Qualitative investigation of library clients’ needs in a newly created comprehensive university: a case study Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Structure Background of the study Research Method Research Analysis Findings Conclusion Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Background to the study UJ was given the status of a comprehensive institution during the process of restructuring of higher education institutions. We needed to understand this type of institution What was the impact of restructuring on the library clients. Role of the library in supporting this institution Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Research Method Literature review Journals, internet etc Teleconference Focus groups Academic staff, students and library staff Follow-up interview Colloquium

Research Analysis Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Data was grouped into themes representing the research findings. Understanding the term “comprehensiveness” Programmes Collection development Marketing and communication Service and staff Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Findings :Comprehensive definition (understanding) Comprehensive institution is an adding on to academic university programmes Bringing together university and technikon programmes Different ways of teaching Caters for a variety of courses and programmes Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Cont… Comprehensive institution consists of traditional (theory) and vocational (practical). Understanding commonalities as well as the differences Comprehensive institution is a marriage between two institutions ( practical driven programmes and research degrees) Vocational encompass technical programmes, skills development, industry and short courses. Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Findings: Impact on programmes Widening of programmes affected library collection Coverage and content Variety of programmes to choose from Affected library space Different Teaching culture Traditional swamped vocational All lecturers are now expected to do more research More support from the library Information literacy was seen as not effective Awareness and timing Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Findings: Impact on collection development Collection development is an important component of a comprehensive institution Responsibility Academics vs. subject librarian Change in acquisitions policy and procedure Multiple copies Exhibitions Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Cont… Relevance Does not cater for all levels Budget Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Findings : Impact on Marketing and Communication Internal communication o inadequate communication between lecturing staff and subject librarian ( prescribed books) External communication Databases o Lack of awareness about library e-resources. Information literacy programmes o Lack of awareness about library training and other programmes. Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Findings : Impact on Library Services and Staff Increase in students intake has created more pressure on library staff Vocational staff are expected to do more research. The library staff is expected to support all lectures Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Role of the library Comprehensiveness should be reflected on services and collections Information literacy should be part of the curriculum Subject librarians should be multi-skilled (Vocational and traditional) Study environment should be conducive for vocational learning ( drawing table and discussion rooms) Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Cont… All library resources should be shared among all UJ students and staff (departmental collections) Collection development budget should be used effectively (information and research budget) Just in time ( Online help function) Change in organizational culture (rebranding) Multimedia resources and their facilities in all campuses. Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Recommendation and conclusion There is not much difference in supporting clients need from traditional or vocational university, However, there is a slight difference - library space - Information librarians skilling More investigation on Comprehensive institution to be conducted Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Summary Definition of a Comprehensive institution Impact of restructuring on library clients Role of the library in a comprehensive institution Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo

Thank you Contact: Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo