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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.
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.
Need assessment for the deployment of an Institutional Repository at Mzumbe University
(DRPS - Mzumbe University, 2011) Kuzilwa, M.; Bea, G.; Mosha, G.; Ghasia, M
This study focused on understanding the need for establishing an Institutional Repository (IR) at Mzumbe University from the readers’ perspective. The study used a sample of 222 respondents comprising staff and students drawn from Mzumbe University's Main Campus, Dar es salaam Campus College (DCC) and Mbeya Campus College (MCC). The sample was selected using the purposive sampling procedure for the explicit purpose of obtaining information from the two main groups of respondents, that is, males and females. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using the content analysis procedure and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and results were presented in tables and figures showing descriptive statistics, mainly frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that the majority of Mzumbe University readers (96%) support the establishment of an IR. This is due to some of the perceived benefits to be gained, such as increased and wider access to information needed for teaching and learning, as well as increased visibility of Mzumbe University research output that would be useful for the prestige of authors and the University.
Business information needs and seeking behavior of tie and dye Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurs (SMSEs)
(Journal Article in Interdisciplinary Studies on Information Technology and Business (ISITB, 2013) Peter, Siyao; Mosha, Goodluck E.; Ochieng, Lucy Mathoro.
This study investigates the business information needs and seeking behavior of tie and dye SMSEs in Ilala and Kinondoni Districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It comprised a sample of 50 respondents who were largely 41(82%) females and only 9(18%) males. It used a cross-sectional design for both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected by using structured questionnaires, and face –to –face interviews. The ones collected through questionnaires were summarized and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread sheet. Data from the in-depth interview were analyzed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that: firstly tie and dye SMSE members prefer to seek information through radios, printed materials, television, mobile and landline phones, friends, relatives, neighbors, business leaders, and by consulting the experienced SMSEs so as to share information. Secondly, the mostly needed tie and dye information includes market situation, credit availability from financial institutions, information on business risks, sources of raw materials, and information on external market opportunities. Thirdly, the study identified challenges facing the tie and dye SMSEs in seeking for information. The challenges were: excessive cost of accessing information, format and language problems, lack of knowledge and skills on how to seek information and inaccessible information sources such as libraries and information centers. The study recommends the presence of accessible libraries and information centers containing relevant and simple information materials written in well understood languages on tie and dye business.
Business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMSEs)
(Journal Article in Interdisciplinary Studies on Information Technology and Business (ISITB), 2013) Siyao, P. O.; Mosha G. E.; Ochieng, L.M
This study investigates the business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye SMSEs in Ilala and Kinondoni Districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It comprised a sample of 50 respondents who were largely 41(82%) females and only 9(18%) males. It used a cross-sectional design for both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected by using structured questionnaires, and face –to –face interviews. The ones collected through questionnaires were summarised and analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread sheet. Data from the in-depth interview were analysed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that: firstly tie and dye SMSE members prefer to seek information through radios, printed materials, television, mobile and landline phones, friends, relatives, neighbours, business leaders, and by consulting the experienced SMSEs so as to share information. Secondly, the mostly needed tie and dye information includes market situation, credit availability from financial institutions, information on business risks, sources of raw materials, and information on external market opportunities. Thirdly, the study identified challenges facing the tie and dye SMSEs in seeking for information. The challenges were: excessive cost of accessing information, format and language problems, lack of knowledge and skills on how to seek information and inaccessible information sources such as libraries and information centers. The study recommends the presence of accessible libraries and information centers containing relevant and simple information materials written in well understood languages on tie and dye business.
Library cataloguing and classification: A study text for beginners
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mosha, Goodluck E.; George, Bea, K.
This book gives a simple elucidation of most of the concepts developed regarding cataloguing, classification and library automation with suitable illustrations necessary in making the topics understandable. It also makes clear the principles of both practical cataloguing and classification. Introductory, middle and final chapters integrate needs of library professionals on the concepts of cataloguing and classification using traditional and modern procedures including OPACs and automation in libraries and information centres. The book has been designed to serve as a teaching text book for library programmes and also as a reference guide for practical cataloguing and classification of information resources. It is therefore, of immense value to students of library science who can use it to gain both theoretical aspects as well as practical skills in processing library materials.
