Prof Kingo J Mchombu He has held various teaching and administrative positions at the Universities of Namibia and University of Botswana. First as lecturer at the University of Botswana before moving to University of Namibia as head of Information and Communication Studies and eventually Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In 2016, he moved to the International University of Management (IUM) as Acting Vice Chancellor. Currently he is Advisor to IUM Chairman and Governing Council. His current project is setting up a School of Knowledge Sciences at IUM aimed at promoting KM in Namibia. His academic qualifications include a PhD and Masters in Information
Contribution to a special issue on ‘Developing Evaluation Practice in the Information Sector’. Re... more Contribution to a special issue on ‘Developing Evaluation Practice in the Information Sector’. Reports the results of an impact evaluation of a research project to develop a Rural Information Strategy and establish Community Information Centres in three villages in Africa: Chiwamba in Malawi and Marindi and Kisarawe 2 in Tanzania. Describes the action research methodology and impact indicators used in the study. Some 25 percent of community members participating in the project were interviewed to evaluate its impact. Presents data on level of receipt and level of perceived benefit in the three communities in respect of: health information; agricultural information; educational and literacy information; income generation information; expansion of the knowledge base; and borrowing of materials. Records difficulties in participating in information centre activities and the extent to which ideas obtained through the project were put into practice. The main factors influencing impact were: the contribution of the local information facilitators; the rural development information environment; and the rural development information centre model based on (a) a broad information strategy; (b) competent information facilitators; (c) a multi-channel approach to information dissemination; and (c) the participation of different rural groups.
HIV/AIDS is a global health and social problem, and has aff ected people of diverse backgrounds a... more HIV/AIDS is a global health and social problem, and has aff ected people of diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Since it was detected in Namibia in 1986, many people have become hospitalised and died due to the disease. However, many organisations have used mass media campaigns to communicate health messages in an eff ort to bring change in people's lifestyles and sexual behaviours. This paper explores the impact of mass media communication aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth in Oshana region, northern Namibia. In this paper both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Survey research was conducted among the In-school youth (ISY) and Outof-school youth (OOSY). Participants were drawn from nine secondary and 26 combined schools and six youth organizations in the region. Respondents revealed that mass media campaigns are available in the region disseminating information to the youth using the conventional health education model. Data also revealed that the majority in both sets of youth groups are sexually active, have sexual partners and received behaviour change information mainly through mass media (radio, television and printed materials) regularly. Study results further revealed that in addition to knowledge, youth require understanding and dialogue to be able to manage change in their social and sexual behaviours.
The paper examines factors which make it difficult for women from a low socio-economic background... more The paper examines factors which make it difficult for women from a low socio-economic background to access and use easily information for development purposes. The harsh economic environment, cultural barriers, social dis-empowerment, low levels of information literacy, are among the constraining factors analysed. The paper also argues that in designing information centres which target women, one must consider the information needs and seeking behaviour of this group. The last part of the paper comes up with suggestions on how to design information centres which women will find easy to use.
The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The diff... more The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The differences between data, information, knowledge and wisdom will be highlighted. The role of libraries and information centres as contributors to a knowledgebased economy in Africa will be explored, including the challenges and possible solutions faced by libraries in Africa.
ABSTRACT 21 slides created with MSWord 2003 and migrated to pdf using Adobe PDF. Paper presented ... more ABSTRACT 21 slides created with MSWord 2003 and migrated to pdf using Adobe PDF. Paper presented at the Stellenbosch University Library 2010 Symposium / IFLA Presidential Meeting. Knowing is not enough: Engaging in the knowledge economy, 18 to 19 February 2010. The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The differences between data, information, knowledge and wisdom will be highlighted. The role of libraries and information centres as contributors to a knowledgebased economy in Africa will be explored, including the challenges and possible solutions faced by libraries in Africa.
Resource Sharing & Information Networks, Oct 22, 1996
This paper summarizes an ongoing study at the Department of Library and Information Studies, Univ... more This paper summarizes an ongoing study at the Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana, aimed at assessing rural peoples' need for development information. The paper contains a summary of findings from phase one of the study. The findings reveal that rural peoples need for information is in two broad categories; (1) common information needs found throughout the different communities participating in this study; and (2) location specific needs that are related to the specific environment of a community. Awareness of information needs is in some cases very low; hence, methods used to assess needs have to be both diagnostic as well as direct questioning of respondents to obtain a full picture of rural information needs. An outline of an information strategy is proposed that will act as the foundation for the second phase.
