caroline Ilako

Makerere University, College of Computing and Information Sciences, Graduate Student

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The influence of spatial attributes on users’ information behaviour in academic libraries: a case study

Proceedings of ISIC: the information behaviour conference Pretoria, South Africa, 28th September to 1st October, 2020, 2020

Introduction. Information practices manifest differently among diverse library users, because spa... more Introduction. Information practices manifest differently among diverse library users, because space influences the different activities that library users engage in. Lefebvre’s spatial triad theory was used to illustrate how library spaces influence spatial activities and hence affect information behaviour of users. Method. A qualitative, ethnographic study method was applied. Participant observations and interviews with library users were conducted from May to December 2019 within Makerere University. Analysis. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Information behaviour appears as the central activity within the library spaces, within those spaces and academic and non-academic behaviour manifest as a result of user engagement within the different spaces. It was thus revealed that different attributes support users’ activities such as reading, discussionsamong users and therefore sharping their space preference. Conclusion. Space is both a physical and social obje...

Creating Inclusive Library Spaces for Students with Disabilities (SWDs): Perceptions and Experiences

Sustainable Digital Communities, 2020

Students with disabilities are enrolled in different academic programs in institutions of higher ... more Students with disabilities are enrolled in different academic programs in institutions of higher education and universities have to provide the required standards to cater for the needs of these students. One important area of focus is the library building and spaces within them. Although there are laws governing the construction of public buildings, students with disabilities may face accessibility barriers to library spaces, implying that they are not benefiting from the services and facilities. Therefore, it is imperative for academic libraries to create architectural designs and spaces that invite more students with disabilities into their buildings so as to enjoy the right of access to facilities and services. This paper takes a normative stance to the accessibility of library spaces by students with disabilities. A qualitative ethnographic study was used to investigate the perceptions and experiences of students with disabilities in physical library spaces using participant observation and in-depth interviews. The data was analyzed using thematic approach.

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Creativity and innovations in Ugandan libraries: case of Makerere University Library

Library development has come a long way from the time of clay tablets and scrolls to the present ... more Library development has come a long way from the time of clay tablets and scrolls to the present times when ICTs are dominating the information scene. In every decade, there has been a tangible development ranging from the early technology of type writer use to the present era of virtual libraries. All stages have each left their mark and impacted on the success of library services. In the 21st Century, the dominant driver in library and information services is rapid technological advancement involving several technologies including mobile applications and social media. In Africa, apart from technological innovations librarians have creatively and innovatively improved upon service delivery using a variety of ways and approaches. The aim of this paper is to highlight the services/products and approaches that librarians in Uganda, particularly Makerere University have implemented to meet the ever changing needs of library users.

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The use of mobile technologies for mobile service delivery at Makerere University Library : a pilot study

Relevance of the spatial triad theory in (re) designing and planning of academic library spaces

Henri Lefebvre (1991), spatial triad of interconnected ‘moments’ in the production of space and ... more Henri Lefebvre (1991), spatial triad of interconnected ‘moments’ in the production of space and applies it to library spaces. His conceptualization of space portrays it as a ‘social product’ and that human experiences are socially produced within the spaces that they occupy. He argues that space consists of three elements i.e. spatial practice (perceived space), representations of space (conceived space) and representational spaces (lived space). Perceived- conceived-lived spaces have a dialectical relationship with one another and therefore call for proper analysis by the library managers who are planning on new spaces or on remodelling the existing spaces. These three elements will be operationalized as representations of space (library space attributes) influences different spatial practices (user perception, preferences and behavior) and representational space (user experience, satisfaction and factors affecting use) within library spaces. They constitute the analytical basis f...

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Dynamic Law Libraries: Access, Development and Transformation in Africa and the United States

Just as access to information is deemed as a fundamental human right, access to legal information... more Just as access to information is deemed as a fundamental human right, access to legal information is also a fundamental information access issue. Attorneys, law students and the general public require legal information for decision making. In both Africa and the United States, law libraries are at the forefront of processing, disseminating and transmitting legal information. However; access to this information is limited by factors such as inadequate physical books, physical access issues, legal literacy issues (information behaviour), and infrastructure. This paper will explore the intersection between information behaviour and access to justice. It will discuss US and Ugandan perspectives on legal information as a human right, the legal information needs of attorneys, and strategies and approaches that law libraries in US and Uganda have used to facilitate access to legal information. It will also highlight the Access to Justice Movement and some of the challenges of accessing leg...

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