Department of Library and Publications

Use Patterns, Purposes, and Frequency of Electronic Resources among Library Patrons: A Descriptive Research Design

2026-03-07T00:00:00Z

Use Patterns, Purposes, and Frequency of Electronic Resources among Library Patrons: A Descriptive Research Design Mubofu, Christian This study examined the usage patterns, purposes, and frequency of electronic resources among library patrons at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU), a health sciences institution in Tanzania. The research was structured around objectives to evaluate the availability of resources, identify purposes of use, and assess frequency of access, employing a mixed- methods approach. Data were collected through surveys of 288 students, selected via systematic random sampling, and semi-structured interviews with four purposively chosen library staff, utilizing structured questionnaires and interview guides. Results indicated that a substantial portion of patrons were aware of the library’s electronic resources, including e-theses, e-books, and e-journals, as corroborated by catalogue records and staff perspectives, though a notable minority lacked awareness, suggesting deficiencies in out- reach efforts. The primary purposes of use included academic research, assignment completion, staying abreast of health sciences literature, and professional development, consistent with HKMU’s academic mission. While the majority frequently engaged with these resources, a considerable subset accessed them infrequently or not at all, often due to challenges in navigation or limited digital literacy, as reported by staff. The study concludes that despite the availability of robust e-resources at HKMU Library, barriers to awareness and usage persist. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2026.2640465 Article

Fueling the Future: An Opinion Paper on How Gen-Z Uses Business Information to Build Careers and Ventures

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Fueling the Future: An Opinion Paper on How Gen-Z Uses Business Information to Build Careers and Ventures Mubofu, Christian This opinion paper examines the transformative relationship between Generation Z and business information, arguing that this cohort is pioneering a bottom-up, information-driven approach to economic self-reliance. Unlike previous generations, Gen-Z leverages a diverse digital ecosystem from social media platforms to specialized forums to gather, synthesize, and apply business intelligence for career advancement and venture creation. While this represents a significant democratization of entrepreneurial opportunity, it also presents critical challenges, including information overload, credibility assessment, and a potential foundational skills gap. This paper discusses these promises and perils, contending that the current institutional support systems are lagging behind these informal learning models. The conclusion offers a multi-stakeholder call to action, proposing that educators, policymakers, and business leaders must collaboratively build a scaffolded ecosystem to effectively harness Gen-Z’s unique information sensibilities for sustainable economic growth. DOI: 10.1177/02663821261427232 Article

Assessment of land records management practices in Tanzania’s District councils

0025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of land records management practices in Tanzania’s District councils Mogha, Huruma; Dulle, Frankwell; Benard, Ronald Background of the study: Proper land record management requires consideration of practice procedures. However, land record management in registry offices is insufficient. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of land record management practices in land registry offices in district councils in Tanzania. Method: The study targeted 160 land record staff, purposively selected across 19 districts in three regions of Tanzania. Qualitative data were collected using an interview and observation guide, while quantitative data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in the study area. Findings: The study found that only record creation practices were more effective with a 2.321 mean score, p< 0.05, while the other five practices were not effective owing to several reasons, including the absence of procedures for guiding land record staff on how to manage land records, and the use of outdated filing classification methods. Conclusion: The use of practice procedures in managing land records in registry offices within district councils in Tanzania will contribute to the effectiveness of land record management. article

Market information needs and access barriers of smallholder orange farmers in Tanzania

2025-09-29T00:00:00Z

Market information needs and access barriers of smallholder orange farmers in Tanzania Mbedule, Adolf; Mubofu, Christian This study examines market information barriers among smallholder orange farmers in Tanzania, employing Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory as an analytical lens. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining a household survey of 133 farmers (103 valid responses, 77.4% response rate) with four semi-structured interviews involving village leaders and agricultural extension officers, supplemented by document reviews. The objectives of the study are (i) to determine the specific market information needs of orange farmers in Muheza District, and (ii) to identify barriers affecting their access and use of such information. Findings reveal that digital exclusion driven by low literacy, linguistic incompatibility, and infrastructural gaps disproportionately restricts farmers’ access to critical knowledge on price negotiation and quality standards. Quantitative results show that 61% of respondents were women and 72% were under the age of 50, highlighting both gendered constraints and generational differences in technology adoption. Women, constituting the majority of growers, face compounded marginalisation through limited mobility and resource access. Unlike staple crops, Tanzania’s perishable orange sector demands real-time market intelligence, yet institutional voids and incompatible innovation design hinder adoption. The study establishes novel intersections between gender dynamics, crop-specific value chains, and technology adoption constraints. It calls for blended analog-digital information systems, gender-responsive extension services, and community-centered platforms to bridge access gaps. Implications advance inclusive agricultural innovation frameworks for perishable crop economies in the Global South. thesis