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

oLack of awareness about library e-resources.

• Information literacy programmesoLack 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

E-mail: Nondumisos@uj.ac.za/ 0786945418

Nondumiso Sinyenyeko-Sayo