Transcript University of Swaziland

University of
Swaziland
Access to Learning
Materials: The Case of the
University of Swaziland
Presented
By Dr. Z. G. Ngcobo
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ACCESS TO LEARNING
MATERIALS: THE CASE OF
UNIVERSITY OF SWAZILAND
Introduction / Background
•
Mandate: to assist in the
preservation, transmission and
increase of knowledge.
•
University Library mission: to
efficiently provide services and
access to quality academic
information resources
irrespective of format and
location to University staff,
students and associates in
support of instructional, learning,
research and administrative
functions of the University
•
Library, ICT, Research Centres,
etc. serve to meet objectives
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Services
• Collections Development - acquisition of
books, journals and other non-print
information resources providing users
with access to the global intellectual
output.
• Organization of resources to ease access
through catalogs, indexes, etc.
• Internet and CD-ROM database services
• User education imparting information
search, evaluation and use skill.
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Challenges
• Inadequate funding, cost escalations and a
weak currency have negatively affected
collection development. Learning materials
are not always readily available, current or
relevant to user needs.
• Reduced journal subscriptions.
• Increased student numbers and competition
for resources; theft and mutilation of
resources.
• Due to classification as middle income
country, Swaziland does not qualify for some
donor subsidies to purchase e.g electronic
database subscriptions
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Publishing Sector
Underdeveloped due to:
• Limited consumer market (1 million +
people)
• Predominance of oral tradition.
• Unaffordable book prices.
• Limited number of publishers viz:
Government Depts., NGOs, Macmillan
(publishing for schools).
• Thus, learning materials are largely imported.
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Legal Framework
• The Proscribed Publications Act 17 of 1978 This law provides for banned or prohibited
publications.
• The Copyright Act, 1912 provides for the
protection of authors and published works and
guides fair use of their publications. In
providing photocopying services, the
responsibility to observe copyright is on the
user who shall take full responsibility for any
infringement.
• Legal Deposit: The Swaziland National
Library Services Act 4, 2002 provides for the
deposit and preservation of books at, among
others, The University of Swaziland Library.
• Sales Tax Act 13 of 1983 exempts from
paying sales tax , (1)School exercise books,
(2) Text books approved by the Minister of
Education, printed and published specially
for educational use in schools and colleges.
The University of Swaziland benefits from
this exemption.
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The End
Siyabonga
Kakhulu
Thank You!
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