Department of Information Studies

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Evaluation of the Services of the Trade Information
(University of Ghana, 1985-07) Boakye, G.O.; Oddoye, D.E.M.; Oddoye, E.O.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Information Studies
Evaluation of the Reference Service of the University of Cape Coast Library
(University of Ghana, 1992-09-30) Opoku, E.
The study puts under critical analysis the reference service of the University of Cape Coast library and the extent it goes to ensure the maximum use of the library's resources by the clientele, as well as the satisfaction derived from the service. However, the study revealed that the extent to which the reference department can go to fulfil its stated objectives, and satisfy user needs are hampered by inadequate resources inputs (like current literature, diverse and reliable services, enough qualified personnel) and dwindling facilities in the face of growing demands. Finally, some recommendations were made on how to overcome these problems.
Book Aid in Library Development. A Case Study of the Ghana Book Trust and Ranfurly Library Services
(University of Ghana, 1992-10) Amoako, R.K.
A number of International Organizations have donated books and provided cash for book purchases toward library development in Ghana. This essay has attempted to examine the roles played by the Ghana Book Trust and the Ranfurly Library Services. An attempt has also been made at the determining the importance and impact of book aid. A justification for the continued reliance on book aid has been made despite dissenting views on this type of assistance. The essay concludes by making recommendations for improving the book donation programme in Ghana.
An Evaluation Of The Records Management Practices At The Social Security And National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Records Department
(University of Ghana, 1998) Andoh-Bissue, G.
A common factor in all decision making is information. As a consequence, the value of information as an aid to decision making has increased. Managers are however limited by the amount of information they can absorb in terms of cerebral capacity and physical time. The answer lies in improving the quality of information on which they base their decision. Records management is concerned with the management of information. Both the public and private sectors need information to function properly, if that information is mismanaged or is not available, organisations might cease to exist. As governments and businesses have expanded during the twentieth century, so has the need for information and records management. Records must be managed by the organisations that originate them from the moment they are created. How records are created and what information they contain is as much a records management consideration as is the maintenance of that information while it is being used and its ultimate disposal when it is no longer needed. Records management can therefore, be simply defined as the systematic control of organisation's information, whether on tape, disk, paper or film, from its creation through its use, to its permanent retention or legal destruction. Records management in an organisation involves people working at all levels who display skills ranging from the filing of day to day papers through the design of classification and indexing systems to the operation of retention schedules and data storage facilities. Successful records management is thus the co-ordinated application of all these skills to ensure the fullest use of organisation' s information sources. With a viable records management program in operation, an organisation can control both the quality and quantity of the information that it creates, maintain that information in a manner that effectively serves its needs when it is no longer valuable. Records and information management has become more sophisticated as a result of the increasing demand for information and advances in records keeping technology. Modem computer technology has made records management a lot easier than just a few years ago. It is however, an undeniable fact that records management is accorded low priority, because price tags cannot be placed on them. This has affected major policies and programs of governments because of the lack of reliable and accurate data to support such decisions. This problem is aggravated by the lack of qualified staff and even qualified managers to direct the records keeping process. The results of the above creates a situation where records are kept in attics or basements with no clear cut procedures for sorting, arranging and classification which ultimately affect retrievals. In the final analysis, adhoc measures are pursued when it comes to the disposal of such records which may lead to the loss of valuable records needed for decision making or for research purposes.
Information-Seeking Behaviour and Information Use by Graduate Students of the Department of Library and Archival Studies (DLAS), University of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 1998-09) Fiankor, D.K.
Disaster Management in the Balme Library, University Of Ghana, Legon
(University of Ghana, 1999) Adinku, S.A.
The Balme Library is set up to provide materials for researchers, lecturers. students and the general public To protect and preserve these materials from being destroyed by pests, rainstorm. fire or any natural or man-made hazards there IS the need to have a comprehensive management plan aimed at preventing or mitigation the effects of disasters in the library. Potential hazards and areas prone to disasters have been Identified through risk assessment questionnaires, personal interviews, and documentary sources The study reveals the existence of fire and flood hazards in addition to the presence of Biological chemical and' mechanical deterioration However, the Inadequate measures In place indicates that there is no disaster management plan In the library In View of the above, several suggestions and recommendations were made In order draw up a disaster management plan for the library.
