysis, using a mixed method to quantitatively and qualitatively characterize the scientific production carried out in the MRC from 1992 to 2017. From the categorization of natural capital into eight categories , it was possible to infer about the main thematic and temporal trends of research, besides evaluating this profile from the indicators of quality, impact factor, SJR and SNIP. There was a greater thematic tendency on the biodiversity theme, justified by the high number of sources and forest remnants in the region, but when the number of citations is observed, air / climate publications have greater visibility in the scientific community.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the training needs of law academics by examining their ability to use legal electronic information resources at Unisa effectively. Using the survey method, a questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was descriptively analysed. The study revealed that law academics are aware of the wide variety of electronic resources relevant to their work. Further, these academics possess the necessary basic skills to use these resources. However, the majority of academics do not have high levels of confidence in using specific electronic legal resources. This study concluded that, despite the library's provision of user training sessions for academics, training does not focus on legal electronic resources. The variety of responses revealed the diverse training needs of law academics. The study recommended that training needs analysis be conducted by subject librarians who would conduct specialised legal electronic training. / Information Sscience / M.Inf.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the training needs of law academics by examining their ability to use legal electronic information resources at Unisa effectively. Using the survey method, a questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was descriptively analysed. The study revealed that law academics are aware of the wide variety of electronic resources relevant to their work. Further, these academics possess the necessary basic skills to use these resources. However, the majority of academics do not have high levels of confidence in using specific electronic legal resources. This study concluded that, despite the library's provision of user training sessions for academics, training does not focus on legal electronic resources. The variety of responses revealed the diverse training needs of law academics. The study recommended that training needs analysis be conducted by subject librarians who would conduct specialised legal electronic training. / Information Sscience / M.Inf.