University of Ghana Library System (UGLS)

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Academic status and research publication the dilemma of librarians at the University of Ghana
(SAGE, 2012) Opoku, D.
A little over a decade ago librarians at the University of Ghana, Legon agitated for, and were accorded academic status equivalent to those in the faculty. What used to be purely a technical and professional job has gradually shifted to academic. Pressure is now being put on all librarians at the University of Ghana to upgrade themselves to academic status. This paper examines the position of librarians in the university before and after the granting of academic status. The paper also looks at the implications of this academic status on research publication and job satisfaction of these librarians.
Accessing Academic Library Services by Distance Learners
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)., 2015) Owusu-Ansah, S.; Bubuama, C.K.
This study seeks to investigate the accessibility of academic library services to distance learners, with specific reference to University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). A survey was conducted and one hundred and thirty eight (138) Level 400 distance learning students. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) is used to analyze the completed questionnaire. The results revealed that a greater proportion of the respondents were not aware of the library services because they were not available on the UGLS. Distance learners had no remote access to library electronic resources and other databases and therefore did not strongly agree to the provision of information needs through social media services. It was also evident that information needs of respondents were mostly not adequately provided for. The study recommended the following to the management of UGLS; awareness creation of library resources, user education on information literacy of library resources, encouraging the use of social media platforms, training/user education and initiation of borrowing of library resources.
Achievement of Strategic ICT Business Objectives through Customer Retention in a Ghanaian Telecommunications Company
(Current Research Journal of Social Sciences:Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013) Ofori-Dwumfuo, G.O.; Owusu-Ansah, S.; Nartey, D.
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of customer retention on the achievement of strategic ICT business objectives at Airtel Ghana Limited, a telecommunications company in Ghana. Customer retention plays a critical role in enhancing Airtel’s strategic objectives. We discuss the factors that increase customer retention rate; which include customer care, customer satisfaction, service quality and commitment of staff. We used questionnaires to collect data from the staff of the customer unit, who are directly in charge of customer service, customer retention and marketing. The quantitative method was used for data analysis. The main findings of the study were that customer retention strategies existed for Airtel Ghana and that management was committed to implementing these strategies and that these strategies contributed significantly to the achievement of Airtel Ghana Limited’s business objectives. Although challenges existed, management was keen to overcome them because of the expected benefits of customer retention. These include increase in customer base, customer loyalty and profitability. We recommended that more effort be put in by management of Airtel Ghana to arrest the challenges by providing effective systems and funds when required, adequate IT support, reduction in management approval level bureaucracies and adequate staffing for the customer retention unit.
Adopting total quality management to enhance service delivery in medical records
(Records Management Journal, 2015-01) Adjei, E.; Mensah, M.
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which total quality management (TQM) initiatives can improve the quality of services delivery at the medical records unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to help meet the expectations and aspirations of patients and customers of the hospital. Design/methodology/approach – This research adopted the survey strategy as its research design. The total study population consisted of 114 medical records staff of the KBTH. Questionnaires and personal observations were employed as the data collection instruments. The study recorded a response rate of 98 per cent. Data gathered from respondents were analysed in qualitative terms. Findings – The overall finding of this study was that, although the medical records department of the KBTH had a fair degree of understanding on the benefits of TQM to records management service delivery, the exiting values for TQM did not meet the framework of good TQM practice, principles and standards. Research limitations/implications – Even though the subjects for the study were from the biggest hospital in Ghana, the findings of this study may not be generalised to the whole country. Practical implications – The study has demonstrated the need for the medical records department of the KBTH to have and develop good TQM standards to improve the quality of services to patients and varied customers of the hospital. Originality/value – The literature reviewed indicated that this study is a maiden attempt to examine how TQM initiatives including sensitivity, customer satisfaction, commitment of top management, team work, effective leadership and participatory management, people development and effective and open communication can improve the quality of medical records service delivery at theKBTHin Ghana.