Business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs)
(NAISIT, 2013) Ochien, Lucy, Mathoro; Mosha, Goodluck E.; Siyao, Peter O.
This study investigates the business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye SMSEs in Ilala and Kinondoni Districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It comprised a sample of 50 respondents who were largely 41(82%) females and only 9(18%) males. It used a cross-sectional design for both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected by using structured questionnaires, and face–to–face interviews. The ones collected through questionnaires were summarised and analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Data from the in-depth interview were analysed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that: firstly tie and dye SMSE members prefer to seek information through radios, printed materials, television, mobile and landline phones, friends, relatives, neighbours, and business leaders, and by consulting the experienced SMSEs so as to share information. Secondly, the most needed tie and dye information includes market situation, credit availability from financial institutions, information on business risks, sources of raw materials, and information on external market opportunities. Thirdly, the study identified challenges facing the tie and dye SMSEs in seeking information. The challenges were: excessive cost of accessing information, format and language problems, lack of knowledge and skills on how to seek information and inaccessible information sources such as libraries and information centres. The study recommends the presence of accessible libraries and information centres containing relevant and simple information materials written in well-understood languages on the tie and dye business
A framework for enhancing adoption of e-tax service in Tanzania
(Makerere University, 2014) Deogratus, Daniel
Electronic tax service has proved to facilitate easy communication between clients and the authority in the aspect of helping the clients to have access to the service without time and location boundaries, it is the fact that adoption of electronic tax service in most of developing countries remain poor. As a result of this e-tax service in place are marked with limitations such as technological barriers, low utilization of services, poor electronic service provision, poor customer support. A major contributor to the low adoption rates for e-tax services is the lack of appropriate models to explain e-tax adoption in the Revenue authority. This study aimed to e-tax develop a model that support electronic tax services adoption in Tanzania Revenue authority to fully utilize potential benefits of electronic tax service. A questionnaire based exploratory field study was administered to taxpayers and administrators working with Tanzania Revenue authority. Out of a total of 300 respondents who were given questionnaires, 267 respondents returned validly filled questionnaires showing a response rate of 89%. The factors obtained from the results of the field study were used to extend TOE framework in order to derive a appropriate model that explains the adoption of electronic tax service in Tanzanian context. To validate the model, expert opinions were compared with the results of the field study. The validated results showed that four factors namely: Financial institution participation, Trust, electronic payment systems availability and Training had significantly impact on adopting electronic tax services in Tanzania. These factors could be used as measures to overcome the challenges of e-tax adoption in Developing countries like Tanzania. The results also contribute to electronic tax literature by providing a model for improved understanding of the factors that are vital for the electronic tax adoption. The model is generic and can be adopted for use by other economically and technologically transitioning countries with similar contexts as Tanzania.
Reaching all through open and distance learning in Tanzania
(International journal of African and Asian studies, 2015) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph
The rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the move towards more knowledge-intensive, interdependent and internationalized societies create new challenges and opportunities for the design and delivery of distance education. There are three reasons for disseminating distance education to all societies; vis-à-vis geographical isolation, social isolation and disadvantaged groups. The emergence of the internet and related networks like the World Wide Web and Web 2.0, have had and will increasingly have radical effect on the transformation of education and training in all sectors. The use of innovative teaching and learning methods helps to sustain student’s interest and make the learning process more productive and interesting. The techniques that can be adopted are: the use of internet through which different search engines and subject based information gateways can be used to supplement teaching/learning resources; computer assisted learning and web-based learning which includes virtual laboratories, discussion forum, chat, audiovisual presentation, noodling and tutorials. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and its education agencies have to review the curriculum and establish centers at district, municipal or at ward level through which open and distance learning can be accessed by the majority. Also, they have the role of ensuring that the facilities used for the programme are user-friendly to learners and particularly those with physical disabilities. However, quality assurance unit incorporating curriculum developers needs to be in place for monitoring and evaluation of the resources, ICT facilities, courses and programmes offered and the learning content, the staff, technology, learning methods and services.
