The study investigated the preparedness of University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) libraries to implement and use mobile phone technology in the provision of library and information services. This investigation included the factors which could influence and impact technology adoption. It is imperative that libraries respond to changes in technology in terms of the provision of their services. A recent development has been the emergence and proliferation of mobile phone technology and it is the adoption and implementation of this technology by academic libraries in the provision of services that concerned this study. The significance of this study lies in its adding value to the little knowledge out there by improving our understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile technology in an academic library context. In terms of the methodology, the study used a quantitative approach and survey design. Data was collected from a total of 30 staff members working in libraries on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campuses. A self-administered questionnaire that consisted of both open and closed questions was used to collect the data. The research questions which underpinned the study can be summarised as follows: what mobile phone technology is and what it comprised of in this research context, what skills the staff required to be able to provide library and information through mobile phone technology, and finally, what technological, organizational and environmental factors could influence the implementation of this technology in the libraries concerned. The Technology Organisation and Environment Framework (TOE) was used as the framework to guide the study. The data collected was analysed using SPSS and the findings were presented in the form of tables, bar graphs, pie charts and text. Interpretation of the findings revealed that the staff of the libraries were in the main positively predisposed to mobile technology, with many of them having Internet enabled mobile phones and the skills to do some of the tasks associated with the provision of library and information services via the technology. The technological, organizational and environmental factors identified and investigated were such that the libraries could be regarded as sufficiently prepared for the introduction of mobile phone technology in the provision of services. Funding or budgetary constraints, however, were identified as the main constraint. Recommendations were made based on the finding of the survey and the literature review and these relate to funding concerns and the implementation and usage of mobile phone technology to the advantage of the libraries. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

The use and non-use of school libraries depends on their existence or lack thereof, the quality and accessibility of their collections, their relevance to current curricula and on the availability of a teacher librarian and the teaching of information skills. These are but a few of the factors that influence the use of school libraries. / Thesis (MIS)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

The study was conducted to identify the sources of HIV/AIDS information used by residential university students on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the former University of Natal. HIV/AIDS is one of the scourges that the world is faced with. South Africa, before the 1994 elections, was fighting the obvious enemy, apartheid. The enemy now is the silent killer, HIV/AIDS. The future leaders, the students of this country, need to be challenged to behave in a manner that will bring about a change in their sexual behaviour, so that no students are lost to the AIDS epidemic and neither are the skills that they have acquired. The research was conducted at the then University of Natal (now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal). The researcher administered a questionnaire to residential students of Pietermaritzburg campus to determine the sources of HIV/AIDS information used by them. There were four residences included in the study, namely Denison, Malherbe Hall, Petrie Hall and William O'Brien Hall. The study argues that it is time for the university sector and its partners to take stock of a situation that might quickly outpace the institutions. AIDS has become an everyday reality in the university system . There is a need for a clearer, more forceful definition of roles and responsibilities amongst all the partners in response to the epidemic. Provision of relevant information in an appropriate format needs to be an integral part of the University's response to HIV/AIDS. The study found that the residential students were generally satisfied with the existing sources of HIV/AIDS information. They did encounter problems in finding information in some of the sources given in the study. The study revealed that some of the sources of HIV/AIDS information were used more than others. The study suggested that the sources that are most frequently used should be utilised by information providers or university information stakeholders to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS among students. This study should help the University of KwaZulu-Natal to improve the information - related aspect of its HIV/AIDS intervention strategies at a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic is threatening the academic sphere and the whole community at large. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

The reformed Hindu organisations play a major role in the provision of religious and cultural support within the local Hindu community. This study examines the role played by the reformed Hindu organisations in the provision of religious and cultural information within the greater Ethekwini region. The research methodology includes triangulation, where qualitative and quantitative research is employed. Interviews, historical research, observation as well as document and content analysis assists in the collation of information. This exploratory study seeks to determine the kinds of information formats and methods of dissemination that are used by the organisations. Religious and cultural information offered through other services such as the languages classes are discussed. The Indian languages used by the religious leaders are explored. The level of library services offered, the contents and authorship of the published material are investigated. Non-print media and problems associated with the use of the non-print media are discussed. Also discussed are interpersonal means of information dissemination and preservation, like the oral tradition of singing and delivering talks. Essential details of classification in ancient Indian libraries are included in the study since libraries have been a part of Hindu temples and universities from ancient times. Brief historical information regarding the arrival of the Indians in South Africa and the subsequent establishment of the Hindu religion within KwaZulu-Natal is provided. Reasons for the development and support given to the establishment of the reformed Hindu organisations are outlined. An analysis of the interviews conducted covering all the objectives of the study is also included. The collections held by the different libraries/library services are analysed. The significant role played by the reformed Hindu organisations in the preservation and dissemination of religious and cultural information presented in a variety of formats is discussed in the concluding remarks. The researcher has included recommendations that would benefit the participating organisations in their efforts as preservers and disseminators of religious and cultural information. / Thesis (M.I.S)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

