A.P.N. Thapisa

Perceptions of quality service at the University of Botswana Library: what Nova says

Reports a study to determine the perceptions of the clients of the University of Botswana Library as they relate to quality service, and how far the University Library has succeeded in delivering quality services. A questionnaire was used as the data‐gathering instrument and is appended to the paper.

The impact of globalisation on Africa

Lead paper for a virtual conference on Global Information in Africa proposing that the debate extends beyond the technical and professional. Introduces the impact on education, research, economics and culture, morality, communication, work productivity, and political democracy.

Developing lasting competencies for a twenty‐first century information economy workforce in Africa

Discusses the need to re‐examine the education and training systems for adaptability to issues of institutional change and economic advancement and development, with special reference to Africa. Reports the outcomes of a consultative study involving persons associated with ILS education and training around the globe. The paper was presented at SCECSAL 13 on the 27 July to 1 August 1998 held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mapping Africa’s initiative at building an information and communications infrastructure

The article explores Africa’s initiative at building a regional plan for the formulation and development of a National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICIP) in every African state. The paper also examines the challenges and opportunities confronting Africa in its bid to launch itself into the information age. The role of information, communication and knowledge in accelerating African socio‐economic development is emphasised. The paper makes a critical examination of the globalisation of economies and argues that globalisation appears to favour the rich and not so much the poor. It challenges the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to provide funding for the project if it is to succeed. It eventually concludes by making the observation that Africa’s Information Society Initiative (AISI) should promote Africa.

The impact of global information on Africa

Refers to the growing popularity of “Fidonet” in Africa and compares it with the Internet. Acknowledges that developing countries may miss the information revolution because they lack national information infrastructures and the knowledge and skills required to provide the relevant content for them. Argues that global information should promote human development in areas such as education, health, social services and commercial activity. The Conference of African Ministers recently declared support for the building of Africa’s information highway, recognizing the need for African countries to develop information networks for full Internet connectivity, enabling access to the same information systems for Africa’s economic recovery and sustainable development.

A quest for an agricultural information programme for Southern Africa

Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to end‐users. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.

STRUCTURES, EFFICIENCY AND MOTIVATION AMONG LIBRARIANS

Analyses the relationship between motivation, organizational structures and work design. Advocates the work team approach rather than bureaucratic management and introduces the triple‐tier, dual‐concept organizational structure. Describes the features of an effective payment system. Concludes that, to motivate employees, it is first necessary to study job content with a view to enriching it.

Human Resources Planning in Swaziland : Rolls‐Royce versus Volkswagen Approaches

Aims to shed some light on the modalities and the need for human resources planning in Swaziland libraries. Systematic forecasts of the libraries′ future demand for, and supply of labour should be meticulously undertaken so that Swaziland libraries can put themselves in a better position to plan for the recruitment, selection, training, and career paths of staff. Swaziland′s lack of trained personnel with sufficient knowledge to handle the intricacies of automation has necessitated the external recruitment of expatriate staff, with serious implications for the budget. Swaziland assumed the chairmanship of the SADC Regional Training Council (RTC) which now controls the affairs of the Human Resources Development Sector. One of the projects of this sector has been to create a Regional Human Resource Information System (RHRIS). This project has provided guiding principles to those in the region whose responsibility is human resources planning and development. It is essential that SWALA should develop a human ...

Training for the real working world in an information economy

Examines the need to provide quality education for ILS in Africa in the context of information driven economies and the knowledge economy. The balance between theory and practice is discussed, and objectives for change are set. Logistical support is needed from the government and private sector, rather than having to wait for foreign aid. The managers of ILS departments waste time in administration, rather than managing and envisioning. Questions are raised concerning digital degrees, and it is emphasised that the syllabus for such degrees should emerge from Africa, rather than from other parts of the world.

Bio‐factor analysis of library productivity

The question of low productivity in Botswana is a cause of concern and a study has been carried out into perceptions about productivity in a sample of academic and public librarians. The main barriers to productivity were a lack of: job satisfaction, technological facilities and employee empowerment, together with poor management, working environment, relationship among staff, and inefficient use of human and material resources. The authors suggest that a serious culture change is required which would involve modifying both management and employees attitudes towards work, behaviour and commitment.