The Reading Habits of the School of Administration Undergraduate Students, University of Ghana, Legon
(University of Ghana, 1999-09) Afenyo, V.K.
The study examined the reading habits of the undergraduate students of the School of Administration, Lgon. The Sample consisted of 217 students comprising 165 males and 52 females randomly selected. Questionnaire method was adopted to elicit information from the sample. Simple percentages, Chi square and Correlation were the statistical methods applied. Three out of four hypothese formulated were accepted. The research found no significant difference between the male and female students' pleasure reading. Positive correlation has been established between the students' pleasure reading and educational background of fathers. The research also revealed a positive correlation between library provision at home and the students' pleasure reading habits. It has been observed that the students do achievement reading most. These and other findings were discussed in the main text.
A Study of the Records Management System of the Public Services Commission
(University of Ghana, 1999-09) Aggrey, P.
Information management is an important element in the total development of a nation. Although African governments acknowledged this fact little or no effort was made in the solving of the problems of poor information management. In Ghana, the inefficiency in the public sector could be partly attributed to poor management of records. Clearing, the records keeping system established in the colonial era can no longer cope with the complex and growing challenges of modem administration. The cost to the machinery bf government depending on the poor records systems cannot be measured. The systems have also deprived the government agencies the needed information for administration and development. It has undermined their ability to formulate, evaluate and maintain continuity of policy. The Public Services Commission is an important agency of government With personnel management functions. The study will establish that the responsibilities and executive functions of the commission had led to increasing burden on the records management systems in operation. The study is to bring to the notice of the Commission the need for it's record management systems to be restructured and computerised in order to stimulate greater efficiency in the formulation and implementation of government policies and programmes. Proposals on the computerising of the records management systems would be presented with recommendations that it would lead to efficiency and effectiveness of the record systems,
Automation of Private School Libraries in Ghana: A Case Study of SOS-HERMANN GMEINER International College, Tema
(University of Ghana, 2000-10) Awortwe-Abban, J.P.
The automation of information systems is now a necessity. School libraries. as information centres In second-cycle institutions, must automate their services in order to provide more efficient and quality services as well as introduce new information media for the enhancement of the schools' instructional programmes This study is conducted partly to investigate the role of these multimedia in he enhancement of information provision in schools. It also sets out to investigate the integration of school libraries in the academic programmes of schools, using the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Library automation as a case study. The methodology adopted for the collection of data is the cross sectional survey, based mainly on the use of the interview and survey questionnaire. The results of the study are presented in the form of descriptive statistics and the facts emerging from the study commented upon. The major conclusion drawn from the study is that though an expensive venture, automation is crucial to the enhancement of the teaching-learning situation in schools and must be adopted in all school libraries in Ghana, as a matter of necessity. Based on the conclusion the recommendation is made to the Ministry of Education of Ghana and the proprietors of private secondary schools on how best to automate school libraries in the face of the current low budgetary allocations from Government.
Students' Perceptions of Service Quality at the Balme Library, University Of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2000-11) Katsekpor, S.A.
The Balme library is the main library of the University of Ghana. It is the Country's premier University library and renders a wide range of services to the academic community. Although provision of facilities and staffing appear to be adequate there seem to be less emphasis on service delivery. So far it appears that no effort has been made to assess service quality as perceived by the client at Balme. This study is conducted to determine the perceptions of students as they relate to quality service at the BaIme library. The methodology adopted for the collection of data is the cross-sectional survey based mainly on survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was organised into six service determinants. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Based on the responses, in conjunction with the comments the following conclusions could be drawn. The library staff is generally knowledgeable, helpful courteous according to the students they serve. However it should be recognised as a means and not an end in itself. Equipment needs to be widely available and to work consistently whether it be photocopier, microfilm reader or computer. Collections in the library needed to be expanded and updated. Library is not open long enough to satisfy users especially those who patronize electronic services. Based on these and other conclusion, recommendations are made to the University authorities and the librarian on how best to improve on the emerging issues in the face of the dwindling budgetary support.
