http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3282 Information Studies 2026-04-12T17:54:50Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5164 Examining the diffusion and adoption of Open Access publishing among academics at the University of Limpopo, South Africa Shoroma, Moritidi Abigail; Bopape, Tsekere Solomon This study examined the diffusion and adoption of open access (OA) publishing among 250 academic staff members at the University of Limpopo (UL), South Africa. The study was guided by Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory to measure their (the academics’) level of awareness on the availability of OA platforms, to determine their adoption and usage levels of OA publishing for scholarly communication, to establish their attitudes towards the use of the OA publishing platforms, and to identify their perspectives with regard to challenges and benefits presented by OA publishing. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The findings revealed that most academics were, “to some extent,” aware of OA publishing, through their subject librarians and the internet. Although most were “strongly in favour” of OA publishing, their level of adopting it was lower than expected. The institutional repository (IR) was found to be the OA platform they have used most frequently to upload journal articles. Article processing charges (APCs), connectivity related issues, articles not being peer reviewed, predatory publishers, and lack of knowledge and OA access policies remain some of the challenges encountered in adopting OA publishing. It is recommended that the library staff should intensify its OA publishing marketing strategies and educate academics about its implications through workshops and seminars. Rewards for academics who publish in OA platforms should also be considered by the institution, and the academics who are reaping the benefits of OA publishing should also showcase their rewards to the other academics. Journal article published in Mousaion Volume 41 | Number 1 | 2023 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5074 Contribution of academic libraries in addressing misinformation pre and post Covid-19 through user education programmes Shoroma, Moritidi Abigail In the rapidly evolving landscape of information dissemination, academic libraries play a pivotal role in combating misinformation, particularly in the context of the pre and post-COVID-19 pandemic period. This is shown in this chapter through a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive review of existing literature with insights gathered from librarians to provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by misinformation. This study investigates the contribution of academic libraries in mitigating the impact of misinformation through user education programmes, encompassing library instruction and information literacy initiatives. The findings of the study reveal the roles of librarians, educators, and policymakers in fostering information literacy skills and combating misinformation, as well as contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the vital role they play in empowering users to discern credible information from misinformation in the context of the period of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Book chapter 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4990 Resource description and access utilization by cataloguers in selected academic libraries of previously disadvantaged universities in South Africa Shai, Laiden Kgashane Resource Description and Access (RDA) is defined as a cataloguing tool consisting of new rules derived from the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules II (AACR2). The aim of the study was to explore RDA utilisation among cataloguers in selected academic libraries of previously disadvantaged universities in South Africa. The study was conducted at the University of Limpopo, University of Venda and University of Fort Hare. The study used the interpretivist paradigm, descriptive design and a qualitative research approach. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 13 participants, while content analysis was used for the evaluation of 15 catalogue records obtained from the participated academic libraries of the researched universities. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and direct quotations. The findings revealed that the participants were using RDA to catalogue information resources in the academic libraries. It was further revealed that two universities started using RDA in 2013 and one university started using it in 2016. Data from the catalogued records also revealed that the majority of the catalogue records were created using RDA, However, few catalogue records were still recorded using AACR2. The study concluded that RDA is highly utilized at the universities; however, not entirely, because some catalogue records were still recorded in AACR2. The study recommended, among others, the use of artificial intelligence technologies such as MarcEdit to convert the AACR2 catalogue records to RDA, since AACR2 records were still found in the catalogues of the investigated universities. The study also recommended that universities should ensure that the participants attend continuous RDA workshop/training opportunities to ensure that they are up to date with the recent changes made to RDA rules, since its rules are continuously updated. Thesis (M. (Information Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3590 Library as place: evaluating physical and virtual spaces : a case study of two academic libraries Williams, Marion Lucille; Saunderson, Ian; Dhoest, Alexander Informed by Pierre Bourdieu’s theory on social capital, this paper examines how academic libraries might be considered places to create social capital. The study that directed this article utilised a qualitative approach and drew upon the perceptions of both the student population and library professionals at the University of Antwerp in Belgium and the University of Limpopo in South Africa. This study explored the similarities and differences in respondents’ perceptions of their respective libraries. The study relied on semi-structured interviews comprising 34 participants: 30 students and four library professionals. To inform this study, data were collected on the perceptions of the libraries’ physical and virtual spaces to ascertain differing views regarding academic libraries’ social values and their contribution to creating social capital. Students use the physical space extensively as a gathering place for group discussions and independent academic work, and depend on library professionals to disseminate information effectively on reliable and suitable platforms. The differences in students’ perceptions between the two academic libraries can be clarified based on their respective geographic settings, which influenced their perceptions and needs of the library. The article notes various restrictions at the University of Limpopo compared to current practices at the University of Antwerp in the context of social capital, physical space and technology, owing to uneven distribution of resources and autonomy. Journal article published in Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies Volume 39, Number 3, 2021 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z