This paper attempts to outline the main characteristics of Librarianship under the conditions ofp... more This paper attempts to outline the main characteristics of Librarianship under the conditions ofpoverty. To the best of my knowledge and conviction, this is the base on which any meaningful discussion of Information Work in underdeveloped countries should be firmly anchored. The goal of my paper is to set up and elaborate on four principles that, in my view, determine the social relevance of Information Work in developing countries. This is a personal testament, and I hasten to add that the views expressed hereafter do not necessarily represent the official position of my employers — the Tanzania Library Service. Similarly, criticism is not directed at any particular Institution or person. Should it appear so, I offer my sincere apologies.
The focus of this paper is on library development in contemporary African society. A discussion o... more The focus of this paper is on library development in contemporary African society. A discussion of library development in the context of countries now enjoying rapid economic development is attempted here. Focusing on countries undergoing rapid economic development brings an alternative perspective to an analysis of library development in Africa and helps us to understand not only what is lacking but also what is going well as a basis for future development. The paper is divided into three parts: one that considers the contemporary landscape of librarianship in Africa; one that describes the characteristics of African society; and one that concerns the major role that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have played in the renaissance of libraries in Africa. Several drivers of change in African library development stand out-most notably: 1) the achievement of stronger economic circumstances; 2) the increased prevalence of ICTs and access to the internet; 3) expanded public awareness of the value of libraries in society; and 4) partnership between the new generation of government leaders and partner agencies that are more focused on social impact than maintaining influence and dominance.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty ore two concerns that are ... more The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty ore two concerns that are highly supported by African governments, bilateral agencies and the United Nations. However within Africa, not much research has been done on what role libraries and information services can play towards meeting the goals of the MDG programme and the eradication of poverty. The aim of this paper is to present preliminary findings from a study in Greenwell Matongo, Katutura, Windhoek, on information needs for poverty eradication in the context of MDGs. Focus group discussions were conducted with three groups consisting of young females, young males, and adults respectively. The participants described the high levels of poverty in their community, and the low levels of hygiene and sanitation. There was recognition that education for children is important to overcome poverty. Gender relations are marked by alcohol related violence and rapes. The rate of HIV/A!DS and TB infection were thought to be high but kept secret because of fear of stigma. There were serious environmental problems in the community because of the use of inflammable fuel sources such as p araffin and candles in the corrugated iron shacks. The community information centre in the settlement is used intensively by young people for educational purposes, but only marginally, by adults for photocopying and literacy purposes. Recommendations are made
Do not confuse the reality you live in with the ideas you have in your head. Your ideas may be ex... more Do not confuse the reality you live in with the ideas you have in your head. Your ideas may be excellent but they could be useless unless they spring from the reality you live in". Amilcar Cabral Not all underdeveloped countries can afford to have National Libraries (here to referred as NL). This article looks at the reasons why, and the alternatives which can be developed. The words of the late President of Guinea Bissau Arnilcar Cabral quoted above form a precise summary, and sets the tone of this paper. Many Librarians in less developed countries withouf officially designated National Libraries (NL), at the moment, are actively campaigning to have such an Institution. In Tanzania, according to Homo (1981) this interest has been riding high since the 1970's. In Tanzania, as in many other underdeveloped countries, such efforts have, so far, come to nought. In a few countries, National Library Acts have been promulgated but implementation has proved so costly that Policy makers faced with other more socially pressing needs have been noticeably cool when it came to allocating the substantial capital and recurrent expenditure required for this new venture. This paper is based on the premise that while the concept of a NL is of vital importance to every underdeveloped country, no matter how small, and no matter how poor, the traditional form of a NL is questionable. There is a headstrong tendency among many librarians and consultants working in the Third Wold to equate the objectives and functions of a NL with a specific type of institution. This paper argues that this approcach overgeneralises different situations to the point of arriving at false conclusions. This paper attempts to propose and discuss different options and alternatives to the 'traditional 1 NL. Borne in mind is the alarming realisation that library and information studies textbooks refer to objectives and functions of NL's out of context in terms of place, time, and the social-historical The author is Principal Training Officer,
