Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
Article
Citation
Hogo, H. & Sithole, N. (2024). Adoption of Emerging Information Sources by Information Professionals at a private Zimbabwean university
Abstract
The study sought to discover the adoption of emerging information sources by Information Professionals in university libraries. Despite aggressive acquisitions and adoption of electronic resources by the university library in line with its 2010 – 2015 strategic plan, indexing of electronic resources for the institutional repository platform was little and at different stages. EBooks had not been fully embraced despite information literacy skills training being integrated into the communication skills course. The study adopted the diffusion of innovation theoretical framework. The study used a mixed methods research approach and a descriptive survey as a research design. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were used for library clients and Information Professionals. The study used a qualitative data analysis procedure to analyse the collected data. The study found that information professionals partially indexed electronic collections due to their inadequate execution skills. Most of the Information Professionals were not formally trained in electronic information resources at college or university. However, too much workload on the current Information Professionals and a shortage of faculty Information Professionals were major obstacles in the adoption of indexing structures and electronic book collection building. Those with more years in the university library were more willing to use electronic resources to assist library clients. Additionally, those with higher qualifications were more interested in experiencing new innovations. Poor bandwidth and instability of the Internet presented challenges in adopting electronic information resources.