East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) Collection
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ItemDeveloping a weeding framework for Makerere University Library(Makerere University, 2025)In academic libraries, weeding is a critical component of collection management; however, it is frequently overlooked. Effective weeding ensures that library collections remain current, relevant, accessible, and responsive to user needs. This project aimed to develop a comprehensive weeding framework for Makerere University Library. Specifically, the study sought to: establish the existing weeding practices (if any) at Makerere University Library; assess whether the current library collection meets the teaching, research, and learning needs of its users; identify challenges associated with the existing collection; and propose an appropriate weeding framework for the library. A case study research design was adopted using a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through interviews, participant observation, and document review. The study population comprised library leadership, section heads, and library staff, with data collection continuing until saturation was achieved. To validate and triangulate the views of key informants, library users were also included in the study using a purposive sampling technique. The major finding revealed that Makerere University Library does not have a formal weeding framework. Additional findings indicated that a significant portion of the collection is outdated, with materials dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The study further identified inadequate staff awareness of weeding practices, limited budgets, resistance from academic departments to discard obsolete materials, and restrictive disposal procedures under the PPDA Act as key barriers to effective weeding. The study concludes that without a clear policy and systematic framework, weeding cannot be effectively implemented, thereby undermining the relevance and efficiency of the library. It recommends the immediate development and implementation of a formal weeding policy outlining its scope, frequency, responsibilities, and disposal mechanisms in compliance with national regulations. Priority actions should include phased, section-by-section reviews of the collection; disposal and replacement of outdated resources; preservation of historically significant materials; targeted staff training; and active involvement of academic units. The proposed weeding framework provides a scalable and phased roadmap for Makerere University Library and offers a model that can be adapted by other university libraries in Uganda. Its adoption would enhance collection quality, optimize resource utilization, and institutionalize evidence-based collection management practices.
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ItemAccess and utilization of health information for disease management among mothers of children under five: a case study of Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Access to and effective utilization of child health information are critical for the prevention and management of common childhood illnesses among children under five years. However, many mothers continue to face challenges in accessing, understanding, and applying this information appropriately. The purpose of this study was to examine access to and utilization of child health information for disease management among mothers of children under five attending Kawaala Health Centre IV in Kampala, Uganda. The aim of the study was to investigate how mothers of under-five children access and utilize child health information in order to recommend strategic interventions that enhance its provision, accessibility, and effective use. Specifically, the study sought to: (i) examine the sources through which mothers access child health information; (ii) assess how mothers utilize child health information in managing common childhood diseases; (iii) examine the role of health workers and health education programs in disseminating child health information; (iv) identify challenges affecting access to and utilization of child health information; and (v) propose strategies for improving access and utilization of child health information for disease management. A descriptive case study design was adopted, and data were collected from mothers of under-five children, health workers, and community health actors using interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The findings revealed that mothers accessed child health information through multiple sources, including health workers, health education sessions, Village Health Teams (VHTs), printed materials, peer mothers, family members, local leaders, and digital platforms such as radio, television, WhatsApp, and SMS reminders. Utilization of this information contributed to improved child nutrition and growth monitoring, increased immunization uptake, enhanced hygiene and sanitation practices, home-based care, first aid, and overall child development. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identified several barriers to effective access and utilization of child health information, including long distances to health facilities, low literacy and health literacy levels, socio-cultural beliefs and practices, economic constraints, weak community engagement, and inadequate communication. Health workers and structured health education programs were found to play a central role in information dissemination through interpersonal communication, participatory education, capacity building, and follow-up support. The study recommends expanding VHT coverage, strengthening continuous training for health workers and VHTs, increasing the use of mass media and digital platforms, establishing community-based child health information centers, empowering mothers and communities, and strengthening home-based care interventions. Overall, the study concludes that improving child health outcomes requires a multifaceted, community-centered approach that enhances information access, promotes effective utilization, and empowers caregivers to make informed health decisions for their children.
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ItemInformation and communication technologies (ICTS) adoption for information access and utilization among women-led small and medium enterprises in Lira city, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025-12-29)in Lira City. This phenomenon constrains market access, hinders informed decision-making, reduces operational efficiency, and restricts customer engagement, ultimately impeding the growth and competitiveness of women-led SMEs in Lira City. This study aimed to assess ICT adoption for business information access and utilization among women-led SMEs in Lira City as a case study. The objectives were to: determine the extent to which women-led SMEs use ICTs to access business information; investigate how women-led SMEs use ICT-generated information to support their businesses; identify socio-demographic factors influencing ICT adoption for business information access and utilization; and find out the challenges of ICT adoption for business information access and utilization. The study used a cross-sectional mixed method design, combining quantitative data from a random sample of 92 women leaders of SMEs, gathered using a structured questionnaire, with qualitative data collected from Lira City-based officials, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Mayor, the Community Development Officer (CDO), and eight SME association leaders, through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Findings generated using SPSS revealed that ICTs play a vital role for women-led SMEs in Lira City, with many using them daily and depending heavily on smartphones and social media to access business information. These tools are mainly used for engaging customers, making decisions, and managing finances. Education was found to be a key factor influencing ICT adoption for information access and utilization, while age and marital status had little to no influence. However, several challenges hinder effective ICT adoption for information access and utilization, including high internet costs, limited digital skills, and insufficient resources. The study recommends improving access to affordable smartphones and internet through partnerships with local government, NGOs, and business associations. Targeted digital literacy programs are essential to enhance skills and ensure ICT tools are accessible and relevant. Training should focus on financial management, market trends, and compliance. Peer networks and affordable training can support women with limited education. Reducing internet costs, improving connectivity, and providing financial assistance for ICT tools are critical to overcoming the barriers.