Awareness and Use of the Internet by Academic Staff and Students of the University Of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2001-10) Markwei, E.D.
The aim of the study was 10 find the extent of awareness and use of the Internet and its sources by academic staff and postgraduate students of the University of Ghana. The purposes for. motivations. the limitations and barriers in using the Internet were explored; so were the differences in use among staff, students, and faculty. The survey method was used. Questionnaires were distributed to 175 academic Staff and 216 postgraduate students. One hundred and twenty three (123) and 121 usable responses were received from staff and students respectively. The responses have been presented and analyzed. The main findings of the study indicate that, both staff and students are fully aware of the Internet and most of its services. Academic staff in general use the lnternet and its services more than students. However. both staff and students from the science faculty use the Internet and its services more than those from the Arts and Social Science facu lties. The study also established that, among the services. Email is highly used by both staff and students. The main motivation far using the Internet is communication with friends and colleagues; and the main limitation in Internet usage is slow data transmission in the case of staff, and difficulty in locating information in the case students. The main barriers to using the Internet arc: frequeat1y disrupted service and inadequate time available to users for accessing the net. A significant relationship has been established between Internet use and age of student, faculty of student, and computer usage of both staff and students Both staff and students found the Internet a very useful resource that. provides them with information in their subject fields. The main reason for non-use of the Internet is inadequate training The study recommended among others, the training of staff and students to use specific tools to ensure effective use of the internet in all their academic pursuits.
Internet Use in Second Cycle Institutions in Ghana: A Study of Achimota School
(University of Ghana, 2001-12) Arthur, C.; Kisiedu, C.O.; University of Ghana, College of Education,School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information Studies
Internet use in educational institutes has benefits for both professional development of teachers and the educational work of students. In Ghana, there have been several initiatives such as World of Learning Project (WorLD Links), a World Bank sponsored programme, coupled with assistance from corporate bodies like Ghana Telecom, Network Computer Systems (NCS), Africa Online and Standard Chartered Bank Limited, for promoting the use of the Internet for educational purposes. The work studied the use of the Internet in educational institutions focusing on second cycle institutions in general. Achimota School was use as a case study. The school was selected because it was one of the first second cycle institutions to have started teaching computer skills and Internet use in the country. The study involved interviewing the headmistress, the computer laboratory master and forms 2 and 3 students using structured interviews in 2001. The study showed, among other things, that many of the teachers and students learnt about the Internet in 1997 and 1999 respectively. In the case of the teachers, the major means through which this was done was through their colleagues but amongst the students, television was the leading me^kjm through which they learnt about the Internet. The use of posters was the least of the means through which both teachers and students have learnt about the Internet. The study also showed that many of the teachers and students were taught the use of the facility in the school even though the number of personal computers is inadequate. There is restriction on teachers and students in terms of access to the Internet. \ Both teachers and students expressed the desire for more time with the facility for independent use. The study showed that there was the likelihood of a minor problem with a machine which are normally fixed by the computer laboratory master. There is however no specific agency to handle major problems as and when they come up. It is suggested that employing the services of a specific company might help reduce the spate of breakdown of the machines since the company might become familiar with their computers and get to know how to fix these problems on a more permanent basis. Some of the recommendations put forward are that the school should consider connecting other centres of learning in the school such as the library to the Internet. In so doing, the computer laboratory could be used purposely for training cyber cafes should also be allowed to operate on pilot basis on the campus. The idea of a feedback mechanism could assist the school to know the kind of emphasis that would be necessary in teaching of skills acquisition in computer and Internet use.
Internet Use in Second Cycle Institutions in Ghana: A Study of Achimota School
(University of Ghana, 2001-12) Arthur, C.
