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All queries on e-resources at SNAL mail them through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


In a strategic move to enhance its electronic services, the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) has introduced a dedicated email address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to streamline communication regarding electronic resources. This initiative aims to provide users with direct access to support for e-resource inquiries, ensuring timely and efficient assistance.
Leading this endeavor is Mr. Donasian Mabula, a seasoned Principal Library Officer at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Mr. Mabula has recently transitioned from the Solomon Mahlangu Campus to the Edward Moringe Campus to spearhead this project. With a Master's degree in Information Studies from the University of Dar es Salaam, he brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Previously, Mr. Mabula served as the acting head of the Knowledge Management Section at SNAL, where he was instrumental in overseeing the library's digital assets and information dissemination strategies.
SNAL, recognized as Tanzania's largest and most comprehensive agricultural library, is committed to serving both the university community and external researchers. The library boasts a robust collection of electronic resources, including subscriptions to numerous e-journals and e-books accessible through its website.
The establishment of the dedicated e-resources email is a testament to SNAL's dedication to improving user experience and promoting the effective utilization of its digital offerings. This include on strengthening of wireless access to library users within and outside the library buildings.
Users are encouraged to utilize the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email for any inquiries or support related to electronic resources. This direct line of communication is designed to address user needs promptly, reflecting SNAL's ongoing commitment to excellence in information services.
For more information about SNAL's services and resources, please visit their official website at https://www.lib.sua.ac.tz/.

In a recent staff meeting at Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL), Professor W. Mtega, the Director, emphasized the importance of enhancing services to meet the evolving needs of the university community. The focus was on adapting to the digital revolution while ensuring SNAL's continued relevance.
During the first quarter staff meeting on April 25th, held at the SNAL board room on the Edward Moringe Campus in Morogoro, Professor Mtega stressed the significance of maintaining high service standards. He highlighted the increasing preference for electronic resources and online information, potentially reducing physical library usage.
"For the library to remain significant in the digital era, we must strive to satisfy our customers' needs," Prof. Mtega stated.
One of the concerns raised was the declining physical use of books and publications compared to previous years. To address this, strategies were discussed to promote both physical and electronic resources, including newly subscribed e-resources for 2024 through the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL) and other channels.

The list of resources subscribed including a new one soon to be available are:

The meeting also addressed operational matters such as the daily running of the library, staff privileges, including weekend allowances and transportation, and ensuring electricity availability for quality service provision. Security concerns, such as the installation of cameras and fire extinguishers, were discussed.
Emphasis was placed on the ongoing transition from the ABCD library management system to KOHA, ensuring accurate transfer of all bibliographic details. Additionally, updates to the library website, including staff profiles, and expediting the scanning of publications for library repositories - SUAIRe, TACCIRE, and Mkulima Collection - were discussed.
"In order to fulfill our mission and vision as part of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), we must adapt to changing times while upholding our professional ethics and dedication to service," Prof. Mtega concluded, encouraging staff to embrace these changes for the betterment of SNAL and its users.

 

SNAL staff leading by Prof W. Mtega during their quarterly general staff meeting held at SNAL boardroom.

SUA BRIM Students Conclude Field Practical Training at SNAL, Praised for Commitment and Dedication

Fifty Bachelor of Records and Information Studies (BRIM) students from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) bid farewell to the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) after completing a five-week Field Practical Training (FPT) program. Held at both Edward Moringe and Solomon Mahlangu Campus libraries, the program provided hands-on experience and garnered praise from SNAL management for the students' commitment and passion.
During their FPT at SNAL, spanning from March 13th to April 18th, nearly fifty BRIM students engaged in various tasks aimed at bridging classroom learning with practical experience. Tasks included sorting, digitizing, organizing, and cleaning documents, providing students with invaluable skills applicable to real-life scenarios in library and records management.
"The FPT program goes beyond skill acquisition; it's about problem-solving and customer service," remarked a spokesperson from SUA. "By working alongside SNAL staff, students gained insights into collection evaluation and management, setting the foundation for their future careers."
At the farewell ceremony held at the Solomon Mahlangu Campus (SMC) library building, SNAL management commended the students for their exemplary participation and dedication during the training period. "FPT was not merely a requirement; it was a trans formative experience," stated Prof W. Mtega, Director of SNAL represented by Senior Human Resource Office Mr. Malaki. "These students demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a dedication to excellence that will serve them well in their future endeavors."
Students also expressed appreciation for the supportive environment at SNAL, noting the cooperation and passion exhibited by staff members. "We expected a strict and rigorous training environment, but instead found ourselves welcomed with open arms," shared one student. "The experience has truly broadened our understanding of library management."
Looking ahead, SNAL management extended an open invitation for students to return for further learning opportunities, emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development in the field of Records and Information Management.
As SUA BRIM students bid farewell to SNAL, they carry with them not only certificates of completion but also a wealth of practical knowledge and experience. Their time at SNAL has equipped them with the skills and resilience needed to excel in the dynamic field of library and records management. With gratitude for the transformative experience, they look forward to applying their newfound expertise in future endeavors.

Library management team lead by SNAL Director Prof. W. T Mtega talk to students when they arrived at SNAL for their FTP program

During a practical session at Knowledge Management section where Mr. Victor Inyasi (on long sleeve shirt) intensively taking them through the cataloging of publication procedures

 

 Students and staff getting refreshments during a farewell session followed by a group picture below

Read this article in kiswahili: Wanafunzi wa SUA BRIM Wahitimisha Mafunzo ya Vitendo Katika Maktaba

 

1.Steps to identify trusted publishers for your research
visit https://thinkchecksubmit.org/

2. Guide to scholars on journal selection for publishing.
I would recommend using below white-list selection tools that enable avoiding predatory journals,
checking the impact factor of a journal, and guiding on the possible best journal fit for the
manuscript:

Some publishers have a service that aids in selecting a journal:

Prepared at Sokoine National Agricultural Library
Knowledge management section

For further assistance
contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open data is advocated by many researchers around the world. SUA researchers have been experiencing in promoting open data because of having no server for such purpose. In order to address this challenge, SNAL have set aside a portion of SUAIR for the new initiative to establish SUA Open Data repository. https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/5307

Other researchers from SUA who have published open data are

a. YEESI Lab dataset - https://www.zenodo.org/record/7729285

b. Bio diversity dataset from Department of Ecosystems and Conservation - https://www.gbif.org/dataset/search?publishing_org=a8864fd2-f4f9-40b1-bd9d-a8767e12b9ab

We should promote open data for open science so that researchers and its community benefit more from its usefulness. According to PLOS the benefits of open data are namely, ensuring reproducibility; inspiring trust, opening opportunity to earn credit to academic member of staff and preserving data record and marketing your institution (visibility) - https://www.yeesi.org/news#h.4hzdecqwu5it

For SUA staff seeking space to publish research data contact Mr Zabron Tandika and Mr Stephano John at SNAL.

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