Thesis (Ph.D.)--Kent State University, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed June 11, 2009). Advisor: Natasha Levinson. Keywords: library and information science, information literacy, library instruction, school librarianship, academic librarianship, professionalization of librarianship. Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-256).

No description available.

M.Bibl. / Information is an important and powerful resource in the modern society. The so-called information explosion leads to certain manpower issues in the library and information profession. The question arises whether married women with family obligations can contribute to the alleviation of library and information workforce problems? Can other librarians, e.g. post graduate students or librarians reaching retirement age, contribute to the library and information profession on a basis other than that which is traditionally accepted (i.e. working approximately forty hours per week in a library?) To what extent does the university library use this potential workforce? What are the career opportunities for this latent workforce? The following non-traditional career patterns were included in this study: part-time work, flex(i)time, dual appointments, free-lance information brokers. job sharing, librarianship, staff rotation, consultants and Following a literature survey a questionnaire was sent to 22 South African University Librarians. Another questionnaire was sent to 122 non-traditional library and information professionals at nine university libraries. Although the study was limited to only a few university libraries, it was found that the current non-traditional university library workforce consists mainly of part-time employees. The majority are female, married, Afrikaans-speaking, have children at school and have stopped working full-time because of family obligations. The largest percentage (25%) of the respondents are between the ages of 36 and 40 years. Their responsibilities are primarily professional. 50% of the respondents are employed in the Cataloguing Department. Respondents also maintained that they were more productive in their current positions, than when they had been employed full-time. This corresponds with statements made by the employers in the first questionnaire, as well as with those made by several authors in the literature survey.

M.Phil. / Although a great deal of research has been conducted on diversity management in South Africa, very little of this research has focused on age diversity within interactive information societies such as libraries in South Africa. This study will focus specifically on academic libraries. It is also clear that most of the research regarding age diversity within Academic Information Services (AIS) has focused on managing the difference in ages between library patrons and library staff members. Very little of the research is devoted to age diversity between co-workers, and even less research has been conducted regarding Cuspers as a generational cohort within the library environment. This study is aimed at investigating age diversity within AIS in South Africa in relation to its effect on work, work performance and co-worker relationships. It is also aimed at encouraging organisations, and specifically AIS, to take cognisance of the current age demographic of their libraries and to develop and implement not only succession planning policies, but also relevant recruitment and retention policies in order to avoid employee and leadership vacuums. The research findings of this study are relevant as they give organisations in general, and specifically AIS within higher education institutions (HEI), a point of reference to guide the formulation of recruitment and employment policies that would appeal to the values and preferences of younger generational cohorts currently under-represented in these organisations. In addition, this study is of value with regard to the formulation of succession policies focused on the planning and training of new middle and top management staff members in order to improve current succession policies and plans.

In the discipline of librarianship there is very little existing research from which conclusions regarding attitudes toward computers and related technology can be drawn. Furthermore, there is no significant data available which indicates that attitudes differ between various groups or types of librarians. It is reasonable to assume that librarians' attitudes toward computers vary. This study examines a group of academic librarians and a group of public librarians and tests for significant differences in their respective attitudes toward computers, desktop publishing systems and expert systems.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Technology: Library and Information Studies, Durban University of Technology, 2013 / Academic libraries should lead in the instructional change process by being at the nexus of teaching, learning and research in the university. This study was set in the context of the current higher educational landscape of South Africa. In particular, it focused on the emerging role of the University of Technology (UoT) library to enhance academic success. This was an exploratory study juxtaposed with a literature review pertinent to national and international library integration programmes and practices. Justification for this study stemmed from the current local and international trend for academic libraries to become proactive partners in teaching and learning through academic integration and leadership in promoting the university’s mission and goals. Underpinned by the process learning theoretical framework, the aim of this study was to explore the extent to which academic integration has been adopted by UoT libraries in South Africa. Process learning was chosen by the researcher because it is considered a learner-centred teaching technique for student engagement and it is consistent with the constructivist theory postulated and applicable to UoT libraries. The specific objectives of the survey were to determine: what academic integration programmes are offered by UoT libraries to enhance teaching, learning and research in South Africa; existing information literacy programmes and assessment practices in UoT libraries; what postgraduate/research programmes are offered by the library to academics and students and how they are represented in strategy or policy documents; and the similarities and differences in academic integration programmes in all six UoTs in SA. A mixed methods approach (quantitative and qualitative methodologies) were used to collect data regarding programmes and practices prevalent in UoT libraries across all six UoTs in South Africa. An online questionnaire was administered using SurveyMonkey. Forty-two subject librarians participated in the survey, yielding a sixty- two percent response rate. The objectives of the study were achieved by the identification of the following key academic integration programmes: embedded information literacy programmes; resource collection and development; faculty collaboration and partnerships to promote academic success; research scholarship and open access initiatives; social media networking; and reading and writing programmes. This study found that while academic integration has gained momentum in UoTs in South Africa, greater effort should be made in collaboration with academics in: embedded information literacy and blended learning; open access and scholarship; reading and writing programmes; and collaboration in postgraduate interventions. The findings also revealed that while most libraries internationally have embraced reading and writing programmes, libraries offering reading and writing programmes to enhance academic success are relatively scarce in UoTs in South Africa. It is recommended that the subject librarians engage in academic integration practices by: supporting the curricula and research programmes; improving institutional outcomes; improving collaborations; building intellectual or knowledge centres and providing relevant information to students and staff within a knowledge society.

