Centuries after the infamous slave trade era, there has been an influx of the diaspora to visit the continent of Africa. These nationalities, a lot of whom call the continent the “motherland”, undertake these trips for a variety of reasons, including reconnecting with ancestors. This study explores the information needs of the African American diaspora when travelling to Ghana, and compares their accounts with local Ghanaians. Using qualitative methodology, the findings suggest that for tourists, this lack of information has sometimes led to disappointment as the reality can sometimes be different than expectations. These travelers need accurate information related to food, culture, politics, language, and society. The results of this research are useful to the African American diasporic community, librarians in area studies or at universities where students may embark on trips to Africa, or for public librarians who engage with people interested in diasporic tourism.
This special edition of the Ghana Library Journal features six carefully selected papers from an international conference hosted by the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana. Held from October 30 to 31, 2024, under the theme “Fostering Research on Information Behaviour and Digital Literacy in Africa,” the conference attracted a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Organised in a hybrid format, the event welcomed participants from across Africa and beyond, reflecting the global relevance and reach of its core themes. A highlight of the proceedings was the keynote address delivered by Professor Wole Michael Olatokun of the University of Ibadan, whose insights offered a foundation for the conference’s central theme. The event also proudly welcomed Emeritus Professor Anaba A. Alemna of the University of Ghana as guest speaker, whose distinguished contributions to the field and ongoing mentorship were warmly acknowledged by participants. Throughout plenary sessions, breakout groups, and post-panel dialogues, the conference sparked rich conversations across a wide array of topics: from the rise of open access and AI-powered archives to the evolving role of libraries as digital learning spaces, and the practical challenges of data protection in public services. What emerged was a shared commitment to building inclusive, responsive, and ethically grounded information systems for the continent.
This study investigated the role of digital communication tools on patient-provider interactions in the Civil Service Clinic. It aimed to understand how tools such as telemedicine, secure messaging, and patient portals influenced healthcare delivery in terms of accessibility, efficiency, and patient engagement. The findings revealed that these digital platforms improved communication by allowing patients quicker access to healthcare services and more convenient ways to engage with providers. However, challenges were identified, including a reduction in the personal connection between patients and providers, particularly in virtual consultations, as well as gaps in digital literacy that affected certain patient populations, such as older adults and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Ethical concerns related to data privacy and security also emerged, underscoring the need for robust measures to protect sensitive health information. The study concluded that while digital communication tools offer numerous advantages, a balanced approach is required to ensure that they are accessible to all, safeguard patient data, and preserve the human aspect of healthcare, which remains essential for trust and empathy in patient care.
Gerald Annan Forson’s photographic collection deposited at the J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives offers captivating socio-political, economic, urbanization and cultural lifestyle of the Ghanaian people. The collection serves as an invaluable resource to students, scholars and the public. Annan Forson’s distinct techniques and skills offer a unique insight and clear details of capturing two decades of Ghanaian presidential history and socio-political movement. Inside the helm of the socio-political activities of government includes the change of government from military to civilian and from civilian to military, government projects, dignitary visitations and meetings, rallies and protest, elections and physical landscape of Ghana. However, this paper explores two case studies, one is the discovery of an old band named the Kyirem Cultural Band and St George’s International School learning experience at the J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives. The photographic collection reawakened and connected the band again to exhibit their talent. On the other hand, the collection offered students from St. George’s International School a pictorial understanding of what was studied in class about government as a subject. Ultimately, Annan Forson’s unique collection is resource poise to inspire and learn from diverse group of ages.
