Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Article
Publication date: 19 September 2018

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita and Archie Dick

The paper explores library cooperation in Zimbabwe and gathers views from librarians on the need for a library consortium model to underpin national development. This study aims…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper explores library cooperation in Zimbabwe and gathers views from librarians on the need for a library consortium model to underpin national development. This study aims to investigate the development of library consortia in Zimbabwe and then propose a model that will both accelerate their development and support the country’s national development agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an investigative study using a multi-method research design. Data on existing library consortia, namely, Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and College and Research Library Consortium (CARLC), were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data were complemented by documentary analysis including primary sources of information, for example, annual reports and brochures. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights on how ZULC and CARLC are transforming the provision of library services in several ways, for example, providing for the dynamic needs of users and strategizing on overcoming rising costs of scholarly content through resource sharing. The proposed model effectively elevates the fundamental library consortium principles of cooperation and sharing onto the national development stage, and it is novel and pioneering. The gestures and general remarks made recently by Zimbabwe Library Association and some ZULC members about national development and ZIMASSET are given rigorous and scholarly expression in this model.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability beyond Zimbabwe. It is therefore imperative for researchers to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of a library consortia model to underpin national development in Zimbabwe. The existing academic sector library consortium still excludes other types of libraries from participating in resource sharing and promoting access to information on a national development scale. The proposed library consortium model providing for nation-wide access to information is critical in realising national development goals in Zimbabwe. Currently, academic library consortia are contributing immensely through supporting learning, teaching and research in their respective institutions. Such benefits can also be extended to all institutions through a national library consortium to support development in Zimbabwe.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the development of a nation-wide library consortium model can be realised. There is relatively little researched information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Southern Africa with specific reference to Zimbabwe. The paper seeks to close the gap by providing information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Zimbabwe.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2020

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita and Madelien C. Fombad

Knowledge sharing for evidence-based climate change adaptation is key to reducing vulnerabilities. The disastrous effects of the recent tropical cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe’s eastern…

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge sharing for evidence-based climate change adaptation is key to reducing vulnerabilities. The disastrous effects of the recent tropical cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe’s eastern highlands, whereby lives and livelihoods were destroyed, calls for fundamental rethinking on how knowledge sharing can be useful in reducing vulnerabilities. This study aims to examine how knowledge sharing practices among selected climate action organisations can support positive results in evidence-based climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe and recommends a strategy to enhance knowledge sharing for evidence-based climate change adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher opted for a qualitative research methodology, and interviews were conducted with research participants to get in-depth information. The target population for the research is drawn from three climate change organisations in Zimbabwe. These participants were chosen because of their direct involvement in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Purposive sampling was used because it was considered an easy and informal method to reach the target population. The responses were coded and readied for analysis. Categories for analysis were also determined and described. The next section focuses on the presentation and interpretation of the responses.

Findings

The study found out that even though there is evidence of knowledge sharing in the selected organisations, there was a need for a strategy that integrates the efforts of all climate action organisation to realise successful climate change adaptation. Successful climate change adaptation requires an integrative force in the form of a strategy that supports knowledge sharing. The strategy breaks the silo mode of operation by bringing together all stakeholders through knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The research study was unique to the Zimbabwean climate change and adaptation context and only a purposive sampling of participants representing three climate change action was feasible.

Social implications

The proposed model will enhance knowledge sharing among climate change and adaptation organisations in Zimbabwe. It will transform knowledge management practices among climate change organisations in Zimbabwe.

Originality/value

The study recommends a knowledge sharing strategy that can be useful in supporting climate change adaptation. The model will support decision-making by providing access to shareable information on climate change. The proposed knowledge sharing strategy integrates the efforts of all stakeholders, including communities, government and academia, among many. The study proposes an original model for climate change adaptation for Zimbabwe.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2020

Abigal Mawonedzo, Magdaline Tanga, Simon Luggya and Yvonne Nsubuga

The aim of this paper is to explore how the strategies of entrepreneurship education in clothing and textile programmes are implemented in selected Technical Colleges in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore how the strategies of entrepreneurship education in clothing and textile programmes are implemented in selected Technical Colleges in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was adopted for this paper. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 42 participants through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Findings

The findings show that there were two principal strategies that are used by lecturers in technical colleges, where entrepreneurship education is taught. The findings reveal that the implementation of the lecture method in most of these colleges deviates remarkable from each other. Given the socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds of the learners, lectures are delivered in both English and the dominant local language, and the notes are written on the blackboard. Experiential learning, which is the placement of students in textile and clothing industries, was revealed to be another strategy, which was not achieving the intended results as most of the students were engaged in unrelated activities. The implementation of the two methods fall short of internationally recognised and pedagogically acceptable strategies that ought to instil the necessary skills in students to become future entrepreneurs in the textile and clothing industries in Zimbabwe and in Africa.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the paper is that data was not collected from production managers from the clothing manufacturing industry and from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education officials, especially those from the Curriculum Development Unit. However, the core of this paper is on implementing strategies from the perspectives of lecturers and students. Another limitation of the paper is that data was collected only from three technical colleges in Harare, Manicaland and Midland provinces. There are a total of nine such colleges in Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, since this a qualitative paper, its aim is not to generalise its findings but to provide in-depth and rich information about implementing strategies in Clothing and Textile programmes in selected TVET colleges.

Originality/value

The paper presents some pertinent recommendations to enhance a better implementation of the strategies used in entrepreneurship education to ensure that upon graduation, graduates can be self-employed and create jobs. This could help in curbing the high unemployment rate in Zimbabwe as well as in Africa in general.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 63 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2022

Mia Høj Mathiasson and Henrik Jochumsen

The purpose of this literature review is to provide an overview of and insights into a selected bibliography of 102 research publications on libraries – of all types  

2702

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this literature review is to provide an overview of and insights into a selected bibliography of 102 research publications on libraries – of all types – sustainability and sustainable development, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The review procedure is inspired by the hermeneutic literature review method, referring to a circular process of searching, sorting, selecting, acquiring, reading, identifying and refining. The publications are mapped to provide an overview of the research field. Following the research mapping, all publications are categorized as either environmental, economic, social, cultural or holistic according to their usage and understanding of the core concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. Finally, the main rationales behind the core concepts are identified, and their possible implications on the role of libraries and librarians are discussed.

Findings

Of the 102 research publications, 45 are categorized as environmental, 9 as economic, 9 as social, 3 as cultural and 36 as holistic. The main rationales identified across these categories are optimization, legitimation, demonstration and transformation. The possible implications behind these rationales are that libraries and librarians should be resourceful, explicit about their motivations, serve as good examples and act as change agents. Increasingly, libraries and librarians are expected to act proactively in relation to the global sustainability agenda.

Originality/value

This literature review provides a unique overview of and insights into an emerging research field, which are needed for future research and discussion about the potentiality of libraries and librarians in solving global sustainability challenges.

Access

Year

Content type

Article (4)
1 – 4 of 4