Browsing by Author "Kesting, J G"

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Attitudes towards the library and information profession among practising librarians and information workers in the Western Cape
    (1986) Ivey, Dorothy Lyle; Kesting, J G
    An investigation was undertaken into the attitudes held by library/information workers towards their profession because it was considered that the strength of these attitudes may affect not only the self-concept and work performance of individuals, but also the quality and dimensions of the support received by the profession from society. The study was conducted in two parts: the literature survey and the empirical investigation. The empirical investigation was limited geographically to the Western Cape region of South Africa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Children's responses to Maurice Sendak's "Where the wild things are" : a study conducted at a Cape Town public library
    (1984) Deacon, Loraine Elaine; Kesting, J G
    One of the main hypotheses under scrutiny is that a child's responses to a children's book are likely to be influenced to a significant degree by his stage of cognitive development. A second major premise is that domains of human development and existence other than the cognitive (such as the emotional, physical and social) will also play a role in such responses. The two main components of the dissertation are: (a) a literature survey (Section B, Ch. 2 - 6, Section C, Ch. 7 - 8); and (b) an empirical study (Section D, Ch. 9 - 10). The literature survey comprises two fields, viz (a) child development theories, including those of cognitive development, with particular reference to the writings of Piaget; and (b) aspects of children's literature in general, as well as an analysis of the book selected for the empirical study, viz Sendak's Where the wild things are. An outline of the methodology of the empirical study precedes the analysis of the data obtained in a study of the responses of 104 subjects, selected by random sampling at a Cape Town public library during afternoons over a four-week period in March 1984. The subjects ranged in age from 7 to 12 years, i.e., the Piagetian period of concrete and formal operations respectively. Data were collected by the completion of an interview schedule or a questionnaire, identical in wording to the interview schedule. The method of data-collection depended upon the reading and writing ability or the preference of the subject. Time allowed for the reading of the book by the subject (or by the researcher on behalf of the subject) and for the answering of the questions was unlimited. Critics' views upon controversial aspects of the book, discussed in the literature survey, formed the basis of the eleven questions, five of which were dichotomous and six of which were open. The aspects were: (a) the possibility that there are fear-inducing elements in the book; (b) the effect upon the child of the handling of the anger of Max, the protagonist, by the author-artist; (c) the realisation by the child reader that Max's mother loves her son; and (d) the awareness on the part of the child of the distinction between fantasy and reality. The subjects were divided into two groups, viz those in the period of concrete operations (7 to 10 years) and those in the period of formal operations (11 to 12 years). Responses (with the exception of those to the last question, which required literature appreciation responses) were classified with reference to the cognitive, emotional, physical and social domains to yield quantitative and qualitative results. These results substantiate the main hypotheses. It was also found that, although some respondents experienced fear or anger during exposure to Where the wild things are, the impact of these negative emotions could be offset by an awareness on the part of the majority of the subjects of the love directed at Max by his mother. The majority of subjects were able to distinguish between the fantasy world and the reality of Max's home.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Considerations requiring investigation in the allocation of funds for library materials at the University of Cape Town
    (1979) Eave, Rosemary Antoinette Bazett; Kesting, J G
    With very few exceptions, all libraries, be they national, university, provincial, municipal or special, are funded to a greater or lesser degree by public money. Thus as Malan says, this subsidy presupposes that their services and stock should be used in the public interest. (Malan, 1978:83). In the case of South African university libraries, which constitutes the province of this study, the parent institution currently receives a subsidy according to the provisions laid down in the van Wyk de Vries Commission's recommendations. (de Vries, 1974). Included in this subsidy are formulae designed specifically to enable the university library to operate, i.e. allowances are made both for personnel and for the acquisition of library materials. It is in this latter connection that the present inves- tigation has been made, viz. the allocation of funds received from the State via the university administration to the teaching and research units to enable them to fulfil their basic function.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The fiction problem in public libraries : a study with special reference to Cape Town City Library Service
    (1988) Schirmer, Gillian Russell; Kesting, J G
    The focal point of this study emanates from both personal observations formed in public library branch work and questions raised in the subject literature to the effect that tension appears to exist between the wants of the majority of users and the perception of the dominant goals of the public library by their staff, resulting in differing views as to the book selection policy of this institution. Book selection policies have been taken to reflect the attitudes of library staff towards users' wants in terms of their adherence to the tenets of Anglo-American public library objectives.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The interrelatedness of book selection and censorship in public libraries with special reference to the position in the Republic of South Africa
    (1981) Sales, Digby Alexander Wollaston; Kesting, J G
    The thesis approached the investigation as to whether or not there is any interrelatedness between book selection and censorship in public libraries , in two ways : viz.(a) a review of the literature, and (b) an exploratory empirical investigation of the position in South Africa. The literature survey was the major part of the study in which the attention was focused on the current position in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Republic of South Africa. As a means of introduction to the public library, a brief outline of the rise of libraries in the West was given, with special mention being made of the growth of literacy. The modern public library's aims and objectives in the three countries concerned were covered separately as these determine the formulation of a specific book selection policy. This in turn depends on two main factors, viz. the nature of the community being served and the theoretical principles of book selection. The possible negative effects of literary censorship on public libraries, realising their aims and objectives, is discussed by first giving an outline of literary censorship in the West. This is preceded by a discussion of the pros and cons of censorship which served as an introduction to the issue as• to whether or not censorship occurs in public libraries by examining such aspects as their assumptions, the response to complaints, and the reserve shelf. The empirical study served as a corollary to the above. It covered all the public libraries in South Africa which determine selection policy to any large extent, viz. the four provincial library services and the then autonomous municipal libraries. The rudimentary nature of the study resulted in no definitive statements being made. Nevertheless, it appeared that as their overseas counterparts , South African librarians did sometimes censor. It was concluded that all librarians sometimes censor so that there is an interrelatedness between book selection and censorship.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Library provision for undergraduates : with specific reference to three libraries in a selected region of South Africa
