Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita

Use of Electronic Information Resources by Undergraduate Students in the Faculty of Management and Administration at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe

This study was carried out at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. It sought to evaluate the usage of Electronic Information Resources by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Management and Administration at Africa University. Data was collected through questionnaires from undergraduate students in the Faculty of Management and Administration at Africa University. The methodology used was a descriptive survey while the sampling technique used was purposive. The observation technique was used to observe the information seeking behaviour of the students and the type of information they frequently consult. The study established that there was a low usage of Electronic Information Resources by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Management and Administration due to socio and technical challenges. From the findings it can be concluded that students lacked adequate hands-on skills required to retrieve information from subscribed Original Research Article Madondo et al.; ARJASS, 2(2): 1-12, 2017; Article no.ARJASS.29633 2 electronic information resources hence low usage. Furthermore it can be recommended that the Library should ensure that there is adequate information communication technology infrastructure and practical information retrieval training for students to empower them in effective electronic information utilization.

Developing a National Library Consortium in Zimbabwe: Lessons Learnt from Other Countries

This article examines the main lessons learnt from other countries to aid in accelerating the development of library consortia in Zimbabwe. The study explored the development of library consortia in southern Africa, other parts of Africa and countries outside Africa. The study used a survey research method as a single research design. The survey design allowed for methodological pluralism. The study sought to generate knowledge on the experiences of other countries in developing library consortia for nationwide access. The main research question driving the study is “What lessons can Zimbabwe learn from the successes and challenges of library consortia in southern Africa and elsewhere to construct a model that will support the country’s national development agenda?” The research sites for this study were academic libraries subscribing to the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and the College and Research Library Consortia (CARLC). The researcher selected 10 members from the ZULC and five members from the CARLC as research sites. The lessons drawn from other countries were used as the basis for developing a library consortia model for Zimbabwe. Lessons on library consortia developments with regard to experiences, challenges and opportunities have been drawn, and an integrated multifaceted model is suggested for Zimbabwe to develop a national consortium providing for nationwide access. The study recommends that there should be a special investigation into the establishment of the general consortium, involving representatives from public, school, and other special libraries. Developing and consolidating structures for connecting the library consortia are necessary to ensure the effective and successful operationalisation of the federated model.