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Digital Technologies for Information and Knowledge Management
(2020-12-04) Kwanya, Tom; Kiplang'at, Joseph; Wamukoya, Justus; Njiraine, Dorothy
Technologies play a pivotal role in the management of information and knowledge. They leverage the creation, collection, processing, storage, sharing and perpetuation of individual, community or organisational knowledge. Technologies provide a set of transformative functionalities which enhance the knowledge management processes. These functionalities support communication, coordination, analysis, presentation and diffusion of knowledge cost-effectively, conveniently, interactively and promptly. This book is part of the discourse on how best to apply the increasingly ubiquitous digital technologies and media to manage information and knowledge in a way which enhances the effective identification, documentation, popularisation and application of strategic knowledge in the society. The chapters have been contributed by scholars from diverse contexts thereby creating a rich mash-up of perspectives. The book presents pertinent discussions on digital technologies and media which are applied to manage information and knowledge in this era. The chapters are structured into eight (8) broad categories. The categories include Digital Libraries and Information Repositories; Citizen Media and Technologies; Big Data Systems; Learning Media and Technologies; Internet of Things and Emerging Technologies; Technology and Information Ethics; Management of Electronic Records; as well as Information and Knowledge Organisation. All the chapters in this book have been subjected to an elaborate quality assurance process to leverage their contribution to the existing literature on information and knowledge management. As such, both the abstracts and full papers were subjected to double-blind peer review and professional copy editing. I am convinced that information and knowledge management scholars, students and practitioners will find valuable nuggets in the chapters and will use the same for theory development; policy formulation and implementation; and in their professional practice. This book is a direct product of the 2nd International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management which was held on 21-14 August 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. It would not have been possible to publish it without the support of the conference organisers, participants, and sponsors. We particularly acknowledge the support of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Francis W.O. Aduol, the Vice-Chancellor of the Technical University of Kenya, who opened the event and also shared tips on the future of information and knowledge management as a scholarly discipline. On behalf of the organising committee and the three hosting institutions, I wish you an insightful reading of the chapters.
Emerging Trends in Information and Knowledge Management
(Technical University of Kenya, 2017) Kwanya, Tom; Kiplang'at, Joseph; Wamukoya, Justus
Information and knowledge have become the key pillars of national, organisational and individual performance, excellence, competitiveness, growth, innovation and impact. While information management is concerned with the lifecycle of information, knowledge management encompasses the processes, people, techniques and tools used to enhance the intellectual capital owned by individuals, groups and organisations in terms of their know-how, ideas, expertise, competencies and experiences. Essentially, knowledge management enables entities to make the best use of their knowledge assets. The value of knowledge to sustainable development is anchored on the fact that it is limitless; grows with use; and is not easily replicable. In spite of the fact that information and knowledge are core components of the socioeconomic structures of the modern society, many challenges still hamper their effective management, diffusion, utilisation and perpetuation. Various discourses are ongoing on how best to manage these critical resources in ways which enhance their application in the human efforts to increase economic productivity, social justice, safety and general wellbeing of people worldwide. Consequently, theories have been developed; best practices established; and lessons learnt. However, challenges still abound on how best to share, apply and validate these nuggets. This book is an integral part of this discourse through its 40 chapters authored by academics, professionals and practitioners in information and knowledge management. The chapters are structured around ten themes: Emerging Trends in Libraries and Information Centres; Knowledge Sharing and Diffusion; Indigenous Knowledge; Records Management; E-Governance; Information and Knowledge Management Education; Role and Impact of Information and Knowledge Centres Legal and Ethical Issues in Information and Knowledge Management; Social Media in Information and Knowledge Management; Digital Trends in Information and Knowledge Management The uniqueness of this book lies in the fact that the authors of the chapters are drawn from diverse backgrounds, experiences and geographical contexts. This has enriched the content by creating diverse voices on the current and emerging issues in information and knowledge management. This approach ensures that the readers do not end up in restrictive echo chambers where they only access content which they are already familiar with. Similarly, it gives the readers an opportunity to readily find content on all the specialisation areas of information and knowledge management in one volume. The chapters were subjected to a rigorous scholarly publishing process to ensure that they contribute fresh and unique perspectives to the themes. In this regard, they were subjected to a plagiarism test using Turnitin software; double blind peer review by eminent scholars in the discipline; and a comprehensive copy editing. Therefore, we are convinced that they will make significant contributions to theory, practice and policy in information and knowledge management. We wish you an insightful reading.
