Conundrum of resource sharing in Zimbabwe: a case of academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities for Zimbabwe’s academic libraries in their endeavour to provide quality services. It will examine how library consortia, namely, the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and the College and Research Libraries Consortium (CARLC), have been able to provide for the information needs of their users at a time when budgets are inadequate and subscription costs to journals remain unaffordable. It will examine how academic libraries, through resource sharing platforms, have been able to exploit ubiquitous technologies and build on from the traditional interlibrary loan (ILL). The paper will recommend a strategy based on a model to strengthen access to scholarship through resource sharing. Design/methodology/approach The researcher opted for a qualitative research design. A purposive sample of 32 participants drawn from ten academic librarians located in Zimbabwe was used to collect the information. The participants were chosen because of their involvement in resource-sharing activities. The participants were drawn from the two library consortia, namely, CARLC and ZULC. Data for the study was collected using structured interviews. Findings The findings revealed that resource sharing was critical for the survival of academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The study found out that resource sharing was the only option to overcome the challenges of the paywall. It highlighted the need for a concerted effort of all academic institutions in adapting a model that provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to widening access to scholarship. However, in spite of the success of library consortia in enhancing resource sharing in Zimbabwe, there are challenges that require the concerted effort of all academic institutions in coming up with a model that best provides for the diverse needs of members with regard to resource sharing. Practical implications The results of the study will be useful in providing a long-term strategy for enhancing resource sharing among academic libraries in Zimbabwe in their endeavor to support teaching, learning and research. Originality/value There is a scarcity of scholarly studies on resource sharing initiatives among academic libraries in Zimbabwe. This study is unique because it tackles the experiences of the academic libraries in overcoming the challenges of the paywall.

A framework for librarians to inform the citizenry during disasters: Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, even though the future might appear bleak, the pundits should hold their horses in rushing to declare doomsday because scientists are working day and night to find an antidote and countries have implemented strategic measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zarocostas ( 2009 ) hinted that the world was fighting a pandemic and an infodemic that populates social networks, social media and other platforms for communication because misinformation is the greatest challenge that governments have to grapple with as COVID-19 takes its toll on human livelihoods (Chisita 2020 ).…”

“…Building an effective NII has become a high priority to governments around the world. Chisita and Fombad ( 2020 ) viewed the NII as a system consisting of the information environment that facilitates easier and affordable communication through connections using information and communication technologies (ICTs). The authors also describe an NII as a subset of the global information infrastructure (GII).…”

“…There is growing concern over the phenomenal growth of misinformation in society, arising from unedited information sourced from crowds (Qutab, Myers & Gardner 2019 ). Chisita et al ( 2020 ) raised concern on how content from unprofessional contributors ends up shaping public opinion and breeding conspiracy theories. There is a growing concern over the misuse of social media platforms to peddle fake news, resulting in information disorder.…”

“…Internet service providers are key pillars of the NII constituted of people, communication networks, ICT hardware and software and information and knowledge resources (Chisita 2020 ). Currently, the South African National Research Network (SANReN) and the Tertiary Education and Research Network (TENET) are providing resources to move large data in a secure environment and availing resources for research and data analysis relating to efforts to mitigate and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic (SANReN 2020 ).…”

“…The director of the WHO, Doctor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus vehemently called upon governments to galvanise and scale up their emergency response mechanisms as a preventive and mitigatory measure (WHO 2020a ). Chisita ( 2020 ) and Zarocostas ( 2020 ) concurred that it has become a preordained ritual that the outbreak of a pandemic triggers a cloud of confusion arising from misinformation and disinformation – resulting in panic, anxiety and uniformed decisions, all of which are detrimental to socio-economic stability. Social media has been chock-full with confusing posts that mislead readers and viewers.…”