Contribution of Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries in Supporting Teaching and Research in Universities
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Date
2024-02-07
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal
Abstract
This study aimed to determine what the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research
Libraries (COTUL) has done to improve teaching and research by Tanzanian universities.
COTUL was founded in 2002 to link the then 76 member libraries electronically, thereby
improving resource sharing and the collective nature of the institutions. A mixed-methods
approach was employed to collect quantitative data through 154 distributed questionnaires
and qualitative insights through in-depth interviews. A remarkable response rate of 77.9
percent has thus been ensured, suggesting robust engagement with the study. While the
findings establish how COTUL has greatly enhanced scholarly access, it has had suboptimal
utilization rates. It is reported that only 41 percent of the respondents utilise the sources
provided to them every week. Barriers in training and marketing seem to be critical factors
impeding fuller adoption. These notwithstanding, the benefits of COTUL's efforts to train
library professionals and negotiate access to resources were well acknowledged to add more
value to improving Tanzania's academic landscape. The end was with the recommendation
that, if developed, their initiatives would better help in optimising resource utilisation towards
the quality of teaching and research in Tanzania universities. This research recommended the
need to have collaborative structures in library management, which call for proper sustained
funding and strategic outreach for maximum impact by the consortium.
Description
Keywords
COTUL, Resource Sharing, Academic Libraries, Capacity-building, Information Technology