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ItemDecentralising Kampala Library and Information Centre services, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025-12-22)Decentralisation has emerged as a governance model aimed at enhancing the provision of quality library services by empowering local authorities to tailor services to community needs. This study investigated the decentralisation of the Kampala Library and Information Centre (KLIC) and its impact on library service delivery in Kampala City. The specific objectives were to: examine the rationale for decentralising services at KLIC; examine the benefits of decentralisation on service delivery; determine the challenges encountered post-decentralisation; and propose strategic interventions for improving library services under a decentralised model. A qualitative case study research design was adopted. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 40 library users and 10 staff members, alongside document reviews, until saturation was reached. Findings indicated that decentralisation was implemented to enhance responsiveness and empower community libraries to address local information needs. Benefits observed included improved accessibility, service design, and community engagement, as well as stronger community relationships. However, challenges such as resource limitations, low community awareness, and service pressure were noted. The study recommends that KLIC’s management: align resources with service needs, strengthen ICT integration, enhance staff capacity, and implement targeted awareness campaigns to improve community engagement. Additionally, a phased implementation plan for operationalizing the six strategic interventions proposed by participants is advised to ensure the intended benefits of decentralisation are fully realized. Keywords: Decentralisation, Library Services, Community Engagement, Service Delivery, Kampala Library and Information Centre, Strategic Interventions
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ItemHealth information seeking practices of sex workers in Kampala City, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025-12-22)Sex workers in Uganda, particularly those operating in Kampala City, face heightened vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to entrenched structural challenges, including systemic stigma, criminalization, social marginalization, and exclusion from formal health services. Although sex workers demonstrate notable resilience through the use of peer networks and community support systems, there remains limited empirical evidence on how they seek, access, evaluate, and use health information within such a hostile and restrictive environment. This study therefore examined the health information-seeking practices of sex workers in Kampala City with the aim of proposing strategic, context-sensitive interventions to enhance equitable access to and utilization of reliable, stigma-free health information. Specifically, the study sought to: examine the health information needs of sex workers; identify the key sources and channels through which sexual and reproductive health information is accessed; determine the challenges affecting access to health information; and propose strategic interventions to improve the health outcomes of sex workers in Kampala City, Uganda. Anchored in the Everyday Life Information Seeking (ELIS) theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study research design. Data were collected between 2022 and 2025 through focus group discussions involving 18 female sex workers, in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and allied health professionals, and document reviews guided by the READ (Readying, Extracting, Analyzing, and Distilling) approach. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to ensure representation from diverse sex work hotspots across Kampala’s central divisions. The collected data were analyzed thematically in alignment with the study objectives. The findings revealed that sex workers primarily sought health information related to HIV and STI prevention and treatment, family planning, safe sex practices, mental health and psychosocial support, and access to non-discriminatory healthcare services. Peer networks, community-based organizations, pharmacies, drop-in centers, and emerging digital platforms were identified as key sources of health information; however, the reliability, accuracy, and consistency of information varied considerably across these sources. Channels of access included informal word-of-mouth communication, mobile health outreach services, and social media platforms, with anonymity, confidentiality, and trust strongly shaping information-seeking behavior. Nonetheless, significant barriers to health information access were identified, including stigma and discrimination within health facilities, fear of arrest and legal repercussions, financial constraints, low literacy levels, misinformation circulating within peer networks, and limited trust in formal health systems. These barriers often compelled sex workers to rely on informal or unregulated information sources, thereby increasing their vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. The study concludes that while community-based and peer-led initiatives play a critical role in facilitating access to health information among sex workers, persistent structural and systemic barriers continue to undermine their effectiveness. To address these gaps, the study recommends integrated and rights-based interventions, including the decriminalization of sex work, expansion of sex-worker-friendly and confidential health services, strengthening of peer education and outreach programs, strategic use of digital health technologies for discreet information dissemination, and targeted capacity-building and sensitization of healthcare providers. These recommendations align with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and contribute to broader national and global efforts toward health equity, social inclusion, and universal health coverage.