Congratulations to Thembani

Thembani Malapela 

Thesis Title: Exploring the value of academic libraries in the 21st century: a comparative study of two universities  

About:  Thembani Malapela is a Knowledge Management Officer for the United Nations Food System Coordination Hub, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) based in Rome, Italy. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Library and Information Science obtained from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST, Zimbabwe), a Master of Philosophy Degree (MPhil) in Library and Information Studies obtained from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. 

Thembani Malapela’s thesis “Exploring the value of academic libraries in the 21st century: a comparative study of two universities” examined the value of academic libraries to their users, focusing on their contribution to teaching and learning outcomes. The comparative case study research methodology was employed. Value is a difficult concept to measure, especially in academic libraries where services are not sold. The study employed the “theory of use-oriented value of library and information services” (by Saracevic and Kantor (1997). This research found that despite the changing technological terrain, academic libraries are still valuable to their users and contribute to their institutional mandates. This study brought a new approach to exploring value of academic libraries and is the first of its kind in Africa. Furthermore, the study developed and offers the “Taxonomy of value in academic libraries”, as a tool aiding the study of value in academic libraries.  

Supervisor: Emeritus Associate Professor Karin de Jager