School of Information and Communication Studies

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Academic Library Service Quality and User Satisfaction: A Survey af Distance Education Students and Faculty in Public Universities in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Bubuama, C.K.A.
Universities in Ghana are positioning themselves to expand their distance education. Quality Library services that adequately meet the information needs of distance education students and tutors is a critical component of ensuring quality distance education. This study investigated academic library service quality and user satisfaction among distance education students and tutors. Data was gathered using survey. A sample of 335 distance education students and tutors was conveniently selected from IDL-KNUST, ICDE-UG, CODE-UCC and IEDE-UEW. The findings from the study showed that the frequency of library use was high in ICDE-UG and moderate in IDL-KNUST, CODE-UCC and IEDE-UEW. Borrowing books and reading personal notes dominated reasons for visiting the library. In CODE-UCC, majority of the respondents indicated visiting the library to read for pleasure. In terms of quality library services, respondents from ICDE-UG rated their library resources and services highest, followed by IDL-KNUST, CODE-UCC and IEDE-UEW. Respondents from ICDE-UG rated their library resources and services highest on reliability, responsiveness, empathy, accessibility and tangibility. Respondents from IEDE-UEW rated their institution highest on assurance of library services. Respondents from ICDE-UG rated highest on all the indicators of user satisfaction, followed by IEDE-UEW, IDLKNUST and CODE-UCC. Library resources and service delivery were found to be most challenging in IDL-KNUST, followed by CODE-UCC and IEDE-UEW. ICDE-UG was rated least in terms of challenges of library resources and service delivery. It is recommended that continuous competency training, information literacy courses, expansion of electronic resources and offcampus access, as well as adopting customer care model be instituted to improve library service delivery for distance education students and tutors.
Acceptability of School-Based De-Worming Exercise for the Control of Schistosomiasis in the Biakoye District of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2021-03) Hayford, D.
The School-Based De-worming Exercise was introduced to reach communities and targets school going children who are often infected with schistosomiasis. As such the study sought to explore the knowledge about schistosomiasis among residents of the district, to determine perceptions of school-based deworming exercise and to identify challenges and coping strategies in relation to school-based de-worming exercise. This study used a qualitative approach employing phenomenological design to identify the factors that promotes acceptability of the School-Based De-worming Exercise in the Biakoye district. A total of 27 participants were recruited to take part in this study. Out of this number, fourteen caregivers were grouped into two FGD‘s of 6 and 8 members respectively. Then through purposive sampling three (3) IDI‘S with disease control officers, five (5) IDI‘s with teachers and five (5) more IDI‘s with caregivers was also conducted. With the aid of NVivo version 12.0, inductive-deductive analysis was done after recorded interviews were transcribed word for word, coded and analysed for generating themes. These themes and sub-themes have been duly presented in the results and discussion sections of this paper. There is basic knowledge on schistosomiasis and the School-Based De-worming exercise among respondents. Among the people studied, it is accepted that the SBD exercise is beneficial, it has improved school attendance and their performance in school. It is a very good avenue for children from poor homes to get dewormed. Yet despite these widely accepted benefits, some caregivers do not allow their wards to take part in the exercise due to limited knowledge on the consequences of schistosome infections. Other contributing factors misconceptions of praziquantel and the SBD exercise and fear of what may happen to a child who takes the drug. Overall, there exist high acceptability of the school-based de-worming exercise. Based on the findings above, it was recommended that more education should be given to residents of Biakoye district those who have benefitted from the SBD exercise should share their experiences with others to encourage joining in.
Acceptance And Use Of Language Translation Tools In The Learning Environment: A Tam-Based Study Of Francophone Students Studying In Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2022-06) Ofori, H.
