Abbas Mohamed Omar
4 Publications in AERD
Author Publications
Export PDFResponding to the Lifelong Learning Targets: collaborative Efforts of Public and School Libraries
By Abbas Mohamed Omar
This study aims to examine the collaborative efforts of public and school libraries to implement lifelong learning targets. Using data collected from school and public library staff, head teachers and education officers in Zanzibar, this study seeks to obtain opinions regarding public library support provided to school libraries, types of collaborative programs that public and school libraries engaged in to attain lifelong learning targets, and the effectiveness of library joint programs in promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The study used a cross-sectional design, whereas a mixed approach through the convergence method was used to collect, analyze and interpret data. A non-probability sampling under purposive sampling techniques was applied to select respondents for this study. Primary data was collected through a survey method using a structured standardized questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 36 public library staff and 94 school library staff filled out questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with 42 respondents while 18 respondents were involved in focus group discussions. Findings revealed the existence of collaborative efforts between public libraries and school libraries. However, there were neither collaborative plans nor assessment and evaluation strategies, thus, the program’s implementation did not guarantee the effective promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. The study recommends that the education authorities should address and prioritize the agenda of lifelong learning by introducing a national-wide library collaboration campaign toward the implementation of SDG 4 targets along with the improvement of public and school libraries’ capacity in terms of staff and resources. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Assessing the Capacity of Public and School Libraries toward the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4
By Abbas Mohamed Omar
The objective of this study is to investigate the capacity of public and school libraries towards the achievement of SDG4. Using data collected from school and public library staff, head teachers and education officers in Zanzibar, the study examined the level of awareness of SDG4 among library staff, library human and physical resources capacity and the effectiveness of library programs in promoting lifelong learning. The study used a cross-sectional design, whereas a mixed approach through a convergence method was used to collect, analyze and interpret data. A non-probability sampling under purposive sampling techniques was applied to select respondents for this study. Primary data was collected through a survey method using a structured standardized questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 100 library staff filled out questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with 42 respondents while 18 were involved in focus group discussions. The study revealed that public and school libraries provided common traditional services like book circulation and reference services, but their contribution did not correlate with the efforts needed to promote lifelong learning in the modern era. The libraries were faced with several challenges including inadequate budget and a lack of policy and strategies for the implementation of lifelong learning targets. The study recommends that the education authorities should address and prioritize the agenda of lifelong learning by improving the capacity of public and school libraries, while a national-wide library campaign toward the promotion of lifelong learning should be introduced with the involvement of public and school libraries. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Exploring Perspectives and Challenges of Information Professionals in Accessing Massive Open Online Courses for Professional Development
By Abbas Mohamed Omar
Background. In recent years, the landscape of professional development has been significantly transformed by the emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which represent a revolutionary approach to education, offering flexible, accessible, and often cost-effective learning opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including library and information science. Objectives. This study aims to examine the perspectives and challenges of information professionals in accessing MOOCs for professional development. Methods. The study used a mixed approach whereby an explanatory sequential design was used to collect, analyze and interpret data. Data was collected from public library staff, academic library staff, archivists, museum curators and human resource officers in Zanzibar. Out of 100, a total of 75 (75%) respondents filled out questionnaires and interviews were conducted with 16 key informants. Results. Findings revealed that the majority 50(67%) of information professionals experienced limited exposure to MOOCs and other professional development opportunities to upgrade their careers. Traditional methods such as seminars, workshops and conferences were the preferred methods of staff continuous training, however, the matter was not given the priority it deserves by individual staff. The study found the existence of partial support from management by providing funds for continuous training, however, there was neither direct involvement in the planning process nor serious evaluation made to assess the outcome of continuous staff training to achieve the organization’s objectives. Contribution. The study underlines the potential of MOOCs to revolutionize professional development for information professionals in Tanzania. © 2024, The authors.
Promotion and Knowledge of Online Patent Literature Search to Enhance Scientific Output in Tanzania: Case of Two Universities in Zanzibar
By Abbas Mohamed Omar
This study examines the promotion and knowledge of online patent literature search among students, librarians, and instructors to enhance university scientific output in Zanzibar. The study was guided by four key questions: What is the level of awareness of students, instructors and library staff about patent documents as source of information? To what extent do students and instructors access online patent databases? What is the library experience in training students about online patent literature searching?, and what are the challenges facing library and instructors in promoting patent literature search? The study used survey approach whereby questionnaire and interview were used to collect data. The recent literatures regarding online patent literature searching were also critically reviewed. A survey was conducted at two Universities in Zanzibar namely the State University of Zanzibar and Zanzibar University, whereby 20 library staff, 10 instructors and 140 undergraduate students from the School of Computing and the Faculty of Engineering were involved in this study. The findings show that more than three quarters of respondents were either partially aware or not aware at all about the existence of free online patent databases. Likewise, the majority of students had no enough skills of patent literature searching. However, usually the library organizes training on general online literature searching skills but patent literature searching was not effectively taught and a big challenge observed in this study regarding promotion of patent literature searching is inadequate patent searching skills among library and instructors. Based on the findings, the study proposed several recommendations to rectify the existing problem. © 2019, Published with license by Taylor & Francis © 2019 Abbas Mohamed Omar, Haji Ali Haji, Juliana James Manyerere.
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