Government computers are generating enormous volumes of e-records such as e-mails, word processed documents and databases. The immediate challenge of the public sector is therefore to preserve these digital records and make them accessible to future generations. The present study was conducted to investigate the management of e-records in the public sector in Lesotho. The objectives of the study guided the researcher to find out what IT infrastructure and resources existed. The study looked at which records were currently being created and strategies and policies used in managing those records. The archival legislation was reviewed to assess how it affected e-records. An e-records model suitable for managing e-records in Lesotho was suggested. The study adopted the descriptive research by utilizing the case study approach. Interview schedules were employed for data gathering, together with observations. The literature review guided the content of the interview schedule. Data was analyzed according to the objectives of the study. The overall findings revealed that the public sector in Lesotho was not managing its e­-records satisfactorily. The public sector did not have legislation that specifically dealt with managing e-records, there were no written policies, strategies and guidelines were non-existent. The study also revealed that there were no qualified personnel with expertise and skills in the management of e-records in the public sector. The study's conclusions and recommendations were that the public sector be allocated more resources and IT infrastructure. Staff should be trained, policies should be formulated, legislation should be amended to accommodate e-records and, lastly, the study recommended that the public sector in Lesotho should adopt the South African e­-records management model. / Thesis (MIS)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

This study investigated the us e of cataloguing tools and resour ces in the University of Malawi (UNIMA) Libraries and the Malawi National Library Service (MNLS) in providing access to information. Cataloguing tools and resources are mainly used by cataloguers to process library materials fo r easy location and access to the collection. The cataloguer’s goal is to meet user needs and make available materials and services for the purpose of supporting the learning, te aching and research needs of the UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS. Cataloguing practice in most of the acad emic and public libraries in developing countries has lagged behind due to financial constraints. Poor budget allocations and economic problems have forced many libraries to operate inefficiently without preparing cataloguers for the work with effective training. The UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS have also been affected by this economic problem. In order to find out how catal oguing tools and resources are being used by cataloguers in UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS in providing access to information, a study sample consisting of fifty cataloguers and directors (Librarians) of libraries was chosen. The cataloguers and directors of libra ries were surveyed by means of a self administered questionnaire a nd an interview schedule to investigate availability and use of cataloguing tools and re sources and the effectiveness of the services to provide for the information needs of the users. Other information requested from the respondents related to the probl ems encountered with the tool s and training offered to the cataloguers. A to tal of thirty-fiv e cataloguers and directors of libraries responded yielding a 70 % response rate. The results were analysed using SPSS. The results were shown in the form of tables and figures. The study revealed that the majority of cataloguers in the UNIMA Libraries and the MNLS used the cataloguing t ools and resources but relati vely infrequently. Results also revealed that the cata loguers encountered various pr oblems with the tools which most of them attributed to a lack of training to adequately prepare them for cataloguing requirements. In addition, the majority of libraries had cataloguing iv backlogs which were attribut ed to various factors such as a lack of professionally trained staff in cataloguing and a lack of cataloguing tools and resources. Recommendations and sugges tions to improve the catal oguing practice in general were made by both the researcher and re spondents with regard to the findings and the literature reviewed. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

The study investigated preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library. Constant access to legal deposit materials will depend on proper preservation methods from the time they are first produced. The focus was to identify how the different materials are preserved and stored, especially because every institution has unique needs, especially with regard to the climatic conditions of the area. The study also examined challenges faced by the depository, skills and knowledge of the depository staff about preventative preservation methods, resources for conservation and collection management strategies. The methods to help make materials accessible were established by examining the means and processes used. Methodological triangulation was used to look at the study in different ways and this included a questionnaire, interviews, observation and collection of graphic data. The units of analysis were the staff of the legal deposit department and the whole population was surveyed. In this study, quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. The results of the self-administered question and observation schedule were analysed using SPSS. Data collected using the interview schedule was analysed qualitatively. The results of the study show that there are inadequate preservation activities and strategies for legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library. The legal deposit collection was at risk of being lost and inaccessible to present and future generations. This was mostly due to lack of preservation activities and strategies as a result of lack of knowledge in preservation, adequate funding, staff training, preservation policies, environmental control of stack rooms and the proper handling and storage of materials. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

