http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/225 Journal articles concerning issues to do with library or library science Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:35:08 GMT 2026-06-13T18:35:08Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17525 How open is open access research in Library and Information Science? Chilimo, Wanyenda Leonard; Onyancha, Omwoyo Bosire The study investigates Library and Information Science (LIS) journals that published research articles between 2003 and 2013, which were about open access (OA) and were indexed in LIS databases. The purpose was to investigate the journals' OA policies, ascertain the degree to which these policies facilitate OA to publications, and investigate whether such texts are also available as OA. The results show that literature growth in the domain has been significant, with a total of 1,402 articles produced during the eleven years under study. The OA policies of the fifty-six journals that published the highest number of articles were analysed. The results show that most articles (404; 41%) were published in hybrid journals, whereas 272 (29.7%) appeared in OA journals. Some 143 (53%) of the articles published in hybrid journals were available as green OA copies. In total, 602 (66%) of all the articles published were available as OA. The results show that the adoption of OA for research articles on that very subject is somewhat higher than in other fields. The study calls on LIS professionals to be conversant with the OA policies of the various journals that may publish their research http://dx.doi.org/10.7553/84-1-1710 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17525 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17524 Training in online search skills at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Chilimo, Wanyenda L TEEAL and AGORA databases form an important part of the electronic resources at Sokoine National Agricultural Library in Tanzania (SNAL). This paper presents strategies that SNAL has used to ensure that students, academic staff and researchers at SNAL develop effective online search strategies that help them make effective use of various electronic resources including TEEAL, AGORA databases and other electronic resources. Major training methods are the use of formal and informal Information Literacy (IL) programmes, seminars and workshops and other innovative strategies like developing online tutorials. Some of these strategies have not only been essential in imparting online research skills to library users but also they have been important as a marketing strategy for these resources. The paper also discusses challenges and opportunities that are presented with the use of these databases, particularly in the context of university libraries in developing countries. Recommendations on how to improve the situation are made. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17524 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17523 Application of communities of practice in managing tacit knowledge in higher learning institutions Lwoga, ET; Chilimo, WL Universities and other higher learning institutions are recognized to be in the knowledge business because they are involved in knowledge creation, dissemination and learning. However, in recent years knowledge has gained increasing economic importance and therefore the role of knowledge management and communities of practice for knowledge creation, sharing and utilization in higher learning institution is becoming crucial. This paper discusses the application of Communities of Practice (CoP) as a means of capturing and sharing organizational knowledge in higher learning institutions. CoPs are informal networks that enable professionals to develop a shared meaning, engage in knowledge building and help to stimulate knowledge flow among the members. Effectively cultivated CoPs can be an important strategy for tapping and harnessing tacit knowledge and facilitating knowledge sharing. This paper draws on an extensive literature review and on various case studies that deal with the concept of communities of practice. The paper discusses the postulation as to how CoPs can be used for harnessing tacit knowledge in higher learning institutions. Relevant theories with regard to CoPs are also highlighted, and applied in practice at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania as a case study. Lastly, the paper give recommendations on how best CoPs can be implemented in managing tacit knowledge in higher learning institutions, especially in Africa. DOI: 10.4314/udslj.v10i1-2.43419 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17523 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17522 CHALLENGES OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES Elly, Tumsifu; Ally, Mariam; Chilimo, Wanyenda; Sife, Alfred This paper discusses the role of policy for proper and efficient library services in the electronic era. It points out some of the possible dangers of embarking in electronic resources without a proper focus at hand. Thus, it calls for today's librarians and policy makers to brainstorm and come up with working policies suitable to Africa's social, economic and ICT infrastructure framework. New approaches in acquisition, accessing, selection, preservation and choices on whether to operate digital, or combine traditional print and digital resources in the library have to be worked out and adopted. Therefore, policies, which articulate libraries' vision and mission, are important for proper electronic information resources assimilation in the libraries. DOI: 10.4314/udslj.v5i2.26605 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17522 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z