Address cancer awareness among rural women: A case study of Morogoro rural district
(International journal of scientific and research publications, 2015) Kotoroi, Gladness
The paper aims at establishing strategies for improving access to, and use of information on cancer by women in Morogoro Rural District for addressing cancer. Specific objectives were to: assess the status of cancer awareness among women in Morogoro Rural District, identify challenges encountered by rural women when accessing information on cancer and to recommend strategies that will enhance dissemination and use of information on cancer. Social survey method was used for conducting this study. The data were collected from a total of 100 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations. The respondents were drawn from four villages of two wards of the study area. The findings revealed that cancer is still not well known by rural women. The findings indicated that rural women faced many challenges on access and use information on cancer. They had limited access to information on cancer namely: unawareness about cancer disease, levels of illiteracy, lack of time, limited sources of information, and unavailability of proper places at which information could be accessed The study recommended that in order to deal with the problem of illiteracy adult education programme should be organized. On the other hand the study recommends that several media be used for disseminating information so that information can be accessed conveniently by different stakeholders according to their preferences. On top of that, health workers in collaboration with other stakeholders, should be encouraged to diversify ways of disseminating health information. The government should also set aside budget for dissemination of information on cancer as is the case for other diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Impact of information technology in banking innovations: A case of Azania bank limited Tegeta- Dar es Salaam
(International journal of scientific and research publications, 2015) Kotoroi, Gladness
Innovation is broadly seen as an essential component of competitiveness, embedded in the organizational structures, processes, products, and services within a firm. The objective of this paper is to explore the impacts of technological innovation to the performance, in banking industry. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam using Azania Bank Ltd at Tegeta branch as a case study. The population of the study included all Azania staff and its costumes the sample size of 58 respondents was drawn randomly from the entire population. Primary and secondary data were collected using interview, and observation The qualitative data were content analyzed while quantitative data were analysis’ numerically, analyzed. Results of this study reveal that ICT has impacted positively on banking performance. It is also observed that market performance indicators’ such as net income and market share are supported by innovation types performed. The researcher suggests that banks should continue to employ farther technological innovation in “back-office” technologies, as well as to “front-office” technologies in order to improve their performance and increase customer satisfaction. The research also suggests that organizational research should be done before the implementation of any new technological application as well as periodical evaluation must be done after the implementation to ensure progressively market performance. The findings provided by this research have significant implications for the commercial applications when designing marketing strategies to improve business performance in banking industry. Having a clear understanding of the exact nature of innovations will help banks to prioritize their market, services and technology strategies, to be followed by appropriate subsequent action plan
An assessment of the readiness of President’s Office Public Service Management in electronic records management: A case of Tanzania Public Service College and Records and Archives Division
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Newa, Judith Romwald
The study assessed the readiness of the President’s Office Public Service Management, (PO¬PSM) in electronic records management at the Records and Archives Management Division (RAMD) and Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC). Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through self administered questionnaire, face to face interview and non participatory observation while secondary sources were collected through review of various documentary sources. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) whereby qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. Generally, the key findings revealed that the PO-PSM is not well prepared in electronic records management, since various factors were identified which hindered its effectiveness, such as ,lack of awareness and attitude, lack of technical support, inadequate funding, lack of harmonized legal framework on electronic records management and shortage of experts in electronic records management. Other factors were inadequate facilities, and Internet connectivity. Finally, the study recommends that the government should support higher learning in introducing and enhancing LIS and e-records management curriculum at various colleges and universities in the country through the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and TCU, government should ensure legal framework on e-records management are implemented. Also, PO-PSM and RAMD should mobilize for adequate funds from donors, government and private sectors to support implementation and utilization of ERM, staff training and acquisition of software and hardware applications. In addition to that, the RAMD should to be made increasing ICT facilities, and installation of e-records and security systems to enhance security of electronic records.
