1. The Emerging Information Professional Market in Botswana
An Article Critique by Leah L. Coffin
LIBR 285
Prof. Lili Luo
April 26, 2009
Ojedokun, A. A. & Moaki, K. H. The emerging market for information
professionals in Botswana, and the skills requirements. (2005)
Education for Information, 23,

2. Research Need
There is an emerging market for information professionals with talent, know-how & experience. However, current LIS graduates often feel they are taught skills which go unused in the current workplace.
Libraries in Botswana are major information custodians. All but a few are automated, all have internet access. Two of the largest employers of University of Botswana (UB) MLIS graduates are government organizations; the other two are major libraries.
The study asked UB MLIS graduates and their employers:
What is the current status of the information professional market in Botswana, and what is the level of readiness for current MLIS graduates?

3. Literature Review
The article cites several related studies conducted in other African countries:
Ghana (Kisiedu, 1993) Respondents suggested strengthening the Information Technology component of the LIS curriculum.
Nigeria (Onadiran, 1988) Respondents recommended greater subject expertise, additional coursework in science, arts, & social sciences.
Kenya (Aina, 1993) 60% of LIS job advertisements were in non- traditional library work.
Qualitative surveys of LIS graduates indicate a growing perceived need for both IT and subject-based expertise, while quantitative research of the job market suggests an increased need for information professionals to possess non-traditional skills and talents.

4. Methodology
71 total UB MLIS graduates between No sampling frame was available, so researchers used “snowballing” to identify 32 graduates currently employed in Gaborone.
Purposive sampling of employers found 4 major organizations: University of Botswana Library (UBL), Botswana National Library Services (BNLS), Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC).
19 respondents interviewed in workplace, comprising 59.4% of the sample. Separate interview also conducted with relevant senior staff at organizations.
Snowball sampling – ask locatable group members to help locate other members.
Purposive sampling – researchers select representative units based on own judgment.

5. LIS graduates were asked:
Data Collection
LIS graduates were asked:
Employers were asked:
Do you think there is an emerging information market for LIS graduates in Botswana?
If so, what are the indicators of the emerging market?
What skills are required?
How is IT affecting your organization & your organization’s need for information professionals?
In light of the above, what are the skills you require from information professionals to support your organization’s mission objectives?
What is your impression of the need for information professionals in Botswana? Is there an emerging market for them?
Interviews were analyzed to establish patterns in both categories of respondents’ perceptions on the emerging information professional market in Botswana.

6. Results Analysis Conclusion
Many organizations now embrace IT, regardless of field.
Both traditional and non- traditional skills needed in emerging markets.
IT affects different workplaces to varying degrees, depending on their specific needs.
Employees need “profound” IT understanding.
The emerging market exists, but so do negative perceptions about LIS graduates and their degree.
Dominant culture in LIS programs must reconcile with current IT requirements in job market.
IT professionals must take an active approach to finding out the best way to serve an organization’s information needs.

7. Reflections
Qualitative research can “fill in the blanks” in quantitative research by providing potential solutions to the problems it exposes.
Appropriate sampling & interview techniques can have cultural as well as technical aspects.
Interviewing different groups on the same subject from the appropriate perspective can yield useful qualitative results.