This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the landscape of open science research in Africa. Open science practices, including open-access publishing, open data sharing, open educational resources, open source, and open collaboration, have the potential to enhance scientific transparency, innovation, and collaboration. However, the adoption and implementation of open science principles vary across regions, and there is a need to understand the current state of open science research within the African context. A total of 302 datasets of documents from Scopus (Elsevier), from inception to 2023, were extracted, analysed, and visualised using software like MS Excel, Harzing’s Publish or Perish and VOSviewer. A team of information specialists crafted the requisite keywords and verified the final search strategy. The results showed an increasing trend in new documents in open science in Africa. The most active source titles were Library Philosophy and Practice with 17 (7.02%), followed by Open Access Implication for Sustainable Social, Political, and Economic Development, and the African Journal of Library, Archives, and Information Science with 8 (3.31%). South Africa and Nigeria were the most influential countries contributing 59 (19.54%) and 56 (18.54%) publications in the subject area, respectively. The most productive authors were Ezema, I. J., and Nwagwu, W.E. with four documents each. The University of South Africa and the University of Nigeria were the most influential institutions with a total of publications 17 and 13, respectively. The citation analysis of highly cited articles pointed out that Mentis et al. (2017) and Duan et al. (2019) were the most cited articles in the subject area with 140 and 100 cites, respectively. The keywords analysis showed that open access, Africa, and open data were the most frequently used author keywords with 49 (20.25%), 35 (14.46%), and 34 (14.05%) total publications, respectively. The co-occurrence of research terms revealed four clusters of interconnected concepts, thematically organised around open access, human, Africa, and open-source software. The research will enhance comprehension within the field and is anticipated to assist researchers, students, and educators in pinpointing research areas, developments, high-quality scientific literature, and suitable journals for disseminating their findings related to open science. Furthermore, the study gives insights into the present state of open science research in Africa, which will guide policies, financing strategies, and capacity-building programmes targeted at supporting open science practices and furthering scientific research and innovation across the continent.
Memory and heritage institutions in Ghana house invaluable repositories of historical records and cultural artifacts, yet many of these treasures are inaccessible dark archives (that is, unexplored or underutilised collections). This paper explores the potential of human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration as a transformative approach to unlock dark archives within academic institutions. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from AI and cultural heritage preservation, the study examines the methodologies, challenges, and opportunities associated with leveraging AI technologies alongside human expertise in preserving information and knowledge for posterity. The study employs a qualitative methodology using empirical findings from the Institute of African Studies Library, University of Ghana. Furthermore, the research identifies key research objectives, including assessing the readiness of information professionals in Ghana to embrace AI technologies and archiving practices. The study provides insights and recommendations for policymakers, information professionals, and researchers seeking to harness the power of human-AI collaboration to unlock dark archives and bring them to light.
This study assessed digital data protection strategies and modalities for user support using the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) e-tax system as a case study. The community element of the Activity Theory guided the study. The study employed a qualitative research approach; hence, face-to-face key informant interviews and observation were used to gather the data. Purposive sampling was employed to sample three key informants as participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Our findings show that GRA has recently seen a tremendous level of integration with other government agencies. Data generated for use and protection by GRA- include domestic tax, import taxes, tax identification, contracts, property tax and rates, and corporate tax data. The Authority uses a lock icon as an intervention on its website. Using security icons (security padlock and alert icon) helps users manage appropriate authentication credentials and preview updates on security and protection from cyber-attacks. We also found the client’s privacy policy, SSL certificate, secure cookies, login authentication, disclaimer alert, compliance with data protection, firewall security intervention, and protocols to validate form input in place to protect user data. However, they did not have a guide to support users, guided solutions on data recovery, and procedures to inform the community of alerts and updates. The Authority uses training, orientation, and social media campaigns to sensitise the community on digital data protection. The subscription to ISO standards readiness certification and the application of data loss prevention initiatives such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and data anonymisation were identified as best practices to improve security for clients using the e-portal platform. To enhance information security culture, our participants stated that the involvement of civil society actors could serve as translators on tax information and facilitate training to support tax literacy. Participants also suggested that resource availability would help increase awareness levels. Therefore, budgetary allocation for awareness and civic education should be made available to the Authority. They also recommended that dedicated content creators and human resources be engaged permanently to manage, create, and update social media platforms and the web portal. Therefore, the way forward is the call for digitally literate citizens as a cultural change and adoption guided by the community of practice initiative. Intensifying education, training, advocacy, and upskilling digital skills in data protection initiatives by collaborating with and engaging civil actors is imminent.
