Directorate of Library Services

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    Medical students' perceptions of the quality of library services during COVID-19: The case of the University of Dodoma, Tanzania
    (University of Botswana, 2025) Malugu, Salome
    COVID-19 disrupted service delivery in all sectors including library service. However, not much is known about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on library service provision especially to medical students in Tanzania and its impact on students' academic work. To fill this gap, this study assessed medical students’ perceptions of the quality of library services during COVID-19 at the University of Dodoma Library in Tanzania. The total population size of the study was 180 and the participants were selected by using the census technique. This quantitative study is guided by the SERVQUAL theoretical framework. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires containing closed-ended questions. Questionnaires were distributed to 180 fifth-year medical students because they were the only class who experienced COVID-19 on campus. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, focusing on percentages and frequencies, as well as mean and standard deviation. This was done by using SPSS version 27 software, and findings were presented in tables. The study findings established that 52.1% of medical students used library facilities and resources during COVID-19. However, 25% of respondents reported that printers, photocopiers, resting and visitors' waiting areas were not utilised. On average, 52.8% of respondents reported that reliable library services were provided and 41.6% of respondents indicated that medical librarians were responsive, offering efficient and prompt assistance. However, 35.5% of respondents were neutral regarding the timeliness of updates to the library website content. On average, 43.6% of respondents said medical librarians demonstrated competence and 50% of medical students said medical librarians demonstrated empathy in their service delivery. Overall, the findings show that although a majority of medical students engaged with library facilities and acknowledged the provision of reliable services, there are notable gaps in the utilisation of certain resources and in the perception of service quality. Although medical librarians were generally viewed as responsive, empathetic and competent, areas such as underutilised physical facilities and delayed updates to online content indicate opportunities for improvement in enhancing both the accessibility and effectiveness of library services during and beyond the COVID-19 period. The findings imply that the library management need to provide effective framework for library service providers to improve services and deliver quality services during a pandemic. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical insights into the quality of library services during COVID-19.
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    Contents analysis of library professional jobs advertised in Ajira portal by public service recruitment secretariat (PSRS) in Tanzania
    (© Emerald Publishing Limited, 2025-05-26) Siyao, Peter Onauphoo; Chishami, Ashery Mhulula
    Purpose – The purpose of this study was to establish the level at which duties and responsibilities outlined in library jobs advertised in Ajira Portal are aligned with job market and skills requirement in digital library environment in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – This study used quantitative content analysis method to systematically analyze library professional jobs advertised online in Ajira Portal by public service recruitment secretariat in Tanzania for over five-years ranging fromJanuary 1, 2019 to December 30, 2023. Findings – The findings show that for the period of five-years there were 46 library job advertisements with 147 library job positions that yielded an average of only (9; 20%) job advertisements per year, only (3; 2.24%) of all job positions for each advertisement and only (29; 19.70%) of all job positions for each year. This implies that there is a low rate of employment of Library and Information Studies/Science (LIS) professionals in Tanzania which is inversely proportional to the number of LIS graduates in the said field of the study. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to the data archive of 2019–2023 LIS professionals job advertisements in the Ajira Portal, and only public institutions were represented in the sample. Practical implications – Results of this study act as an eye opener for the LIS schools’/training institutions to incorporate essential skills and competencies into the curricular for preparing LIS professionals for aligning their professions with duties and responsibilities in digital library environment in Tanzania. Originality/value – The study has contributed to growing body of knowledge on the importance of content analysis of library jobs advertisements for identifying current skills required by various professions by the employers
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    Sources used and the challenges encountered by newspaper journalists when covering environmental conservation information in Tanzanian newspapers
    (Sage, 2025) Siyao, Peter Onauphoo; Mbughuni, Anna Shangwe; Chishami, Ashery Mhulula
    Background: Environmental conservation is a crucial global issue, and in Tanzania, newspaper journalists play a vital role in raising awareness and educating the public. Purpose: This study explores the sources Tanzanian newspaper journalists use to gather environmental conservation information and examines the challenges they face in reporting on these issues. Research Design, Study Sample, Data Collection and/or Analysis: Using a qualitative research design, the study involved journalists from four major newspapers: Daily News, The Guardian, Mwananchi, and Habari Leo. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 journalists for in-depth interviews and content analysis of published articles. Results: The findings indicate that journalists rely on sources such as government agencies, environmental conservation organizations, academic experts, community voices, social media, corporate sources, international reports, and their own observations to cover information they publish in the newspapers. However, they encounter barriers such as a lack of prioritization for environmental news, resource constraints, insufficientskills and knowledge, time limitations, low public literacy on environmental issues, restricted access to credible information, and political and commercial pressures. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improved journalism education and policy support to enhance environmental reporting. It recommends comprehensive training for journalists, increased awareness of the importance of environmental news, better access to diverse sources, and a supportive media environment to strengthen conservation coverage in Tanzania.