Internet use in educational institutes has benefits for both professional development of teachers and the educational work of students. In Ghana, there have been several initiatives such as World of learning Project (WorlD Links), a World Bank sponsored programme, coupled with assistance from corporate bodies like Ghana Telecom, Network Computer Systems (NCS), Africa Online and Standard Chartered Bank Limited, for promoting the use of the Internet for educational purposes. The work studied the use of the Internet in educational institutions focusing on second cycle institutions in general. Achimota School was use as a case study. The school was selected because it was one of the first second cycle institutions to have started teaching computer skills and Internet use in the country. The study involved interviewing the headmistress, the computer laboratory master and forms 2 and 3 students using structured interviews in 2001. The study showed, among other things, that many of the teachers and students learnt about the Internet in 1997 and 1999 respectively. In the case of the teachers, the major means through which this was done was through their colleagues but amongst the students, television was the leading medium through which they learnt about the Internet. The use of posters was the least of the means through which both teachers and students have learnt about the Internet. The study also showed that many of the teachers and students were taught the use of the facility in the school even though the number of personal computers is inadequate. There is restriction on teachers and students in terms of access to the Internet. Both teachers and students expressed the desire for more time with the facility for independent use. The study showed that there was the likelihood of a minor problem with a machine which are normally fixed by the computer laboratory master. There is however no specific agency to handle major problems as and when they come up. It is suggested that employing the services of a specific company might help reduce the spate of breakdown of the machines since the company might become familiar with their computers and get to know how to fix these problems on a more permanent basis. Some of the recommendations put forward are that the school should consider connecting other centres of learning in the school such as the library to the Internet. In so doing, the computer laboratory could be used purposely for training cyber cafes should also be allowed to operate on pilot basis on the campus. The Idea of a feedback mechanism could assist the school to know the kind of emphasis that would be necessary in teaching of skills acquisition in computer and Internet use.
Problems and Prospects of Automating Public Libraries: A study of the Accra Central Library
(University of Ghana, 2002-06) Mensah, E.A.
The explosion in the quantity of information in this era of Information Technology calls calls for new response in public library operations. Public libraries as information centres. must automate their operations in order to meet the challenges of today's information provision. This study was conducted to investigate the prospects of automating public libraries. the problems that hinder automating public libraries with particular reference to the' Accra Central Library. The methodology adopted for the collection of data was the cross-sectional survey. The Results of the study indicate that, among the problems hindering the automation of the Accra Central Library are lack of adequate funds from the central government to mechanize its library operations, attitude of the library staff for a change and shortage of skilled personnel to operate computer systems. The study revealed that prompt and efficient provision of information is among the prospects of library automation. Based on these conclusions, recommendations were made to the central government and to public library administrators on procedures to guide automating public libraries in view of the current information age in which we find ourselves.
An Evaluation of Library Automaton in Some Ghanaian University Libraries
(University of Ghana, 2002-08) Amekuede, J.K.
Automation in libraries has had far-reaching effects on everyday practices and librarianship as a profession. The use of computers in libraries has had and it is continuing to have a profound effect on all aspects of library and information work. As more information is made available in a variety of formats and in a variety places, the need to manage information effectively becomes critical. And for university libraries to maintain their positions as the University's information centre, they will have to play leading roles in the technological revolution. This thesis is an evaluation of library automation in Ghana's university libraries. The study was undertaken to find out which library processes have been automated in Ghana's three older university libraries namely, the Balme Library, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) Library and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Library. Relevant literature in the area of automation was revised. Using data obtained through the use of questionnaires and interviews, the study examined areas of general automation, automation of specific library processes, networking, internet connectivity, training, the future of library automation at the University libraries and major constraints to library automation. The sampling technique used in study is the purposive sampling method. This sampling technique allowed the researcher to use his skill and prior knowledge to choose respondents. Using this technique, the following samples were selected; 59 for Balme Library, 35 for KNUST Library and 44 for UCC library. The libraries of the three older universities in Ghana, that is, the Balme Library, University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology library, the University of Cape Coast library were chosen as the focus of the study because they have embarked on automation of their library processes. The study found out that even though the university libraries realize the importance of library automation, they are hampered by lack of funds, lack of support from the university administrations and lack of skilled staff to embark on the automation of all library processes. It was also revealed that none of the libraries have an OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). The study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the university libraries drive towards automation of their library processes and ensure effective and efficient use of the new technology to raise the image of the libraries and give their library clients more services. The following recommendations are made based on the findings of this research. The recommendations are made to serve as a guide to all libraries in general and especially university libraries in Ghana which intend to automate their library processes. The recommendations are for University Administrators, University Librarians, Librarians and policy makers. 