Unlocking the Potential of Public Libraries in supporting teaching and
L
learning through ODL: A case of B.Ed Programme at Makerere
University
By:
Harriet Nabushawo, Jessica Aguti & Mark Winterbottom
Introduction
 Makerere a dual university was running conventional
(internal) programs until 1991.
 Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a mode of study where
teachers and students are often separated by time and space.
 The main teaching tool are specially prepared materials in
print, CDs, Audio, video and audio-visual.
 Supplementary materials like text books, readers, reports, e
resources etc.
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Place of Library Services
 Library services are key in any educational enterprise more so
in ODL
 Offered both on campus and off campus
 ODL students are entitled to library services like others
library services like other students
are key in any education enterprise
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Motivation for the study
 Earlier studies indicate that library services are inadequate
in study centres: (Mayende & Obura, 2013: Bbuye, 2012:
Kawalya, 2010: Wrightson & Otto, 2005, Aguti, 2004)
 They are geographically far from the ODL students
 They have inadequate interactive materials
 Inadequate ICTs facilities
 No reading space
 No qualified/technical staff
Ptg
Due to the challenges many students have found solace in public
libraries
 A public library is a local center of information; books, reference
collections, computer and Internet access) accessible to the general
public.
According to Meredeth (2010), public libraries have always supported
distance learners as members of the community
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The study and the Research questions
 What services and resources are available in public
libraries to support teaching and learning in ODL?
 How can ODL students benefit from these services
to support learning?
 Why are ODL students not effectively utilising
public libraries?
Methodology
 The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research
approaches
 Sampled 300 students and key informants
 Used Primary and Secondary data collection methods (
Questionnaires, Interviews, FGDs)
 Qualitative data was categorized and thematically coded while
numerical data was analyzed with descriptive statistics.
Findings: Availability resources/services in Public
Libraries
Available Library resources /services in
PL
ODL Study Materials
Other supplementary reading materials
Computers and other accessories
Internet and online data bases
Technical staff (Librarians and IT)
Reading Space
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YES
NO
126 (42 %)
112 (37 %)
174 (58%)
188 (63%)
198 (66%)
223 (74%)
220 (73%)
189 (63%)
102
77
80
111
(34%)
(26%)
(27%)
(37%)
Findings cont’d
 There are 32 public libraries in Uganda.
 As much as these resources existed in the PL, some students
did not make use of them due to;
 Limited information by students about the existence of
public libraries and the services therein
Findings cont’d
 No official Partnership to facilitate effective support
 Geographically far from the ODL students
 Inadequate supplementary study materials.
 Inadequate varieties of study materials in the PL (audio,
video etc.)
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Conclusion & Recommendations
 Makerere University has embraced ODL by providing library
services to students however these services are not only
inadequate but also centralised.
 There is need for the university to partner with other
institutions with facilities and resources to ensure continuity
of learning.
 Since the University has subscribed to several data bases,
these resources should be accessible to ODL students as well
through either study centres or public libraries
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Recommendations
 Sensitising the ODL students on the availability of resources in PL
 Stocking PL with a variety of up to date interactive study materials.
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Thank you for your attention
END
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