This study is a qualitative exploration of the experiences of francophone students with the use and utility of language translation tools for navigating the communication challenges they face in a foreign language learning environment. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) underpinned this study. A total of 20 francophone students from the Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL) were interviewed. There were similarities between the findings of this study and those of many previous studies, in the revelation that while translation tools do have some functional utility, their inability to reflect the imperatives of context in meaning making impose limitations on their reliability in enabling competent communication. However, while the threshold for error may be low in fields such medicine and healthcare, the lack of complete accuracy of language translation tools was perceived to be less of a barrier to students in the foreign language learning environment. Furthermore, the findings show that perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of different translation tools informed the preferences of francophone students for particular types of language translation tools. Finally, similar to conclusions by Tabiri and Budu (2017), notwithstanding individual testimonies about experiences of foreign language anxiety (FLA), a shared opinion among the informants was that immersing into the language and culture of the target language gives them the opportunity to interact with Ghanaian English speakers, which would in turn, increase their English language proficiency. Future studies may consider including a quantitative dimension that would pick on the indicators identified in the present study, in order to increase breadth as well as generalisability of findings.
Accessibility and Use of Library Resources in Balme Library, University Of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2010-06) Angono, B.E.
The advent of information technology has led to information explosion and as such libraries are shifting from collection to access. Providing access to information has thus become the principal goal of libraries. Patrons enjoy using resources that are accessible and this is made possible by providing an enabling environment. This study attempts to evaluate accessibility and use of library resources in Balme Library, University of Ghana, Legon and to profile some suggestions to improve accessibility and use. Using the survey method, the researcher administered questionnaires to Level 400 students of the Department of Information Studies and the staff of Balme Library to elicit information from them. The findings indicated that the information literacy skills provided in Balme Library was not adequate enough to enable users make effective use of the resources. The study revealed that formats of documents such as audiovisua1 materials were not adequate. Furthermore, the study revealed that accessibility was hindered by mis-shelving; miscatalouguing; invisible call numbers; low bandwidth; inadequate information literacy skills; and inadequate workstations/computers. However, it was found that most of the users made use of the Online Public Access Catalogue hence justifying the huge surn of money spent on automation. It was also discovered that the existing enabling environment in the library was not conducive enough. To resolve the findings, several recommendations were advanced to improve accessibility and use of the resources in the Balme Library. Some of these recommendations are as follows: provision of adequate literacy skills; more workstations/computers; better staff strength through training; internet connectivity on campus to enable 'anytime and anywhere' access to Balme Library Online Public Access Catalogue(OPAC)
Accessibility and Utilization of Scholarly Electronic Journals by the Academic Staff of Garden City University College, Kumasi and Christian Service University College, Kumasi, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Boakye, E.; Alemna, A.A.; Ankrah, E.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Information Studies
Developments in the field of information technology have led to a great change in the collection development and service structure of libraries. In recent times, libraries, especially academic libraries, are not only seen with print and non-print resources but also with scholarly electronic journals. Scholarly electronic journals in reality have become one of the most used technological innovations in modern times and also the backbone of many academic institutions. The main focus of the study was to compare awareness, accessibility and utilization of scholarly electronic journals by the academic staff of Garden City University College (GCUC) and Christian Service University College (CSUC), Kumasi. The study also sought to determine factors affecting electronic journal usage and limitations in accessing and using scholarly electronic journals. The survey method was used and questionnaire was also used as the main instrument. The entire population of one hundred and eighty-seven (187) was used. The findings revealed low awareness and accessibility levels as well as under-utilization of scholarly electronic journals in both university colleges. No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and usage of scholarly electronic journals at a p-value of 0.354 which is greater than the significant level of 0.05. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and usage of scholarly electronic journals at a p-value of 7.159 which is greater than the significant level of 0.05. No statistically significant relationship was found between other factors including differences in discipline, educational level, computer skills and age at a p-value of 7.159, 5.308, and 0.504 respectively which are all greater than the significant level of 0.05. However, a statistically significant relationship was found between awareness and usage of electronic journals. The study recommends awareness creation, training, provision of more relevant electronic journals, infrastructure, quality staff and sustenance to ensure maximum access and use of scholarly electronic journals in GCUC and CSUC and also to commensurate the investment made in them.
Accessibility Of Academic Library Services To Distance Learners: A Study Of University Of Ghana Library System
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Bubuama, C.K.A.
