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An integrated paradigm shift to deal with ‘predatory publishing’
(The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2022) Jaime A Teixeira da Silva; Mina Moradzadeh; Kwabena Osei Kuffour Adjei; Christopher M Owusu-Ansah; Mulubrhan Balehegn; Eduardo I Faúndez; Manthan D Janodia; Aceil Al-Khatib
The issue of ‘predatory publishing’, and indeed unscholarly publishing practices, affects all academics and librarians around the globe. However, there are some flaws in arguments and analyses made in several papers published on this topic, in particular those that have relied heavily on the blacklists that were established by Jeffrey Beall. While Beall advanced the discussion on ‘predatory publishing’, relying entirely on his blacklists to assess a journal for publishing a paper is problematic. This is because several of the criteria underlying those blacklists were insufficiently specific, excessively broad, arbitrary with no scientific validation, or incorrect identifiers of predatory behavior. The validity of those criteria has been deconstructed in more detail in this paper. From a total of 55 criteria in Beall's last/latest 2015 set of criteria, we suggest maintaining nine, eliminating 24, and correcting the remaining 22. While recognizing that this exercise involves a measure of subjectivity, it needs to advance in order to arrive – in a future exercise – at a more sensitive set of criteria. Fortified criteria alone, or the use of blacklists and whitelists, cannot combat ‘predatory publishing’, and an overhaul of rewards-based academic publishing is needed, supported by a set of reliable criteria-based guidance system.
Applications of Social Media and Web 2.0 for Research Support in Selected African Academic Institutions
(Journal of Balkan Libraries Union, 2015) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Vuyokazi, Gontshi; Mutibwa, Lois; Ukwoma, Scholarstica
This study examined the use of Social Media/Web 2.0 for research support and it is guided by three objectives namely: a) to ascertain the uses social media in academic institutions; b) to identify the challenges associated with social media use for research purposes and c) to provide experiences of social media application in selected African academic institutions. The study makes use of literature analysis in combination with personal and professional work experiences on the use of social media from librarians in four different countries. Institutional experiences by the four librarians showed that it is only Rhodes University Library that uses social media in its library, which is as a result of a formal social media strategy. For the other three universities, University of Education, Winneba Library in Ghana, Makerere University Library in Uganda and the University of Nigeria Library, the use of social media is not encouraging. They use it mostly for communication and interaction with colleagues. It was also discovered that there is no social media strategy available in these university libraries. Based on these findings, the study recommended the implementation of social media strategy, appointment of social media librarians in these libraries, and continuing professional development of librarians to keep abreast with current trends. Web 2.0/Social Media is a new technology offering new options for African academic librarians in their research support role.
Applications of social media and web 2.0 for research support in selected African academic institutions
(2015) Owusu-Ansah, Christopher; Gontshi, Vuyokazi; Mutibwa, Lois; Ukwoma, Scholarstica
This study examined the use of Social Media/Web 2.0 for research support and it is guided by three objectives namely: a) to ascertain the uses social media in academic institutions; b) to identify the challenges associated with social media use for research purposes and c) to provide experiences of social media application in selected African academic institutions. The study makes use of literature analysis in combination with personal and professional work experiences on the use of social media from librarians in four different countries. Institutional experiences by the four librarians showed that it is only Rhodes University Library that uses social media in its library, which is as a result of a formal social media strategy. For the other three universities, University of Education, Winneba Library in Ghana, Makerere University Library in Uganda and the University of Nigeria Library, the use of social media is not encouraging. They use it mostly for communication and interaction with colleagues. It was also discovered that there is no social media strategy available in these university libraries. Based on these findings, the study recommended the implementation of social media strategy, appointment of social media librarians in these libraries, and continuing professional development of librarians to keep abreast with current trends. Web 2.0/Social Media is a new technology offering new options for African academic librarians in their research support role.