1. Since there can be no library automation without computers and their accessories, the required number of computers and accessories should be purchased for the university libraries. In fact, the libraries should be allowed to purchase computers of their choice. 2. In addition, the libraries should also make sure that they purchase the latest computers on the market if they are allowed to do the purchases themselves because the information technology market is in a state of flux. Computers in the library should be used for automation of library processes. 3. Sufficient funds should be made available by the university administrations to fund automation projects. 4. Library software is very important in library automation. It is recommended that Library software for all library processes should be acquired. Librarians should be taught skills, which will enable them identify appropriate software for their library needs. They can also be taught how to write in-house software for their libraries especially in sections where their collections are not so large. 5. The evaluation revealed that even though all the university libraries have strategic plans, these plans have not been updated to take care of current trends. It is recommended that these strategic plans should be updated regularly and be implemented within time frames. 6.Some of the university libraries evaluated do not have an Electronic Support Unit. It is recommended that as a matter of urgency all these libraries should engage the services of a system analyst and set up Electronic Support Units. Without this support, problems associated with computer hardware and software and access problems cannot be easily or quickly solved. Such a unit can also increase the scope of IT products and other activities in the libraries. 7. Local Area Networks (LAN) should be set up in all the university libraries. LANs can also be very useful when these libraries have Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) because library users can then search the library's catalogue anywhere in the library. 8.Library staff should be made aware of ongoing projects in the library, especially those to do with automation, so as to create the awareness and feeling of belonging. The staff, on the other hand, should be curious about things going on in the library concerning automation. 9. More often than not when people talk of automation, they are referring to hardware and software, ignoring the human aspects of automation, specifically staff and user training. The study revealed that none of the libraries surveyed has a firm training programme in place. It is therefore, recommended that a training programme should be in place in all the university libraries. The training should be ongoing because when we automate, we are not only learning how to use the automated system; we are in fact learning new jobs. No operation is better than its personnel. The advancement of individuals who operate library automation programmes is a critical element in the success of automation.
Library Automation in Ghana: A Case Study of the Ghana Book Trust Children's Library
(University of Ghana, 2002-09) Akutsa, E.
Library automation bas been tagged the tool of the era. a medium by which the uncontrollable increase in Information could be managed and made easily accessible to the numerous users whose information needs are diverse. The acceptance of library automation has not wished away the great financial responsibilities that weigh heavily on many libraries especially in the developing countries, which has either delayed the automation process or prevented them from carrying out this important project. The GBT Children's library had financial support from an international aid agency, Ford Foundation and Ghana Book Trust, its parent organization in carrying out its computerization program ,that has also led to the expanded library service of IT education and enhancement of information resources and delivery. There is much awareness among the clients of the library to make use of these services but this expectation has not been met due to low staff strength and non availability of formal structures such as orientation of new members and IT course outline. There is also the need to put In place an IT policy for the maintenance and development of the system. The research looked at the factors that favored automation and it revealed that factors such as expert advice, financial aid from Ford Foundation and GBT Children', Library staff support led to the successful planning, implementation and maintenance of the automation project.
Effect of Corporate Environmental Factors on the Provision of Information in the Balme Library, University of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2003-08) Sam, R.B.
The University Library is the foremost organization charged with the responsibility of providing information support to academic work in the institution. A well-equipped library, is therefore a great motivation to academic excellence and scholarship. Currently, the Balme Library of the University of Ghana is facing severe under-funding difficulties, in addition to being marginalized in the scheme of things in the university. These may have the tendency of affecting information delivery by the library. This study of the Balme Library was therefore, undertaken to determine how corporate environmental factors in the university affected the capacity of the library to provide information. These factors identified were organizational structure, organizational culture, organizational resources and the perception of some groups in the university. Through meticulous search of related literature, use of an interview schedule and Questionnaire on some senior members of the university enough data were gathered and analyzed in relation to the objectives of the study. The findings pointed to the fact that organizational structure, culture and resources, as well as the perception of groups in the University exerted enormous drawbacks on the library to deliver on its information provision mandate. In the light of the findings and other problems identified, the following recommendations were made.