This part starts with a discussion of the concepts of data, information and knowledge to establis... more This part starts with a discussion of the concepts of data, information and knowledge to establish their meanings in the context of knowledge as a strategic resource for economic development. Davenport and Prusak (1998) assert that data is not information, and the latter is not knowledge. The conceptual relationship (data, information and knowledge) can be visualized as a pyramid of interdependent layers on top of each other, sometimes called the information pyramid (Marco, 2003). The bottom layer of the pyramid is data, defi ned as symbols, facts and fi gures which are the raw materials to be processed to create information. When data has been processed into a meaningful form it becomes information, while knowledge is information which has been evaluated and organized in the human mind so that it can be used purposefully (Feather and Sturges, 2003:341). Knowledge can be subdivided into two subcategories-tacit and explicit knowledge. According to Nonaka (1998:28) explicit knowledge is formal and written, tacit knowledge is personal knowledge based on an individual's experience, insights and intuition. He asserts: "tacit knowledge consists partly of technical skills-the kind of informal, hard-to-pin-down skills captured in the term 'know how'. A master craftsman after years of experience develops a wealth of expertise at his fi ngertips but he is often unable to articulate the scientifi c or technical principles behind what he knows. It is recognized that such tacit knowledge has a cognitive dimension, made up of mental models, beliefs, and perspectives so ingrained that they are taken for granted and cannot be easily articulated." The popularization of the concept of tacit knowledge by Nonaka has profound implications on the production of knowledge in society, as we shall attempt to show in a later section of this paper. Embedded within tacit knowledge, is the concept of creativity (among others), which includes use of fi gurative language and symbolism to articulate and Harnessing Knowledge Management for Africa's Transition to the 21st Century The effective management of knowledge is a critical strategy for the development of Africa.
The paper examines the information and knowledge issues concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Afric... more The paper examines the information and knowledge issues concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. The paper starts by presenting an overview of the HIV/AIDS pandemic citing evidence which shows clearly HIV/AIDS is spread out in Africa, the hardest hit continent. The impact of HIV on the youth, women and girls, and orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) is explored and reasons for the high levels of infections presented. This outline provides the backdrop for analyzing the HIV/AIDS information and knowledge issues which include overlapping information functions and responsibilities which have led to the emergence of a non traditional scientific communication model; the absence of an HIV/AIDS infostructure and infrastructure at grassroots level leading to an information vacuum in places away from the major urban areas; and the negation of the impact of information on behaviour change because of socioeconomic and cultural factors. The final section proposes knowledge management at national and grassroots level as the best way to improve the local production, transfer and sharing of HIV/AIDS knowledge and information in Africa which will lead to innovation and concrete action to curb the spread of the disease.
Contribution to a special issue on ‘Developing Evaluation Practice in the Information Sector’. Re... more Contribution to a special issue on ‘Developing Evaluation Practice in the Information Sector’. Reports the results of an impact evaluation of a research project to develop a Rural Information Strategy and establish Community Information Centres in three villages in Africa: Chiwamba in Malawi and Marindi and Kisarawe 2 in Tanzania. Describes the action research methodology and impact indicators used in the study. Some 25 percent of community members participating in the project were interviewed to evaluate its impact. Presents data on level of receipt and level of perceived benefit in the three communities in respect of: health information; agricultural information; educational and literacy information; income generation information; expansion of the knowledge base; and borrowing of materials. Records difficulties in participating in information centre activities and the extent to which ideas obtained through the project were put into practice. The main factors influencing impact were: the contribution of the local information facilitators; the rural development information environment; and the rural development information centre model based on (a) a broad information strategy; (b) competent information facilitators; (c) a multi-channel approach to information dissemination; and (c) the participation of different rural groups.
