OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Higgs, Richard"

Browsing by Author "Higgs, Richard"

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Open Access
A plan for improving The City Of Cape Town Corporate Intranet by applying knowledge sharing Insights
(2023) Evans, Herbert; Higgs, Richard
Corporate intranets are an essential technology used by organisations to manage their digital information resources. An effective intranet service must balance the resource requirements of its users with the restrictions of the corporate network as well as coordinate an effective digital information storage and retrieval service. In addition, intranets typically also provide an internal communication channel and serve as a key vehicle for the corporate culture of the organisation. The City of Cape Town municipality's existing intranet platform is in the process of being migrated to more modern technology, allowing for the redevelopment of key functions including the underlying information architecture, associated site navigation elements, search and site metadata, inter alia. As a member of the intranet's custodian department, the researcher is well positioned to conduct a study of the existing intranet service offering, and to offer an assessment of improvements needed to meet the needs of the modern digital workplace. The research study examines the role of the corporate intranet as a Knowledge Management (KM) tool, with a focus on iterative improvement by the application of an action research approach. Key areas that are examined include the performance, configuration and management of the network infrastructure; site content management; intranet site structure and design; site navigation; site search and search results performance; the application of site governance and usage policies; the expression of corporate culture through the intranet service; the role of the intranet as a collaboration platform; and the requirements of the modern digital workplace in respect of key services including information retrieval and collaborative tools. The study's primary research data is drawn from interviews with key users of the corporate intranet via snowball sampling. The resultant qualitative data is interpreted and compared with insights from the KM literature and the researcher's own institutional knowledge, and areas of improvement are identified. The findings are to be presented to the intranet redevelopment team, and will contribute to improving the CCT corporate intranet service. The study also makes a contribution to existing research in the field of KM, Action Research case literature and intranet design theory.
Open Access
An Investigation of the Inclusion of Decoloniality in the Objectives of the National Library of South Africa s (NLSA s) Digitisation Programme
(2024) Ngcobo, Mhlengi; Higgs, Richard
Decoloniality is a critical issue in South Africa, necessitating action in universities, learning curricula, libraries, and archives, and should not be confused with transformation. In this study, the researcher investigates the inclusion of decoloniality in the objectives of the National Library of South Africa's digitisation programme. A preliminary review of digitisation documents in the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) showed that decoloniality is never explicitly mentioned. The study employed a sequential mixed method, collecting data through documents, questionnaires, and focus group discussions, employing a data triangulation design for flexibility, and evaluating relevant literature and respondents' comments. Participants in this study were comprised of NLSA employees who participated in the digitisation project. This study used a census of 15 library professionals chosen for their ability to provide the most information on the subject. This study confirms that decoloniality is not explicitly mentioned in the NLSA's digitisation documents. The NLSA's digitisation policy is devoid of decolonial strategy plans. According to the findings, research participants did not have a clear understanding of the concept of decoloniality as it relates to the NLSA's digitisation programme. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the NLSA is doing nothing to address decoloniality specifically. The study also revealed challenges related to a lack of funding for digitisation projects, such as a lack of human resources. The findings could not be extrapolated to other South African libraries because this study was limited to the NLSA, and had a small sample size. However, this study's results could be useful to other libraries in the country. The researcher recommends that similar studies for other South African libraries be conducted.