In an ever-evolving technological world, digital literacy has become a critical skill for navigating information ecosystems, protecting privacy online, and full and active participation in civic and economic life. This systematic review explores the evolving role of librarians and libraries as key providers of digital literacy services, viewing them as ‘guiding lights’ in tackling the challenges posed by the digital divide and misinformation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were adopted for the study. A total of 13 electronic databases were used to make a comprehensive search between the years 2004 and 2024. The databases EBSCO Host, Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, LISTA, LISA, Elsevier, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, Springer Link, IEEE Xplore, and Wiley Inter-Science were chosen based on their focus on digital literacy research. A total of 259 papers were included in the review. Seven themes were developed from the review of the included studies. The themes include: digital inclusion initiatives, digital literacy training, e-resources support, virtual reference services, digital collection, challenges, and prospects. Under each major theme, sub-sub-themes were included to fully capture the nuances of the theme. The review concludes with recommendations for library professionals, policy makers, and educators to strengthen collaborative efforts and digitally inclusive strategies to combat the digital divide. The study also advocates for continual investment in librarians and libraries as stewards of equitable access to 21st-century digital skills.
In today’s digitised era, the ability to competently navigate and utilise information, often termed ‘information literacy’, is a pivotal skill, especially for pre-tertiary visual art students. Their academic and artistic pursuits are significantly influenced by their capability to harness relevant information. This research sought to ascertain the degree of information literacy self-efficacy amongst pre-tertiary visual arts students and to discern the potential influence of specific sociodemographic indicators on their self-efficacy beliefs related to information literacy. The geographical focus of this inquiry was a curated selection of schools in Kumasi, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey study encompassed a sample size of n = 136 pre-tertiary visual arts students. The assessment utilised an information literacy self-efficacy scale complemented by several sociodemographic variables. Subsequent data analysis encompassed descriptive and inferential statistics facilitated via the Jamovi statistical software. The study’s outcomes revealed that these students exhibited moderate aptitude in basic information literacy and its associated competencies. However, a discernible dip was noted in their proficiency concerning advanced information literacy skills. This underscores the imperative for a more comprehensive integration of information literacy modules, especially within the affective learning spectrum, to cultivate innovative and adept information-seeking tendencies in these students. While the study’s scope precludes sweeping generalisations, the instruments employed have showcased potential as efficacious metrics to collate student-centric data, thereby enhancing individual and group educational outcomes. This research augments the academic understanding of information literacy and its bearing on the information-seeking patterns of pre-tertiary visual art students. By embedding these insights into pedagogical strategies, educators can champion a generation of artists well-versed in navigating the intricate tapestry of the information milieu.
Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays a crucial role in primary healthcare in many African communities. However, IK is gradually declining due to its predominantly oral transmission and a lack of interest from the younger generation. While various studies have examined IK, there is limited evidence on how demographic variables influence its documentation. This study investigated the relationship between demographic characteristics and the documentation of IK among traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Southwest Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used to sample 362 THPs from a population of 3,850, applying the Yaro Yemane model. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Findings showed that the majority of respondents were male (73.2%), aged 51–60 (45.3%), married (97.8%), and had over 25 years of experience. Despite varying backgrounds, there was no significant correlation between gender, age, marital status, or other demographic variables and the documentation of IK. The study concludes that demographic factors do not significantly influence IK documentation among THPs, highlighting the need for more systemic interventions to preserve and document IK irrespective of demographic attributes
The study investigated librarians’ awareness and disposition towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria libraries. The study adopted the descriptive survey design method and the population of the study comprised a sample of 507 librarians from different types of libraries who attended the Nigeria Library Association (NLA) 62nd annual national conference/ AGM held On July 7th-12th, 2024. The target population is the total number of participants in the conference. The instrument used to obtain data from the respondents was questionnaire. A total of 507 surveys were issued to librarians, with 488 completed and returned, reflecting a 96.2% of the entire population. The questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which was subjected to a criterion mean of 2.5 and above as accepted while below 2.5 is rejected. The findings of this study revealed that librarians are aware of the use of AI for library services on an average level. The findings also show that librarians have a positive disposition towards the adoption of AI but with some uncertainty on how the technology is going to affect their job. The result also shows that librarians perceive the benefits of AI in the library to include increase access to information resources and reduction of manual task for librarians. The perceived challenges, as reflected in the findings includes, fear of job loss, high cost of implementing AI systems and unstable electricity supply among others. It was concluded from the findings that librarians in Nigeria are averagely aware of the use of AI in libraries and also majority has a positive disposition towards its adoption. The study recommended that librarians should keep up with trends in the use of AI in libraries by acquiring new knowledge and skills that will prepare ahead of its adoption and use.