Documentation and Management of Cultural Property at the Accra Museum
(University of Ghana, 2003-09) Ahiable-Addo, D.
The range of items which can be regarded as cultural property is vast. Unfortunately day, efforts to preserve or 10 restore cultural property in museums is unsatisfactory. This calls for the need for guidance as to how best to manage and conserve these cultural artefacts. This study investigated the documentation, conservation and restoration practices that are carried out at the Ghana National Museum and provides measures which can be employed to ensure the longevity of the cultural properties for exhibition and research work A survey was conducted and data collected through questionnaires from a random sampled population of 200 artefacts, comprising 17 easel paintings, 22 stone works, wood artefacts. 19 metal works, 18 leather works, 21 wall paintings, 23 archival materials, 17 Bone and Ivory works, 20 pottery works and 19 textile artifacts The survey was based on examining what quantity of artefacts were in good
A Proposed Automated Medical Records Tracking System for the Ridge Hospital
(University of Ghana, 2003-09) Ayernor, T.E.; Adjei, E.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information Studies
The astronomical increase in attendance rate at health institutions confront medical records managers with large volumes of records to manage. Records storage facilities and information retrieval systems are therefore faced with several challenges in medical records management. This situation is very crucial if patients’ medical records retrieval systems are wholly manual. At the Ridge hospital, the manual medical records tracking system contributes immensely to missing patients medical records, delays and long queues patients endure before receiving medical treatment. This paper therefore employs the systems analysis and design approach, (also known as systems development lifecycle) to design and develop an automated medical records tracking system. This proposed system is a case study at the Ridge Hospital which is limited to tracking and management of only inpatients records. Based on the adopted methodology, preliminary investigations and analysis of the manual system were conducted to find the scope of the problem. Following the results of the systems analysis, Microsoft Access database program was used to develop a logical design to automate the manual tracking system. The design was finally modified and developed by using Microsoft Visual Basic 6 codes to operate as an automated medical records tracking system. The developed system does not only track records faster and more efficiently than the manual system but can also perform other records management functions such as generation of reports on admissions and discharge cases.
Continuing Professional Development of Professional Librarians in the Public University libraries in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2003-10) Adanu, T.S.A.
This work is a report on a research conducted on the continuing professional development (CPO) of professional librarians in the five public university libraries in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between continuing professional development (CPO) of library professionals working in the five public university libraries in Ghana and job advancement/promotion, CPO and job satisfaction, CPO and job performance/efficiency. Continuing professional development will be defined by the following general factors. These are: the individual, the library/institution, CPO activities. CPD development plan. professional goals and training needs. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents were aware of CPO activities and a significant number of the respondents were actually involved in CPO. CPO was seen as having a positive impact on job satisfaction. A personal plan was seen as important for cpo. Library management of all five public university libraries said CPO was encouraged in different ways although they consented that there was an absence of a written CPO policy. The study showed that CPO had a great influence on job performance. CPO was seen also as a great aid to promotion as well as career advancement. Research and publishing showed up as the most needed of the CPO activities for promotion. Respondents were generally motivated to pursue CPO activities. The major barrier to CPO turned out to be finances and the main motivating factor for engaging in CPO activities was to update skills. Involvement in CPO was generally seen as a shared responsibility of stakeholders, the individual (employee). the library (employer). Training needs identified were many and diverse, reflecting the fact that CPO needs differ from individual to individual. Recommendations were made and suggestions given for further research. Recommendations made included the need for the documentation of CPO policy by employers and policy makers. Library management was encouraged to set up a training department within the library to cater for the training needs of staff including professionals. To the employees or professionals. it was suggested that there was a need for them to recognize that certain CPO activities like research and publishing counted more towards promotion than others. The importance of networking and teaming up for joint research was emphasized. Suggestions for further research included a comparative study between CPO practices and opportunities of professionals in the public universities on one hand and those in the private universities.

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