La présente recherche vise à explorer et à décrire l’accommodation des valeurs professionnelles au sein du système de valeurs culturelles par les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais. Elle répond aux questions de recherche suivantes : (1) Quel est le système de valeurs culturelles dominant chez les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais ? (2) Comment les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais priorisent-ils leurs valeurs professionnelles ? (3) Comment les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais accommodent-ils leurs valeurs professionnelles à leurs valeurs culturelles ?cette recherche confirme la théorie de la prédominance dans les sociétés africaines en général d’un système de valeurs s’inscrivant dans l’axe « Continuité – Dépassement de soi » du modèle théorique de Schwartz (2006, 1992). Dans ce système, les valeurs dominantes sont des valeurs de types universalisme, bienveillance, tradition, conformité et sécurité. Ces valeurs favorisent l’intégration de l’individu au groupe, la solidarité et la sécurité familiale et le refus des actions de nature à porter atteinte à l’harmonie du groupe. Au plan pratique, la recherche démontre la nécessité de renforcer la socialisation professionnelle en intégrant l’éthique et les valeurs dans la formation des bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais. / A profession basically includes two components: scientific skills and professional values, which are the guidelines of professionals’ daily demeanor. The library profession is based on values like the preservation of humanity cultural heritage, a fair access to knowledge, intellectual freedom, confidentiality and the protection library users’ private lives, professional neutrality, tolerance etc. In Senegal as well as in the other African countries, libraries are, on the whole, legacies of colonialism. The values of library science were designed in a western perspective. This profession value system may sometimes conflict with the Senegalese librarians’ cultural value systems. However, very little is known on ways Senegalese professionals cope with these two value systems. This present research will describe and explore the interactive co-existence and adaptation of professional values within the cultural value system of Senegalese academic librarians. It seeks to answer the following research questions: (1) what is the Senegalese academic librarians’ dominant cultural value system? (2) How do Senegalese academic librarians prioritize their professional values? (3) How do Senegalese academic librarians adapt their professional values to cultural values? This exploratory and descriptive analysis combines a mixed methodology approach: Two types of data collecting methods have been used: a questionnaire based on interviews and on Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) (Schwartz, 2006) The findings highlight the fact that, on the cultural level, Senegalese academic librarians essentially emphasize, in the value system, the interests of the social group they belong to, the respect of social order and adoption of normative behavior in order to facilitate their relationships with the other group members. The values favor a strong integration of the individual into a group but do not encourage an action and thought autonomy which may destroy social harmony. On the professional level, they regard access to information, preservation and conservation of heritage and the denial of all sorts of discriminations as essential professional values. As professional values conflict with cultural norms, Senegalese academic librarians often seek a compromise, a balanced position to make decision which does not basically question their cultural values. When a compromise is impossible, the final decision is made in favour of cultural values. On the theoretical level, this research confirms the theory of a value system predominance rooted in Schwartz’ perspective of the “continuity/self-transcendence” (Schwartz, 2006, 1992). In his system, the dominant values are universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity and security. These values favor the individual’s integration into a group, solidarity and family security and the refusal to undertake actions which may endanger group harmony. On the practical level, this research displays the necessity to reinforce professional socialization which includes ethics and values in the training of Senegalese academic librarians.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Management Sciences in Library and Information Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / This study investigates the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology in higher education institutions in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The objectives of the study were to identify different technologies that subject librarians use, also to investigate the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology as it changes rapidly. Furthermore to determine the areas in their technological skills that subject librarians need to improve or strengthen; and to investigate whether the surveyed institutions are providing training and development programmes to re-skill and update subject librarians on new technologies. The target population for this study was subject librarians from major academic institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Electronic questionnaires were administered to subject librarians for data collection purpose. The study revealed some weaknesses in the use of some technology as well as challenges being faced in skills transfer using technology. Recommendations were made on support from the management of universities in re-skilling subject librarians and pro-active actions from subject librarians should they encounter something new in technology. / M