    (1987) Allardice, Carryl Megan; Kesting, J G
    The purpose of this thesis is to analyse library programmes, facilities and services for undergraduates at South·African university libraries. Black students who arrive at university encounter a library for the first time and find using it a bewildering experience. Thus libraries must become more aware of undergraduate needs and play an increasing role in academic support, concentrating their services on the undergraduate and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This concern for undergraduate education prompted an evaluation of library provision for undergraduates. The broad hypothesis· being the better the facilities, the better the library services and the concomitant provision for undergraduates. The thesis examines the literature commencing with an outline of general library facilities (accommodation, collection, staffing, and financial support), as well as determining the role of the university library, and examining established library standards. Library services are identified, with particular emphasis on user education. The literature survey concludes with an in-depth examination of the development of undergraduate libraries and the arguments both for and against such libraries. The scope of the investigation is limited to three university libraries in a contiguous region of South Africa, and data was gathered via a detailed structured questionnaire. The empirical survey focuses on library programmes and attempts to identify specific provision for undergraduates.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Map librarianship : with special reference to the bibliographic description of pre-1900 printed maps of the Cape of Good Hope (south-western section)
    (1987) Cartwright, Margaret Findlay; Kesting, J G
    Having given a short resume of the background of maps and map making, the handling of maps in libraries was investigated. The examination of the development of bibliographic description of maps, resulted in, inter alia, the identification of their peculiar characteristics Special attention was focussed on the difficulties of the detailed description of early maps. As it was considered important to refer to authoritative reference sources for further details, cartographical sources for maps of the Cape of Good Hope were examined and evaluated. As a final step, the maps themselves were examined, with full details being supplied for 15 representative maps. This is followed by a comprehensive checklist of maps of the Cape of Good Hope (south western section), sufficient information being supplied to identify them, together with references to their original published sources, their reference in standard bibliographies, and a record of any known reproductions available. The primary objective of contributing towards improved access to maps of the Cape of Good Hope has thus been achieved.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    'n Ondersoek na persoonlike indekseerstelsels, insluitende gerekenariseerde stelsels, met spesiale verwysing na die indekseringsbehoeftes van individuele akademici in Wes-Kaapland
    (1989) Bekker, G D; Kesting, J G
    The investigation into personal indexing systems consists of (a) a study of the literature and (b) an empirical survey of the indexing needs of academics in the Western Cape. The literature study was used, inter alia, to determine certain ''characteristics" of personal indexing systems. Characteristics are defined as those features of personal indexing systems that are generally agreed upon by most authors and users as mandatory to ensure effective utilisation of such systems. These characteristics are later employed to derive models of personal indexing systems that may have practical applications for academics. The empirical study provides conclusive proof that dissatisfaction with the academic library is not a reason for setting up a personal indexing system and that academics have a need for professional help when they start their own indexing system. Journal articles are of utmost importance in all document collections, but books, conference papers, theses and clippings are also important. The number of documents contained in such systems vary between 200 and 48 800 with an average of 2 492,76. According to Soper scientists tend to keep their documents at the workplace while humanists tend to keep their documents at home. Social scientists fall between these groups and keep some of their documents at the workplace and some at home. For scientists and social scientists Soper's observations were confirmed. Lack of data made it impossible to come to any conclusion in the case of humanists. The main difference between large indexing systems and personal indexing systems is the number of records. The smaller system can be simpler, but it was not possible, with the data available, to state conclusively that a thesaurus is not necessary. Although the advantages of computerised systems were indicated it is acknowledged that many academics would prefer a manual system. An index on a computer should provide for variable length fields. The researcher comes to the conclusion that a combination of a classification system and free search terms would be the most effective method to use in subject searches. He suggests that the main classes of the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme may be used as an outline and that for his specialised field of study the user should devise his own scheme.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The place of cataloguing and classification in the curricula of South African universities
    (1980) Spruyt, M L; Kesting, J G
    The aim of this study is to determine the place of cataloguing and classification in the library and information science curricula of South African universities today, and to determine whether, in compiling the syllabus comprising bibliographic description and subject analysis, new developments and changes are being taken into consideration. With this in mind, attention has been given to the following: (a) Developments in general have been reconstructed by means of a review of the history of cataloguing and classification, from ancient to present times; (b) a review of the comprehensive development of education for librarianship overseas and in South Africa; and (c) an investigation of the present position of bibliographic description and subject analysis in the curricula of library and information science of South African universities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Reading reluctance among children with special reference to two groups of standard 4 pupils in a Cape Town primary school