This study seeks to investigate the accessibility of academic library services to distance learners, with specific reference to University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). The general objective of the study is to assess the level of awareness and accessibility of library services to distance students. A survey was conducted and one hundred and thirty eight (138) Level 400 distance learning students in the Accra Learning Centre together with University librarian of the University of Ghana were selected by the convenience and purposive sampling methods to collect primary data using questionnaires and interviews respectively. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and thematic analysis are used to analyze the completed questionnaire and interview responses respectively. The results from the findings revealed that a greater proportion of the respondents were not aware of the library services and programmes. Moreover, it was discovered that most of the subjects acquired their IT training through personal effort other than the University‘s. In addition, the study revealed that quite a number of the respondents were at the intermediate level with regard to IT or computer knowledge. Furthermore, distance learners had no remote access to library electronic resources and other databases and therefore did not strongly agree to the provision of their information needs through social media services. It was also evident that information needs of respondents were mostly not provided for adequately. The study recommended the following to the management of the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS); awareness creation of library resources, user education on Information Literacy of library resources and programmes, encouraging the use of social media, training/user education and initiation on borrowing of library resources.
Adolescent Girls' Knowledge and Sources of Information on Cervical Cancer: A Comparative Study of Accra High School and Atiavi Senior High Technical School Students
(University Of Ghana, 2014-10) Torkornu, M
This comparative study assessed the knowledge of adolescent girls on cervical cancer and its prevention in Ghana using a senior high school in an urban area (Accra High School) and a senior high school in a rural area (Atiavi Senior High Technical School). The choice of the two schools was motivated by the expectation that students in these schools will differ significantly in terms of their socioeconomic backgrounds which was duly confirmed. The study determined whether socioeconomic variables affected the knowledge and preference for sources of information on the disease among the adolescent girls. It also sought to find out if adolescent girls who perceived that they were at risk of getting cervical cancer sought information on it and its prevention. The study was undertaken within the framework of the knowledge gap hypothesis and the health belief model. A survey was conducted to collect data from adolescent girls from the two schools. The study found that adolescent girls from Accra High School, who were from relatively higher socioeconomic backgrounds, had a higher level of knowledge of cervical cancer than respondents from Atiavi Senior High Technical School, who were from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. However, their preferred sources of information were not influenced by their socioeconomic background since they all preferred medical personnel. The most common source from which the respondents got information on cervical cancer was television (19.2%). In addition, the study found that adolescent girls who perceived that they were at risk of getting cervical cancer are not likely to seek information on the disease and its prevention
Adolescents’ Sources of Information and Knowledge Levels on Hiv/Aids: A Study of Two Communities in the Eastern Region, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2014-10) Zunurene, M.; Amoakohene, M. I.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies
This study investigated sources of information and knowledge levels of adolescents’ on HIV/AIDS in two communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Using systematic sampling, one hundred and sixty adolescents (160) aged 10 to 21 were surveyed. Situated within the Health information-seeking behavior concept and the knowledge gap theoretical frameworks, the study revealed that Television (30.2%), Teachers (15.4%), Radio (10.3%) and Internet (10.3%) were the preferred sources; while Parents, Health workers, Books/Magazines and Newspapers were the least preferred sources of information on the disease among adolescents in the two communities. The main reasons given for the preferred sources were easy accessibility, usefulness, and truth and credibility of information from these sources. In the case of Television, its audio visual nature was one of the reasons it was preferred. The study also revealed a generally high knowledge level (95.6%) among respondents on the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of the disease in both communities regardless of their socio-economic disparity. This notwithstanding, detailed analysis of responses to ‘knowledge level’ questions revealed significant misconceptions regarding modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of the disease in both communities, though more prevalent in Nsukwao Abotanso. Further, the findings of the study suggested that certain sources related to more knowledge levels than others. Results of the Chi-square test rejected the assumption that adolescents in Effiduase SSNIT were more knowledgeable than their counterparts in Nsukwao Abotanso. The test showed that respondents’ socio-economic status did not determine their knowledge level.