La présente recherche vise à explorer et à décrire l’accommodation des valeurs professionnelles au sein du système de valeurs culturelles par les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais. Elle répond aux questions de recherche suivantes : (1) Quel est le système de valeurs culturelles dominant chez les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais ? (2) Comment les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais priorisent-ils leurs valeurs professionnelles ? (3) Comment les bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais accommodent-ils leurs valeurs professionnelles à leurs valeurs culturelles ?cette recherche confirme la théorie de la prédominance dans les sociétés africaines en général d’un système de valeurs s’inscrivant dans l’axe « Continuité – Dépassement de soi » du modèle théorique de Schwartz (2006, 1992). Dans ce système, les valeurs dominantes sont des valeurs de types universalisme, bienveillance, tradition, conformité et sécurité. Ces valeurs favorisent l’intégration de l’individu au groupe, la solidarité et la sécurité familiale et le refus des actions de nature à porter atteinte à l’harmonie du groupe. Au plan pratique, la recherche démontre la nécessité de renforcer la socialisation professionnelle en intégrant l’éthique et les valeurs dans la formation des bibliothécaires universitaires sénégalais. / A profession basically includes two components: scientific skills and professional values, which are the guidelines of professionals’ daily demeanor. The library profession is based on values like the preservation of humanity cultural heritage, a fair access to knowledge, intellectual freedom, confidentiality and the protection library users’ private lives, professional neutrality, tolerance etc. In Senegal as well as in the other African countries, libraries are, on the whole, legacies of colonialism. The values of library science were designed in a western perspective. This profession value system may sometimes conflict with the Senegalese librarians’ cultural value systems. However, very little is known on ways Senegalese professionals cope with these two value systems. This present research will describe and explore the interactive co-existence and adaptation of professional values within the cultural value system of Senegalese academic librarians. It seeks to answer the following research questions: (1) what is the Senegalese academic librarians’ dominant cultural value system? (2) How do Senegalese academic librarians prioritize their professional values? (3) How do Senegalese academic librarians adapt their professional values to cultural values? This exploratory and descriptive analysis combines a mixed methodology approach: Two types of data collecting methods have been used: a questionnaire based on interviews and on Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) (Schwartz, 2006) The findings highlight the fact that, on the cultural level, Senegalese academic librarians essentially emphasize, in the value system, the interests of the social group they belong to, the respect of social order and adoption of normative behavior in order to facilitate their relationships with the other group members. The values favor a strong integration of the individual into a group but do not encourage an action and thought autonomy which may destroy social harmony. On the professional level, they regard access to information, preservation and conservation of heritage and the denial of all sorts of discriminations as essential professional values. As professional values conflict with cultural norms, Senegalese academic librarians often seek a compromise, a balanced position to make decision which does not basically question their cultural values. When a compromise is impossible, the final decision is made in favour of cultural values. On the theoretical level, this research confirms the theory of a value system predominance rooted in Schwartz’ perspective of the “continuity/self-transcendence” (Schwartz, 2006, 1992). In his system, the dominant values are universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity and security. These values favor the individual’s integration into a group, solidarity and family security and the refusal to undertake actions which may endanger group harmony. On the practical level, this research displays the necessity to reinforce professional socialization which includes ethics and values in the training of Senegalese academic librarians.

Academic libraries are not immune to conflict; various important external and internal factors underlie conflict. Change, both external and internal, leads to interpersonal conflict amongst librarians which is caused by differing goals, policies, rules and decisions. Technology has been the major change in the digital era and academic libraries embarking on meeting the needs of the users have to manage change. It is important to understand how change evolves in order to manage it and the faster the change, the more conflict can be expected. The main purpose of this study is to investigate change and conflict in library and information services. The study collected data from two selected academic libraries - Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu. The reason for this choice is that the two libraries are from the Eastern Border region and strategically located to serve the deep rural and poverty-stricken communities. Both libraries are from merged institutions, under-developed and faced with change and conflict. Data was gathered by means of a literature study and face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with six participants in each library: two librarians in senior, two middle management and two librarians occupying lower level positions. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who fit the criteria and who could contribute to the study. The findings reveal that library staff experience stress and conflict because of external and internal factors of change impacting the academic environment. The study generated important findings which are capable of guiding academic library management on how to manage change effectively in the „new‟ electronic environment. The findings show that understanding conflict also equips management with strategies and techniques to manage conflict effectively. This study offers valuable insights into the lived conflict experiences and perceptions of librarians and sheds much light on the role of conflict management in these environments. This study will contribute to the management of conflict in information services in university libraries and will be an innovative application of conflict theory to the library discipline.