Academic libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science
(International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 2017) Siyao, P.O.; Whong, M.F.; Martin-Yeboah, E.; Namamonde,A
The study aims at examining libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science. It also seeks to explore existing open science practices, ascertain the level of participation of academic libraries in open science activities, identify the strategies used in marketing open science platforms and enumerate the challenges hindering the success of open science in the selected countries. The study was guided by the qualitative school of thought where the researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, and reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting. The study employed the multiple case study research design approach to assess how academic libraries in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda promote open science. The findings show that there are few scholarly journals which exist in open access for most African academies in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Though not massively adopted, open access institutional repositories have been used to preserve and publicize the digital contents in some academic institutions in Africa such as theses, dissertations, administrative and heritage materials, conference proceedings as well as pre-prints and post-print of journal articles. The study recommends the intensification of open science advocacy in academic libraries in Sub- Saharan Africa; institutions should ensure that there is a stable electricity supply as well as reliable internet connectivity, introducing regular training on emerging media technologies to the community members and strengthening the libraries consortium in Sub-Saharan Africa as an enabling platform to share intellectual productivity of their member countries
Determinants of research information seeking and usage: A case of postgraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(Kenyatta University, 2018) Kotoroi, Gladness
Research information is a variety of information required by a researcher who needs to conduct a scientific inquiry on how to select, formulate and develop a research theme of a subject matter in relation to the identified problem within a well-designed methodological framework (Bailey, 2014). Being an assortment of information, it is obtained from individual needs of the researcher and various information sources embedded within the necessities for new knowledge in order to expand or validate the already known information through the process of research information seeking (RIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate on key determinants of postgraduate students’ research information seeking and usage at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in order establish appropriate ways for exploring research information and how the new knowledge gained in form of research findings can practically be shared and utilized for further developments. The study used a sense-making theory to inform the study. The descriptive research design was used. The study used a target population of 1043 Masters’ students, from which a sample of 115 was drawn using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. To ensure reliability and validity, a pilot study was conducted and generated a Cronbach’ Alpha 0.76 which was acceptable. Data were generated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 25). Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used for analysis. The study established that the most influential determinant of postgraduate students’ research information seeking (RIS) and use is the research information needs that tend to differ subject to students’ research stage and the problem at hand. It further established that postgraduate students use different information sources where, the likelihood of information sources to be selected and used is determined by perceived accessibility, ease of use, quality and source’ convenience. The study also revealed that most (62%) of students valued e-sources which were the most frequently used, and they were strongly satisfied with the internet source. It further shows that students have no intention to disseminate their research findings at the end of their degree program except for few (28%), who indicated they need to disseminate their research findings. In addition, the study revealed that the students’ research findings’ utilization was triggered by a number of obstructions. The study recommended that the government needs to provide postgraduate degree sponsorship. It also recommended that specific research submission policy should be put in place. A deliberate and transparent process of transferring research-based knowledge in practice should be instituted as well. In addition, the study recommended that there is a need to conduct further research to identify the obstacles to better research policy communication, capacity and willingness to utilize research findings from postgraduate students.
Analysis of customers’ satisfaction with library services at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in Morogoro region in Tanzania
(University of nebrasker, 2018) Bea, George; Musabila, Albogast; Deogratus, Daniel
This paper analyses customers' satisfaction with services of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) using a mixed-method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaire and interviews, which were supplemented by document analysis. A total of 72 respondents were selected using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables, pie charts and percentages. The expectancy disconfirmation theory with Four-Level Zone of Tolerance (ZoT) developed by Oliver (1980) guided data analysis in this study. Findings indicate that learning materials and services provided by SNAL are relatively sufficient due to satisfaction level of majority of customers being over 50%. This shows that the Library has relevant learning materials which mostly meet users’ needs. However, some respondents showed dissatisfaction with challenges they faced in accessing library resources due to: poor arrangement of books in shelves that made users to spend a lot of time in searching materials, lack of adequate security in the Library that made some users’ properties in their bags temporarily kept in the Library being stolen and lack of good customer care practices from some library staff. The study recommends the factors prompting users’ dissatisfaction be addressed so as to regain customers’ satisfaction and loyalty to the Library. Key words: Customers/users, satisfaction, dissatisfaction and services. To read a main article, please copy and paste this link (http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1899) in your web browser and click down, or search using its title.