Adoption and Implementation of Mobile Technology Based Library Services in Ghanaian Academic Libraries
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Acheampong, E.
Modern trends in library settings particularly in the academic library environment require that, academic libraries be positioned to provide remote and boundary-less access to their collections and services. Mobile Technologies (MT) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times, as it is considered as a strong communication medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. The overall objective of this study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing Mobile Technology based Library Services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixed method approach was used. The study was limited to two academic libraries in Ghana namely, Sam Jonah Library of UCC and Osagyefo Library of UEW. A total sample size of 400 respondents was used, consisting of 10 library staff and 390 graduate students. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were adopted to select the library staff and graduate students respectively. Three hundred and sixty five responses were received. A questionnaire and an in depth interview were used to collect data for the study. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS software version 22 using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) and content thematic analysis. The major findings were that there was a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of MT library services among library management and students, however MT based library services has not been implemented in these two libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the two libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specifically MT infrastructure and build on their human resource base through recruitment and professional training on emerging technologies.
Adoption and Use of Information and Communication Technology in Academic Libraries of Selected Private Universities in Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Abubakar, A.
The importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries cannot be over emphasized. The advent of information and communication technology has changed the way libraries operate in recent times, and private university libraries cannot be left out in the ICT revolution. Librarians have changed from simple storekeepers who were concerned with the protection of books against theft and mutilation, to information officers who encourage the use of information in the vast array of information material. Private university libraries have a lot of challenges in terms of level of adoption to ICT when compared to their counterparts in their public university. In view of the above, this study set out to examine the level of ICT adoption in private university libraries in Ghana in terms of physical and to find out how committed the management of private universities are in acquiring ICT tools for to the libraries. The study further examined the capabilities and competence of both library staff and student in the use of ICT facilities and the level of satisfaction in the use of ICT in the various universities. This study used the mixed method approach which involved adopting both the quantitative and qualitative approach. The study used thirty percent of the graduate students as the sample size. Therefore, sample size of the student’s respondents was one hundred and eighteen (118). Since the population of the library staff was not too large the entire population of professional librarians and 6 paraprofessionals was used. The research revealed that even though private universities have adopted ICT use in the libraries, there are challenges with training of staff in the use of ICT, and the lack of satisfaction with the work of technical people who do not understand the technicalities of the library work. The recommendations given were that management of private universities should invest more in ICT facilities for the libraries. Library staff should also be given enough training in ICT so that they can be in better position to help their users. Again, the government should constitute a body to oversee the affairs of private university libraries so as to ensure conformity with the library standards.
Advertising and Religious Publicity: A Study of Action Chapel International and International Central Gospel Church
(University Of Ghana, 2016-07) Quenin, S.O.
The purpose of this study is to determine the communication activities of two major charismatic churches in Ghana, the Action Chapel International and the International Central Gospel Church, and extract the advertising activities if any. The study also sought to ascertain why these churches advertise and the advertising channels used. Charismatic churches in Africa and beyond, undertake a plethora of communication activities that appear to suggest advertising practice. The study will also seek to find out how channels were selected for advertising purposes. The theory which guided the research is the open systems theory. The study used in-depth interviews to collect data. The findings show that both churches engaged in advertising practices with different approaches and that the type of channel selected for an activity was determined by the goal of the activity.
The Advertising Factor in the Growth and Development of Independent Newspapers in Ghana – A Case Study of Business and Financial Times
(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Kuwornu, Y.E.; Ansu-Kyeremeh, K.; University of Ghana, College of Education School of Information and Communication Studies Department of Communication Studies
This study investigated the advertising factor in the growth and development of independent newspapers in Ghana and used the Business and Financial Times, as a case study. Objectives of the study were firstly to ascertain whether newspapers operating in Ghana, a developing country, faced similar challenges as American and European newspapers. The study’s second objective was to find out the measures management of the Business and Financial Times adopted to mitigate these challenges and also find out the role advertising played in the growth, development and sustenance of the newspaper. After in-depth interviews with the Business and Development Manager and the Editor, the study found that advertising, content, events, sales and circulation accounted for the newspapers growth and development. The study also found that the newspaper faced similar challenges - low readership, circulation and penetration of the newspaper, limited human resource, technological advancement of online news, advertisers lag in paying on time and advertiser influence on content - like those in the global north. One challenge which was found to be peculiar to Ghana was newspaper review programmes on radio. Management of the Business and Financial Times employed distributing free copies of the newspaper, investing in newsroom, multimedia diversification and barter to mitigate these challenges. However, even though revenue from advertising was the biggest contributor to Business and Financial Times’ growth and development, advertising revenue does not come immediately newspaper space is sold to enable management plan their operations. The newspaper’s management therefore resorted to the employment o
Agency Practitioners’ Perspective On Advertising Ethics In Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Wellington, T.
