Papers by Christine Stilwell
Library Review, 2011
Citation: Lwoga, E.T., Ngulube, P. and Stilwell, C., 2011. Access and use of agricultural informa... more Citation: Lwoga, E.T., Ngulube, P. and Stilwell, C., 2011. Access and use of agricultural information and knowledge in Tanzania. Library Review 60(5): 385-395.
This article reports on an empirical study which investigated access for people in wheelchairs an... more This article reports on an empirical study which investigated access for people in wheelchairs and/or with visual impairments to Tanzanian academic libraries. A pragmatism paradigm and Oliver’s (1990) social model of disability were employed as well as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Using quantitative and qualitative methods, questionnaires, interview schedules and an observation checklist were used to collect data. The study sample from the libraries of five Tanzanian higher education institutions (HEIs) totalled 196 respondents. The respondents were library directors, otherprofessional library and disability unit staff, Ministry of Education’s Special Needs Unit staff, and people in wheelchairs and/or with visual impairments. The study found that there were no functioning lifts and/or ramps in the academic libraries studied which could have enabled these users to reach the upper floors where the information resources or services were ...
Abstract: Ranganathan's five laws of library science were first published in 1931. Although ... more Abstract: Ranganathan's five laws of library science were first published in 1931. Although initially devised for the Indian context, these laws have been adapted - in form and spirit - by libraries all over the world. With the emergence of new librarianship models such as Library 2.0, ...
Advances in librarianship, vol 41, Gorham, U., Greene Taylor, N. and Jaeger, P.T., eds. Perspectives on Libraries as Institutions of Human Rights and Social Justice, pp. 123-145. ISSN: 0065-2830. DOI: 10.1108/S0065-283020160000041006
Purpose Since the 1994 regime change many South African public libraries have been
destroyed by... more Purpose Since the 1994 regime change many South African public libraries have been
destroyed by the communities they were serving which raises questions about how communities
perceive these libraries. With the loss of activist library organizations, few insights are
gained from activists or critical librarianship on how to respond. In this context, the chapter
examines public library social inclusion and poverty alleviation initiatives, and government
conditional grants to public libraries.
Methodology/approach Using a transformative paradigm, a qualitative approach and thematic
analysis, the chapter examines recent literature on public libraries and social inclusion,
and local annual and parliamentary reports. A mini-survey yields case study material.
Findings The findings augment the scarce store of recent evidence on South African public
libraries. Most provinces had built new libraries, upgraded others, and installed information
and communication infrastructure to enhance access. Problems included governance,
fund wastage, and staffing. The libraries have great potential to improve their relevance for
local communities.
Originality/value First hand evidence from local librarians and official reports demonstrates
the grants’ effect on public library promotion of social inclusion and shows what is
possible in a situation of historical inequities.
Social Media Strategies for Dynamic Library Service Development, 2015
The growth rate of civil society organisations (CSOs) in developing countries in the recent past ... more The growth rate of civil society organisations (CSOs) in developing countries in the recent past has been increasing. Consequently, several donors currently channel development funds through CSOs. However, the lack of adequate capacity to work with governments, donors and other stake− holders has hampered the ability of local CSOs to deliver effective services. Different approaches, including mentorship and formal training, have been used to strengthen the capacity of CSOs but with little apparent impact. The apomediated marketplace is a combination of face–to–face events and a digital interface through which CSOs as buyers, and capacity–building consultants as ven− dors, meet directly to develop partnerships, share knowledge and transact business. Apomedia− tion enables the marketplace organizers to “stand by” the participants and offer support only at the point of need. As opposed to intermediation, which involves “standing between” the parties. or disintermediation implying “stan...
ABSTRACT Library 3.0 explores the ongoing debates on the "point oh" phenomenon ... more ABSTRACT Library 3.0 explores the ongoing debates on the "point oh" phenomenon and its impact on service delivery in libraries. This book analyses Library 3.0 and its potential in creating intelligent libraries capable of meeting contemporary needs, and the growing role of librarians as apomediators. Contents include: Current issues and emerging trends in librarianship; Drivers and barriers of change in libraries and librarianship; Characterisation of the modern research and academic library user; The future of research and academic librarianship; "Point Oh" libraries: Advances in Web technology - Web 2.0 and Web 3.0; "Point Oh" libraries - Library 0.0, Library 1.0; Library 2.0; Library 3.0; Library 4.0; Change in libraries - evolution or revolution? Reality check; "Point Oh" situation in research and academic libraries; Library 3.0: Principles; Comparison with the other library service models; Unique potential for research and academic libraries; Library 3.0 librarianship: Core competencies of librarian 3.0; Core competencies of patron 3.0; Apomediation; Research and academic librarians as apomediators; Becoming 3.0: Examples of existing 3.0 libraries; Library 3.0 tools; Library 3.0 resources; Role of professional associations; Role of training institutions; Role of researchers and academic library users.
South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 2014
Library 2.0 is a controversial concept that stirs debate on many fronts. As the concept continues... more Library 2.0 is a controversial concept that stirs debate on many fronts. As the concept continues to arrest the attention of most library users and practitioners, a number of issues relating to its real nature emerge. One of these is the character of change it represents. While many library scholars and practitioners agree that Library 2.0 represents a change, they disagree on the nature of this change. Using a critical review of documentation and arguments on this subject, the authors identify three points of view on this change. Whereas some feel that the change is revolutionary and may drastically transform the profession -including renaming -others see it as an evolution of the current best practices to mould a better, user-centred service using modern technology. Still others see Library 2.0 as neither revolutionary nor evolutionary. This paper seeks to clarify these three points of view on the character of Library 2.0 change in libraries, as institutions, and in librarianship as a profession. It also recommends that while Library 2.0 should be seen as the latest instance in the development of the library and the services it offers, its role in facilitating participatory user-centric services should not be ignored.
