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Faculty of Accounting and Informatics

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    The provision of access to electronic information by staff in Kwazulu-Natal Department of Health libraries in the digital transformation era
    (2024) Ntloko, Nonhlanhla Princess; Masenya, Tlou Maggie
    This study investigated the provision of staff digital access to information in KwazuluNatal Department of Health (KZN DOH) libraries. The current state of access to information was determined, challenges encountered were identified, systems and technologies used for the provision of access to information were assessed, the level of digital skills for staff members in accessing digital information was examined, and strategies for optimising the utilization of electronic information resources were discovered. National Health Digital Strategy of South Africa (2019 – 2024) emphasis on leveraging technology for better health outcomes aligns seamlessly with the health libraries' mission to provide timely and accurate health information. The goal is to create a seamless digital environment where health professionals, students, and researchers can easily access and utilise various health information resources. Digitisation in libraries is part of technological advancements of the twenty-first century that help to manage information securely and enable efficient retrieval and timeous dissemination. This study adopted interpretivist research paradigm. Qualitative research methodology was used for this study, with phenomenology as the research design. The target population for this study were student nurses, nurses, doctors, lecturers, and librarians from the thirteen (13) hospitals and nursing campus libraries in KwaZulu Natal. Non-probability, judgement, or purposive sampling was adopted, and according to Pathak (2015), it is the best sampling method for a phenomenological study. The sampling frame for this study consisted of student doctors, doctors, student nurses, librarians, lecturers, and other health staff. The study utilised a sample of 73 available and accessible participants across ten hospitals and nursing colleges with digital library resources. Data collection from the recruited participants included interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather participants’ background data and information on library usage. Focus group discussions were utilised to generate discussion among the diverse participants, including student nurses, lecturers, nurses, and doctors. Phenomenological reduction was used for dimension reduction during data analysis. From the librarians' perspective, budgetary technological constraints and the need for improved digital literacy among patrons are significant concerns. In response, librarians have implemented various strategies, including enhancing digital access, providing training, and introducing innovative solutions. Conversely, patrons express satisfaction with the library staff but desire improved network reliability, access to online resources, extended library hours, and further digital literacy training. As the document analysis highlights, the legislative and strategic frameworks provide a roadmap for libraries to align their services with national health objectives and embrace digital transformation. The study recommended enhancing digital infrastructure, improving digital literacy, and adopting innovative technologies to effectively transition to digital information access. The study recommends reducing the digital gap and increasing digital awareness through investment in digital skills among patrons and providing digital tools.
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    Development of a mobile digital library model for teaching support in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal
    (2024) Khomo, Musawenkosi Phumelela; Sucheran, Reshma; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
    This study aimed to identify the contributing factors to the successful development and use of a mobile digital library model, assess its feasibility for teaching purposes, determine the technological competences of teachers in utilizing mobile technology, and develop a suitable mobile digital library model for under-resourced schools. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors that would contribute to the successful development and the use of mobile digital library model for teaching and learning support at selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to establish the feasibility of using a mobile digital library model for teaching in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to ascertain the technological competences of teachers to use mobile technology; and to develop a mobile digital library model suitable for teaching in under-resourced schools. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed method design. The preferred research paradigm for this study was pragmatism and interpretivism. The study surveyed eleven selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, categorized as quintile one, quintile two, and quintile three. Ninety-three teachers and three teacher librarians contributed to the study. Clustersampling method was employed to select the participating schools. Data collection instruments included individual interviews with teacher librarians, focus group discussions with teachers, and self-administered questionnaires for teachers and librarians. The study consisted of two distinct phases i.e. qualitative data collection through focus group and individual interviews then quantitative data collection with the usage of questionnaire. A mixed methods approach for data analysis was used. Both individual interviews and focus group interviews were transcribed and later edited, with the audio recordings serving as the primary source of data. The themes were formulated by the researcher, and the findings were subsequently synthesized and organized within these thematic categories. For quantitative data, the researcher employed multivariate analysis, a statistical technique aimed at investigating relationships among multiple variables. The findings revealed several factors influencing the development and use of a mobile digital library, such as the need for digital literacy training for the school community, user-friendliness of the mobile digital library platform, and financial support from the organization. The feasibility of implementing a mobile digital library relied on factors such as financial support, robust internet connectivity, digital literacy among the school community, and improvements in technological infrastructure. Additionally, the study found that younger teachers demonstrated greater technological competence compared to more experienced teachers. A mobile digital library model was developed to support teaching, ensuring a conducive learning environment where teachers and learners have access to information anytime and anywhere. The study recommends regular training for teachers and learners on the utilisation of a mobile digital library, adequate funding for hosting and maintenance, and improvements in technological infrastructure.