Coverage of climate change information in Tanzanian newspapers
(2018) Siyao, PO.,Sife, AS 2018)
Purpose – This study was conducted to analyse the extent at which Tanzanian newspapers paid attention to climate change information over the period of 10 years between January 2006 and December 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Six Tanzanian newspapers were quantitatively content analysed for frequencies of coverage to climate change information. Findings – The results indicate that of total six Tanzanian newspapers had very few (684; 0.84 per cent) articles on climate change which is an average of 68.4 articles per year. Much attention was given to entertainment (24,331; 30 per cent) followed by miscellaneous (19,413; 24.0 per cent) and advertisements (18,112; 22.3 per cent). The Pearson’s chi-square test indicates that there was a significant difference in x 2 = 21,765, p-value < 2.2e 16 between the level of coverage of climate change articles on other topics in the selected newspapers. Research limitations/implications – Scanning the sampled six newspapers for climate change information and recording the results in the code sheet for the period of 10 years was a tedious and timeconsuming exercise which demanded researchers and coders to be extremely careful. Also it is possible that the sampling strategy used led to missing some data that would have resulted into different conclusions about each newspaper’s coverage on climate change. However, the systematic sampling strategy was applied for a long period, that is, 40 months for each newspaper that increased the reliability and accuracy of the results and conclusions about the overall trends in each newspaper’s coverage of climate change information. Practical implications – These findings imply that, as the disseminators of information, Tanzanian newspapers did not pay adequate attention to climate change issues. The study concludes that contrary to the fact that climate change is among the threatening phenomena in Tanzania that would commensurate a significant attention in the media, the findings of this study indicate that the volume of coverage devoted to climate change by the newspapers in Tanzania is very low and disproportionate to the level of threat. This leaves a question on the Tanzanian newspapers’ dedication to reporting climate change information. It is therefore recommended that newspapers’ media owners, editors and journalists should be environmental nationalistic enough to frequently report climate change information, and the scope of the government-owned newspapers should be revisited to ensure more coverage of climate change information in their publication which can be done by having a section specifically dedicated for climate change issue. Originality/value – This study has therefore contributed to the growing body of analytical research knowledge on the role of newspapers in the dissemination of climate change information in Tanzania. This study has also highlighted the importance of taking into account newspapers coverage of climate change information which can further be used for policy recommendations to improve the climate change information communication system through the use of newspapers and show the credibility of the newspapers in creating awareness of climate change in Tanzania.
Involvement of library users in collection development of hybrid academic libraries in Tanzania
(International journal of library and information science, 2018) Mwilongo, Kardo
Collection development in any academic library is an on-going process. It is undertaken by librarians and library services staff with inputs from different stakeholders, including the academic and non-academic staff, administrators, and students. The main objective of this paper is to assess the involvement of library users in collection development of hybrid academic libraries in Tanzania. A triangulation approach for data gathering was adopted. Structured and standardized self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 82 respondents who were randomly selected from a population of 301 library professionals and academic staff. Key informant interviews were conducted with four library directors and four ministers of education for students’ organizations to complement the data obtained through the questionnaires. The findings of this study indicate that library users lack information literacy skills and they are rarely involved in selection, evaluation and weeding of library information resources. Based on this ground, it is recommended that academic libraries should establish an academia forum within a library website for sharing information with the academic departments and information users in general in respect to library collection development. Additionally, users should be provided with annual evaluation and weeding forms to comment on quality and usefulness of the resources and data sources available in their respective areas of study and suggest for amendments where necessary.
