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Reflections on 40 Years of Librarianship in Botswana: A Focus on Academic Library Practices

This paper reviews the practice of librarianship in Botswana over the last 40 years, analyzing the evolution of academic libraries and information services at the University of Botswana and surrounding regions. It highlights key challenges such as inadequate collections, reliance on traditional systems, and the transition to integrated library systems. The paper discusses strategies for improving library support, enhancing information literacy, and adapting to the changing educational landscape. It emphasizes the importance of partnerships, technology, and ongoing staff development in fostering effective library services.

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Reflections on 40 Years of Librarianship in Botswana: A Focus on Academic Library Practices

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  1. Kay Looks Back Practice of librarianship in a period of forty years: viewed through a Botswana mirror

  2. Academic library and information service • Background • University of Botswana Lesotho and Swaziland: Roma Lesotho- assistant librarian-learning through apprenticeship &distance learning: UNISA • 1971 July : transfer of a basic collection of 1000 titles to Botswana

  3. Academic context #1 • Teaching : textbook ,discussion assignments • Library support : inadequate collections, few journal titles use of reserve collections; inter campus loans supplied through snail mail from Roma Inadequacy of resources- Strategy: partnership with the State library: access to ILL services

  4. Organization of library service • Traditional library mission: collection building, local availability and long term preservation • Functional organization and systems approach to assure speed of access • Manual ordering & cataloguing systems, Accession list &catalogue cards production and management reliance on clerical staff, checking accuracy, time consuming

  5. Organization of Library Services Manual Automated systems Integrated acquisitions,& accession list control Shared sources for catalogue data • Ordering, • accession list production • Catalogue card production • Sharing of cataloguing data with State Library • Checking for Accuracy • Clerical support staff

  6. Change management • Process systems change : integrated library systems information technology and regular upgrades Impact: Review of job descriptions: Elimination of clerical positions; Ongoing capacity building for enhanced efficiency monitoring of quality and productivity

  7. Academic context #2 • Elite system to mass higher education • human resources for national development • Support knowledge-based industries for economic development • Quality teaching and facilitation of learning • research

  8. Information Communication technologies • Digital information resources • Ease of access, proliferation of information • Student expectations vs required expertise • Graduate attributes: information literacy skills; ability to learn how to learn in job situation; life-long learning • Work effectively in multi-disciplinary contexts asynchronously

  9. Strategy and tactics • Facilitation of learning • Engagement with academics in curriculum • Information literacy • Teaching skills

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