Adopting total quality management to enhance service delivery in medical records: Exploring the case of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana
(Records Management Journal, Emerald Publishers, 2015) Mensah, M; Adjei, E
Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which total quality management (TQM) initiatives can improve the quality of services delivery at the medical records unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to help meet the expectations and aspirations of patients and customers of the hospital. Design/methodology/approach This research adopted the survey strategy as its research design. The total study population consisted of 114 medical records staff of the KBTH. Questionnaires and personal observations were employed as the data collection instruments. The study recorded a response rate of 98 per cent. Data gathered from respondents were analysed in qualitative terms. Findings The overall finding of this study was that, although the medical records department of the KBTH had a fair degree of understanding on the benefits of TQM to records management service delivery, the exiting values for TQM did not meet the framework of good TQM practice, principles and standards. Research limitations/implications Even though the subjects for the study were from the biggest hospital in Ghana, the findings of this study may not be generalised to the whole country. Practical implications The study has demonstrated the need for the medical records department of the KBTH to have and develop good TQM standards to improve the quality of services to patients and varied customers of the hospital. Originality/value The literature reviewed indicated that this study is a maiden attempt to examine how TQM initiatives including sensitivity, customer satisfaction, commitment of top management, team work, effective leadership and participatory management, people development and effective and open communication can improve the quality of medical records service delivery at the KBTH in Ghana.
Adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Distance Education: A Retrospective Analysis
(International Journal on E-Learning, 2018-11) Owusu-Ansah, S.
The main aim of the study was to assess the accessibility, adequacy and use of ICT in Distance Education (DE) programme of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon distance learning students. Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in enhancing the teaching and learning processes of the DE programme. Both interview and questionnaires were used as instruments for collecting data from the management staff and distance learning students respectively. The main findings of the study were that the inaccessibility and inadequacy of ICT facilities had affected students’ academic work especially in the area of research, learning and even library services. Moreover, the findings confirmed that a strong relationship exist between ‘adequacy of ICT facilities’ and teaching, learning and research’. A regression test found out that there is a positive, very strong and significant relationship (r= 0. 814, p < 0.01) between adequacy of the facilities/resources and academic performance.
Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Compaative Analysis of Male and Female Academics in Africa
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2013) Owusu-Ansah, S.
This study aims to investigate or verify whether gender affects the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities among academics. The study used a survey approach that involved questionnaires to solicit data from 154 academics. For the past few years, an assortment of ICT facilities such as computers, laptops, projectors, printers and many others have been available to academics for accessibility and use in collaboration, teacher-student communication, online assignment, research, teaching and learning. Using the t-test analysis, access rates and use of ICT among male and female academics was observed to be insignificant. Again, the findings revealed a significant difference between male and female academics on ‘ICT increasing collaboration with other tertiary faculty members’, ‘performing information/data management activities’ and ‘accomplishing tasks more quickly’. Strategies have been suggested to utilize ICT in educational institutions include improving on ICT infrastructure, provision of a policy environment, increasing Internet bandwidth, providing alternative power supply, improving on ICT infrastructure, enhancing ICT training programs, recruiting more ICT personnel and collaboration between academics and industry. ]
Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Comparative Analysis of Male and Female Academics in Africa
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013) Owusu-Ansah, S.
This study aims to investigate or verify whether gender affects the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities among academics. The study used a survey approach that involved questionnaires to solicit data from 154 academics. For the past few years, an assortment of ICT facilities such as computers, laptops, projectors, printers and many others have been available to academics for accessibility and use in collaboration, teacher-student communication, online assignment, research, teaching and learning. Using the t-test analysis, access rates and use of ICT among male and female academics was observed to be insignificant. Again, the findings revealed a significant difference between male and female academics on ‘ICT increasing collaboration with other tertiary faculty members’, ‘performing information/data management activities’ and ‘accomplishing tasks more quickly’. Strategies have been suggested to utilize ICT in educational institutions include improving on ICT infrastructure, provision of a policy environment, increasing Internet bandwidth, providing alternative power supply, improving on ICT infrastructure, enhancing ICT training programs, recruiting more ICT personnel and collaboration between academics and industry.
