ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Information Literacy among Students of the University of Ghana Business School and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Business School

The acquisition of information literacy skills empowers students to understand the content, extend their research and assume greater control over their learning. The purpose of the study is to assess information literacy skills of levels 300 and 400 students of the University of Ghana Business School, Legon and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Business School, Achimota. From a population of 2,579 respondents (students), a sample size of 202 that is, 86 UGBS and 116 GIMPABS were selected for the study. The questionnaire was used to gathered and analysed data. The findings of this study show that students agreed that information literacy is very important and helpful in academic work and research. It was also found that students were not information literate. In the light of the findings, several recommendations are made including the following, the incorporation of a credit-bearing information literacy program in the course curriculum; and a collaboration between librarians and faculty to facilitate the implementation of information literacy programs.

Source: UG
Information literacy development and competencies of high school students in Accra

Purpose – Information literacy (IL) is clearly important for academic performance, as evidenced by literature. It could be defined as a set of abilities, attitudes and experiences that enable people to recognize when they need information to solve an issue. The importance of investigating students’ IL competencies cannot be overstated. This study therefore aims to look into the IL development and competencies of high school students in Accra, as there appears to be a dearth of systematic study on this in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – To investigate this phenomenon, the study used a survey research design with a mixed-methods approach and a post-positivist research paradigm. A total of 454 high school students, 3 librarians and 3 heads of ICT departments from three senior high schools in Accra participated in this study. This study used two methods: an audit of the IL programmes and practices available at the selected schools as well as IL literacy assessment through the use of a standardized test instrument. The data collection tools used were a semi-structured interview schedule and a questionnaire. Findings – This study found that high school students in Accra had low IL competencies. Again, the findings of this study revealed that inadequate infrastructure and lack of formalized IL instructions in schools hindered the IL development of students. Originality/value – The author considers the study original both in conceptualization and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature and this study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. This study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana. This study recommends the need to integrate IL in the school curriculum to ensure effective and efficient IL instructions in high schools.

Source: UG
Information literacy for public libraries

The ability to read and write in order to make critical and analytical meaning of what has been read is important. However, with the rapid changing environment where information is abundant in a variety of media and the quality of information uncertain, one needs more than these literacy skills and competencies to survive in today’s technological world. Today’s world requires individuals to be information literate, possessing the skills and abilities to locate, evaluate, use and communicate information in an ethical manner in order to participate in societal affairs and to have an informed opinion about problems occurring locally, nationally or internationally. Information literacy forms the basis of life-long learning which encompasses all forms of learning through formal, non-formal and informal settings. This paper addresses the importance of information literacy and life-long learning in our world today and establishes the need for public libraries to rethink and renew their roles in enhancing them as society is rapidly changing. A profile of the Ghana Library Authority, the institution responsible for public, school and college libraries in Ghana is presented. The services and challenges of the Authority are also highlighted. Based on these, strategies for promoting information literacy in public libraries in Ghana are recommended.

Source: UG
Information literacy in higher education: Overview of initiatives at two Ghanaian Universities

The paper examines information literacy (IL) initiatives in two universities in Ghana, namely: the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast. IL initiatives such as library literacy, computer and media literacy and communication skills literacy carried out at the two universities for their students are described. Information on the IL activities was obtained from various interviews held with directors, heads of departments or officers in charge of the different programmes. Some challenges in the programmes include the lack of collaboration between departments running IL programmes, the large number of students undertaking the courses, inadequate staff and the cumbersome mode of access to and delivery of the IL programmes. Among the recommendations for improved information literacy programmes include commitment by the university management, improvements in information technology infrastructure, fostering of effective partnerships between the library and the teaching faculty, as well as a review of the curriculum of the library schools to include a new core course in information literacy.

Source: UG
Information Literacy Initiatives in Higher Education : Overview of Initiatives at Two Ghanaian Universities

The paper examines information literacy (IL) initiatives in two universities in Ghana, namely, the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast. IL initiatives such as library literacy, computer and media literacy and communication skills literacy carried out at the two universities for their students are described. Information on the IL activities was obtained from various interviews held with Directors, Heads of Departments or officers in charge of the different programmes. Some challenges in the programmes include the lack of collaboration between departments running IL programmes, the large number of students undertaking the courses, inadequate staff and the cumbersome mode of access to and delivery of the IL programmes. Among the recommendations for improved information literacy programmes include commitment by the university management, improvements in information technology infrastructure, fostering of effective partnerships between the library and teaching faculty, as well as a review of the curriculum of the Library Schools to include a new core course in Information Literacy.

Source: UG
Information Literacy: Assessing the Readiness of Ghanaian Universities

The study assesses the readiness of the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, to formally integrate information literacy (IL) into their curricula. A multiple case study approach was adopted and in-depth interviews with some heads of departments and librarians were carried out. The study revealed that library literacy, computer literacy and communication skills literacy are being carried out to some extent in both institutions. Some constraints which could impede the smooth implementation of a campus-wide information literacy project in the universities include the large enrolment numbers and the lack of collaboration or cooperation among departments carrying out some IL initiatives. The study recommends, among others, the sensitization of the whole university community to the IL programme and the important role the libraries and information professionals should play in the implementation of IL projects.

