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Examining the Prospects and Barriers to Institutionalising Information Literacy as a Credit-Bearing Course for First-Year Students at Lira University: A Mixed-Methods Convergent Study
(Open Access Library Journal, 2025) Asio, Paska; Izaruku, Ronald
This study investigated the Prospects and Barriers of Institutionalising Information Literacy as a Credit Course in First-Year Programmes at Lira University. The study was motivated by the perceived deficiency of information literacy (IL) skills among first-year students, which many respondents associated with difficulties in academic research, effective information use, and independent learning. A mixed-methods approach with a convergent research design was employed, targeting 190 students selected through proportionate stratified sampling and purposively selected Head of Departments (HoDs). Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings revealed strong support for embedding IL into first-year programmes, as it was perceived to enhance students’ research competence, information retrieval, ethical resource use, and overall academic confidence. Orientation sessions were rated as highly valuable entry points for IL training. However, several barriers hindered full integration, including inadequate institutional support, limited ICT infrastructure, low awareness of IL initiatives, insufficient staff capacity, and ineffective promotion of library services. Overreliance on online sources and heavy academic workloads further constrained student engagement in IL activities. The study concludes that integrating IL as a credit-bearing course would address key skill gaps and better prepare students for academic and lifelong learning. It recommends institutional commitment to IL awareness, infrastructure improvement, staff development, and formal inclusion of IL in the first-year curriculum to nurture independent, research-oriented, and critical thinkers.
Use of Social Media in Marketing Library Services at Lira University Library
(Open Access Library Journal, 2025-10-28) Akuku, Susan Mary; Izaruku, Ronald
This study investigated the Use of Social Media in Marketing Library Services at Lira University Library. The main issue addressed is the limited engagement of students with social media accounts, which affects their awareness of library services available via these platforms and, consequently impacts the quality of education. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a convergent parallel design; the target population included final-year students at Lira University and some library staff. The sample size of 230 students for the quantitative component was determined using Yamane’s simplified formula for sample size calculation while purposive sampling was selected for the qualitative component. Data collection involved structured, closed-ended questionnaires and in-depth, open-ended interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26, while qualitative interview data were transcribed and analysed thematically. The results revealed that although final-year students were aware of social media platforms, their level of engagement remained low. Facebook was the most frequently used platform for marketing library services. The findings also identified challenges such as insufficient staff skills in using social media tools, a lack of social media policies, inadequate funding, and unstable internet connectivity as major barriers to adopting social media for marketing library services. The study concluded that social media platforms can improve the visibility, accessibility, and engagement with library services. It recommended staff training, increased funding for the library, clearer policies on social media use, enhanced internet stability, and the ongoing maintenance of existing social media tools.
Digital Literacy Skills among Librarians in Nursing and Midwifery Training Institutions in Lango Subregion
(Open Access Library Journal, 2025) Izaruku, Ronald; Ajwang, Lydia
This study investigated the level of digital skills (DS) among librarians working in nursing and midwifery training institutions in the Lango subregion, aiming to propose recommendations that may be adopted by these institutions to develop the DS of their librarians. The major issue underlying the study is the inadequate digital literacy skills of librarians in nursing and midwifery training institutions, which hinders their ability to effectively support teaching, learning, and access to digital health information resources. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a convergent parallel design; the target population consisted of librarians working in nursing and midwifery training institutions. A census approach was adopted for the quantitative component, while a purposive sampling method was preferred for the qualitative component. Data were collected through both a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. In contrast, qualitative data from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings of the study established that the librarians do not possess the basic digital skills required of a 21st-century librarian. Regarding how they acquire their digital skills, the study found that the most common methods are learning through colleagues, self-teaching, workshops, seminars, and attending library schools. Concerning the challenges faced while acquiring these skills, the major challenges identified include inadequate library ICT instructors, limited funding, frequent power outages, technophobia, unstable internet, and poor attitudes of librarians, among others. The study recommended increasing funding to the library, improving internet stability, sponsoring and encouraging librarians to pursue CPD online courses, upgrading library ICT infrastructure, securing alternative sources of power, and encouraging institutions to join CUUL and RENU, among others.
Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Library and Information Services Sector: Implications and Prospects for Uganda
(East African Journal of Information Technology, 2025) Kutyamukama, Alice Gitta; Ojulong, Andrew; Ezuru, Alice Endra; Nalumansi, Mary
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is characterised by advancements in the business models, transforming library and information services. To systematically explore the impact of the 4IR on library and information services, a comprehensive literature review was conducted employing predictive analysis. This methodology involved a multi-step process beginning with the identification of relevant literature through My LOFT, Research4Life, and Google Scholar. Keywords related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, library services, big data, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation were used to filter sources. This approach enabled the identification of key patterns, potential impacts, and future directions in the integration of 4IR technologies within libraries. Through this rigorous analysis, the review aimed to provide a detailed and predictive understanding of how libraries can adapt to and leverage these emerging technologies to enhance their service delivery and operational efficiency. Findings suggest that the 4IR technological disruption is distinct in its speed, scope, and impact on systems. Libraries from low-resource settings face unique challenges in adopting these technologies due to the digital divide perpetrated by economic constraints and infrastructural limitations. However, they have the opportunity to narrow the divide and enhance service delivery through innovative use of 4IR technologies. Despite the magnificent possibilities, there are some sceptics raising privacy concerns, job displacement, and the need for significant investment in human capital and technology. However, this study recommends that libraries must adapt by embracing flexible work models, leveraging mobile apps, employing AI and robotics where affordable, and investing in high-speed internet. The Fourth Industrial Revolution compels libraries to reimagine their roles, ensuring they remain vital in the trending digital dispensation. As such, library professionals in Uganda must stay abreast of technological trends, continuously update their skills, and foster an inclusive approach to technology adoption to navigate and thrive in this new era.
Operation and maintenance challenges in ensuring safe drinking water in Uganda
(International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2025) Mwesigwa, David; Ogwang, Patrick; Okuna, Victor
Ensuring safe drinking is a goal with profound implications for the achievement of various of various sustainable development goals, including health outcomes, education, and food security. This account examines the operation and maintenance challenges in ensuring safe drinking water in developing countries with particular attention put to Uganda. We find that the challenges to ensuring safe drinking water include operation and management, inadequate skilled labor, high operating costs, excessive repair and replacement expenses. Specifically, recognition of the challenges inherent in the ambitious targets is an urgent necessity is Uganda is to achieve the goal of quality water infrastructures, which involves restoring and maintaining clean water sources as well as promoting hygiene and investing in sanitation facilities. Furthermore, a national urban water and sanitation intervention is key to supporting urban authorities in the provision of safe drinking water. Community participation emerges as a desirable channel through which improved access to safe drinking water would be achieved in much of the country. Its main duties would be to set tariffs, provide consumer protection, and resolve disputes between sector stakeholders. We infer that the challenges facing provision of clean and safe water in Uganda revolve around poor consideration of operation and maintenance of water facilities in both rural and urban centers since limited consideration is given during planning, design, budgeting, monitoring and implementation of water projects. It is encouraged that government and development partners consider planning and allocation of resources in their quest to providing clean and safe drinking water to the population.