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    Competence in using open access institutional repositories for improved accessibility of research outputs: The case of selected academic institutions in Tanzania
    (SAGE Publications, 2025-11-24) Mbughuni, Anna Shangwe
    Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the competency level in accessing institutional research productivity among users of academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on examining the level of competency, assessing where users acquired skills of accessing institutional research productivity, establishing the attitude of library users towards acquiring skills, and identifying the constraints faced in acquiring OAIRs skills. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Systematic, random, and purposive sampling procedures were used to obtain a total of 292 respondents and eight key informants. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from academic staff, research fellows, and librarians. Structured questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS package V20.0, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Results: Key findings indicated that 28.4% of the users are computer competent, information search literate (27.1%), communication skilled (27.1%), and competent in scholarly publishing and self-archiving (20.5%). Results indicated that users acquired skills of accessing institutional research productivity from librarians (22.6%) and library technicians (18.2%). Also, results revealed that 57.9% were positive towards acquiring skills, and 56.9% agreed that acquiring skills of OAIRs facilitates free and quick access However, lack of awareness of the presence of OAIRs (38.6%), unawareness of OAIRs policy (22.8%), and lack of budget for training and advocacy of OAIRs (19.3%) were identified as constraints faced in acquiring OAIRs skills. Conclusion: The study concluded that the competency level on accessibility of institutional research productivity is still low among library users, even though the use of OAIRs in Tanzania is still low. Recommendation: Recommended to review OAIRs policies for managing OAIRs, especially putting up a mechanism for enforcing training among users, and investment in infrastructure for improved accessibility of institutional research productivity in Tanzania institutions
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    Determinants of artificial intelligence use in research at higher learning institutions of Tanzania
    (African Quarterly Social Science Review, 2025) Mbilinyi, Augustino Peter; Mwalukasa, Nicholous; Mahenge, Michael
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool in higher education, yet its adoption for research purposes in Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) remains limited. This study assessed the determinants of using AI in HEIs of Tanzania, specifically, the study examined the extent of AI usage in research and the factors influencing its adoption, it was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. A cross-sectional research design with a mixed-methods approach was used. The target population for the study comprised 1872 academic staff, however, only 253 participants were studied. The study sample was selected using systematic, purposive, and convenience sampling techniques from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the University of Dodoma (UDOM). Collected data was coded on IBM SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistical analysis, such as mean, frequency, and percentages, was used, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the determinants of using AI in Research activities. The findings revealed that AI tools, such as Grammarly, QuillBot, and ChatGPT, were primarily used for research tasks such as grammar checking, paraphrasing, and brainstorming ideas. Moreover, ChatGPT was used in brainstorming and literature reviews. Furthermore, the study reveals that performance expectancy (β=0.23), effort expectancy (β =0.20), teaching experience (β =-.039), and workload (β =-.083) significantly influenced AI adoption. The study concludes that AI tools were seldom used for research purposes. The study recommends that, in order to enhance AI usage, there is a need for universities to create awareness and increase knowledge on AI among academics, as well as to integrate AI tools into the research life cycle.
