African Journals Online
African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2, OCTOBER, 2000

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. &Inf. Sc.Vol.10, No. 2 (2000) 93-111

African Journals: An Evaluation of their Use in African Universities

A.A. Alemna
Department of Library and Archival Studies
University of Ghana, Legon

V. Chifwepa
Department of Library and lnformation Studies
University of Zambia, Lusaka

and
D. Rosenberg
Institute of African Studies,
School of Oriental and African Studies( SOAS)
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WCI H OXG, UK

Abstract

The use of African published journals in two African universities was surveyed through the use of questionnaire, interviews, journal usage count and citation analysis. The survey reveals that African published journals are not popular with academics because of lack of bibliographic and physical access. For conclusion to be more reliable and any trends in journal use to be determined, identical surveys were carried out over a three-year period. Recommendations are made towards maximising the use of journals published in Africa.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol.10, No.2 (2000) 113- 123

Information Technology Usage by Advertising Agencies in Lagos, Nigeria

Oluwakemi Adijat Odesanya
Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

and
Isola Ajiferuke
Department of Library and Information Studies
University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
E-mail : [email protected]

Abstract

The study investigated the usage of information technology (IT) by advertising agencies in Lagos, Nigeria. Thirty-four agencies were randomly sampled from a list of 76 registered advertising agencies. Each of these agencies had at least four basic departments. One professional was randomly selected from each of the departments. Questionnaire was administered to the chief executives of the agencies to obtain information on the availability and impact of IT on the agencies, while another type of questionnaire was administered to the selected professionals to obtain information on the use and impact of IT on the individuals. Twenty-one of the chief executives returned the questionnaire while 146 of the selected 166 professionals completed theirs. The results of the study show that all the agencies had computer systems and telephone facilities but a few of them did not have fax machines and about half of them had no e-mail/Internet connections. Computer use varied among the departments within the agencies but other IT resources were used basically for similar functions. IT use has led to increased productivity, customer satisfaction and increased profit level of the agencies, while the professionals have enjoyed significant improvement in their productivity, creativity and quality of output. As a result of this, it is recommended that the advertising agencies in other parts of the country should adopt the use of IT.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol. 10, No.2 (2000) 125 - 138

Preparing for the Management of Electronic Records at Moi University, Kenya: A Case Study

Henry Kemoni and Justus Wamukoya
Department of Archives and Records Management
Moi University, Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to determine the key issues that underpin the management of administrative and personnel records in electronic form at Moi University. The study population consisted of seven records clerks and three senior administrative officers involved with the management of records. Data were collected through the use of personal interviews and questionnaires. The results of the study indicate that all the seven records staff are not conversant with issues affecting the management of electronic records, and two of the three senior administrative officers do not know how electronic records should be managed. One important finding of the study is that the role of the registry and registry staff in an electronic records environment is ultimately changing. There is need therefore to transfer records management skills to records creators in an electronic records environment. To achieve this, the study recommends the establishment of a records management policy to address the management of electronic records, involvement of professional records managers in the ongoing university computerisation projects such as the Academic Register Information System (ARIS), and the provision of records management skills to records staff and other users through seminars and workshops.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch .&Inf. Sc Vol.10, No.2 (2000) 139- 152

Staff Retention in the National Archives of Zimbabwe

Patrick Ngulube
Department of Information Studies
University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg
P/Bag X01 Scottsville
Pietermaritzburg 3209
South Africa
E mail:[email protected]

Abstract

Using the National Archives of Zimbabwe as a case study, this paper examines the concept of staff retention and makes recommendations that could be used with certain adjustments in similar institutions. The staff retention situation is examined within the human resources management framework, and ways on how to retain staff in an information management environment are suggested.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch &Inf.Sc.Vol.10,No.2 (2000) 153- 165

Management of Public Sector Financial Records in Ghana: Implications for Good Government

Pino Akotia
Department of Library and Archival Studies,
University of Ghana, P.0. Box 60
Legon, Ghana

Abstract

The paper examines the relationship between public sector recorded financial information and good government. The paper argues that public finance is a major instrument of constitutional, political and administrative control and that it provides the basis for decision making and the implementation of programmes. When effectively managed, recorded financial information provides a key resource for securing the evidence base of public financial management. The relationship between good government and effective management of public financial records is illustrated with a study of the budgetary processes of Ghana and how inadequate management of the records has been hindering public accountability.

Afr. J .Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc.Vol.10, No.2 (2000) 167- 175

Venturing into Academic Journal Publishing: Some Issues and Guidelines for New Authors

Christine Stilwell
Department of Information Studies
University of Natal,
Private Bag X01, Scottsville,
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
E-mail [email protected]

Abstract

Publishing in academic journals is important for those who wish to communicate their ideas and the results of research to their professional communities. This paper shares insights derived from the literature and from some recent Southern African initiatives. A checklist to guide new authors is provided.

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc.Vo.10, No.2 (2000) 177- 186

Subject Catalogue Use at the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

C. O. Ojo-Ade and K. O. Jagboro
Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library,
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

A survey of the subject catalogue use at the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was carried out for a period of six weeks using questionnaire. The focus of the study was to find out the extent to which the subject catalogue in the library, met the users needs, the level of use and the effectiveness of subject classification. The data was analysed using percentages. Results showed 88% usage level of the subject catalogue as well as 85% success rate of searches

Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc.Vo.10, No.2 (2000) 187-192

Use of Micro CDS/ISIS in Libraries and Information Centres in Ghana

Joel Sam
Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (INSTI), P.O. Box M. 32, Accra, Ghana.

and
Michael Agyemang-Sereboo
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Tema, Ghana.

Abstract

The paper examines the extent to which the CDS/ISIS software is used in Ghana, its impact on library and information work, and the role of a user group. The study indicates that majority of the respondents use the software for information retrieval, apparently due to lack of in-depth knowledge about the capabilities of the software. The future of the software in Ghana looks very bright. The recommendations made are aimed at ensuring the continued use and fuller utilisation of the capabilities of the software.