Computer Literacy of First-Year University Students in one of the Public Universities in Ghana
(All Nations University Journal of Applied Thought (ANUJAT), 2020) Owusu-Ansah M., Christopher; Manu, Jacob; Woelinam Dzamesi Yao, Justice
The study explores first-year students’ desktop computer literacy in Windows Management, Power Point Presentation, and Emailing at a public university in Ghana. A descriptive survey design was adopted to complete the study. The population of the study consists of all first-year students of the university, who were also required to enrol in the Introduction to Information and Communication Technology Course offered in the Fall Semester of 2018. Through a self-designed online questionnaire, data was collected on participants’ gender, age, ownership of pen drives, ownership of smartphones, time spent on the phone, and interest in using computers. The rest of the questions were allocated to Windows management (10), Power point (9), and emailing (10). The Cronbach Alpha for the three constructs was 0.86, 0.75, and 0.82 for Windows Management, Power point, and Emailing respectively. Out of the total participant population of 1,070 students, 890 (83.2%) returned valid responses. The findings revealed an overall mean rating of less than 4.0, which is interpreted as respondents’ competence in the applications. However, on a closer examination of the findings, participants’ expressed inability to manipulate essential physical computer components gives credence to difficulties they experience with these applications. Implications for practice are recommended.
Conceptions of digital libraries: an African perspective
(Digital Library Perspectives, 2020) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital libraries is a western creation and that there was a need for developing societies to develop their own conceptions to guide their own digital library development agenda. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review. The paper makes use of publicly-available literature on the theme of digital libraries from both the Western and African perspectives. The search terms used were “digital libraries”, “Africa digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies/libraries” and “institutional repositories”. A total of 89 publications were examined for this purpose. Findings – The analysis revealed that most of the initial digital library initiatives in Africa emanated from the west with African countries benefiting from international initiatives to expand access to information resources to bridge the global digital divide. However, due to a number of contextual challenges such as lack of sustainable funding and inadequate capacity and strategy, the development of digital libraries was hampered. Thus, even though digital libraries enjoy considerable goodwill, there remain negative conceptions of digital libraries in Africa. Practical implications – Information institutions in African countries must evolve a unified conception of digital libraries as this would largely drive the direction of digital library development towards achieving the developmental goals of the continent. Originality/value – The study applies the attributes of innovation to explain contextual factors shaping African conceptions of digital libraries.
Conceptions of digital libraries: an African perspective
(Digital Library Perspectives, 2020) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital libraries is a western creation and that there was a need for developing societies to develop their own conceptions to guide their own digital library development agenda. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review. The paper makes use of publicly-available literature on the theme of digital libraries from both the Western and African perspectives. The search terms used were “digital libraries”, “Africa digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies/libraries” and “institutional repositories”. A total of 89 publications were examined for this purpose. Findings – The analysis revealed that most of the initial digital library initiatives in Africa emanated from the west with African countries benefiting from international initiatives to expand access to information resources to bridge the global digital divide. However, due to a number of contextual challenges such as lack of sustainable funding and inadequate capacity and strategy, the development of digital libraries was hampered. Thus, even though digital libraries enjoy considerable goodwill, there remain negative conceptions of digital libraries in Africa. Practical implications – Information institutions in African countries must evolve a unified conception of digital libraries as this would largely drive the direction of digital library development towards achieving the developmental goals of the continent. Originality/value – The study applies the attributes of innovation to explain contextual factors shaping African conceptions of digital libraries.
Digital Library Readiness of Distance Learners: The Access and Skills Imperative
(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2021) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Digital libraries play an integral role in the success of any distance education programme and as a result, must be adopted by distance learners. At the same time, digital skills and access are instrumental in achieving digital library readiness. This study investigates the digital library readiness of distance learners in a large public multi-mode university in Ghana. The study adopts a survey design through the use of a questionnaire to ascertain the perspectives of distance learners on their computer and digital access and consequent digital and information skills and how this improves their perception of their digital library readiness. The population of the study consisted of 1,834 distance education students who were students of three distance education centres of a public university in Ghana. Stratified purposive sampling was applied to select three distance education centres and a total of 247, 276, and 118 distance learners from centres A, B, and C respectively to participate in the study. The results indicate that distance learners generally lacked advanced ICT skills to effectively use digital libraries. Furthermore, while most of the respondents indicated that they possessed above average ICT skills, this did not translate into skills in formation of search queries and the use of electronic library tools. However, their basic ICT skills constituted a solid ground to consolidate their digital library readiness. Libraries in multi-mode universities must design tailor-made training programmes for all classes of students including distance learners to enhance their use of digital library resources.