HIV/AIDS is a global health and social problem, and has aff ected people of diverse backgrounds a... more HIV/AIDS is a global health and social problem, and has aff ected people of diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Since it was detected in Namibia in 1986, many people have become hospitalised and died due to the disease. However, many organisations have used mass media campaigns to communicate health messages in an eff ort to bring change in people's lifestyles and sexual behaviours. This paper explores the impact of mass media communication aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth in Oshana region, northern Namibia. In this paper both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Survey research was conducted among the In-school youth (ISY) and Outof-school youth (OOSY). Participants were drawn from nine secondary and 26 combined schools and six youth organizations in the region. Respondents revealed that mass media campaigns are available in the region disseminating information to the youth using the conventional health education model. Data also revealed that the majority in both sets of youth groups are sexually active, have sexual partners and received behaviour change information mainly through mass media (radio, television and printed materials) regularly. Study results further revealed that in addition to knowledge, youth require understanding and dialogue to be able to manage change in their social and sexual behaviours.
The paper examines factors which make it difficult for women from a low socio-economic background... more The paper examines factors which make it difficult for women from a low socio-economic background to access and use easily information for development purposes. The harsh economic environment, cultural barriers, social dis-empowerment, low levels of information literacy, are among the constraining factors analysed. The paper also argues that in designing information centres which target women, one must consider the information needs and seeking behaviour of this group. The last part of the paper comes up with suggestions on how to design information centres which women will find easy to use.
The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The diff... more The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The differences between data, information, knowledge and wisdom will be highlighted. The role of libraries and information centres as contributors to a knowledgebased economy in Africa will be explored, including the challenges and possible solutions faced by libraries in Africa.
ABSTRACT 21 slides created with MSWord 2003 and migrated to pdf using Adobe PDF. Paper presented ... more ABSTRACT 21 slides created with MSWord 2003 and migrated to pdf using Adobe PDF. Paper presented at the Stellenbosch University Library 2010 Symposium / IFLA Presidential Meeting. Knowing is not enough: Engaging in the knowledge economy, 18 to 19 February 2010. The presentation will review the concepts of knowledge economy and knowledge management. The differences between data, information, knowledge and wisdom will be highlighted. The role of libraries and information centres as contributors to a knowledgebased economy in Africa will be explored, including the challenges and possible solutions faced by libraries in Africa.
Resource Sharing & Information Networks, Oct 22, 1996
This paper summarizes an ongoing study at the Department of Library and Information Studies, Univ... more This paper summarizes an ongoing study at the Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana, aimed at assessing rural peoples' need for development information. The paper contains a summary of findings from phase one of the study. The findings reveal that rural peoples need for information is in two broad categories; (1) common information needs found throughout the different communities participating in this study; and (2) location specific needs that are related to the specific environment of a community. Awareness of information needs is in some cases very low; hence, methods used to assess needs have to be both diagnostic as well as direct questioning of respondents to obtain a full picture of rural information needs. An outline of an information strategy is proposed that will act as the foundation for the second phase.
This paper attempts to outline the main characteristics of Librarianship under the conditions ofp... more This paper attempts to outline the main characteristics of Librarianship under the conditions ofpoverty. To the best of my knowledge and conviction, this is the base on which any meaningful discussion of Information Work in underdeveloped countries should be firmly anchored. The goal of my paper is to set up and elaborate on four principles that, in my view, determine the social relevance of Information Work in developing countries. This is a personal testament, and I hasten to add that the views expressed hereafter do not necessarily represent the official position of my employers — the Tanzania Library Service. Similarly, criticism is not directed at any particular Institution or person. Should it appear so, I offer my sincere apologies.
