NRU :: Browsing by Author "Okello-Obura, Constant"

Browsing by Author "Okello-Obura, Constant"

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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.
Financial inclusion and the growth of small medium enterprises in Uganda
(Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2021) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Okello-Obura, Constant; Turyehebwa, Abanis; Uwonda, Gilbert
The growth and failure of small and medium enterprises has been a topic of discussions world over among policymakers and researchers. This study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the contributions of small medium enterprises (SMEs), to determine the challenges affecting small medium enterprises, to examine how financial inclusiveness supports the growth of small medium enterprises, and to establish the relationship between financial inclusion and growth of small medium enterprises. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Descriptive design was used and supplemented by inferential statistics. Correlation and regression analysis were adopted. The study revealed that financial inclusion is significant in supporting SME growth. The study further also revealed that the cost of acquiring and servicing financial services is high; there is also difficulty in using some of the financial services, and the way financial providers treat financial users, some lacked some degree of respect and dignity. The study recommends that financial providers should continue sensitizing the public on the available financial services beyond credit services, which are common and known. Digital financial service providers should encourage their clientele to use digitalized financial services which are cheap, secure, and risk averse. The cost of capital should also be reduced to encourage borrowing while SMEs should innovatively produce goods that can be competitive at both domestic and international markets.
Information Needs, and Sources of Information, of Art and Design Students in Diploma Awarding Institutions in Uganda
(Library Philosophy & Practice, 2024) Musiimaami, David; Okello-Obura, Constant; Luyombya, David
Access to relevant information is crucial for Art and Design students to meet their information needs and achieve their educational goals and expand their knowledge base. This paper explores the information needs, and sources of information, of Art and Design students in diploma - awarding institutions in Uganda. This is part of a PhD study that investigated the informationseeking behaviour of Art and Design students in diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda. The study population comprised Art and Design diploma students in the four Art and Design diplomaawarding institutions in Uganda, library heads in the same institutions, and directors at National Council for Higher Education. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview, and observation methods. Quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS whereas qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that the information needs of the students are primarily related to art and design tasks. The most needed information included information on employment opportunities in the art and design industry, information on production materials for art and design products, information on tools and equipment for art and design products, information on art markets and sales for art and design products, information on production techniques for art and design products, information on computer graphic design programs, and information on art and design industries for internship placements. The most used sources of information included Art and Design lecturers, images, Pinterest, Artists and Designers, YouTube, nature and environment, and art documentaries.
Library and Information Science Education and Training in Uganda : Trends, Challenges, and theWay Forward
(Education Research International, 2011) Okello-Obura, Constant; Kigongo-Bukenya, I. M. N.
In today′s public and private sectors, corporate governance is a key focus, and management of libraries, records, archives, and information centers is an increasingly important preoccupation. This implies that the issue of LIS education should not be taken lightly. As the economy grows, the demand for information will propel the demand for LIS professionals because of the need to manage different kinds of documents. This paper, based on relevant literature review and the authors′ experience as LIS practitioners and educators, aims at discussing this subject and highlights important issues to be addressed. The paper makes a brief exploration of LIS education in Uganda, identifies the challenges, and proposes strategies as the way forward. It recommends that as LIS education and training seeks a wider role in society, there is a need to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing world. This requires multidisciplinary education, greater emphasis on core knowledge, and fully well‐articulated graduate programmes to meet the requisite of LIS professionals.
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.
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.
Open access institutional repositories in universities in East Africa
(Information and Learning Science, 2018) Kakai, Miriam; Musoke, Maria G.N.; Okello-Obura, Constant
Purpose – Given that repositories were proposed as one of the routes to open access (OA), this study sought to establish the achievements universities in East Africa had attained in initiating institutional repositories (IRs), the challenges in providingOA and strategies for the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through literature searches, using the internet, journal databases and university websites in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for information about OA and IRs in East Africa. Some of the findings were based on the author’s PhD “The management and accessibility of OA IRs in selected universities in East Africa”, which used face-to-face interviews with six librarians and selfadministered questionnaires responded to by 183 researchers at Kenyatta University, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Makerere University. Findings – Universities in East Africa were still in the intermediate stages of embracing OA, and only 40 libraries out of 145 universities had implemented IRs. However, most of the repositories had less than 1,000 items, with this challenge attributed to the absence of institutional and government/funder mandates that affected the collection/provision of OA, in addition to the lack of awareness of IRs among researchers. Originality/value – The value in this research was establishing the extent of IR initiatives in universities in East Africa and their contribution to OA, which is regarded as more visible and accessible to scholars and government personnel who could leverage the information for further development in the region
The correct language for local publications in East Africa : a qualitative inquiry into subject cataloguing
(Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 2014) Nassali, State E.; Kigongo-Bukenya, I.M.N.; Okello-Obura, Constant
The linguistic control through controlled vocabulary is aimed at giving users consistent access to information. However, the well intentioned standard, not only disfavours library users, who are incognisant of the prescribed language but also a challenge to the cataloguing staff who are forced to fit the local publications within the prescribed headings under the guise of universal standards. This article presents the results of 11 in-depth interviews conducted with cataloguers from two leading universities in East Africa, supplemented with document reviews and observations. From the evidence collected, adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Hence, a documented integrated subject approach of controlled vocabulary and local terms was suggested to be augmented by authority control to ease the subject cataloguing process and above all, enhance access local publications.
The correct language of cataloguing local publications in East Africa
(New Library World, 2015) Nassali, State E.; Kigongo-Bukenya, I. M. N.; Okello-Obura, Constant
The purpose of this paper is to examine the subject cataloguing of local publications and subject access to local publications. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was used. Methods included interviews, document reviews and observations. Findings – Adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Rarely is a user the focus of choice of the subject term in the process of cataloguing. The terms assigned to local publications are generally too broad and, at times, border on inappropriateness. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of documented cataloguing policies and a waning interest in cataloguing matters from the profession. Originality/value – This study is intended to benefit the librarians who provide subject representation to local publications by way of streamlining the process of subject cataloguing, hence, enhancing access to these uniquely held resources. The outcome of this study, hence, will provide insight in the process of cataloguing local publications. In addition, the findings of this study will benefit the teaching of subject cataloguing in library and information science programs. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the body of library science by enabling a localized view to subject assignation. Ultimately, the significance of the study lies in its contribution to cataloguing education and research, especially with a perspective from Africa.
Utilisation of mobile phones for health information seeking by women in rural Busoga sub-region, Eastern Uganda
(Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 2023) Mbawaki, Irene; Okello-Obura, Constant; Kaddu, Sarah
The use of mobile phones for health information seeking is gaining attention, especially in low and middle-income countries with limited access to healthcare services. Women, who are primary seekers of health information, face challenges in accessing health information and care services in rural areas. Mobile phones have the potential to bridge this gap by providing access to health information and services. The study explored how rural women in Busoga sub-region, Eastern Uganda, utilize mobile phones for health information seeking specifically approaches used and the challenges faced. A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with rural women, Village Health Teams (VHTs) members, and health workers. The findings reveal that rural women predominantly use mobile phones for voice calls to seek health information in real-time. They rely on calls to confirm the availability of health workers and vaccines at health centres before visiting. Text messaging is also used, specifically the phrase "call me back," as a request for a return call. The study highlights the critical role of mobile phones in bridging gaps in accessing healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations. The findings contribute to understanding the experiences of rural women in using mobile phones for health information seeking and provide insights into the challenges they face in utilizing this technology.

Browsing by Author "Okello-Obura, Constant"

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