Embedded Library Practices in Africa: A Literature Review
(All Nations University Journal of Applied Thought (ANUJAT), 2018) Owusu-Ansah M., Christopher; Mensah, Micheal
Embedded library practices are being adopted in many academic libraries to integrate librarians in the research agenda of their institutions. The purpose of this study was to explore the changing role of embedded librarians in academic libraries and how African academic libraries, particularly, in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria are exploiting this practice to promote their expertise. The study employs a literature review approach by analysing the extant literature on the subject. The review revealed that most embedded librarianship takes the form of a librarian taking on a dual role as teacher-librarian teaching information literacy or as a co-teacher in another subject who helps with information literacy and research writing around that subject. In some other instances, librarians are involved in online programmes to compliment information literacy skills. Most significantly, the review has brought to the fore the challenge of limited literature on embedded librarianship on the African continent. However, in the selected cases in which the literature was reviewed, it was found that a number of practices are being adopted by libraries and librarians, albeit unconsciously, to integrate the library into the work of researchers in their institutions.
Evaluating the Information Access Skills of Students of a College of Education in Ghana
(Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 2020) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Yebowaah, Franklina Adjoa
Access to relevant information determines the quality of life of an individual in society and the academe. Academic institutions have established information literacy programmes to enhance students’ access to information. With the elevation of colleges of education to tertiary status in Ghana, pre-service teachers are now required to conduct research to improve their reflective thinking in order to be certified. However, the information access skills of students in colleges of education in Ghana are uncertain. This study draws empirical evidence from students in the Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, Wa, Ghana on their information access skills. Primary data were collected from 303 respondents from the college using a stratified sampling procedure. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that information is available to students through different sources such as the Internet, libraries, and contact with friends and authorities. However, students were limited in respect to access to relevant online resources for their academic activities due to inadequate information access skills. Potential solutions are discussed.
Evaluating the Information Access Skills of Students of a College of Education in Ghana
(Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 2020) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Adjoa Yebowaah, Franklina
Access to relevant information determines the quality of life of an individual in society and the academe. Academic institutions have established information literacy programmes to enhance students’ access to information. With the elevation of colleges of education to tertiary status in Ghana, pre-service teachers are now required to conduct research to improve their reflective thinking in order to be certified. However, the information access skills of students in colleges of education in Ghana are uncertain. This study draws empirical evidence from students in the Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, Wa, Ghana on their information access skills. Primary data were collected from 303 respondents from the college using a stratified sampling procedure. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that information is available to students through different sources such as the Internet, libraries, and contact with friends and authorities. However, students were limited in respect to access to relevant online resources for their academic activities due to inadequate information access skills. Potential solutions are discussed.
Evaluating the Information Access Skills of Students of a College of Education in Ghana
(Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 2023) Yebowaah, Franklina Adjoa; Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M.
Access to relevant information determines the quality of life of an individual in society and the academe. Academic institutions have established information literacy programmes to enhance students’ access to information. With the elevation of colleges of education to tertiary status in Ghana, pre-service teachers are now required to conduct research to improve their reflective thinking in order to be certified. However, the information access skills of students in colleges of education in Ghana are uncertain. This study draws empirical evidence from students in the Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, Wa, Ghana on their information access skills. Primary data were collected from 303 respondents from the college using a stratified sampling procedure. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that information is available to students through different sources such as the Internet, libraries, and contact with friends and authorities. However, students were limited in respect to access to relevant online resources for their academic activities due to inadequate information access skills. Potential solutions are discussed.
