Browsing by Author "Bukirwa, Joyce"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Examining a new generation of service provision in a developing country: Opportunities and Challenges of Virtual Library Services in Universities in Uganda
    (Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 2024) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
    There is an overwhelming need for Virtual Library and Information Services (VLIS) due to the revolutionary and innovative use of the Internet, alternate information sources, evolving institutional policies and user needs, and potential disasters like the Covid-19 outbreak that prevented access to physical libraries. This study sought to identify benefits that both users and librarians derive from VLIS usage as well as setbacks limiting VLIS provision and utilization. Mixed methods with a pragmatic research paradigm were adopted. Data from library users and staff from 2 universities, one public and one private were gathered using surveys and interviews, respectively. 394 library users and 8 library staff made up the sample size. VLIS benefits included support with coursework, e-resource remote access, instant response to users' queries, notifications of new library additions, improvement in knowledge and skills, timely access to current information, and wide access to numerous e-resources. Challenges to VLIS entailed reliance on Google, unawareness, frustrations by requests to buy or subscribe to e-resources, poor Internet connectivity, limited Information Literacy (IL) skills, restricted access to e-resources, insufficient infrastructure, high cost of e-resources, poor attitude towards VLIS, lack of digital versions for local resources, and low concentration in virtual IL classes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Knowledge transfer through internship: The EASLIS experience in strengthening the governance decentralisation programme in Uganda
    (African Journal of Library, Archives & Information Science, 2011) Magara, Elisam; Bukirwa, Joyce; Kayiki, Robert
    Makerere University, Kampala,Uganda has attempted over many years to integrate knowledge transfer programmes into its higher education programmes through various strategies, including internship and fieldwork studies. The internship programmes have gained popularity, especially through the interventions from the Innovations at Makerere Committee of the University that supported a number of academic units to enhance the decentralisation of the internship to the local governments in Uganda. The East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) has implemented knowledge transfer of information management practices through its internship programme since 2006. This paper highlights the activities undertaken by EASLIS students during the internship and the perceptions of the field supervisors on the performance of students in terms of the students’ competences and performances, benefits to local governments, challenges being faced, and aspects requiring improvement. This internship programme has brought about significant changes, including improved perceptions in the community about the library and information science profession, the balancing of theory with practice in the delivery of EASLIS programmes, and improved professional confidence and abilities of its students and graduates. The paper is concluded with various recommendations addressed to the University and local governments for improving the benefits of the programme.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Library Staff Perceptions of Virtual Library and Information Services at Makerere and Uganda Christian Universities, Uganda
    (Library Philosophy and Practice, 2025) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
    This study, which was underpinned by the ServQual model aims to determine the perceptions of library staff of Makerere and Uganda Christian Universities on the provision of virtual library and information services (VLIS), the challenges faced and strategies for the enhancement of VLIS provision. A qualitative design was used to collect data from eight library staff who were selected through purposive sampling until data reached saturation. The findings indicated that majority of librarians exhibit poor perceptions towards VLIS; as manifested in their reluctance to participate in VLIS provision, their conservatism, which impedes acceptance of new VLIS and their failure to apply knowledge and skills obtained during trainings. Several librarians perceive VLIS negatively, viewing VLIS activities as extra work and leaving it to only a few colleagues. In line with the tangibility element of the ServQual model which stipulates appropriate equipment resonates with adoption of new technologies, the study recommends that librarians fully accept, adapt, and provide VLIS in order to remain indispensable in today’s technologically savvy academic environment. Despite the glaring wake-up call for libraries to fully embrace VLIS, it remained limited and the status of its provision not clearly known. This study presents librarians’ perceptions towards VLIS for its enhanced provision. Although some studies exist in the area of virtual library resources, not many have thoroughly examined VLIS, their perceptions, provision and challenges in both public and private universities. This study hence adds to the existing body of literature on how VLIS can be enhanced, especially in developing countries.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Library users’ attitudes towards Virtual Library and Information Services in Ugandan public and private universities
    (Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2023) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
    Technological advancements, innovations, research, changing user needs, and online education have significantly affected traditional libraries. The 21st-century has engendered library users who seldom visit physical libraries but rely on alternative sources of information like Google from their convenient locations. This implies that for libraries to effectively adapt to the technologically driven academic landscape, adoption of Virtual Library and Information Services (VLIS) is the most feasible approach for them to fulfill their mandate of information provision. However, despite the numerous benefits VLIS offers, such as timely and convenient access to a wide range of current electronic resources, its adoption, implementation and consumption remains limited. This paper gives a report of a study that was conducted to determine the attitude of library users and faculty towards VLIS at Makerere and Uganda Christian University (UCU) libraries. A pragmatic research paradigm with mixed methods approach was adopted to collect data from 394 library users, using a questionnaire while interviews were conducted with 8 library staff. Data were analyzed using the SPSS. Study findings indicated that VLIS is perceived highly in terms of enhancing users’ studies and significance in the core universities tasks. Users’ also exhibited interest in acquiring more VLIS knowledge and demonstrated their appreciation of VLIS. Conversely, users’ in using VLIS was rated poor. Recommendations included modification of the Open Distance and E-learning policies, integration of active links of e-resources in students’ reading lists, a media monitoring room, zero rating on all library websites and incorporation of IL into the university curriculum.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Utilisation of Library and Information Services in the Judiciary of Uganda
    (Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management, 2020-12-01) Bukirwa, Joyce; Nanfuka, Reges
    Rationale of Study – The purpose of this study was to examine the utilisation of library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda. It was based on the premise that if library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda are well utilised, effective administration of justice in Uganda would be achieved.Methodology – The study was guided by Saracevic-Kantor theory of use-oriented value of library and information services. Participants were drawn from two (2) selected libraries namely, the High Court (criminal division) and the Supreme Court libraries. These are the oldest and have the biggest collection compared to the rest of the judiciary libraries. Given a population of five (5) librarians (2 from Supreme court library and 3 from the High Court library), interviews were held with four (4) librarians, two from each of the libraries.Findings – The study established that both the High Court and Supreme Court libraries provide a wide range of services including current awareness, referral, research, selective dissemination of information, Internet, photocopying and newspaper clipping services. The services were regularly utilised across the libraries. However, only 47% of the users were very satisfied with the services, followed by 31% that were satisfied. Some of the challenges affecting the utilisation of library and information services in the Judiciary of Uganda include poor Internet connectivity, inadequate current information, insufficient funding, and limited library facilities.Implications – This study recommends strengthening of library and information services across the Judiciary by digitising the information resources, system-wide automation, training of library users, improving Internet connectivity, increasing funding for library services, and formulation and implementation of a Judiciary of Uganda library policy.Originality – This study is an addition to the scanty literature about judiciary library services, most especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The study ascertains the need for strengthening library and information services in judiciaries.