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    Assessing needs, conditions and challenges of establishing public university archives in Tanzania
    (Journal of Education and Practice, 2025) Kotoroi, Gladness; Kiyabo, Hamisi K.; Bea, George, K.; Sulle, Elizabeth
    This study assessed the necessity for establishing university archives in the selected public universities in Tanzania. The study was guided by four research questions and Archival Theory, focusing on two main concepts: the Records Life Cycle and the Records Continuum Model. A mixed method with a convergent design was employed. A total of 223 participants were selected combining convenient (200) and purposive sampling (23) to ensure the collection of rich and relevant data. Data were analyzed concurrently using Excel as well as thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative insights respectively. The findings revealed strong support for the establishment of public university archives, with a preference for a hybrid model combining physical and digital records. Key categories of records identified for archiving included faculty publications such as research papers, theses and dissertations, enrollment statistics, student transcripts and program review reports. The study also highlighted the benefits of public university archives, including improved accessibility to institutional records, enhanced decision-making and support for academic and administrative functions. However, it was found that several challenges hinder their establishment, including inadequate funding, low awareness and technological limitations. The study recommends that university management should allocate sufficient resources for digital infrastructures, raise awareness about the importance of archives and implement appropriate policies to support their long-term sustainability. Addressing these challenges will enhance access to archival materials for current and future generations.
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    Examining factors prompting microfinance clients’ dropout : The case of SEDA and PTF in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania
    (Agder University College Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences in collaboration with United Nations University, 2007) Karama, George Bea
    This study examines factors prompting clients’ dropout in two microfinance institutions: SEDA and PTF in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. The study used the sample of about 136 respondents, where 68 respondents came from each institution. The sample was composed of various subgroups of clients such as men and women, current clients and dropouts, old and young clients. The sample was selected using the stratified purposeful sampling procedure. Data were collected using one main method (semi-structured interview) which was supplemented by document analysis. The study has grouped dropout factors under six categories: organization, business, personal, family, group and competitive factors. These factors were also grouped into two main categories, which are, adverse push factors and promising pull factors using the ideas from the theoretical framework and the Lee’s push and pull theory adopted in this study. The results of the study shows that major factors which had prompted clients’ dropout at SEDA and PTF are organization factors followed by other lesser factors under business, personal, family, group and competitive factors as presented in descending order in Chapter Four. Some of the major organizational factors which had prompted the dropout of clients at SEDA and PTF are: delay in loan disbursement, inaccessible savings, high interest rates, lack of clients care, short repayment period, deducting clients loans, dislike of repayment pressures, problems with group loans, savings do not get interest, weekly repayments, wastage of time in repayment meetings, short repayment period, lack of insurance services, factors related to credit officers, small starting loans, lack of flexibility in loan repayment and lack of training to new replacement clients. The lesser factors under business category which have affected clients’ businesses are: cholera outbreak, rift valley fever, relocation of people from Saba Saba market, seasonality factor, flood, power rationing, fire, theft and selling on credit. Factors under personal category are: multiple loans, misallocation of loan fund, resting, transfer/migration, sickness, pregnancy/giving birth, found job/employment: default, journey/travelling and death. Those under family category are: Sickness: husbands stopped their wives, husbands interdicted, giving money to family members, death and marriage failure. Those under group category are: poor repayment record, unfaith fullness of group leaders, lack of cooperation and lack of trust. Factors under competitive category are: better terms and services in other MFIs. Therefore, SEDA and PTF need to address the above major organizational factors which are greatly contributing to clients’ dropout in their organizations. Since these factors originate from within their organizations it would be relatively easy to address them than other factors outside their organizations. Other lesser factors outside their organizations such as, business, personal, family group and competitive factors contribute less to dropout. However, there is a need to assist clients affected by these factors to reduce their dropout which may also affect their organizations. Due to increasing competition from other MFIs which are entering the market, there is a need for SEDA and PTF to take proactive measures aimed at improving their services in order to retain their existing clients who may be dropping out to join other MFI due to better terms and services.