Going the full distance: Strategic support for digital libraries in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana
(Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 2018) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Antonio Da Silva, Rodrigues; Van Der Walt, Thomas
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Going the full distance: Strategic support for digital libraries in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana
(Sage Publications, 2021) Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M.; Rodrigues, ADS; Walt, TVD
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Implementing Information Literacy through the Personal Librarian Model: Prospects and Challenges
(Journal of Balkan Libraries Union, 2015) Owusu-Ansah M., Christopher; Vuyokazi, Gontshi
The paper explores the concept of Personal Librarianship which is fairly a novel concept in the library and information science context in Africa. The Personal Librarian Programme encourages students to build relationships with their personal librarians who provide learning support, and introduce the library as an enabling environment that supports students’ learning needs. The ultimate goal of this concept is to make First Year Students Information Literate. The idea behind the programme is that the personal librarian becomes the student’s primary contact throughout his/her studies. The study reviews the two most widely used models of teaching and imparting Information Literacy by pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the research highlights the importance of complementing these existing efforts with the Personal Librarian concept. The research also demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the Personal Librarian Programme in a higher education context in Africa. Finally, the study elicits some challenges in using the Personal Librarian Programme to implement Information Literacy. Overall, the study contributes to efforts aimed at proactively engaging students to enhance their competencies in information usage.
Implications of Knowledge Management Processes for Project Performance: Systematic Review, Gap Analysis and Scientometric Analysis
(IISTE, 2023) Bukari, Christina; Kheni. Nongiba Alkanam; Boateng, Isaac; Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M.; Gyenfie, Perpetua Emma
The purpose of this study is to review the current Knowledge Management (KM) trends and make inference for future directions of KM in project-based organizations and project performance through a Systematic Literature Review (SRL) and Scientometric analysis. First a Google advanced search was conducted and produced five hundred and seventy six (576) papers A SLR of 38 articles from 2000 – 2022 was conducted to narrow the study. Key stages in the systematic review included the formulation of the research questions, the identification of relevant research, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias, data synthesis, summary and interpretation of the findings. Further, 981 academic documents on the topic were retrieved from Publish or Perish database. Then, co-occurrence and co-citation analysis were performed along with network visualization to examine research interconnections’ patterns. As a result, relevant key words, network of terms co-occurrences with 68 keywords, 793 links, and total link strength of 1,486 was revealed. The most popular keywords within the period, together with their frequency, mean year of publication, links, and total link strength were identified.
Influence of ICT on graduate students' use of electronic resources: Leadership lessons
(I n t e r n a ti o n a l J o u r n a l o f E d u c a ti o n a l L e a d e r s h i p, 2016) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Afful-Broni, Anthony; Nyankom Takyi, Lydia
T h e s t u d y i s a s u r v e y o f t h e im p a c t o f l e a d e r s h i p o n g r a d u a t e st u d e n t s ' u s e o f e l e c t r o n i c r e s o u r c e s . T h e s t u d y e m p l o y e d a q u e s ti o n n a i r e - b a s e d s u r v e y c o n s i s ti n g o f 24 q u e s ti o n s t o d e t e r m i n e J C T s k ill s ; m e t h o d o f a w a r e n e s s a n d p u r p o s e o f u s e o f e l e c t r o n i c r e s o u r c e s ; a s w e ll a s t h e im p a c t o f l e a d e r s h i p o n t h e u s e o f e l e c t r o n i c r e s o u r c e s a m o n g g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s . T h e t o t a l p o p u l a ti o n w a s 725 g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s o f w h i c h a r a n d o m s a m p l e o f 10 0 (13%) u s e d f o r t h e s t u d y w it h a 1 0 0 p e r c e n t r e s p o n s e r a t e . T h e r e t r i e v e d d a t a w a s i n p u tt e d i n t o t h e S t a ti s ti c a l P a c k a g e f o r S o c i a l S c i e n c e s ( S P S S ) v e r s i o n 1 6 . 0 0 f o r t h e a n a l y s i s o f t h e r e s u lt s . T h e v a r i a b l e s w e r e s u b j e c t e d t o i n - d e p t h d a t a a n a l y s i s a n d p r e s e n t e d t h r o u g h d e s c r i p ti v e s t a ti s ti c s i n t h e f o r m o f t a b l e s . T h e fi n d i n g s h a v e im p o r t a n t im p li c a ti o n s f o r l e a d e r s h i p m a i n l y o n t h e r o l e o f a c a d e m i c s t a ff a n d li b r a r i a n s . T h e s t u d y a l s o d e m o n s t r a t e s a h i g h c o m m itm e n t o f k e y a c a d e m i c s t a k e h o l d e rs i n s u p p o r ti n g q u a lit y r e s e a r c h t h r o u g h t h e f o r m u l a ti o n a n d im p l e m e n t a tio n o f f a v o u r a b l e p o li c i e s o n t h e u s e o f q u a lit y e l e c t r o n i c r e s o u r c e s f o r g r a d u a t e r e s e a r c h .
