Journal of Applied Information Science

Gloria Tachie-Donkor ¹, Paulina Afful-Arthur ², Christopher Kwame Filson ³

Affiliations
1 Learning and Research Support Librarian, Sam Jonah Library, University of Cape Coast, GH
2 Sam Jonah Library, University of Cape Coast, GH
3 Collection Management and Technical Services Librarian, Sam Jonah Library, University of Cape Coast, GH

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals are to help alleviate poverty, combat inequality and injustice, and above all tackle climate change by 2030. Libraries in developing countries including Ghana are making major improvement towards increasing access to quality education at all levels of the educational ladder to bring the SDG 4 into reality. This paper investigated the readiness of departments and libraries within the University of Cape Coast fraternity to support the implementation of SDG 4 to ensure lifelong learning within the contextual setting of the University of Cape Coast. Available opportunities to achieve SDG 4 at University of Cape Coast were also explored. The University of Cape Coast Primary School, University Practice Junior High School, University Practice Senior High School and tertiary level were purposely used for the study. Interviews and observations were used for data collection. The interview responses were reported from the study. The study found out that frantic efforts are being made to ensure learning from the cradle to the grave and thus achieve SDG 4 in all its educational level. UCC educational institutions understand SDG 4 but there is still a room for improvement in terms of collaboration, acquiring relevant resource materials and enough funding to carry out inclusive education at the University of Cape Coast.

Keywords

Academic Libraries, Ghana, Information Literacy, Lifelong Learning, Schools, SDG Goal 4, University of Cape Coast.

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Harriet Fosua Attafuah ¹, Isaac Eliot Nyieku ², Gloria Tachie-Donkor ³

Affiliations
1 Assistant Librarian, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, GH
2 Senior Assistant Registrar, University of Cape Coast, GH
3 Junior Assistant Librarian, University of Cape Coast, GH

Abstract

ICT has transformed the traditional concept of libraries from a store house of books to an intellectual information centre by facilitating global access to information. Thus, most library services are transforming from the manual system to a technologically driven system. As a result, many academic libraries have automated their house keeping functions; thereby using ICT tools to deliver web based services. This paper sought to examine the ICT capacity of library staff at the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast and the University of Energy and Natural Resources Libraries. The study used questionnaires and interviews to solicit for responses from respondents. The findings of the study revealed that, staff from these institutions are being prepared to face the ICT world since most of them were competent in the use ICT to deliver ICT related services. However, they needed more training in order to keep abreast in delivering ICT services since ICT services in libraries is still an evolving phenomenon. It was also brought to light that despite the library staff eagerness to be trained, they were however constrained by some challenges such as lack of funds, permissions to undertake trainings not granted by superiors and lack of the ICT facilities to work with. It was however recommended that, funds for training should be provided by the management of the institutions to enable staff undertake training programmes. Adequate funds must be made available by management of institutions towards the development of their library’s ICT infrastructure. Also, opportunities should be given to senior staff of libraries to partake in seminars, workshops and conferences as a means to build their capacity in ICT, and finally, in-house training programmes on ICT must be frequently organised for library staff to enable them adapt to the constantly changing technological trends.

Keywords

Information Communication Technology (ICT), Natural Resources Libraries, Technologically-driven System

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