From Collections to Connections: Transforming Libraries to Knowledge Centres
(2020) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract: The environment in which libraries operate has changed radically. Many empirical studies have confirmed that libraries all over the world are losing their crown as premier information service providers. Libraries have responded to threats by espousing diverse information services and products. Many responses have concentrated on how to improve the content of, and access to, collections. This chapter argues that libraries will thrive by transforming themselves into knowledge centres anchored on conversations facilitated by multifaceted connections. The topics discussed include the nature and trends of changes faced by libraries; the role and place of library collections in the emerging information universe; and how can libraries be transformed into knowledge centres through multidimensional connections and conversations. New models that libraries may consider using to become centres of knowledge-laden conversations are presented. Arguments for a new order are developed using evidence and facts from the literature to make the case for libraries to shift their focus from static collections to dynamic and conversation-enabling connections.
Handbook of Research on Managing Intellectual Property in Digital Libraries
(IGI Global, 2018) Kwanya, Tom; Tella, Adeyinka
ABSTRACT This chapter elucidates the concept of social bookmarking, its benefits in digital libraries as well as the implications of its use on the intellectual property rights of the creators of the bookmarked works. The author concludes that digital libraries can use social bookmarking as a means of increasing access to and sharing of information resources; improve web searching; as well as to enhance collaboration in the creation and use of information. Since social bookmarks are, by and large, public descriptions of and pointers to the original resources, digital libraries do not infringe the intellectual property rights of their creators. Nonetheless, the libraries should watch against copying large volumes of content from the original resource as this may be construed as an intellectual competition with the bookmarked resource. Digital libraries are advised to develop and apply social bookmarking policies to streamline their use of social bookmarks.
Leveraging tourism in Kenya through indigenous knowledge
(2015) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract Indigenous knowledge is the local knowledge or knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. It is an archive of the sum total of knowledge, skills and attitudes belonging to a community and passed down through many generations. The use of indigenous knowledge to attract tourists is known as indigenous tourism. This is a form of tourism in which the indigenous people are directly involved either through control and/or by having their culture serve as the essence of the attraction. Indigenous tourism gives indigenous communities an opportunity to tell their story to the world. It also gives tourists an authentic experience with the indigenous communities as well as their culture and environment which cannot be easily experienced through any other way. This chapter explores the use of indigenous knowledge to leverage tourism in Kenya through indigenous tourism. It demonstrates the value of indigenous knowledge in supporting sustainable national socioeconomic development. In the face of the prevailing cut-throat competition, indigenous communities in Africa can enhance their competitive edge by mainstreaming their unique indigenous knowledge in their tourism packages. Introductio
Mixed Methods and Quality of Postgraduate Research: A Kenyan Perspective
(IGI Global, 2022) Kwanya, Tom
ABSTRACT This chapter analysed the extent, nature, and suitability of use of mixed methods research by postgraduate students in Kenya as well as its influence on the quality of their research output. Data anchoring the chapter was collected through qualitative content analysis of 229 theses and dissertations of library and information science postgraduate students in Kenya retrieved from the respective institutional repositories. Of these, 193 were Master’s dissertations while 36 were doctoral theses. One hundred twenty-two (53.3%) of the theses and dissertations were developed using mixed methods research while 74 (32.3%) were based on qualitative studies. Most of the students collected both qualitative and quantitative data concurrently and merged the same during analysis and interpretation. It also emerged that the bulk of data collected by the students was qualitative; quantitative data was largely used to supplement or validate qualitative data. Using citations, it emerged that theses and dissertations developed through mixed methods research attracted more citations thereby indicating a superior quality.
Perception of robots in Kenya’s infosphere: Tools or colleagues?
(2021) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract For many years, robots have worked autonomously in highly controlled environments away from human beings. With increasing advancements in robotics, there is a notable effort to transfer robots from isolation to workspaces shared with human beings. This has the potential to revolutionise the concept of work in the information sphere as we know it today. As engineers and programmers take care of technological and software issues, one overarching concern relates to how robots and human beings will relate to each other in the shared workspaces in the infosphere. This chapter explores attitudes and perceptions of information workers in Kenya towards robots in the information workspace. Two major questions are addressed in the chapter: Are robots considered as machines or colleagues by information professionals in Kenya? Are they pieces of equipment, or would they function as co-workers? This chapter is anchored on primary data obtained through key informant interviews with 20 information professionals in Kenya and secondary data from the literature review. The findings indicate that whereas information professionals in Kenya acknowledge the potential role of robots in handling the dirty, dangerous and dull elements of work in the infosphere, they consider them as machines incapable of relating to human workers as colleagues. Given that there are currently no collaborative robots in Kenya’s infosphere, the views of the professionals interviewed are not based on practical or actual perceptions. Nonetheless, these views are strengthened through literature from situations where collaborative robots exist. This chapter prepares information professionals to accept and collaboratively work with robots.