Open Access
Building biodiversity data infrastructure for science and decision-making: information needs and information-seeking patterns in South Africa
(2020) Daly, Brenda; De Jager, Karin; Higgs, Richard
Biodiversity information is critical to inform science-based policy development as well as to support responsible and accountable land-use planning and decision-making practices. The uptake of available information for these uses is, however, not yet quantified or understood. Here, the extent to which the needs of biodiversity information end-users in South Africa are supported via existing information sources was investigated, at the science, practice and policy interface, using the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI's) online conservation mapping service users as a case study. A quantitative investigation of the information needs of end-users of biodiversity information was made, their information-seeking patterns analysed and the various uses of information by different user groups in South Africa investigated. This allowed for the implications of these needs and behaviour on system design and information provision to be formulated to better design the envisaged National Biodiversity Information System at SANBI. Based on a representative sample of end-users from policy, implementation and research backgrounds, a questionnaire was used and the responses were examined to determine which content was most useful, what barriers and enablers they face when trying to access biodiversity information, and what degree of interdisciplinary information is needed in addressing environmental problems. A sample of 778 (13%) respondents from a total of 5977 biodiversity information users was analysed from across the country. The study found that the lack of appropriate or available information remains one of the three highest unmet needs of biodiversity information end-users. The absence of good prior knowledge of sources of biodiversity information and unreliable and inaccurate information are two additional factors that hinder respondents in finding biodiversity information and achieving their goals. The major implication of information deficiency identified by respondents related to uncertain and/or inaccurate outcomes resulting in ill-informed decision-making. A key outcome of the analysis of the survey results are a series of recommendations on how these issues might be addressed, and it is envisioned that these may be used to help guide the development of a National Biodiversity Information System. A broad range of recommendations have been proposed, principally that the interoperability of information from various adjacent and disparate fields of study be combined with biodiversity information as a means of addressing environmental problems.
Open Access
Conflicting interests between public health and custodians of indigenous knowledge with regards to curation and dissemination of information about Xhosa initiation rites
(2019) Ngeh, Stella Emade; Higgs, Richard
This practice of traditional male circumcision among the Xhosa people in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is accompanied by a high level of secrecy: details of the practice may not be shared with non-members such as women, uninitiated boys and strangers. To address the issue of injuries and deaths resulting from poorly performed unhygienic circumcision by untrained practitioners, the Department of Public Health in the Eastern Cape passed the Application of Health Standards in Traditional Circumcision Act No 6 of 2001. In order to explore the conflicting interests between public health and custodians of indigenous knowledge of curation and dissemination of information about Xhosa initiation rites, sociocultural theory through a systematic review of literature is used. Meta-ethnography design and a qualitative research approach is also used, as well as NVivo 11 qualitative data analysis software to analyse the data. Eighteen databases were used, and searches were conducted on 9 June 2016 and 13 October 2018. Using the systematic review screening process and PRISMA checklist, articles were screened against inclusion criteria, resulting in nine articles being included in the final review. Apart from the aforementioned findings that the practice excludes non-members from participating and disseminating information, and that traditional practitioners lack basic skills and knowledge necessary for procedures, findings also showed that the establishment of the Circumcision Act was the major reason for the conflict that exists between public health and Xhosa people: Xhosa people do not want secret information about the practice to be disseminated to non-members. In conclusion it is recommended that the Xhosa-speaking community make some Traditional Male Circumcision (TMC) information available while still preserving the fundamental secret information for traditional purposes. For example, access to pertinent information should be given to public health officials to enable assistance in addressing botched circumcisions.
Open Access
Content Management and the Research Librarian
(2014-09-15) Higgs, Richard
A supplement to learning for Library and Information Sciences. The presentation provides a short overview of ECM for librarians, and the skills that librarians should cultivate to be able to support and derive value from Enterprise Content Management initiatives. A briefing for librarians on Enterprise Content Management, and discussion of the role of the corporate and research librarian in an Enterprise Content Management context.
Open Access
Dematerialisation of a photographic collection at the concrete institute’s information centre
(2019) Shipalana, Kizzy; Higgs, Richard
The Concrete Institute’s information centre houses special collections and information about concrete and various aspects of concrete technology, including photographs that need to be managed effectively for retrieval purposes. The photographic collection has to be recorded and preserved according to relevant standards to ensure longevity and long term access. Management of photographic collections comes with its unique problems. The purpose of this study is to improve the state of the photographic collection by organising it for easy retrieval, allocating metadata and preserving it for future use. This study employed the action research method to study problems of the photographic collection at the institute. The action research method aims to find solutions to problems that are experienced by people in their everyday lives. Data was collected from a sample drawn using purposive sampling from the target population of information specialists and professionals. Data collection from information professionals was facilitated through an online questionnaire and three information specialists were interviewed. The study has indicated the importance of dematerialisation and allocating metadata to photographs to help identify and enhance accessibility of information resources. The results show that dematerialising the photographs will ease the retrieval process and assist information professionals to gain a greater insight of the material in their collection. Collections that are easily accessible are usable and fulfil their purpose to information users. In conclusion, a summarised overview of the study is presented in findings and recommendations regarding the management of photographic collections for effective retrieval.