Information Development, 2014
ABSTRACT Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play an important role in the socioeconomic developme... more ABSTRACT Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play an important role in the socioeconomic development programmes in the developing countries. For instance, donors prefer to channel development funds through CSOs rather than directly to governments. However, the lack of adequate capacity to work with governments, donors and other stakeholders has hampered the ability of local CSOs to deliver effective services. Different approaches, including mentorship and formal training, have been used to try to strengthen the capacity ...
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 2013
Social Media Strategies for Dynamic Library Service Development, 2015
ABSTRACT The available evidence reveals that although librarians have made good progress in adapt... more ABSTRACT The available evidence reveals that although librarians have made good progress in adapting library services and products to current realities, usage of libraries remains low. This situation has been attributed partly to the poor marketing of library services to actual and potential users. Therefore, the library services delivered using shoe-string budgets are barely used, occasioning great “losses” to the libraries and their communities. Social media marketing offers a unique opportunity for libraries to increase their visibility and usage by taking services and products to the platforms where their actual and potential users already “hang out”. Many libraries in Africa are experimenting with diverse social media marketing tools in an ad hoc manner with mixed results. This chapter is a practical guide which libraries can use to enhance their competitive advantage through social media marketing. It offers step by step action plans and tips on social media marketing for African libraries.
South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 2003
Print agricultural information materials (PAIMs), such as leaflets, booklets and fact sheets, are... more Print agricultural information materials (PAIMs), such as leaflets, booklets and fact sheets, are used extensively to provide information to farmers. Such print materials can play a vital supportive role in extension, even to low-literate communities. Principles for repackaging technical and scientific agricultural information in print are reviewed to provide guidelines for producing PAIMs that are 'considerate' of the target audience's information needs, communication and language style, and level of reading and education. Criteria for choice of content include brevity, accuracy, appropriateness and relevance to the end user. An understanding of factors affecting readability, accompanied by readability assessment and pretesting materials on users, will ensure greater clarity of expression and aid comprehension. Important elements of the design and layout of PAIMs include logical organisation of content and arrangement of text on the page, legibility of the text as affected by colour and typography, highlighting, and the use of pictures to complement and reinforce the message. Such design tools should be used to attract and not distract the reader. It is concluded that a collaborative effort of communicators and audience in the development process will aid the production of PAIMs that contribute effectively to the diffusion of agricultural and development information in rural areas.
South African Journal of Library and Information Science Suid Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Biblioteek En Inligtingkunde, 2009
This article, the first of two parts, is an update of one which appeared in the IFLA journal in 2... more This article, the first of two parts, is an update of one which appeared in the IFLA journal in 2007 . Progress since 2007 is mapped in terms of the fit between the library and information services available and the national transformation agenda. It reviews information policy and describes information sources, systems and services in South Africa as part of the wider national information system. It stops short of describing the situation pertaining to school libraries, archives, record centres and museums, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), embassies, commercial database industry and indigenous knowledge which are covered in Part II. The sectors concerned with the dissemination of information and information technology are also described in Part II, as well as the library and information education and training sector and the organised profession. This overview is based on literature retrieved from the available, mostlye/ectronic, databases. Keywords: Library and information systems and services; access to information; South Africa I. Christine Stilwell is Professor, Information Studies Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Email [email protected]. SAJnl Libs & Info Sci 2008, 74(2) appropriate accessfor minors and children which poses particular policy challenges(Internet Access Policy Project 2007).
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Papers by Christine Stilwell
destroyed by the communities they were serving which raises questions about how communities
perceive these libraries. With the loss of activist library organizations, few insights are
gained from activists or critical librarianship on how to respond. In this context, the chapter
examines public library social inclusion and poverty alleviation initiatives, and government
conditional grants to public libraries.
Methodology/approach Using a transformative paradigm, a qualitative approach and thematic
analysis, the chapter examines recent literature on public libraries and social inclusion,
and local annual and parliamentary reports. A mini-survey yields case study material.
Findings The findings augment the scarce store of recent evidence on South African public
libraries. Most provinces had built new libraries, upgraded others, and installed information
and communication infrastructure to enhance access. Problems included governance,
fund wastage, and staffing. The libraries have great potential to improve their relevance for
local communities.
Originality/value First hand evidence from local librarians and official reports demonstrates
the grants’ effect on public library promotion of social inclusion and shows what is
possible in a situation of historical inequities.
destroyed by the communities they were serving which raises questions about how communities
perceive these libraries. With the loss of activist library organizations, few insights are
gained from activists or critical librarianship on how to respond. In this context, the chapter
examines public library social inclusion and poverty alleviation initiatives, and government
conditional grants to public libraries.
Methodology/approach Using a transformative paradigm, a qualitative approach and thematic
analysis, the chapter examines recent literature on public libraries and social inclusion,
and local annual and parliamentary reports. A mini-survey yields case study material.
Findings The findings augment the scarce store of recent evidence on South African public
libraries. Most provinces had built new libraries, upgraded others, and installed information
and communication infrastructure to enhance access. Problems included governance,
fund wastage, and staffing. The libraries have great potential to improve their relevance for
local communities.
Originality/value First hand evidence from local librarians and official reports demonstrates
the grants’ effect on public library promotion of social inclusion and shows what is
possible in a situation of historical inequities.
In book: Handbook of Research on Knowledge Management: adaptation and context., Chapter: 17, Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing., Editors: A. Ortenblad, pp.263-281.