Determinants of research Information seeking and usage: A case of postgraduate students at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
(Kenyatta University, 2018) Kotoroi, Gladness
Research information is a variety of information required by a researcher who needs to conduct a scientific inquiry on how to select, formulate and develop a research theme of a subject matter in relation to the identified problem within a well-designed methodological framework (Bailey, 2014). Being an assortment of information, it is obtained from individual needs of the researcher and various information sources embedded within the necessities for new knowledge in order to expand or validate the already known information through the process of research information seeking (RIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate on key determinants of postgraduate students’ research information seeking and usage at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in order establish appropriate ways for exploring research information and how the new knowledge gained in form of research findings can practically be shared and utilized for further developments. The study used a sense-making theory to inform the study. The descriptive research design was used. The study used a target population of 1043 Masters’ students, from which a sample of 115 was drawn using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. To ensure reliability and validity, a pilot study was conducted and generated a Cronbach’ Alpha 0.76 which was acceptable. Data were generated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 25). Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used for analysis. The study established that the most influential determinant of postgraduate students’ research information seeking (RIS) and use is the research information needs that tend to differ subject to students’ research stage and the problem at hand. It further established that postgraduate students use different information sources where, the likelihood of information sources to be selected and used is determined by perceived accessibility, ease of use, quality and source’ convenience. The study also revealed that most (62%) of students valued e-sources which were the most frequently used, and they were strongly satisfied with the internet source. It further shows that students have no intention to disseminate their research findings at the end of their degree program except for few (28%), who indicated they need to disseminate their research findings. In addition, the study revealed that the students’ research findings’ utilization was triggered by a number of obstructions. The study recommended that the government needs to provide postgraduate degree sponsorship. It also recommended that specific research submission policy should be put in place. A deliberate and transparent process of transferring research-based knowledge in practice should be instituted as well. In addition, the study recommended that there is a need to conduct further research to identify the obstacles to better research policy communication, capacity and willingness to utilize research findings from postgraduate students.
Analysis of customers' satisfaction with library services at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2018) Bea, George; Musabila, Albogast K.; Deogratus Daniel
This paper analyses customers' satisfaction with the services of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) using a mixed-method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interviews, which were supplemented by document analysis. A total of 72 respondents were selected using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables, pie charts and percentages. The expectancy disconfirmation theory with the Four-Level Zone of Tolerance (ZoT) developed by Oliver (1980) guided data analysis in this study. Findings indicate that learning materials and services provided by SNAL are relatively sufficient due to the satisfaction level of the majority of customers being over 50%. This shows that the Library has relevant learning materials which mostly meet users’ needs. However, some respondents showed dissatisfaction with challenges they faced in accessing library resources due to: the poor arrangement of books on shelves made users spend a lot of time searching for materials, lack of adequate security in the Library that made some users’ properties in their bags temporarily kept in the Library being stolen and lack of good customer care practices from some library staff. The study recommends the factors prompting users’ dissatisfaction be addressed so as to regain customers’ satisfaction and loyalty to the Library.
Information seeking behaviour of visually impaired students: The case of University of Dar es salaam
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2020) Kabogolo, Dotto A.
This study examines the information-seeking behaviour of visually impaired students (VIS) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The study was guided by the following specific objectives: determining information needs of VIS at UDSM; examining whether information sources used by visually impaired students meet their academic-related information needs and to find out challenges faced by VIS when seeking information. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Census sampling technique was used to obtain twenty-five VIS to participate in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary reviews. Data were analysed using the thematic data analysis method. With regards to information needs of VIS the study found out that information on how to cope with modern technology in learning and how to move independently are the most dominant categories of information needed by VIS at UDSM. In case information sources available meet VIS academic-related needs, results shows that VIS depends much on students’ group discussions. Information sources like books, e-resources and journals are less supportive for visually impaired students at UDSM to the extent that most of them. The following were the challenges faced by VIS when seeking information: time constraint, lack of modern and up to date facilities and less supportive infrastructures which impede their mobility. From the findings, it is concluded that visually impaired students’ information-seeking behaviours vary from one student to another due to differences in their sight disabilities. The study recommended the following: Special Education Unit at SOED must have enough computers with advanced technology for VIS to access information easily. There should be adequate resources such as the materials and facilities, the unit must repack information sources to a format conducive to VIS; Lecturers have to give proper attention to offer them proper attention in lecturing process.