The rapid evolution of disruptive technologies has significantly impacted academic libraries worldwide, including those in Nigeria. This paper critically examines how effective change management acts as the key enabler for Nigerian academic libraries to harness disruptive technologies successfully. Through a literature and documentary review, the paper identifies trends, barriers, and the change management models most relevant to this context, specifically the Lewin, Kotter, and ADKAR models. The central argument highlights that robust change management strategies—not just technology adoption—are essential for sustaining positive transformation. Conclusions and recommendations emphasize regular staff training and sustained stakeholder funding as critical supports for continuous, successful change.
This paper is a qualitative research study of literature insights, analysis and observations of mobile device libraries for the benefits of Nigerian university students. Specifically, the paper covered the concept and features of mobile device libraries, the state of University libraries in Nigeria, the role and relevance of mobile device libraries for university students in Nigeria, the challenges of mobile device libraries, and suggestions for the ways forward. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) 1986 by Davis Fred is used to explore the benefits of mobile device libraries as it facilitates students’ beliefs and attitude about the usefulness and ease of use for their genuine utilization of mobile device library facilities. The paper acknowledged the low use of traditional library resources by students in preference for the uniqueness of the dynamic mobile device library resources and services. Several issues challenging the adoption and application of sustainable ICT facilities needed in Nigerian university libraries were discussed including the ways forward.
This study examined how organizational and national policies and regulations shape the operation of an Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) at the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) in Tanzania. The study examined the effectiveness of the Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) in managing institutional records at the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF). The major goal was to examine the policies and laws that regulate the operation of ERMS on both at organizational and national level. Specifically, the study sought to analyze the existing policies and regulations that guide the implementation and use of e-records management system and proposed strategies for strengthening policies and regulations so as to enhance sustainable e-records management practices. The population included a total of 115 of workers’ compensation fund employees, in a sample size of 94 respondents which drawn from population. A descriptive study strategy, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods was used, whereby purposive and census sampling techniques were adopted. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Both quantitative and qualitative data was performed using IBM SPSS Version 20 as well as Microsoft Word and Excel to assess the frequency and percentage of answers that corresponded to the research findings. The study revealed that Workers Compensation Fund follows various national rules and policies concerning ERMS. These include the Record and Archive Management Policy (2011), the ICT Policy (2005), and the Cybercrime Act (2015). Furthermore, the Access to Information Act of 2016, the Electronic Governance Act of 2019, and the Electronic Transactions Act of 2015 were deemed as extremely relevant and effective in guiding the management of ERMS. Overall, the rules and procedures in place at WCF were deemed very relevant and effective for controlling ERMS. Thus, the study suggested the compliance monitoring and accessibility of implementation of electronic records management system in terms of revise them time to time as well as provision of training and awareness on the integration and implementation of policies and regulations that are shaping e-records management system..
It is with great pleasure that I introduce the November 2025 issue of the Ghana Library Journal (GLJ), a publication that continues to serve as a dynamic platform for disseminating scholarly research, professional insights, and innovations shaping library and information practice in Africa and beyond. This issue, Volume 30 Issue 3, captures the evolving intersections between technology, knowledge systems, and human experience in librarianship, offering both theoretical and practical contributions that speak to the diverse realities of our profession across the continent.
Academic libraries are essential for achieving the mandate of universities and colleges. These libraries support the teaching, learning, and research pursuits of the institution’s staff, faculty, and students. The sustainability of the academic library’s mandate largely depends on the caliber of staff employed to work in these spaces. Recruiting and retaining librarians to work in these academic libraries is critical for the continuity and delivery of satisfactory services to the university community. Integrating/onboarding newly employed librarians into academic libraries is essential as these librarians bring new ideas, skills, and perspectives that can help the library adapt to changing user needs and technological advances. This study sought to explore the process of integrating/onboarding newly employed librarians into academic libraries, identify the components of the integration/onboarding processes, and assess newly employed librarians’ perception of the integration/onboarding process on their work in academic libraries. The qualitative approach was employed in the study of integration/onboarding processes and to assess the perception of newly employed librarians of the integration/onboarding processes in academic libraries in Ghana. The purposive sampling technique was used to identify thirteen (13) newly employed professional librarians recruited during the 2021-2024 academic year who had undergone some integration/onboarding processes in their respective libraries. A semi-structured interview schedule guided the face-to-face interviews with the librarians from June 10 to August 09, 2024, lasting about 50 minutes each. The data collected was transcribed and thematically analysed reflexively using Nvivo Software Version 20 to identify codes and themes revealing patterns in the data and dominant themes. Findings from the study showed that academic libraries used meetings, orientations, and rotations as avenues for integrating/onboarding their newly employed librarians. The study also revealed that organizational culture, continuous professional development, teamwork/collaborations, mentorship, and career progression and promotion were discussed. From the study, the newly employed librarians perceived the integration/onboarding process to help build their interpersonal relations and develop a sense of acceptance and belonging, making them want to do their best to ensure the success of the academic library and their respective universities.