Open Access
Enabling and constraining factors in the management of four City of Cape Town public libraries
(2022) Nkhahle, Rethabile A; Higgs, Richard
The world has changed rapidly due to advances in technology. This changing environment has affected the way the libraries are managed. Some public library managers run libraries with little or no management experience. These managers might well struggle to perform their duties effectively and efficiently due to the lack of the necessary skills such as human resources management, conflict management, communication, problem solving and leadership skills needed for the job. This study aimed at finding out the practices which constrained and enabled the management of four City of Cape Town public libraries. The study further looked at ways to improve the management practices in areas where they were doing well and also how to address some of the challenges that were faced by the managers. This was a qualitative study which included four library managers and four assistant librarians based in four City of Cape Town libraries situated in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in trying to find out what those practices were. The theory of practice architectures was used to look into these practices. The NVivo computer application was used in the analysis of the results and this helped in identifying the themes in accordance with what the research question and sub-questions required. Practices constraining the managing of the sampled public libraries were found to be: inadequate provision of resources and infrastructure, staffing issues, poor communication and weak conflict management. Practices enabling the management of these public libraries were: staff training and development, providing opportunities for teamwork, following library policies and plans, and commitment to meeting the needs of the communities served. Some of the recommendations made are that the City of Cape Town libraries should look into increasing funding for these libraries so that they can buy more stock for the clients, offer more training for all the employees, support both employees who want to pursue further studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and increase staffing. The study has introduced a new way of looking into practices affecting public library management and that is in terms of the sayings, doings and relatings in the practice architectures model.
Open Access
An evaluation of electronic services offered to Master's students by the University of the Western Cape academic library as an effort to bridge the digital divide
(2016) Nyahodza, Lena; Higgs, Richard
Academic libraries are challenged to meet the demands of patrons as expectations shift towards remote access to library services. In Africa, such challenges are exacerbated by the legacy of the digital divide. In this post-apartheid period South Africa has acknowledged the presence of a multifaceted digital divide, and that the inequalities established in the past have not yet been resolved. Therefore, academic libraries could be of great value in playing emancipatory roles through the provision of technologies and other resources that enable access to information by marginalised communities. The aim of the study is to evaluate the electronic services provided by UWC academic library to Master's Students and determine if efforts made to bridge the digital divide are perceived by users as effective, through investigating use of internet-connected infrastructure, skills development programmes established to promote adequate use of the e-services, and identification of challenges experienced by users as they interact with e-services. The study employed a qualitative research method, grounded in phenomenological design and supported by Critical Theory. Data was collected from two samples drawn using purposive sampling from the target population of Master's students and librarians. Data collection from students was facilitated through an online survey and six librarians were interviewed. Main themes that guided the dialogue during data collection emanated from reviewed literature. The study concludes that UWC library has emerged as a competent agent of democracy, having implemented several projects to support marginalised academic students in accessing information. The library has provided ICTs, bandwidth and skills development programmes to support students. However, the challenges encountered are diverse, and income imbalances among communities still prevail, indicating that projects and programmes established by university libraries to bridge the divide need to be ongoing and sustainable since the phenomenon cannot be exterminated.
Open Access
Exploring the interface between the decolonisation of higher education and open access
(2022) Radebe, Khawulile Ednah; Higgs, Richard
This study aims to investigate the similarities between decolonisation in higher education and Open Access (OA). This study was motivated by South African students united under the #FMF (#FeesMustFall) movement who revolted against colonised higher education system, restricted access to higher education, colonised curriculum, outsourcing, and higher education fee increases. Students held enraged protests against the government system, citing the little development in universities in the two decades since South Africa became a constitutionally free and democratic country. The researcher aims to find ways in which OA can contribute to solving some of the issues that were brought forward during the #FMF protests. This qualitative study is situated in a transformative research paradigm. The challenges in OA and OA publishing identified in the literature review and informed by social justice theory were used as guidelines to formulate appropriate research questions. Data was collected using snowball sampling from the #FMF activists, staff and students from three South African universities, namely: Rhodes University, University of Cape Town (UCT) and Nelson Mandela university. Findings show that there are definite similarities between the objectives of OA and #FMF movements, however neither movement was readily aware of similarities, thus there has been no open communication between the stakeholders of the movements to engage and support one another in fulfilling their mutual objectives.