This study sought to investigate how some advertising practitioners in Ghana conceptualized ethical guides by the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) and applied them to their daily work-related activities. The study focused on knowledge levels of agency practitioners regarding the ethical guides, their ethical dilemmas and how they resolved them. The study was underpinned by the utilitarian ethical principle, categorical imperative and the golden mean theory. Data was obtained from 10 key advertising practitioners from four (4) advertising agencies in Ghana using semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis of findings revealed that, the advertising practitioners had limited knowledge of Ghana’s advertising code of ethics. The practitioners’ major challenge was revealed to be the issue of difficult clients, who had little care for the ethical guides. In resolving ethical dilemmas, the practitioners did not consult the code of ethics for direction but rather operated from the utilitarian perspective. That is, they gave in to the demands of clients in order to maximize profit rather than adhering to the ethical codes. The study recommends that, the Advertising Association of Ghana should engage in more awareness raising and professional development activities for its members and the public at large. As a way of motivating practitioners to hold higher the ethical standards, the Advertising Association of Ghana can also expand its award scheme to include ethical advertising. Practitioners should also operate from the categorical imperative perspective and thus make an effort to fulfil their moral duty in accordance with Ghana’s advertising code of ethics.
Analytic Study Of Social Media Use And Influence On Public Relations In Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2022-04) Dziewornu-Norvor, W.K.
This study sought to analyze Ghanaian public relations practitioners’ use of social media and influence on public relations practice. Using the uses and gratification theory and dialogic theory of public relations as a lens, the study sought the views of 20 public relations practitioners. Essentially, the interviews sought information on how public relations deploy social media in their work, how their work is influenced, the challenges associated, and the competencies required to navigate the evolving world of social media and public relations. The study found that public relations practitioners in Ghana were well informed of social media platforms and employed them in their duties and are unanimous in agreement that social media have reshaped mainly the mechanism by which they interact with their publics by bringing them closer to their target audience. It was also revealed that work output and efficiency was positive because practitioners could get to their publics in real-time and interact seamlessly. Finally, the study revealed that practitioners may be under-utilizing social media and may not be reaping the benefits that abound primarily because training in the proper usage and deployment of social media platforms is not abreast with the evolving technology of social media. Despite these significant findings, there were other issues that the study could not address, including the views of organizational publics and the use of the quantitative approach, which would have made it possible to obtain a significant enough sample and thereby make it possible to generalize the findings of the study. Accordingly, the present study recommends that researchers investigate the extent to which social media mediate the relationship between organizations and their publics and find out whether the relationship mediated by social media is stronger or otherwise than the one by traditional/legacy media.
Animation as a Persuasive Tool in Internet Advertising Messages: A Study of University Of Ghana Students
(University Of Ghana, 2014-10) Mensah, S.A
The purpose of this research was to find out how animation affected internet advertisements. This study was conducted to see if, by incorporating animation into internet ads, these ads may become more effective at influencing audiences. In essence it sought to find out if animation enhanced the persuasive effect of internet ads. This study was conducted within the framework of the hierarchy of effects model. This model suggests that individuals are persuaded in three main stages. The stage of cognition, the stage of affect and the stage of conation. It goes further to state that before anyone can be persuaded to do anything, they must first go through these three stages. Advertisers have continually constructed messages with this model in mind to help persuade more audiences. Researchers have however differed in their views as to how the stages of the model should be presented. This study used an experiment to gather the necessary data. Eighty students from the University of Ghana, Legon partook in this experiment. Findings of the study revealed that animation in internet ads does have an effect on individuals. It identified that individuals were likely to recall ads that had animation present within them. It also found that individuals were more likely to have a positive attitude to these animated ads. However, there was not enough evidence to show whether animation in internet ads can influence an individual to click on an ad to find information regarding the product or service being advertised.
