University of Ghana Library System (UGLS)
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/36393
2024-04-10T20:54:11ZTorn Between Two Worlds: Perceptions of the Role, Status, and Career Progression of Librarians Working in University Libraries
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41409
Torn Between Two Worlds: Perceptions of the Role, Status, and Career Progression of Librarians Working in University Libraries
Donkor, A.B.; Asimah, A.P.A.; W.E., Nwagwu
Librarians working in university libraries are torn between the two dominant categories (academic and pro fessional) of university staff. Belonging to either of the categories of staff has implications for the employees’
roles and duties, status, and career progression in the academic setting. This study sought to understand the
perception of librarians’ roles, status, and career progression with the changing frontiers of knowledge and
education in contemporary times. Using the qualitative approach, fourteen (14) librarians working in seven
university libraries in Ghana were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. These librarians were
purposively selected because they possessed the qualifications of practice and were experienced in the academic
library setting. The data collected from the interview was transcribed. Using Nvivo software version 14, the
researchers used the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method to garner codes and themes from the data to under stand the phenomenon under study. The findings from the study showed that librarians perceived their roles and
responsibilities of academic librarians to be classified into three dominant categories: research support, teaching,
and managerial/administrative roles. Again, academic librarians were assigned to either the academic or pro fessional cadre in their universities based on the university’s understanding of the library as a professional or
academic unit irrespective of the Librarian’s qualification, roles and responsibilities and the changing academic
librarianship landscape. The study revealed the challenges librarians working in academic libraries face with
their promotion and career progression, including long years of waiting (6 years) to qualify for the promotion,
role inconsistencies, stagnation/lack of promotion, the presence of an unclear career path, and the inability to
meet promotion requirements due to the lack of time for research, all of which have implications on their job
satisfaction leading to demotivation and stress among academic librarians. The findings of this study have
practical implications for policymakers in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field, Higher Education
Institutions (HEI), and researchers to understand the perception of the roles, status, and career progression of the
librarians working in academic libraries in Ghana and to inform policy decisions.
Research Article
2024-01-01T00:00:00Z: Books-a-fright': technology and space changes in university libraries: a case of the University of Ghana Library System
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41404
: Books-a-fright': technology and space changes in university libraries: a case of the University of Ghana Library System
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.
Research Article
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZRe-Positioning University Libraries for Relevance in a Dynamic Learning Environment
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41300
Re-Positioning University Libraries for Relevance in a Dynamic Learning Environment
Owusu-Ansah, S.; Korkuvi, P.J.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, university libraries are characterised as highly responsive and
receptive to technological innovation, and emergent teaching and learning paradigms in the
educational landscape. The exploratory design was adopted to gain insight from library
leaders/directors in Ghana. A purposive sampling method was used to sample library directors
from four universities in Ghana. Our paper found that libraries in Ghana provide virtual services
including libguides, e-resources, online chat systems, etc. to support the changing user needs in
the information environment. However, major innovations instituted during the pandemic are
discovery services, web 3.0-based, multimedia technology services and research data
management. Our paper revealed that, major shifts in pedagogy and technology have occurred in
education, demanding effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork by library staff in
meeting universities' teaching, learning, and research mandate. Consequently, providing
innovative library services and facilities aligned with university pedagogy must be strongly
emphasised by the library leaders.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZScheimpflug-Derived Keratometric, Pachymetric and Pachymetric Progression Indices in the Diagnosis of Keratoconus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41131
Scheimpflug-Derived Keratometric, Pachymetric and Pachymetric Progression Indices in the Diagnosis of Keratoconus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Owusu, S.; Zaabaar, E.; Kwarteng, M.A.; Ankamah, S.; Abowine, J.B.V.
Scheimpflug Pentacam Tomography is becoming crucial in the diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus, as well as in pre and post-corneal refractive care, but there are still some inconsistencies surrounding its evidence base diagnostic outcome. Therefore,
this study aimed at employing meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the keratometric, pachymetric, and pachymetric progression
indices used in the diagnosis of Keratoconus. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Identifier: CRD4202310058) and
followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web
of Science, and EMBASE were used for data search, followed by a quality appraisal of the included studies using the revised tool for
the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). Meta-analysis was conducted using the meta (6.5.0) and metafor
(4.2.0) packages in R version 4.3.0, as well as Stata. A total of 32 studies were included in the analysis. All keratometry (K) readings
(flattest meridian, K1; steepest meridian, K2, maximum, Kmax) were significantly steeper in keratoconic compared to normal eyes:
[MD (95% CI)], K1 [2.67 (1.81; 3.52)], K1-back [−0.71 (−1.03; −0.39)], K1-front [4.06 (2.48; 5.63)], K2 [4.32 (2.89; 5.75)], K2-back
[−1.25 (−1.68; −0.82)], K2-front [4.82 (1.88; 7.76)], Kmax [7.57 (4.80; 10.34)], and Kmean [2.80 (1.13; 4.47)]. Additionally, corneal
thickness at the center, CCT [−61.19 (−73.79; −48.60)] and apex, pachy-apex [−41.86 (−72.64; −11.08)] were significantly thinner in
keratoconic eyes compared to normal eyes. The pooled estimates for pachymetric progression index (PPI): PPImin [0.66 (0.43; 0.90)],
PPImax [1.26 (0.87; 1.64)], PPIavg [0.90 (0.68; 1.12)], and Ambrosio relational thickness (ART): ARTmax [−242.77 (−288.86;
−196.69)], and ARTavg [−251.08 (−308.76; −195.39)] revealed significantly more rapid pachymetric progression in keratoconic eyes
than in normal eyes. The Pentacam Scheimpflug-derived keratometric, pachymetric, and pachymetric progression indices are good
predictors in discriminating KC from normal eyes.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00Z