Open Access
From fable to court: tracing the curation of indigenous knowledge in a biopiracy case
(2018) Kapepiso, Fabian S; Higgs, Richard
This dissertation presents a constructivist grounded theory study of curation and biopiracy of medicinal knowledge about Hoodia. Hoodia is a succulent cactus used by the San people for sustenance and medicinal purposes, and a victim of biopiracy as indigenous knowledge of its properties has been patented with the aim of commercialisation. The purpose of this study was to generate a theory or framework that explores and explains the processes involved in curation and application of indigenous medicinal knowledge in the scientific, legal and commercial knowledge domains. The colonial 'discoveries' and records of the Hoodia species by Carl P. Thunberg, Francis Masson, as well as the recorded experience of Rudolf Marloth, in a Renaissance Humanist tradition, led to scientific experiments by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) and commercial trials in an attempt to develop slimming drugs for commercialisation. A landmark royalty and benefit-sharing agreement in 2002/3 awarded intellectual property compensation to the San community for commercial exploitation of their traditional knowledge. Although there have been several Master's and Doctoral research studies about Hoodia, minimal or no attention have been directed toward the curation of information in a biopiracy case. Science has sought to capitalise undocumented indigenous knowledge by applying for patents and developing pharmaceutical drugs using indigenous medicinal knowledge obtained from local people. Using a grounded theory methodology, data was collected through an unstructured interview, reviews of literature and theoretical sampling to extract relevant concepts and themes. The study then identified key players and knowledge domains that added new layers of information and knowledge to traditional knowledge in relation to Hoodia use. The study traces the movement of indigenous knowledge from the San to the CSIR, from CSIR to the commercial entities Phytopharm, Pfizer and Unilever, through the licencing of a patent on Hoodia. An emergent theory based on the concept of palimpsest suggests that erasures of the existing traditional knowledge occurred as new layers of knowledge were added or applied. These erasures took the form of (1) renaming the Hoodia species with Greek or Latin names instead of adopting the indigenous names (Renaissance Humanism), and (2) adding new meaning and complicated symbols, resulting in codification of existing indigenous knowledge (Post Modernism). The main themes emanating from the application of palimpsest as a framework present pressing issues such as de-contextualisation and re-codification of indigenous knowledge, resulting in the erosion of benefits for its originators.
Open Access
The fundamentals of digitisation and their implications for archiving
(2018-07-17) Higgs, Richard
Presentation used for workshop on digitisation, as presented at the South African Society of Archivists Conference, July 2018
Open Access
Investigating perceptions of reliability, efficiency and feasibility of data storage technology: A case study of cloud storage adoption at UCT Faculty of Science
(2019) Netshiongolwe, Mpho; Higgs, Richard; Kahn, Michelle
Within an increasing number of organisations cloud storage is becoming more common as large amounts of data from people and projects are being produced, exchanged and stored (Chang & Wills, 2016: 56). In fact, “technology has evolved and has allowed increasingly large and efficient data storage, which in turn has allowed increasingly sophisticated ways to use it (Staff, 2016: n.p.). Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of reliability, efficiency and feasibility of data storage technology. The investigation is done by addressing claims and perceptions of data storage technology within the Faculty of Science at UCT. This study intends to determine if cloud storage is the future of storing, managing and preservation of digital data. The study used a qualitative research method grounded by Management Fashion Theory. Data was collected from three case studies from the Faculty of Science, and also from a desktop internet search on the marketing of cloud storage. Data collection from the case studies was facilitated through semi-structured interviews and from three researchers and academics who are working on cloud storage projects. Main themes that guided the dialogue during data collection originated from reviewed literature. The study concludes that cloud storage is the way forward for storing, sharing and managing research data. Academic researchers find storing data on cloud beneficial; however, it comes with challenges such as costs, security, access, privacy, control and ethics.