Antenatal Health Communication: A Case Study of Information Dissermination at Tema Polyclinic.
(University of Ghana, 2015-03) Elikplimi, W.K.; Gadzekpo, A.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies
This study was designed to find out how antenatal health information is disseminated at the Tema Polyclinic. The study used mixed methods to collect data. Purposive sampling was also used to select three staff of Tema Polyclinic for in-depth interviews. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed purposively to pregnant women out of which 115 were completed and returned. The researcher also attended antenatal health education sessions for observation. The findings of the study revealed that the face-to-face channel of communication was mostly used whereas other channels like videos and mobile phones were least used. Even though group communication and one-on-one forms of communication were generally used in the dissemination of antenatal health information, the survey showed that majority of the respondents’ preferred one-on-one form of communication to group communication. Also, though English language was generally used to disseminate antenatal health information, the survey revealed that majority of the respondents’ preferred the use of the local language to the English language. The study further revealed that there was no expert provision of communication to the hearing impaired. The study also showed that communication materials like posters, models, booklets and leaflets were used for illustrations and demonstrations in the dissemination of antenatal health information. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the least used channels of communication could be explored and the one-on-one form of communication could be increased. Apart from that, an increase in local language use in the dissemination of antenatal health information and the provision of a sign language communicator for the hearing impaired were recommended.
An Assessment Into The Relevance Of Public Relations In Tertiary Institutions In West Africa: The Case Of Ghanaian And Nigerian Universities
(University Of Ghana, 2021-10) Kyei, M.A.
This study examined the relevance of public relations in tertiary institutions in two West African countries— Ghana and Nigeria. The study was undertaken within the framework of the excellence theory. A qualitative in-depth interview was employed for data collection. Six institutions were purposively sampled — three in Ghana and three in Nigeria. The study noted that functions performed by the public relations units in the selected institutions are media and community relations, internal communication and content management. Tenets of the excellence theory were used as parameters to establish the relevance of public relations in tertiary institutions. The findings revealed that in some institutions, the senior public relations executive is a member of the dominant coalition. Again, it was revealed that the public relations units also perform other functions outside the core PR duties. Some challenges faced by the public relations units are inadequate funds and lack of qualified personnel and equipment. The fundamental parameters of the excellence theory were met hence the excellent practice of public relations in the selected institutions provide the benchmark for institutional relevance. The study recommends that for effective implementation of public relations functions, the senior public relations executive shouldbe a member of the dominant coalition. Again, the senior public relations executive should play the manager role and not the technician role or both. Also, it is important to separate the core publicrelations functions from other duties. In addressing the challenges identified, the public relationsunits should be well- resourced with adequate budget and equipment as well as qualified personnel. KEYWORDS: public relations, functions, relevance, challenges.
Assessment of Information Literacy Programmes in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana A Case Study of University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Nii-Okai, D.
This study assesses the information literacy skills of students of University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast in the Central Region. The main objectives of the study are to determine the students’ skills to access and use information; gather evidence on how students evaluate information; ascertain the students’ awareness of legal and ethical implication of information usage; to investigate barriers to access information by the students and finally to assess the teaching methods employed in teaching. The study employs the multiple case study approach with interviews and questionnaires. Questionnaires were distributed to one hundred and thirty-eight (138) students in the two institutions which represent 10% of the total population. An interview was also conducted with the lecturers of the two universities. A total of sixteen (16) interviewees were used. The questionnaire data was analyzed with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in line with the objectives of the study. The interviews were analyzed under the thematic areas of the study. The findings of the study show that students to a very large extent were familiar with the various types of information. It was further revealed in the study that students lacked the competencies in using wildcard/truncation and Boolean operators. Some of the barriers to the effective use of information include students not getting the needed materials from the library, lack of support from library staff and lack of information retrieval skills. Other challenges heighted in this include inadequate credit hours, insufficient lecture halls and ICT laboratories. The study therefore recommends among other things, the acquisition of more teaching and learning materials, increase in the credit hours, increase in infrastructure, provision of functional ICT laboratories, employing of more lecturers, making the programme stand-alone course in UEW and placing more emphasis on search strategies to help improve on the programme.