The focus of this paper is on library development in contemporary African society. A discussion o... more The focus of this paper is on library development in contemporary African society. A discussion of library development in the context of countries now enjoying rapid economic development is attempted here. Focusing on countries undergoing rapid economic development brings an alternative perspective to an analysis of library development in Africa and helps us to understand not only what is lacking but also what is going well as a basis for future development. The paper is divided into three parts: one that considers the contemporary landscape of librarianship in Africa; one that describes the characteristics of African society; and one that concerns the major role that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have played in the renaissance of libraries in Africa. Several drivers of change in African library development stand out-most notably: 1) the achievement of stronger economic circumstances; 2) the increased prevalence of ICTs and access to the internet; 3) expanded public awareness of the value of libraries in society; and 4) partnership between the new generation of government leaders and partner agencies that are more focused on social impact than maintaining influence and dominance.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty ore two concerns that are ... more The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty ore two concerns that are highly supported by African governments, bilateral agencies and the United Nations. However within Africa, not much research has been done on what role libraries and information services can play towards meeting the goals of the MDG programme and the eradication of poverty. The aim of this paper is to present preliminary findings from a study in Greenwell Matongo, Katutura, Windhoek, on information needs for poverty eradication in the context of MDGs. Focus group discussions were conducted with three groups consisting of young females, young males, and adults respectively. The participants described the high levels of poverty in their community, and the low levels of hygiene and sanitation. There was recognition that education for children is important to overcome poverty. Gender relations are marked by alcohol related violence and rapes. The rate of HIV/A!DS and TB infection were thought to be high but kept secret because of fear of stigma. There were serious environmental problems in the community because of the use of inflammable fuel sources such as p araffin and candles in the corrugated iron shacks. The community information centre in the settlement is used intensively by young people for educational purposes, but only marginally, by adults for photocopying and literacy purposes. Recommendations are made
Do not confuse the reality you live in with the ideas you have in your head. Your ideas may be ex... more Do not confuse the reality you live in with the ideas you have in your head. Your ideas may be excellent but they could be useless unless they spring from the reality you live in". Amilcar Cabral Not all underdeveloped countries can afford to have National Libraries (here to referred as NL). This article looks at the reasons why, and the alternatives which can be developed. The words of the late President of Guinea Bissau Arnilcar Cabral quoted above form a precise summary, and sets the tone of this paper. Many Librarians in less developed countries withouf officially designated National Libraries (NL), at the moment, are actively campaigning to have such an Institution. In Tanzania, according to Homo (1981) this interest has been riding high since the 1970's. In Tanzania, as in many other underdeveloped countries, such efforts have, so far, come to nought. In a few countries, National Library Acts have been promulgated but implementation has proved so costly that Policy makers faced with other more socially pressing needs have been noticeably cool when it came to allocating the substantial capital and recurrent expenditure required for this new venture. This paper is based on the premise that while the concept of a NL is of vital importance to every underdeveloped country, no matter how small, and no matter how poor, the traditional form of a NL is questionable. There is a headstrong tendency among many librarians and consultants working in the Third Wold to equate the objectives and functions of a NL with a specific type of institution. This paper argues that this approcach overgeneralises different situations to the point of arriving at false conclusions. This paper attempts to propose and discuss different options and alternatives to the 'traditional 1 NL. Borne in mind is the alarming realisation that library and information studies textbooks refer to objectives and functions of NL's out of context in terms of place, time, and the social-historical The author is Principal Training Officer,
This part starts with a discussion of the concepts of data, information and knowledge to establis... more This part starts with a discussion of the concepts of data, information and knowledge to establish their meanings in the context of knowledge as a strategic resource for economic development. Davenport and Prusak (1998) assert that data is not information, and the latter is not knowledge. The conceptual relationship (data, information and knowledge) can be visualized as a pyramid of interdependent layers on top of each other, sometimes called the information pyramid (Marco, 2003). The bottom layer of the pyramid is data, defi ned as symbols, facts and fi gures which are the raw materials to be processed to create information. When data has been processed into a meaningful form it becomes information, while knowledge is information which has been evaluated and organized in the human mind so that it can be used purposefully (Feather and Sturges, 2003:341). Knowledge can be subdivided into two subcategories-tacit and explicit knowledge. According to Nonaka (1998:28) explicit knowledge is formal and written, tacit knowledge is personal knowledge based on an individual's experience, insights and intuition. He asserts: "tacit knowledge consists partly of technical skills-the kind of informal, hard-to-pin-down skills captured in the term 'know how'. A master craftsman after years of experience develops a wealth of expertise at his fi ngertips but he is often unable to articulate the scientifi c or technical principles behind what he knows. It is recognized that such tacit knowledge has a cognitive dimension, made up of mental models, beliefs, and perspectives so ingrained that they are taken for granted and cannot be easily articulated." The popularization of the concept of tacit knowledge by Nonaka has profound implications on the production of knowledge in society, as we shall attempt to show in a later section of this paper. Embedded within tacit knowledge, is the concept of creativity (among others), which includes use of fi gurative language and symbolism to articulate and Harnessing Knowledge Management for Africa's Transition to the 21st Century The effective management of knowledge is a critical strategy for the development of Africa.