Open Access
Measuring the implications of Vicarious Liability under the Protection of Personal Information Act in Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in South Africa
(2018) Watson, Kimberly Beth; Higgs, Richard
Protecting personal information has become of utmost importance in the digital age. The South African Protection of Personal Information Act has in some ways given the customer more control over how companies can contact them or sell their information to third parties. While this Act is in the best interests of both consumers and businesses in South Africa, there has been concern about how it is to be implemented, and many businesses have not yet introduced procedures to ensure compliance. Particular aspects of the Act make it unlike other legislation that inspired it. The vicarious liability clause specifies the employer as the party responsible should any breach be made by an employee within the company. Many researchers and those who work with the law find this clause particularly divisive, leaving little room for employers to prove they have made adequate changes and educate colleagues on new processes. Those who lack resources, specifically small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), are particularly at risk. This study surveys a sample of attitudes towards vicarious liability, and investigates processes that have been changed as a result of the Act within an SMME workplace in the Western Cape region. The results of the study demonstrate that while some employees claimed their colleagues were educated thoroughly, many were not aware of the consequences of vicarious liability, nor did they understand how it worked. There were clear apprehensions regarding general awareness of the Act on the part of both businesses and the general public. Many SMMEs are in the process of developing new standard operating procedures in the wake of this legislation, but there is still notable concern that there will not be enough time or resources to effect these changes. Further research needs to be done to recognise the challenges that smaller companies face as privacy policies continue to develop in South Africa. The country faces a unique set of challenges that cannot be compared to the socio-economic situation of the developing world.
Open Access
Perceptions and experiences of selected participants engaging with a digitally curated environmental Outsider Art collection
(2017) Schäfer, Sarah; Higgs, Richard
This study uses the Owl House in Nieu Bethesda as an exemplar for interrogating the possibilities of digital curation in South Africa. It draws on a conceptual framework encompassing the digital humanities, museology, Baudrillard's notion of simulation, as well as contemporary research and similar studies. Digital curation of a Visionary Environment, which falls into the ambit of Outsider Art, is a largely unprecedented practice, especially in the context of South Africa. This qualitative study is situated in a social constructivist paradigm and uses elements of a phenomenological approach. As an instance of qualitative research, at the heart of this study is an emphasis on understanding how people construct their realities and interpret their experiences. Interpreting and viewing digital artefacts outside of a museum are not the same as viewing them in real life. This inevitably changes the way that someone experiences and interprets a collection. The challenge of digitising a museum is thus to understand what this transformation process (physical to digital) does to the integrity of the original collection. Digitisation within museums offers so many possibilities, especially in the context of sitespecific museums that are largely inaccessible like the Owl House. A digitally curated collection of high quality digital media can allow for a museum like the Owl House to be visited digitally, and moreover, that visitors can interpret a museum experience that is rich and layered. The data for this study was collected from interviews with participants who engaged with a digitised sub-collection of the Owl House - The Long Bedroom Collection, and after an initial presentation and analysis of the data, emerging themes were discussed
Open Access
Structuring Enterprise Content Management
(2012) Higgs, Richard
An overview of the structures and responsibilities required for the effective implementation and maintenance of an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) program, beyond the typical IT focus for ECM. May be used as a supplementary aid to an introduction of Enterprise Content Management, organisation design, or information governance in general.
Open Access
The digital classification of “unknown maker(s)” of cultural objects: A case study of Iziko South African National Gallery
(2020) Moruthane, Sepadi; Higgs, Richard
Throughout history, cultural institutions like the Iziko Museums of South Africa have preserved, catalogued, researched and displayed a diverse collection of cultural objects. The renewed interest in digital media has revived the move to reclaim cultural identities, bringing with it the associated challenges regarding the veracity of historical accounts. With the transition to digitisation, and the adoption of digital curatorship for knowledge production in museum environments, it has become necessary to examine the historical accuracy, reliability and trustworthiness of the digital information being provided. Digitisation is an important priority for most cultural institutions. This study contributes to the colonial debate about museum classification and the challenges that these institutions face regarding what is referred to as the “unknown maker”. The use of the term “unknown maker(s)” to denote creators of cultural objects housed in the Iziko South African National Art Gallery collections was crucial to this investigation into the digital cataloguing of objects whose creators could not be determined. The findings show that a national museum is a space where identities are contested, and that museum professionals are repeatedly faced with difficult curatorial and ethical decisions when it comes to classifying cultural objects. As a result, the problems encountered with the digitsation and cataloguing of cultural objects are extensive. Inaccurate classification processes, including the use of the term “unknown maker(s)”, affects how digital heritage objects are recorded, the servicesthat museums offer, how exhibitions are presented, the research that is undertaken, and the skills required to manage cultural objects.