Source: UG
Information management: The nemesis of Ghanaian governments

The challenge of effective management and dissemination of information has been a colonial legacy bequeathed to post-independence governments. Under Ghana’s current constitutional representative democracy, communication is neither monopolistic nor hegemonic but two-way, with feedback considered paramount. The requirements of accountability, transparency and participation in democratic governance underscore the importance of information flow from governments and feedback from the public. Tracking ministerial reshuffles and two incidents in 2009, the paper demonstrates that the Information Ministry bears the brunt of such changes with ministers blamed for poor government information management. The article examines the educational and professional backgrounds of Ministers of Information arguing that government information management is neither journalism nor job- for-whomsoever. It is professional public relations work and appointments should reflect this fact.

Source: UG
Information Marketing Initiatives In Agriculture Related Special Libraries In Ghana

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which marketing principles are adopted in the provision of library services in agriculture related special libraries in Ghana. For this study, a questionnaire was used to collect data from librarians in charge of libraries. The study areas examined were level of training of library personnel, resources available to them for product design and marketing, and implementation of marketing principles. The study found out that libraries undertake limited marketing activities. Their activities are mostly promotional. These are newsletters, talks and exhibitions among others. The librarians have had some training in marketing through workshops and courses in the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. In spite of the above activities, none of the libraries had a marketing plan. They lacked adequate budget to support their activities. The library collections do not adequately meet the needs of the users due to its limitation in numbers, subject coverage and currency. The study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the marketing skills of the agriculture related special libraries.

Source: UG
Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Engineers in Ghana: A Case Study of the Volta River Authority

The purpose of this study was to find out the basic information needs of engineers of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana, and to determine the various factors that influence their information seeking behaviour, in order to facilitate the provision of timely and adequate information. Copies of the questionnaire designed were distributed to a sample of 86 (74.7 %) engineers out of a population of 115. Of the 86 copies, 55 (63.9 %) were completed and returned to the researchers. The study revealed that the engineers required detailed, brief, as well as, factual information to perform their jobs. Their search for information was influenced by the need to solve a problem, gain knowledge or make a decision. Although the engineers rated the provision of library facilities at their work place as important to their work, they usually consulted their colleagues, their personal library at home, the Internet or relied on their memory, when pressed for information. The library and information centres were consulted only as a last resort. Other sources of information vital to the job success of the engineers were external conferences, external experts, internal conferences, and VRA information resources. It is recommended that information packaging should be vigorously pursued in order to meet the needs of the engineers and also to extend library and information services to all branches of VRA

Source: UG
The Information Needs of Female Adult Literacy Learners in Accra

Reports on a study to identify the information needs, information sources, information seeking behaviour and barriers to access to information of 122 female adult literacy learners in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The main information need identified was information to solve day-to-day problems followed by the need to acquire basic conversational skills in English, to communicate with customers they meet in their trades and professions. The information needs of the subjects demand a new concept of service and practice. Literacy agents must team up with librarians to take care of the special needs of women enrolled in literacy classes. © 2005, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Information on the Go: Perspective of Academic Librarians on Use of Social Media in Reference Services

Librarians have different perceptions on the employment of social media in library services. This research focused on investigating the perceptions that academic librarians in Ghana hold about the employment of social media in providing reference and user services. A quantitative research approach employing a Likert-type questionnaire was used in soliciting the views of 99 librarians from six top public and private universities in Ghana on their perspective on the use of socialmedia in providing reference and user services. The findings of the study indicate mixed perceptions on the application of social media in reference and user services. These are variously attributed to lack of skills on the part of librarians to use social media, low bandwidth and poor internet connectivity, and inadequate support/motivation from parent institutions among others. As a result, librarians found the traditional mode of service delivery more comfortable, though they knew the importance of social media in their services. The study recommended, among others, development of skills and sensitization workshops to whip up interest in librarians to use social media in reference and user services.

Source: UG
Information Seeking Behavior of Health Sciences Faculty at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana

Reports on a survey of convenient access to, and use of, electronic databases (CD-ROM and online) including full text journals and their effect on information seeking behavior of health sciences faculty at the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana Medical School. The survey documented preferences between print and electronic resource use, and the specific databases and full text journals that faculty have particularly found useful. The results showed faculty lack of awareness and use of the two most resourceful full text journal databases available at the library (HINARI and PERI), hence they resorted to PUBMED as their source of access to full text articles. Concludes that most faculty now prefer using electronic access to information (CD-ROM/online) than traditional print indexes and abstracts. Includes recommendations for more functional and effective use of these electronic databases and full text journals that are available at the library. © 2007, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Information seeking behaviour of beggars in Accra