Information access and evaluation skills of secondary school students in Ghana
(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2017) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Yeboah, Patience; S. Dadzie, Perpetua
Information Literacy (IL) is a necessary skill needed by students to survive in the dynamic information environment of the 21st century. This study explored the IL skills of secondary school students in Ghana with specific focus on students’ abilities in finding and evaluating information. The study was conducted in two “first-class” secondary schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana; Opoku Ware Senior High School and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School. A survey instrument was developed to assess the skills of the students in that regard. Questionnaires were distributed to an overall sample size of one hundred and seventy (170) students in the two schools. In addition, four teaching staff of the schools were also interviewed to corroborate the findings from the students. The findings revealed that students in the two schools lack the ability to effectively access information for their academic work. The study also discovered that students in the participating schools lack the basic skills to differentiate good information from bad ones. The study recommends, among others, the integration of IL into the secondary school curriculum in Ghana; and collaboration between librarians, teaching staff and the Ghana Education Service to promote IL among students to promote lifelong learning.
Integrating Digital Libraries into Distance Education: A Review of Models, Roles and Strategies
(Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 2019) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher; Antonio Da Silva, Rodgrigues; Thomas B. van der, Walt
This study examines ongoing efforts by academic libraries to integrate digital resources into distance education courses. The study adopts a conceptual approach and it is thematically focused on the concepts of distance education and digital libraries; academic library models in distance education; the role of digital libraries in distance education; and strategies for integrating digital libraries into distance education.
Integrating digital libraries into distance education: A review of models, roles, and strategies
(Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 2019) Owusu-Ansah, Christopher Mfum; Rodrigues, Antonio; Walt, Thomas Van der
LESSONS FOR LIBRARIANS: CAREER OF GHANA’S DR HELENA ASAMOA-HASSAN
(Time Journals of Arts and Educational Research, 2014) Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Purpose: The mission of librarians is to provide access to information required for the satisfaction of their users. This article brings to the fore the need for academic librarians in particular to assert themselves and reinforce their competencies in their bid to serve a very complex clientele in the age of information and communication technology and changes in higher education. Design/Methodology: The authors achieved the purpose of this study through a brief review of the literature in an attempt to identify some standards expected of highly competent librarians. Through a face to face interview with a seasoned Ghanaian librarian, these standards are then tested in a bid to ascertain some of the notions of excellent academic librarianship. Findings: The study revealed among others that a highly successful career in librarianship is achievable but requires awareness of and abiding by the professional standards and expectations of modern academic librarianship. Again, the need for continuous professional development among librarians and commitment to the ultimate growth of the library profession is given credence through the interviewee’s long-term participation in the activities of the international library fraternity both in Ghana and abroad. Originality/value: The paper is able to illustrate that academic librarians could achieve excellence in their career if they consciously abide by the standards of academic librarianship devised by many international and national library organisations.

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