The study ofinformation seeking patterns ofdistance learners registered with the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) was undertaken with a view to understand the paths taken by the distance learners to identifY, locate and make use ofinformation resources to solve their problems, answer questions or to accomplish given tasks. This study was carried out after the realisation by the Library and Information Service Management that the distance learners were making very little use ofthe library and information resources that were put in place to expressly serve their needs. It was critical for the study to establish the possible causes for this under-utilisation. The study investigated the socio-demographic and academic characteristics ofthe distance learners to verifY the assumption that these characteristics affected the use ofthe LIS. The socio-economic commitments ofthe distance learners were investigated to determine how they impacted on the use ofthe LIS. Factors that possibly prevented the distance learners from using the ZOU LIS were investigated. The CCAUSAL factors included the cost in terms ofboth time and money to get to the LIS due to distance, currency or recency ofthe information, accessibility in terms ofhow easy it was to get to the LIS, usability as it implies the ease ofconsulting the LIS and locatibility ofthe LIS. The study investigated the use ofother information sources and libraries and the CCAUSAL factors that possibly affected the use of them. The results ofthe study revealed that the distance learners registered with the ZOU did follow specific information seeking patterns as a result ofwhat the study's acronym CCAUSASL suggested as factors. For instance, it was shown that on one hand, the distance factor affected 32.4% of the respondents who lived more than 51 kilometres from the LIS and on the other hand it was not much ofa factor for the 34.1% and 32.4% who lived within the 0-10 and 11-20 kilometre ranges respectively. The study sought recommendations from the respondents as the main users ofthe LIS on what Management should do in order to put in place effective and efficient 'open' library systems that meets their requirements as distance learners. Their suggestions together with guidelines from the literature on library service provision in distance learning environments form the recommendations ofthe study. / Thesis (MIS.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the internet by the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study tried to establish how often students used the internet; what did students use the internet for; what internet services did students use the most and why were those services used. Furthermore, the study investigated what information services were relevant and important for students; whether students had the necessary skills to use the internet and what problems they experienced while using the internet. Conclusions were drawn and a set of recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. The study population comprised 330 Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students. A total number of 254 undergraduate third year students responded, which gave a very good response rate of 77%. The researcher employed a triangulation approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. For quantitative data collection the researcher used a questionnaire. An interview schedule to obtain qualitative data from the Director of Information Communication and Technology was used. The data from the interview was used to support the data from the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. To maintain validity and reliability the questionnaire was pre-tested to non Faculty of HDSS undergraduate students at the UKZNP. The findings of the study showed that a majority of HDSS undergraduate third year students at UKZNP used the internet on campus with less than half of them also using the internet off campus. The most relevant and important internet services for third year students were e-mail, Web and telnet. However, the most used internet services by third year students were the Web, e-mail, social networks and telnet. A majority of students used GroupWise e-mail even though they had other e-mail accounts. In addition, a majority of students used FaceBook and students preferred Google more than other search engines. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the internet. Such challenges included a limited number of computers in the LANs, slow internet connections, restricted access to certain sites and a lack of training on how to use the internet on campus. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

The participants in the World Summit on the Information Society, including South Africa, have committed themselves to building the information society in their respective countries and communities. Most countries and communities that have benefited from the information society have been those in the developed countries. Developing communities specifically those that are poor and rural are expected to have unique challenges requiring specific approaches in dealing with the problems. This study has investigated the challenges of building an information society through utilising the Limpopo Province of South Africa as a case study. The dissertation has, by using the Harvard Readiness Guide for the Networked World, determined whether the Limpopo Province is ready to become an information society. It has also identified the activities and projects that are being undertaken within the province as well as proposing what should be done to build the information society for development. The research was conducted through surveying selected leaders (leaders who are responsible for the information society implementation) within the Limpopo Province, to respond to a self-administered questionnaire as well as conducting content analysis of current planning documents for provincial departments and district municipalities. Whilst the dissertation could not determine whether it was feasible to implement the information society in a community such as Limpopo Province, the selected leaders were of the view that by focussing on the issues they identified, the province could successfully build the information society. The respondents were iv of the view that Limpopo Province was currently not e-ready, and thus could not be considered an information society. The study found that most of the activities related to the information society within Limpopo Province were not coordinated and were primarily related to e-government. Another key challenge that was identified, despite the high mobile telephone penetration, was the lack of access to the Internet as well as affordable connectivity. To address these and other challenges identified in the study, a framework for implementing the information society at the provincial level is proposed. Keywords: information society, development, developing countries/communities, Information and Communications Technologies, Limpopo Province / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.