    (1983) Marock, Dianne Lynn; Kesting, J G
    Two fundamental questions which frequently confront a children's librarian are 'what do you suggest my child should read?' and 'Why does my child not read, and what can be done to rectify the situation?' It is fairly easy to deal with the first question by referring either to one's own knowledge of children's literature or to the many authoritative books on the subject. The second question poses a problem, because, although much concern has been expressed regarding reading reluctance, current perceptions generally relate to limited aspects only. Such perceptions tend to be based on incidental observations and untested premises rather than on rigorously executed research. Hence it was decided to undertake this research project in an attempt to fill a gap in a sound understanding of reading reluctance among children in a given library environment.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Resource centres in secondary education with particular reference to teacher and pupil attitudes in selected secondary schools in Natal
    (1986) Stevenson, Alexander; Kesting, J G
    Resource centres have been in existence for some 15 years in the most educationally advanced provinces in South Africa and for some six years where most recently established. Little has been written about them and consequently the role they play in secondary schools is not well-known. The present study set out to determine the attitudes of pupils and teachers to the resource centre, and the patterns of use. It was hypothesized that the resource centre would be an integral part of the implementation of the school curriculum; that it would be an indispensable element of individualised learning and that resource-based teaching would be in evidence rather than resource-based learning.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The role and value of fieldwork in education for library and information science
    (1988) Nassimbeni, Mary; Kesting, J G
    An investigation was undertaken into the role and value of fieldwork in professional education for library and information science. Following a literature search, the researcher undertook a philosophical investigation of the educational rationale of fieldwork as it relates to other components of the educational programme The second part of the investigation comprised an empirical investigation of the fieldwork programmes at two selected South African universities. Employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the candidate evaluated the two programmes and, by means of cross-site comparison, attempted to establish common patterns, to account for differences and to construct a model of fieldwork. Findings relating to each programme were reported and conclusions regarding the most important dimensions and positive indicators of effectiveness were made.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A study of the interaction in book selection between provincial library systems and their affiliated public libraries in South Africa
    (1981) Gertz, Mary Bonnin; Kesting, J G
    Current methods of book selection in provincial library services in South Africa are examined with a view to establish whether they are the most effective possible from the point of view of the affiliated public libraries throughout the country. This involved tracing the history and development of the four provincial library services and examining their current selection practices. A well-organised network of affiliated public libraries making provision for white, and to a lesser extent coloured, South Africans has been established since World War II, with the strongly centralised provincial services providing the book stock. It appeared from the study that relatively little change had occurred in either the organisational structures or the book selection methods of these services since their inception, and that the involvement of local librarians in book selection was negligible. Instead of their role increasing as more public libraries were staffed by qualified librarians, financial pressures had resulted in even less initiative being permitted and an increase in centralised control. To establish the ideal model against which the performance of the provincial library services could be evaluated, contemporary professional opinion on public library objectives, management and book selection, as also the developments in rural systems in selected countries was surveyed. Compared to the static local picture of service which emerged from the empirical investigation, overseas advances in goals and management as reported in the literature had seen exciting professional advances, with librarians accepting, and going out to meet, the challenge of the changes in society. Strong communication links between users and selectors were emphasised. Rural networks in the foreign countries surveyed had grown to improve in efficiency and in economic terms, but in all cases the local librarian selected his own book stock, which seems more satisfactory than the current South African practice. To further test this hypothesis an empirical investigation by means of a questionnaire was circulated to all affiliated public libraries circulating more than 60 000 books annually. The findings confirmed the surmised lack of interaction in book selection between provincial and public librarians, and there was dissatisfaction, particularly among the very biggest libraries with experienced qualified staff, at the present system. The thesis concludes with recommendations made towards remedying this situation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Towards establishing an epistemological position for library and information science
    (1991) Dick, Archie L; Kesting, J G
    This study examines the need for and value of a theory of knowledge for library and information science that would account for the 'Ways in which given philosophical assumptions lead to certain modes of professional practice and styles of academic research. Since given theoretical standpoints influence the nature of library practice and tend to structure the way in which library and information science research is conducted, this investigation focuses on an analysis of the fundamental conceptions of knowledge, information, truth and reality in the context of the unique complex of functions of this profession. The main method applied in this study is a representative consultation and review of the literatures of library and information science, and of a few cognate or classical fields of study. A special focus is the examination and analysis of the writings of more than 40 selected library and information science theorists, as well as those of non-librarians. The inductively-derived results of this examination are reflected in analytical typologies. The holistic intellectual tradition that underlies the presumed continuities and commonalities in the typologies is developed as a framework for developing suitable criteria to establish and evaluate an appropriate epistemological position for library and information science. An epistemological position called holistic perspectivism is proposed as one which satisfies the postulated criteria. A graphic model of this position is explained as a means of demonstrating the application of holistic perspectivism in given areas of the knowledge-transfer role of library and information science.