L Unlocking the Potential of Public Libraries in supporting teaching and learning through ODL: A case of B.Ed Programme at Makerere University By: Harriet Nabushawo, Jessica Aguti & Mark Winterbottom

Introduction  Makerere a dual university was running conventional (internal) programs until  Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a mode of study where teachers and students are often separated by time and space.  The main teaching tool are specially prepared materials in print, CDs, Audio, video and audio-visual.  Supplementary materials like text books, readers, reports, e resources etc

Place of Library Services  Library services are key in any educational enterprise more so in ODL  Offered both on campus and off campus  ODL students are entitled to library services like others library services like other students are key in any education enterprise

Motivation for the study  Earlier studies indicate that library services are inadequate in study centres: (Mayende & Obura, 2013: Bbuye, 2012: Kawalya, 2010: Wrightson & Otto, 2005, Aguti, 2004)  They are geographically far from the ODL students  They have inadequate interactive materials  Inadequate ICTs facilities  No reading space  No qualified/technical staff

Ptg  Due to the challenges many students have found solace in public libraries  A public library is a local center of information; books, reference collections, computer and Internet access) accessible to the general public.  According to Meredeth (2010), public libraries have always supported distance learners as members of the community 17/10/2015

The study and the Research questions  What services and resources are available in public libraries to support teaching and learning in ODL?  How can ODL students benefit from these services to support learning?  Why are ODL students not effectively utilising public libraries?

Methodology  The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches  Sampled 300 students and key informants  Used Primary and Secondary data collection methods ( Questionnaires, Interviews, FGDs)  Qualitative data was categorized and thematically coded while numerical data was analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Findings: Availability resources/services in Public Libraries Available Library resources /services in PL YESNO ODL Study Materials126 (42 %) 174 (58%) Other supplementary reading materials112 (37 %)188 (63%) Computers and other accessories 198 (66%)102 (34%) Internet and online data bases223 (74%)77 (26%) Technical staff (Librarians and IT)220 (73%)80 (27%) Reading Space189 (63%)111 (37%) 17/10/2015

Findings cont’d  There are 32 public libraries in Uganda.  As much as these resources existed in the PL, some students did not make use of them due to;  Limited information by students about the existence of public libraries and the services therein

Findings cont’d  No official Partnership to facilitate effective support  Geographically far from the ODL students  Inadequate supplementary study materials.  Inadequate varieties of study materials in the PL (audio, video etc.)

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Conclusion & Recommendations  Makerere University has embraced ODL by providing library services to students however these services are not only inadequate but also centralised.  There is need for the university to partner with other institutions with facilities and resources to ensure continuity of learning.  Since the University has subscribed to several data bases, these resources should be accessible to ODL students as well through either study centres or public libraries 17/10/2015

Recommendations  Sensitising the ODL students on the availability of resources in PL  Stocking PL with a variety of up to date interactive study materials. 17/10/2015

Thank you for your attention END 17/10/2015