Assessment Of Communication Messages Used In Adolescent Reproductive Health Education
(Journal of Information Engineering and Applications, 2014) Owusu-Ansah, S.; Mensah, O.A.
The adolescent being a primary agent of socialization, the communication can exert a strong influence on adolescent sexual behaviour. Reproductive health is a vital aspect of growth and development throughout our lives, especially among the adolescence. Therefore, to aid in the design and implementation of effective prevention programmes, it is important to assess the communication messages used in adolescent reproductive health education among school-going adolescents. The study used a survey methodology that involved self-administered questionnaires to solicit data from 190 SHS students from the Kwahu-South District. Data analysis was done using SPSS and results presented using tables and charts. In this study, significant discoveries have been made. It was found out that the sources of adolescent reproductive or sexual health education included school and media. About (72.9%) of males and 52 (67.5%) of females indicated mothers as those who normally give education. The most identified channel of communication was the inter-personal form. The Levene's Test (t=-3.077, Sig. = 0.002) revealed a significant difference between the opinion of males and females toward frequency of facing of sexual health problems. The findings of this study suggest that prevention programmes that seek to educate Ghanaian school-going adolescents about sexual risk behaviour must strongly encourage communication
Awareness and Usage of IC eness and Usage of ICT tools among P ools among Postgraduate Students’ aduate Students’ in the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2021) Ankamah, S.
This paper aims to identify the awareness and utilisation of ICT applications to facilitate research of postgraduate students. With the survey design, 346 respondents were selected out of 4907 postgraduate students from the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast using the stratified and convenience sampling techniques to participate in this study. Using the TAM3 theory, the study identified that most students were aware that ICT use in research can facilitate their scientific inquiries. Most students were aware of ICT tools. The results further indicated that ICT tools were well publicised. Again, most of the respondents indicated that they had adequate skills in the use of ICT to conduct research. However, their training in the use of ICT applications was inadequate. The use of ICT tools in research makes it easy for researchers to work with big data and information resources. Therefore, the awareness and publicity of research technologies to students would enhance their usage. Against this background, this paper strongly recommended that publicity of ICT facilities to students should be a priority of the academic institutions. Again, research supervisors should advise students to access and use the ICT facilities that are provided by their institutions in their research activities. It is also recommended that the ICT facilities be marketed to students and promoted extensively through social networks; Training in ICT software should be organised four times each semester.
Barriers to successful university library automation in Ghana with particular reference to the Balme library
(The International Information & Library Review, 1995) Amekuedee, J.O.
Library automation assumed a great deal of importance in libraries in the mid 1960's. Since then it has become a household word in librarianship. Library automation in university libraries in Ghana is a relatively new concept. Even though computers have been installed in the three university libraries in Ghana, computerization has not had much impact on the services provided by these libraries. This paper reviews the computerization projects in the university libraries in Ghana, with a particular reference to the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. Reasons for automation, areas of application and problems associated with automation are discussed. Also highlighted are barriers militating against successful university library automation, like financial problems, attitudinal problems, lack of co-operation among university libraries, hardware and software problems and personnel problems. Recommendations are made for the improvement of automation at the university libraries in Ghana. These include evaluation of existing systems, properly planned automation project, financial support and co-operation among the university libraries.
: Books-a-fright': technology and space changes in university libraries: a case of the University of Ghana Library System
(International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, 2024) Donkor, A.B.; Nwagwu, W.E.; Ampadu, J.O.
Emerging technologies are rapidly changing and transforming spaces within academic libraries, giving rise to the implementation of distinctive services. The study sought to identify technology and space changes and the distinctive services introduced in university libraries. Interviews were conducted with heads of libraries coupled with document analysis of primary information sources to identify technology and space changes. The study revealed that most spaces in academic libraries have been converted into discussion areas, computer labs, lounges, and information commons. Computers with internet connectivity, printers, photocopiers, and telephones were available in these spaces. However, academic libraries faced technological, personnel, and financial challenges in implementing technology and space changes. The study recommended the investment in information and communication technology devices such as teleconferencing and video-conferencing devices and regular ICT-based training for librarians to be abreast of emerging technologies in providing academic library services.
Building and enhancing library services: Patrons’ awareness of, and engagement with social media in academic libraries in Ghana
(SAGE, 2021) Mensah, M.; Onyancha, O.B.
This study sought to examine academic libraries’ patrons’ level of awareness of, and engagement with social media in the use of academic libraries services in Ghana. The study employed the cross-sectional survey whereby quantitative data were collected from a total of 417 respondents, who consisted of students and library staff from public, private and technical universities in Ghana. Findings indicated that the academic libraries have adopted and used a number of social media applications, with Facebook and instant messaging as the most popular and frequently used platforms, for the provision and access to library services and resources as well as for contacting the academic libraries. However, the level of awareness, extent of use, as well as the level of engagement with the platforms was low as social media tools adopted by the libraries were not prevalent among the library patrons. Recommendations and conclusions based on the research findings are offered in the paper. This study uses a cross-sectional survey, with the data being collected at a specific point in time. However, due to rapid technological change and trends, future research studies could consider longitudinal studies to investigate the adoption and use of social media in academic libraries across time and environment. The analysis of social media use for academic library services from both the library staff and library patrons’ perspectives will inform decisions on how to improve the use of such platforms for effective and efficient library services delivery and access
Cataloguing rules in Ghana: a country report
(K. G. Saur, 2008) Fosu, V.K.
Developing a Cloud Computing Framework for University Libraries
(IntechOpen, 2019-10-09) Owusu-Ansah, S.; Budu, S.; Budu, R.A.A.
Our understanding of the library context on security challenges on storing research output on the cloud is inadequate and incomplete. Existing research has mostly focused on profit-oriented organizations. To address the limitation within the university environment, the paper unravels the data/information security concerns of cloud storage services within the university libraries. On the score of changes occurring in the libraries, this paper serves to inform users and library managers of the traditional approaches that have not guaranteed the security of research output. The paper is built upon the work of Shaw and the cloud storage security framework, which links aspects of cloud security and helps explain reasons for university libraries moving research output into cloud infrastructure, and how the cloud service is more secured. Specifically, this paper examined the existing storage carriers/media for storing research output and the associated risks with cloud storage services for university libraries. The paper partly fills this gap by a case study examination of two (2) African countries’ (Ghana and Uganda) reports on research output and cloud storage security in university libraries. The paper argues that in storing university research output on the cloud, libraries consider the security of content, the resilience of librarians, determining access levels and enterprise cloud storage platforms. The interview instrument is used to collect qualitative data from librarians and the thematic content analysis is used to analyze the research data. Significantly, results show that copyright law infringement, unauthorized data accessibility, policy issues, insecurity of content, cost and no interoperable cloud standards were major risks associated with cloud storage services. It is expected that university libraries pay more attention to the security/ confidentiality of content, the resilience of librarians, determining access levels and enterprise cloud storage platforms to enhance cloud security of research output. The paper contributes to the field of knowledge by developing a framework that supports an approach to understand security in cloud storage. It also enables actors in the library profession to understand the makeup and measures of security issues in cloud storage. By presenting empirical evidence, it is clear that university libraries have migrated research output into cloud infrastructure as an alternative for continued storage, maintenance and access of information.
Developing a Digital Engagement Strategy For Ghanaian University Libraries: An Exploratory Study
(IGI Global, 2020) Owusu-Ansah, S.