Assessment of Information Literacy Skills among Students of Opoku Ware and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High Schools in Kumasi
(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Yeboah, P.; Dadzie, P.S.; Akussah, H.; University of Ghana, College of Education School of Information and Communication Studies Department of Information Studies
There has been a global acceptance of the need for students at all levels of education to acquire Information Literacy skills. Currently, there has been proliferation of information sources as information comes in various forms and it is prudent for every individual and especially students to be wise information users to assume greater control of their own learning. This study assesses the information literacy skills of students of Opoku Ware and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High Schools in Kumasi. The main objectives of the study are to determine the students skills to access information; gather evidence on how students evaluate information; ascertain the students awareness of legal and ethical implication of information usage and finally to investigate barriers to access information by the students. The study employs the cross-sectional survey research methodology. Questionnaires were distributed to one hundred and seventy (170) students in the two schools which represent 10% of the total population. An interview was also conducted with the heads of the two schools and with the library staff of the two schools. A total of four interviewees were used. Data was analyzed with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in line with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study show that though both schools have libraries, they are manned by unprofessional staff that do not possess the skills to organize orientation and user education and as well teach the students to acquire the skills of Information Literacy. Further revelations show students’ lack of understanding of how to evaluate information from both print and online sources. Furthermore, only a few students from both schools were aware of the issues of legal and ethical surrounding the use of information. Some challenges to accessing information by students are the unavailability of the internet services on campus especially as in the case of Opoku Ware School and the high cost of textbooks. The study therefore recommends among other things, the incorporation of Information Literacy Program into Senior High School Students (SHS) Curriculum, provision of functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories with Internet connectivity, employment of trained library staff and the collaboration between librarians, teaching staff and the major stakeholders in the educational sector in Ghana to promote Information Literacy programs.
An Assessment of Mobile Money Service Adoption in Ghana, A Case Study of Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd and Ghana Commercial Bank Ghana Limited
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Akosen, L.T.
The rise of mobile money in Ghana has opened up diverse opportunities in the financial sector, and has become the catalyst to bridging the gap between the banked and unbanked population. It has increased awareness of the need to develop the technological base of every sector for national development. This study assessed mobile money service adoption in Ghana using GCB Ghana Bank and Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd as case studies, with a view of recommending solutions to fine-tune the banks’ services portfolio. A conceptual model was developed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study adopted the survey methodology and was placed within the scientific epistemology of realism. The study setting were GCB Limited and Fidelity Bank in the Greater Accra Region. The study population were the bank customers, a sample of 188 of which were used for the study. Convenience sampling was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 2.0 was used for the analysis of the data. The findings revealed that, customer needs for mobile money services differed between the banked and the unbanked population. The respondents informed that, the main reasons mobile money adoption in the banks are checking of accounts, paying bills, withdrawals among others. But, for the unbanked customers adoption is mainly driven by sending and receiving cash. It also noted that, adoption of mobile money service in Ghana is affected by perceived usefulness, perceived trust, social influence and competitive intensity. The study recommended among others that, stakeholders in mobile money in Ghana and the mobile money providers recognize these factors that affect customers ‘intention to use mobile money as well as the challenges associated. This is necessary so as to increase its use and encourage its general acceptance within the banking sector. Furthermore, the study provided guidance to mobile financial institutions to ensure ease and usefulness of mobile money services to increase growth and adoption. Further research on the assessment of mobile money services in the banks could help to determine the impact of these services on revenue and liquidity of the banks

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