Purpose – It is evident that human existence is highly dependent on information. Information is considered to be an essential right of every single individual to sustain life and enjoy it as well. The benefits of looking into the information behaviour of people can, therefore, not be overemphasised. However, there is a yawning gap in research conducted into the information behaviour of marginalised groups such as beggars. This study aims to investigate the information seeking behaviour of beggars in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Through a case study design, the study used a qualitative approach and interpretivist paradigm to look into this phenomenon. In total, ten beggars were sampled from the beggar population in Accra through the use of convenient and snowball sampling techniques. A semi-structured interview schedule was used as data collection tool to solicit responses from the participants. Findings – The study revealed that beggars in Accra lacked understanding of their information needs, although they were heavily dependent on information for their tasks and survival. Again, the findings of the study showed that beggars were faced with information seeking barriers such as illiteracy, lack of information literacy skills and financial resources. The study recommends the need for stakeholders to look into the social welfare and literacy needs of beggars. Originality/value – The authors consider the study original both in conceptualisation and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature and the study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. The study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana.

Source: UG
Information Seeking Behaviour of Graduate Students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)

A study of the information seeking behaviour of students is an important pre-requisite for a library to provide efficient information resources and services to meet their information needs. The aim of the study is to investigate the information needs, information sources, information seeking behaviours, library use, and challenges to information seeking behaviour of graduate students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The study employed the survey methodology to select 121 graduate students using stratified random sampling. The main data collection instrument was the questionnaire. The main information needs of students identified in the study include career information, self-development, employment, course information, health, entertainment, sports, and religion. They use five main categories of information sources: interpersonal, internet, mass media, electronic and print. Their information seeking behaviours include active search, passive search, and ongoing search. The challenges they encountered in seeking information are mostly technical, which are, unstable internet connection, low internet speed, issues regarding accessibility using password, and inadequate computers. The study concluded that it is important for the university authorities to work together with the library to address these problems so that the information needs of students are fully met to enhance their academic work.

Source: UG
Information seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The case study methodology was used. An interview schedule was designed to elicit information from 12 chiefs from the Shai Traditional Council. Findings – The findings of the study showed that traditional leaders sought information on issues that bordered on their community as well as information for their personal use. It also showed that they usually used informal sources such as the traditional council and their subjects but also exhibited similar information-seeking behaviour to that of professionals. They also used information dissemination or transfer methods that were in line with the oral culture of their traditional society. They had challenges in the use of information technology due to their low educational level, as well as challenges in having access to formal sources due to unavailability. Practical implications – The study brought to light the challenges traditional leaders encountered in executing their roles. It was therefore recommended that government agencies collaborate with them to enhance their work. Originality/value – Several studies have been conducted on information-seeking behaviour of different categories of people within different contexts. However, few studies have been conducted on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders. This study thus sought to serve as a foundation research on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders, with Shai Osudoku District of Ghana as the study area. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Information Systems Development: Where does knowledge lie and how does learning occur?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to delineate a road map for development and learning in organizations using information systems as a key trigger. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper using arguments from the information systems development (ISD) literature. Findings – The authors show that there are two knowledge sources, external and internal; and the interaction of these diverse knowledge sources is needed for the effective utilization of information systems as a development and learning tool in organizations. Originality/value – The authors recommend that organizations should seek to learn during ISD processes as well as learning from the project outcome.

Source: UG
Information Systems Theories for Student Researchers and Practitioners

This comprehensive book delves into diverse information systems (IS) theories, models, and frameworks, providing a profound understanding of their constructs, assumptions, and measurable variables. Through an IS and management perspective, it examines strengths and weaknesses, while addressing criticisms and potential revisions. By uncovering gaps in current theories, the book guides readers in conceptualizing research frameworks to address them. Readers will gain critical skills to evaluate and elucidate IS theories, unravel practical implications, and assess their usefulness to managers. This invaluable resource equips readers with techniques to identify theoretical gaps and lay the groundwork for new studies. Though the theories presented in this book are not exhaustive, they will be of help to researchers, both the experienced ones as well as the budding ones, and most importantly students

Source: UG
Information use and policy decision making by district Assembly Members in Ghana

This study investigates the information utilisation for policy decision-making by assembly members in Ghana’s local government system. The survey method using questionnaires was used to collect data from a sample of 200. The study revealed that information needs of assembly members were related to their legislative and policy-making tasks within the assembly. It was also found out that policy makers in the assembly system of Ghana had little access to relevant and reliable information when making decisions about policies, programmes and policy implementation. Decisions were therefore often made based on the distance their memories can permit. The study made a number of recommendations, prominent among them are the presentation of information sources in appropriate formats for assembly members, enhancing the capability of assembly members through training, the establishment of district assembly libraries and information centres, the provision of adequate funding by assemblies to support subscription to relevant information sources and the effective dissemination of information by MMDAs to the district assemblies.

Source: UG