Journals are the main outlets for accurate and quality research dissemination, but many in developing countries are fraught with peculiar challenges. This article outlines challenges faced by journal editors from the University of Ghana. Challenges include transitioning to digital platforms, understanding the review process, copyediting, website updates, production, indexing issues, proofreading, among others. Specific topics of interest included addressing plagiarism, utilizing AI in editorial work, effectively recruiting and managing reviewers, and insights on journal indexing. Additionally, they emphasized the dire need for institutional support in journal management towards the establishment of an editorial office, a university journal management policy, mentorship, increased opportunities for networking, continual professional training, and the availability of IT support staff etc. to ensure sustainability. This study brought out the prevalent hurdles that many editors within Ghana, and the sub-region daily encounter in their work and the need for support.
The skill-gap precipitated by the inadequacy of Library and Information Science (LIS) curricula to meet the skill requirements of employers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) remains under-researched. Consequently, this study was carried out to ascertain the skill-gap between employers’ skill requirements and skill coverage in library schools’ curricula. To achieve this, the authors carried out content analysis of two major job websites (ALA JobLIST and Indeed) and four (4) library schools’ curricula from 4 different countries, two (2) each from the Global North and Global South. The skill coverage was measured using 3-point likert scale with a criterion mean of 2.0, against which the average rating score (calculated mean) was considered. The study found that employers demanded more of soft skills, followed by leadership/ managerial skills, and then technical/ technological skills. The library schools’ curricula analyzed revealed that soft skills and leadership/managerial skills were not adequately covered. However, technical/technological skills were adequately covered in the curricula. The study revealed a skill-gap with respect to soft skills and leadership/managerial skills. It concluded that library schools should train students in the light of current realities, periodically reviewing their curricula to cater for the changing skills requirement of employers in order to produce graduates that are employable, with high market value. The study contributes in providing a justification for revamping library schools’ curricula in light of the changes in the skill expectations that characterizes the 4IR. The value of this study is reinforced by the current fluidity in the employment landscape of LIS profession.
University libraries acquire print information resources such as books and journals as well as electronic information resources to support teaching, learning and research and also facilitate knowledge dissemination. This explains why various library services have been developed to promote and facilitate effective use of recorded information in all formats by users. This paper examines the resources available and services offered by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library. The methodology used was records on files, interviews and observations. It concludes that in spite of library budget cuts, KNUST Library has made systematic efforts in promoting effective use of its resources by its users. It then makes recommendations to facilitate the more effective and efficient use of KNUST Library resources.
The concept of computer literacy in distance education or learning continues to be an integral area of research due to the importance of digital literacy in the academic performance of distance learners. The study examined the level of computer literacy among distance education students in Ghana. Differences in the level of computer literacy based on area of residence and gender among the distance learners were also examined. The study adopted quantitative analysis with a cross-sectional survey design. The study used a census-based method to choose its participants. Out of the 4236 undergraduate level 400 or final year students adopted for the study, 3003 responded using the link on the class WhatsApp platform. The level 400 undergraduate students were selected because the researchers assumed they would be aware of their computer literacy levels due to the number of years they have spent and engaged in the university. The findings revealed that there was a generally low level of computer literacy skills among the participants. It was further revealed that there was no significant difference between males and females in their level of computer literacy. However, there were differences in their level of computer literacy based on area of residence, where urban settlers were found to have higher computer literacy than rural settlers. It was recommended that distance education administrators apply a multifaceted approach to enhance skills in digital communication, data privacy, information literacy and software application in distance education. It could be achieved through providing training and support for both students and educators, integrating digital literacy into the curriculum, and fostering a supportive online learning environment that encourages collaboration.