Pixels Hurt More Than Sticks and Stones: Confronting Cyberbullying on Facebook
(Technical University of Kenya, 2022) Kwanya, Tom; Kogos, Angella; Kibe, Lucy; Ogolla, Erick; Onsare, Claudior
Executive Summary This report documents the process and findings of a research project titled “Pixels hurt more than sticks and stones: confronting cyberbullying on Facebook”. The project which was conducted with a generous financial support from Facebook Inc. was carried out by researchers based in the School of Information and Social Studies, The Technical University of Kenya. The study was initiated in 2020 but, due to COVID-19 pandemic, was completed in 2022. This report comprises six chapters. The first chapter explains the research concept. It specifically elucidates the context of the study, research problem, significance and justification of the study, scope and delimitations of the study, limitations of the study, as well as the dissemination strategy of the research findings. The second chapter presents the review of literature on the subject, analyses research gaps, and explains the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the study. The third chapter clarifies the research approach, design, population, sampling approaches, data collection techniques and tools, data collection procedure, data analysis as well as research reliability and validity. The fourth chapter presents the analysed research data while the fifth chapter discusses the findings and positions them in the existing body of knowledge on cyberbullying in universities. The sixth chapter summarises the findings and presents the recommendations of the study. This study was conducted in conformance with best practices in scholarly research. The researchers obtained ethical clearance as well as a research permit from research regulators in Kenya. Similarly, the project was cleared by institutional gatekeepers of all the universities which participated in the research. The findings have been analysed and presented in a way which does not identify the respondents of the study. Therefore, their contributions, views and identities remain anonymous and confidential. All efforts have been made to ensure that this report is as accurate as possible. Nonetheless, we apologise for any errors that may have slipped through the rigorous editing and review process.
Publishing trends on research data management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A bibliometrics analysis
(2021) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract Research data management (RDM) is the all-encompassing term used to describe the processes and activities related to the creation, storage, security, preservation, retrieval, reuse and sharing of research data. As is often the case, researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa are lagging behind their counterparts in developed countries in embracing best practices in research data management. One of the factors to which this slow pace of adoption of research data management could be attributed, is inadequate research on the subject. This paper analyses the authorship, volume, visibility and quality of publications on research data management in Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis was done using bibliometrics. The units of analysis were publications on research data management from, and on, Sub-Saharan Africa which are currently indexed in Google Scholar. This index was chosen because it is free and is reputed for its liberal selection criteria which does not favour, or discriminate, any discipline or geographic region. Data from Google Scholar was retrieved using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software and analysed using Nees Jan van Eck’s VOSviewer software. The findings of the study revealed that authorship collaboration, visibility, quality, and quantity of scholarly publications on research data management in Sub-Saharan Africa is low when compared to developed countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
RE-ENGINEERING ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LIBRARY SERVICES IN KENYA THROUGH SEMANTIC WEB
(2020) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract Semantic web is the third generation of the Internet services that collectively comprise the intelligent web and is the foundation of Web 3.0. The emergence of the semantic web was aware, moment-relevant and intelligent web which is about describing and interconnecting standardised languages and descriptions. Its power lies in the linking of data rendering 3.0 is envisioned to resolve the problem caused by the disorganisation of information and usable information. Semantic web addresses this challenge by creating a web of of the web. The information environment in which academic and research libraries in Kenya currently operate has changed drastically as a result of the impact of the emerging information and communication technologies on how library users seek, access, use This scenario has brought the relevance of libraries to focus. To survive, academic and research libraries need to reengineer their services to meet the needs of the users more closely than they are doing now. This study investigated the potential of the semantic web in facilitating the reengineering of services of academic and research libraries in Kenya. Primary data for this study was collected through key informant interviews with academic and research librarians selected through information-oriented purposive sampling. Additional secondary data was collected through documentary analysis. The research library services through enhanced library intelligence, organisation, federation, research libraries to design and deploy services on semantic web platforms.