Today, information in the modernized world has become much more accessible with the use of an online environment. Library and information services have fallen victim to the constant change in user needs. The study represented a framework that digital libraries can leverage to increase the usage and visibility of digital resources in university libraries. The adopted qualitative research aims to develop a digital engagement strategy for the libraries in the University of Ghana (UG). Data is collected from participants (digital librarians) who are key stakeholders of digital library service provision in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). It revealed that digital services included rare collections, e-journal, e-databases, e-books, microfilms, e-theses, and e-past questions. The author found out that engaging users to be more active rather than passive by optimizing digital library services, digital devices, literacy programmes/instructions, social media platforms, IT equipment, software, internet and establishing exchanges between users and the library. The feedback informs the university library of its offerings and helps solve library problems. The current book chapter contributes empirical, theoretical and practical ideas on digital user engagements and derives implications for pioneering research on digital engagement strategy (DES) in Ghana and DES applications in libraries. In conclusion, DES helps UGLS foster new relationships, connect with new audiences, and establish new or improved brand identity.
Developing a visionary and supportive leadership culture in academic library: reflections of professional librarians at the University of Ghana
(Sky Journal of Business Administration and Management, 2015) Opoku, D.
The population of the study included all professional librarians within the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). The study used a well-structured questionnaire containing 12 items questions designed to elicit information on perceptions of preferred leadership qualities in academic library. Professional librarians at the University of Ghana are very sensitive about their relationship with, and leadership characteristics of the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). They prefer leadership that is innovative, inspiring, receptive to ideas, forward looking with a sense of direction and well-defined orientation towards the future of the library, as well as enhance their promotion and career progression.
Effect of performance appraisal system on staff performance inGhanaian academic libraries
(Journal of Information Engineering and Applications, 2014) Owusu-Ansah, S.; Gogo, A.G.
Performance appraisal is the systematic review of an individual employee’s performance on the job which issued to evaluate the effectiveness of his or her work. The present research seeks to evaluate the performance appraisal system at the University of Cape Coast library. The authors in this study adopted the survey approach to gather data from library staff located in the University of Cape Coast Library. Using the descriptive statistics, it was found out that library staff (76.8%) affirmed the existence of a performance appraisal system in the library. From the participants view, performance appraisalsystem was necessary to assist in determining the input of staff, bring motivation to workers and ensure effective work by the staff. The majority of the library staff (70.2%) stressed that their immediate boss was responsible for appraising their work output in the UCC library. Based on the major findings of the study, the authors recommended to the management the following: clarity of the rating criteria or qualities, training of appraisers, appraisal interview or discussion and counselling, frequency of appraisals, responsibility for appraising staff, staff motivation, use of computer software and periodic review the appraisal system
Effects of COVID-19 on sub-Saharan African library associations
(International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2022) Asare, C.A.B; Aggrey, S.B.
Professional associations serve as a backbone for their members in Africa and globally. They promote the welfare of their members and have standards and principles that guide their activities. This is a quantitative study of 10 national library associations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study looks at some of the activities of the national library associations and how they were impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The findings show that the majority of the associations had to postpone their annual conferences and continuous professional education programmes. The study recommends that national library associations from sub-Saharan Africa take advantage of technological platforms to reach out to their members in the organization of conferences and training programmes. Also, national library associations should have a policy that can drive their activities in the future in the event of the occurrence of another pandemic.
Efficient method developmentfor atrazine determination in soilsamples
(Environmental Science: An Indian Journal, 2013) Frimpong, S.K.; Gbeddy, G.; Asamoah, C.O.; et al.
Atrazine is a worldwide herbicide used to control pre- and post-emergence broadleaf and grassy weeds in major crops. Being both effective and inexpensive, it is well-suited to production systems with very narrow profit margins, asis often the case with maize. However, due to atrazineís ground water contamination potential and its association with birth defects and menstrual problems when consumed by humans at concentrations even below governmentstandards; environmental media monitoring for atrazine are inevitable. The objective of this study was to investigate a proposed ìsafe, cheap and relatively fastî analytical technique for the routine monitoring of atrazine in soil samples by high performance liquid chromatography equipped with ultra-violet detector and/or gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The method uses acetonitrile as the extracting solvent, and a self-packed activated silica gel for clean-up of extract. The proposed method exhibited good sensitivity and recovery, and allowed for rapid analysis. For soil analysis, a single chemist could prepare test solutions from 15 corresponding homogenized samples within 4 hours

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