The paper examines the information and knowledge issues concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Afric... more The paper examines the information and knowledge issues concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. The paper starts by presenting an overview of the HIV/AIDS pandemic citing evidence which shows clearly HIV/AIDS is spread out in Africa, the hardest hit continent. The impact of HIV on the youth, women and girls, and orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) is explored and reasons for the high levels of infections presented. This outline provides the backdrop for analyzing the HIV/AIDS information and knowledge issues which include overlapping information functions and responsibilities which have led to the emergence of a non traditional scientific communication model; the absence of an HIV/AIDS infostructure and infrastructure at grassroots level leading to an information vacuum in places away from the major urban areas; and the negation of the impact of information on behaviour change because of socioeconomic and cultural factors. The final section proposes knowledge management at national and grassroots level as the best way to improve the local production, transfer and sharing of HIV/AIDS knowledge and information in Africa which will lead to innovation and concrete action to curb the spread of the disease.
African scholarly research is relatively invisible globally because, even though research product... more African scholarly research is relatively invisible globally because, even though research production on the continent is growing in absolute terms, it is falling in comparative terms. In addition, traditional metrics of visibility, such as the Impact Factor, fail to make legible all African scholarly production. And many African universities also do not take a strategic approach to scholarly communication to broaden the reach of their scholars’ work.
To address this challenge, the Scholarly Communication in Africa Programme (SCAP) was established to help raise the visibility of African scholarship by mapping current research and communication practices in Southern African universities and by recommending and piloting technical and administrative innovations based on open access dissemination principles. To do this, SCAP conducted extensive research in four faculties at the Universities of Botswana, Cape Town, Mauritius and Namibia.
In the University of Namibia’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, SCAP found that scholars:
• carry heavy teaching and administrative loads which hinder their research productivity
• remain unconvinced by open access dissemination
• find it easier to collaborate with scholars in the global North than in the rest of Africa
• rarely communicate their research with government
• engage in small, locally-based research projects that are either unfunded or funded by the university
• produce outputs that are often interpretive, derivative or applied due, in part, to institutional rewards structures and funding challenges
• do not utilise social media technologies to disseminate their work or seek new collaborative opportunities.
All of these factors impact UNAM’s research in/visibility at a time when scholarly communication is going through dramatic technical, legal, social and ethical changes.
“Scholarly Communication at the University of Namibia” shares the results of SCAP’s research and advocacy efforts at UNAM’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. It not only analyses the faculty’s scholarly communication ecosystem, but illuminates the opportunities available for raising the visibility of its scholarship. It concludes with a series of recommendations that would enhance the communicative and developmental potential of the university’s research as a whole.
This study will be of interest for scholars of African higher education, academically linked civil society organisations, educationally affiliated government personnel and university researchers and managers.
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Papers by kingo J mchombu
To address this challenge, the Scholarly Communication in Africa Programme (SCAP) was established to help raise the visibility of African scholarship by mapping current research and communication practices in Southern African universities and by recommending and piloting technical and administrative innovations based on open access dissemination principles. To do this, SCAP conducted extensive research in four faculties at the Universities of Botswana, Cape Town, Mauritius and Namibia.
In the University of Namibia’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, SCAP found that scholars:
• carry heavy teaching and administrative loads which hinder their research productivity
• remain unconvinced by open access dissemination
• find it easier to collaborate with scholars in the global North than in the rest of Africa
• rarely communicate their research with government
• engage in small, locally-based research projects that are either unfunded or funded by the university
• produce outputs that are often interpretive, derivative or applied due, in part, to institutional rewards structures and funding challenges
• do not utilise social media technologies to disseminate their work or seek new collaborative opportunities.
All of these factors impact UNAM’s research in/visibility at a time when scholarly communication is going through dramatic technical, legal, social and ethical changes.
“Scholarly Communication at the University of Namibia” shares the results of SCAP’s research and advocacy efforts at UNAM’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. It not only analyses the faculty’s scholarly communication ecosystem, but illuminates the opportunities available for raising the visibility of its scholarship. It concludes with a series of recommendations that would enhance the communicative and developmental potential of the university’s research as a whole.
This study will be of interest for scholars of African higher education, academically linked civil society organisations, educationally affiliated government personnel and university researchers and managers.