REGULATION OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR A SOCIALLY-JUST GIG ECONOMY IN KENYA
(ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT INSTITUTE FOR INTERNET AND SOCIETY, 2023-04) Kwanya, Tom; Kutoma, J. Wakunuma
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The rise of digital platforms has changed the way people live, work and seek employment, giving way to a new economic model referred to as the ‘gig economy’ in which services such as food delivery, ride-haling but also translation, design work or admin work are available online at the click of a button. In Kenya, this gig economy is growing fast. In 2020, it was estimated that the gig economy in Kenya was employing thousands and valued at 109 million dollars. The 2021 report by the Federation of Kenya Employers notes that the informal sector occupations have been steadily increasing from 10% in 1974 to 83% in 2019 while employment in the formal sector reduced from 90% in 1974 to 18% in the same period. These statistics reflect the reality that the future of work in Africa is one in which workers will be engaged in multiple gigs with somewhat varied levels of formality and high levels of flexibility rather than the rigidity of formal employment. It is clear, therefore, that the gig economy is crucial as it is quickly becoming the main source of livelihood for a majority of the citizens. Despite its great promise, many gig workers experience challenges such as unstable income, high costs of doing business since gig workers often have to buy their own equipment, lack of job security since their platform accounts can be suspended or deactivated without notice, and a poor access to social services such as health care benefits and pensions. The majority of these challenges could be addressed through regulations to protect gig workers. Unfortunately, while Kenya has laws protecting workers, these laws are tailored for the formal employment sector, leaving the gig economy poorly regulated. The study "Regulation of digital platforms for a socially-just gig economy in Kenya" examines, summarises, and synthesises the academic and policy-related literature that assesses digital platform regulation in terms of, inter alia, market power concentration, workers’ rights, and copyright protection in Kenya. The work identifies policy initiatives on digital platform regulation and investigates the role of stakeholders such as civil society, industry, academia and policymakers in academic studies and policy initiatives on platform regulation and the extent to which these efforts have been driven by local researchers and policymakers. Furthermore, the study explores the challenges, concerns and factors affecting effective platform regulation and recommends platform regulation approaches, regimes and frameworks appropriate to nurture, mainstream and sustain a gig economy in Kenya and other sub-Saharan countries. The study was conducted in the Republic of Kenya, specifically in the Nairobi Metropolitan Service. This is because most gig workers live and work in the metropolis. An explanatory mixed methods research approach was used to conduct the study. The researchers first conducted a quantitative study through which quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. The results of the first phase were used to inform the second phase which involved the collection of qualitative data using interviews. The general population of the study included platform developers, platform users, policymakers and implementers, and civil society groups involved directly or indirectly with the gig economy in Kenya. The estimated population of the study was approximately 37,000 gig workers and stakeholders. The key findings of the study are that: 1) Platform owners wield a lot of power over gig workers. Because of this power concentration, gig workers in Kenya are vulnerable to exploitation by platform owners. 2) Some laws and policies which could be used to regulate gig work in Kenya exist but they are not being applied to gig work because they were tailor-made for the traditional work environment. 3) Most of the gig workers felt that the stakeholders did not support the gig economy adequately. 4) Several challenges stand in the way of the effective implementation of platform regulations in Kenya. These challenges largely revolve around the non-conducive implementation environment resulting from the ineffective contribution of stakeholders to platform regulation. The study recommends that: 1) The Government of Kenya should recognise gig work as employment and gig workers as employees whose rights need to be protected legally. 2) The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the other stakeholders, should review, revise or update legal and policy frameworks governing terms of employment, workers’ rights and welfare to include the interests of the burgeoning number of gig workers. 3) Gig workers in Kenya should be sensitised to their rights as employees and should be encouraged to unionise to effectively lobby and advocate for their rights. 4) The State Department of ICT and Digital Economy should be facilitated fully to prioritise the realisation of a lucrative but just gig economy in Kenya. 5) Civil society organisations as well as unions should provide affordable or free legal advice or representation to gig workers whose rights are violated but have no means of seeking legal redress. 6) The Judiciary of Kenya should create a section for gig workers under its Labour and Employment Division to handle disputes from the gig economy. 7) Gig work should be integrated into the Competency Based Curriculum as a critical component of digital literacy and citizenship. 8) The Government of Kenya should make its regulatory intentions clear and work more with the stakeholders to build confidence in its efforts.
Working with Robots as Colleagues: Kenyan Perspectives of Ethical Concerns on Possible Integration of Co-bots in Workplaces
(2023) Kwanya, Tom

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