Information, Knowledge, and Technology for Teaching and Research in Africa

This book focuses on information seeking and the knowledge economy for teaching and research in Africa. The book first explores the evolution and current state of information-seeking behavior research, demonstrating its importance in informing practice, policy, and design of information systems. Despite the informal sectors substantial contributions to the national economy in Uganda, there is a lack of studies delving into its information needs, as well as an information gap in government, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The book proposes that an appropriate information behavior model for information-poor communities such as informal entrepreneurs must be grounded on oral traditions and indigenous knowledge and should be sensitive to poverty, infrastructure, and illiteracy. The negative impact of the lack of financial literacy skills for women entrepreneurs is investigated and solutions for this problem are suggested, including regular assessments of women entrepreneurs financial literacy skills and the introduction of training courses.  The role of academic libraries in universities, library services for students with disabilities, and accessibility of library services to students with disabilities is discussed, and theoretical models for enhancing service in academic libraries are presented.  The book highlights the specific challenges and opportunities related to information literacy for secondary schools and concludes by examining the rapid changes in library and information science research in South Africa.

Dennis Ocholla, Ph.D., joined the University of Zululand as Professor and Head of the Department of Library and Information Science (1996-2014) and was appointed Senior Professor at the University in 2006 and retired in 2022.  His research and teaching interests include information seeking, ICT4D/human computer interaction-user interfaces, data science and bibliometric /informetrics, information ethics, scholarly communication, and research methods. Omwoyo Bosire Onyancha, Ph.D., is a Research Professor in the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa. His areas of research interest include informetric and scientometrics, information and knowledge management, science communication, and knowledge mobilization.  Dr. Onyancha has explored these areas of research in order to advance the academic and societal understanding of how information and knowledge are created, disseminated, and utilized in various contexts.  Aderonke Olaitan Adesina, Ph.D., is currently the International Students Employability Project Officer at Nottingham Trent University. She has garnered work experience in the health, education, and consulting sectors over the last 25 years. Dr. Adesina earned her bachelors and masters degrees in physics and information science, respectively, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and her doctoral degree from the University of Zululand, South Africa.