Open Access
The construction of a linguistic linked data framework for bilingual lexicographic resources
(2019) Gillis-Webber, Frances; Higgs, Richard; Bitso, Constance
Little-known lexicographic resources can be of tremendous value to users once digitised. By extending the digitisation efforts for a lexicographic resource, converting the human readable digital object to a state that is also machine-readable, structured data can be created that is semantically interoperable, thereby enabling the lexicographic resource to access, and be accessed by, other semantically interoperable resources. The purpose of this study is to formulate a process when converting a lexicographic resource in print form to a machine-readable bilingual lexicographic resource applying linguistic linked data principles, using the English-Xhosa Dictionary for Nurses as a case study. This is accomplished by creating a linked data framework, in which data are expressed in the form of RDF triples and URIs, in a manner which allows for extensibility to a multilingual resource. Click languages with characters not typically represented by the Roman alphabet are also considered. The purpose of this linked data framework is to define each lexical entry as “historically dynamic”, instead of “ontologically static” (Rafferty, 2016:5). For a framework which has instances in constant evolution, focus is thus given to the management of provenance and linked data generation thereof. The output is an implementation framework which provides methodological guidelines for similar language resources in the interdisciplinary field of Library and Information Science.
Open Access
Towards bridging the digital divide in post-apartheid South Africa: a case of a historically disadvantaged university in Cape Town
(2017) Nyahodza, Lena; Higgs, Richard
South Africa’s historically disadvantaged university libraries are, like others, challenged to meet patrons’ demands through the provision of relevant infrastructure, services and information-related skills to enable users to function in the digital information age. Their historic disadvantage is compounded by two levels of the digital divide: their situation within a developing nation (the ‘global divide’), and contending with a relative paucity in skills and resources within this context (the ‘local divide’, as a legacy of apartheid). This paper reports on a master’s study undertaken to explore whether the electronic services initiated in post-apartheid South Africa by University of the Western Cape (UWC) Library are perceived by primary stakeholders (users and library staff) as effective in bridging the digital divide. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, supported by critical theory. Purposive sampling was used to select two sets of samples for data collection: postgraduate students and UWC librarians. Data was collected from forty students through an online questionnaire, and interviews were held with six UWC librarians. Findings suggest that the UWC Library has emerged as a competent agent of democracy: most of the users perceive the e-services being offered as useful and meeting their needs, and the library currently provides ICT infrastructure, internet access and information-related skills programmes to support the university community. However, challenges encountered include slow internet connection, security concerns, shortcomings in information literacy, problems of access and accessibility (including language), and reluctance to engage with unfamiliar technology. While the institution does make an effort to bridge the digital divide, recommended further research, such as evaluating the impact of slow internet speed on research and learning or enhanced interventions in information literacy, could further support more equitable access to information.
Open Access
Translation of poetry as homicide, with reference to Anna Akhmatova's 'Last toast'
(2012) Higgs, Richard; Hambidge, Joan
The objective of this dissertation is to provide a critical examination of poetry translation, using as a framework the notion that translation of poetry is comparable to an act of murder or homicide. Constructs pertaining to detective fiction are used as a basis to expose critical theories and commentary on poetry translation, which validate the comparison, taking into account the integrity of the poetic text, the context in which it exists, and the identity (constructed or real) of the poet. Four published translations, by different authors, into English of Anna Akhmatova’s poem Posledniy tost (‘The Last Toast’) are analysed in detail to demonstrate the validity of the argument and to attempt to review and quantify the loss of a poem’s essential and vital qualities as a result of translation.

Browsing by Author "Higgs, Richard"

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