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    Factors prompting clients’ dropout in microfinance institutions: A case of small enterprise development agency and presidential trust fund in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
    (Rural Development Planning (IRDP), 2009) Bea George, K.; Mosha Goodluck E; Dimoso, Provident J.
    This paper compares factors prompting clients’ dropout from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and Presidential Trust Fund (PTF) using a qualitative approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a_ semi-structured interview, supplemented by documentary reviews. A total of 136 respondents were selected using a stratified purposeful sampling procedure. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables and %ages. Lee’s push and pull theory and the five-step analysis procedure developed by Powell and Brenner (2003) guided data analysis in this study. The study found that 35 and 38 factors have prompted clients’ drop out from SEDA located in urban and PTF located in rural areas respectively, with the implication that, there are more factors responsible for clients dropouts in rural areas as compared to town. Thus it is relatively difficult for MFI to facilitate achievement of MDG one in rural areas as compared to urban areas. The paper argues that an appropriate loan package must be developed to suit economic activities in rural areas, as well as systematically follow up with the clients, so as to ensure good performance and hence retain them as Clients.
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    Deployment of My Library On Finger Tips application at Mzumbe University: Challenges and prospects
    (Dar es Salaam University Press (DUP), 2024) Ngusi, Jesca Beliad; Goodluck, E. Mosha
    This study aims to explore the deployment of My Library On Finger Tips (MyLOFT) at Mzumbe University (MU). Specifically, it investigates users’ awareness and perception of MyLOFT, its promotion, challenges, and strategies to maximise usage of the MyLOFT application. The study employed a blended methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to analyse 67 academic staff members’ experiences with the MyLOFT application at the selected University. Sample size determination utilised PPS and purposive sampling methods. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented in graphs and tables, while qualitative data underwent content analysis and were presented in quoted statements. The study reveals that e-resource usage at MU was low before MyLOFT deployment, but increased after deployment. Word of mouth and email effectively created awareness, and MyLOFT Student Ambassadors promoted the application. Users found features like Multiple Access and Save Content Off and Online as the most appealing. Challenges identified include technical issues, navigation difficulties, unclear instructions, mobile compatibility, and security. To maximise the MyLOFT utilisation, the application should include personalised content, resolving technical issues, utilising student ambassadors for promotion, incentivising usage, and improve the interface. The University should add relevant databases. Effective communication, user feedback, and impact measurement are essential for continual optimisation. This study therefore explores e-resources remote access applications in Tanzanian academic libraries, filling a research gap and providing valuable insights for future developments.
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    A systematic review of the extant literature on the Tanzanian e-government services for economic development
    (Sage, 2024) Mwilongo, Kardo J.; Kachota, Beth
    This paper investigates the existing Tanzanian e-government services for economic development through a systematic review of the literature. The main objective is to examine researchers’ articles on e-government services towards achieving the Tanzanian economic growth as well as the current issues and trends on e-government globally. Specifically, this study aims to answer three research questions on: what are the functional e-government services in Tanzania? What is the level of Tanzanian e-government service performance? And what are the factors influencing Tanzanian e-government service performance for economic development? A systematic literature search was conducted on four aggregate data sources, which included Google Scholar, ResearchGate, CORE, and Refseek. A combination of search key terms was employed to obtain the data sources from 2015 to 2022. One hundred and five articles were found by the combined search and screened, resulting to eighteen articles that were recommended for the study. Content and Microsoft Excel computer application were used to analyse the screened data sources. The findings reveal that, a number of functional services is offered and considered potential for revenue collection and contribute to the nation’s economic development. Nevertheless, Tanzania has improved and dynamically advanced to the transaction level of e-government implementation where the majority of the citizens interact for services and information. However, factors related to the activeness of the platforms, accessibility, usability, infrastructure, security issues, privacy, and technical support services among others, were identified to influence the performance of Tanzanian e-government services and thus call attention to the government in addressing these issues.