Research Publications (Accounting and Informatics)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/212

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Continuing Professional Development opportunities in Information and Communication Technology for academic librarians at the Durban University of Technology
(Stellenbosch University, 2018) Moonasar, Anushie; Underwood, Peter G.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a vital tool for maintaining the skills and expertise of staff, especially with regard to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). There is little information available about the involvement of librarians in South Africa with CPD: this study focused on academic librarians at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library, seeking their attitudes towards CPD and its provision. It employed a qualitative approach in its research design. Questionnaires were utilised to collect information from twenty-five academic librarians. Follow-up interviews were conducted with five respondents. The overall study indicated that, although the respondents were aware of the importance of CPD and the impact of ICT on library resources and services, not all of them kept abreast of CPD activities within their field. The respondents believed that the institutions and the professional body, the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), should work together to encourage and promote CPD activities. By encouraging CPD activities within the Library and Information Science (LIS) sector, the quality of librarianship and service delivery within the LIS would improve. Half of the respondents agreed about the importance of CPD becoming compulsory within the LIS profession and 55% of respondents considered that LIASA had a potentially important role to play in promoting CPD. However, in separate interviews, several respondents expressed doubt about the capacity of LIASA to fulfil this role.
A leap into the future : migrating to FOLIO : a cataloguer's perspective
(Stellenbosch University, 2022) Moonasar, Anushie
The aim of this paper is to share the journey of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library experience as one of the first African libraries to adopt an open-source integrated library management system. It is hoped that other libraries may benefit from this migration experience. The main aim of an Integrated Library System (ILS) is to improve productivity for both users and librarians. The migration from the old library management system to the new system encountered many challenges which included limited time, data corruption and quality issues. The cataloguing section is usually the main focus area that deals with the bulk of the migration data corruption issues. This paper highlights and focuses on a cataloguer’s perception of the new ILS Future of Libraries is Open (FOLIO) and the way the cataloguers adjusted to the new system. Evidence of the migration process was obtained from reports and active participation in the implementation process.
The perceived usefulness of the Internet to high school learners in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa
(AOSIS, 2019-12-02) Matlala, Mpubane E.; Kheswa, Siyanda E.
A review of artificial intelligence implementation in academic library services
(Stellenbosch University, 2024-08-28) Zondi, Nombuso Phamela; Epizitone, Ayogeboh; Nkomo, Ntando; Mthalane, Peggy Pinky; Moyane, Smangele; Luthuli, Mthokozisi; Khumalo, Mbalenhle; Phokoye, Samkelisiwe
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, including academic libraries, offering potential paradigm shifts in operations and patron services. The imperative need for AI in educational library services stems from its myriad advantages in enhancing efficiency and service quality. Despite its promise, the integration of AI within academic libraries faces hurdles such as expertise shortages, infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and employment concerns. This paper critically seeks to assess AI implementation in academic library services. The aim is to uncover adoption drivers and challenges in AI implementation in academic libraries. This paper conducts a comprehensive literature review to explore implementation of AI in academic libraries. The findings of the study indicate that AI implementation heralds an era of enhanced service delivery, albeit accompanied by challenges, notably in developing countries like South Africa. It also indicates that success hinges on meticulous planning, collaborative teamwork, adequate funding, and proactive promotion. Furthermore, the paper’s findings offer librarians and top management insights into navigating the adoption of AI projects within academic library settings efficiently.
The state of digital records preservation in South Africa's public sector in the 21st century : a literature review
(Emerald, 2022-06-01) Matlala, Mpubane Emanuel; Ncube, Thandukwazi Richman; Parbanath, Steven
This study aims to assess the status of the digital records preservation practices in the South African public sector at the national department level. It set out to establish to what extent digital preservation policies have been implemented in South Africa’s public sector, to determine the related skills and competency of public sector staff, and to make any necessary recommendations of the basis of the results. Design/methodology/approach A content review of Southern Africa literature dealing with the preservation of digital records, its importance and related factors over the past 20 years was conducted. Findings The current state of preservation of South African digital records suggests serious consequences of existing knowledge and training gaps. Addressing those gaps may provide the knowledge needed to support new ways of working. Records management professionals in the South African public sector at the national department level are currently ill-equipped to adequately preserve digital records. This complicates the application of tools offered by the information and communication technologies that have resulted in increased creation of digital records. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to only the public sector of South Africa. Practical implications The study makes practical implications concerning the policy framework for improving the state of digital preservation in South Africa so as to ensure long-term preservation of digital records. For instance, government departments are recommended to formulate and implement in-house policy frameworks, guidelines and plans that address digital preservation of records. Social implications Sufficient funding and resource allocation ought to be provided to advance electronic records management programmes. In addition, the formulation of proper strategies needed to preserve digital records should incorporate technological tools and media software in the existing operations for the creation, capturing, appraising and preserving of digital records. Originality/value This study offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of preserving digital records in South Africa so that future losses may be avoided and allow readers to see changes over the 20-year period.