26 students have been awarded certificates after a successful two-week (1st-14 June 2015) training in Information Competence and Management. The training was organized by Makerere University Library in conjunction with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) to equip postgraduate students; mainly PhD and Second year Masters Students, with skills on how to use research and manage information in their research projects, as well as professional careers.

Speaking at the award ceremony on Friday 12th June 2015, the Acting Librarian Dr. Helen Byamugisha said that participants were equipped with knowledge and skills on the various ways of; conducting research, referencing their work, drafting proposals, as well as   packaging and disseminating information.

“We have given you skills to boost your competencies in conducting literature reviews, organizing your information and making the best use of information in your research project,” said the Acting Librarian.

She then applauded participants for exhibiting incredible discipline during the two-week course. “The information I have received from the facilitators, shows that you have been very exemplary participants who were always on time as well as very keen and eager to learn. I commend you and request that you continue to uphold that spirit.”

The Information Competence and Management is a cross-cutting course designed to equip post graduate students with skills and knowledge on research information gathering, organization, usage and dissemination.

The course offers a range of skills in

•    Introduction to research process, including elements of research proposal writing
•    introduction to bibliographic searches for literature review
•    Searching Makerere University in-house databases (MakULA, MaKIR and AIM)
•    Searching  specific databases (E-brary, Sage, OUP, EBESCO, Jstor, HINARI, OARE, AGORA TEEL, ARDI, Cochrane, Emerald, Wiley)
•    Document Delivery Services (DDS)
•    Management of multiple electronic files
•    Professional citing and quotations
•    Reference management using Endnote and Medely
•    Scholarly writing and communication skills and
•    Presentation of research work

According to Ms. Faith Akiteng, College Librarian – College of Education and External Studies (CEES), today’s digital and technological changes, necessitate that students should equally gain aptitude in information search and management.

“This is the 21st century where technology changes everything. You should therefore have information searching skills compatible with technological evolution in order to get the information you want. You should know the database that can give you that information, and how to filter that relevant results from the lots of resources we have. The internet is a global village which requires that you manage and use information ethically,” Ms. Akiteng advised.

On behalf of participants, Mr. Omany Andrew Komakechi, thanked the facilitating team for the great job they did in exposing participants to invaluable ideas and knowledge with visible benefits in their research and professional careers.

“The training has taught us what we are supposed to do as scholarly people. And as a teacher, it has taught me how to gather the information I would like to pass on to my students  as well as equipped me with the best dissemination skills,” he said.

“The facilitators have done a great job. They are proficient in what they are doing, and I urge them to also open up this course to undergraduate students, in addition to the existing intakes of postgraduate students.  I also ask that this course be held on a periodical basis that is to say after every two months, so as to refresh every one,” Mr. Omany added.

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office