Academic literature on the topic 'Aga Khan University. Library'

The purpose of this paper is to report on an investigation of the service quality of the Aga Khan University library in Kenya. The total quality management philosophy which forms the basis of this report has been demonstrated by the use of SERVQUAL, a user-based assessment tool, in the evaluation of service quality. The research was conducted among 123 Aga Khan University library users – nursing and medical faculty and nursing and medical students – with an aim to investigate the quality of its services based on the satisfaction of library users with the services and as expressed by and based on users’ expectations and perceptions. The data was gathered through the SERVQUAL structured questionnaire and a 63% response rate was realized. The findings generally established that the expectations of Aga Khan University library users are higher than their perceptions. The results also show that there are service quality gaps in a number of services offered by the library. This research is deemed important as there is lack of information showing libraries in Kenya having involved library users in service quality evaluation through the use of objective and user-based tools. Thus this paper may lead to libraries in Kenya embracing objective measurement tools for the evaluation of library service quality. It is hoped that this article will contribute to a better understanding of philosophies such as total quality management in an academic library environment in developing countries, users’ expectations and perceptions of quality.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the training of college librarians, academic and management staff, IT managers and students on how to organise, manage and use a user-friendly library. In Uganda, as in many countries, the problem is that school and/or college libraries are managed by librarians who may have good cataloguing and management skills, but who do not have the pedagogic skills and knowledge of the school curricula that are necessary for librarians to be able to guide and mentor both teachers and students or organise curriculum-related activities or facilitate research. The development of user-friendly libraries contributes in improving education quality through nurturing the interest of students and teachers in literacy activities and active search for knowledge. Under the stewardship of the Belgium Technical Cooperation and the Ministry of Education in Uganda, library stakeholders were trained on how to put users – rather than themselves – in the centre of the library’s operations and introduced to active teaching and learning methodologies and activities with emphasis on getting engaged in transforming spaces, services, outreach to users and collections. Several measures, short and long term were taken to address the gaps limiting the performance of the librarians. Given the disparities in the trainees’ education level and work experience, the training was delivered in seven modules divided into three units for over eight months in 2015. By the end of the training, trainees developed unique library strategic plan, library policies and procedures, capacity to use library systems, physical design and maintenance systems, partnerships, library structure and staff job descriptions. Design/methodology/approach To effectively engage the participants each topic was conducted using active teaching and learning (ATL) methodologies, including: lecture with slides and hands-on practice – each topic was introduced in a lecture form with slides and hands-on exercises. The main goal was to introduce the participants to the concepts discussed, offer opportunities to explore alternative approaches, as well define boundaries for discussion through brainstorming. The question-answer approach kept the participants alert and to start thinking critically on the topic discussed – brainstorming sessions allowed thinking beyond the presentation room, drawing from personal experiences to provide alternatives to anticipated challenges. The goal here was for the participants to provide individual choices and approaches for real life problems; group discussions: case study/ scenario and participant presentations – participants were provided with a scenario and asked to provide alternative approaches that could solve the problem based on their personal experience at their colleges. By the end of the group discussion, participants presented a draft of the deliverable as per the topic under discussion. More so, group discussions were an excellent approach to test participant’s teamwork skills and ability to compromise, as well as respecting team decisions. It was an opportunity to see how librarians will work with the library committees. Group discussions further initiated and cemented the much-needed librarian–academic staff – college management relationship. During the group discussion, librarians, teaching staff, ICT staff and college management staff, specifically the Principals and Deputy Principals interacted freely thus starting and cultivating a new era of work relationship between them. Individual presentation: prior to the workshop, participants were sent instructions to prepare a presentation on a topic. For example, participants were asked to provide their views of what a “user-friendly library” would look like or what would constitute a “user-friendly library”; the college library of HTC-Mulago was asked to talk about their experience working with book reserves, challenges faced and plans they have to address the challenges, while the college librarian from NTC-Kaliro was asked to describe a situation where they were able to assist a patron, the limitations they faced and how they addressed them. Doing so did not only assist to emotionally prepare the participants for the training but also helped to make them start thinking about the training in relation to their libraries and work. Take-home assignment: at the end of each session, participants were given home assignments to not only revise the training material but also prepare for the next day training. Further the take-home assignments provided time for the participants to discuss with their colleagues outside of the training room so as to have a common ground/ understanding on some of the very sensitive issues. Most interesting assignment was when participants were asked to review an article and to make a presentation in relation to their library experiences. Participant reports: participant reports resulted from the take-home assignments and participants were asked to make submission on a given topic. For example, participants were asked to review IFLA section on library management and write a two-page report on how such information provided supported their own work, as well as a participant report came from their own observation after a library visit. Invited talks with library expert: two invited talks by library experts from Consortium of Uganda University Libraries and Uganda Library and Information Science Association with the goal to share their experience, motivate the participants to strive higher and achieve great things for their libraries. Library visitation: there were two library visits conducted on three separate days – International Hospital Kampala (IHK) Library, Makerere University Library and Aga Khan University Hospital Library. Each of these library visits provided unique opportunities for the participants to explore best practices and implement similar practices in their libraries. Visual aids – videos, building plans and still photos: these were visual learning aids to supplement text during the lectures because they carried lot of information while initiating different thoughts best on the participants’ past experience and expertise. The training advocated for the use of ATL methodologies and likewise similar methodologies were used to encourage participants do so in their classrooms. Findings Addressing Key Concerns: Several measures, both long and short term, were taken to address the gaps limiting the performance of the librarians. The measures taken included: selected representative sample of participants including all college stakeholders as discussed above; active teaching and learning methodologies applied in the training and blended in the content of the training materials; initiated and formulated approaches to collaborations, networks and partnerships; visited different libraries to benchmark library practices and encourage future job shadowing opportunities; and encouraged participants to relate freely, understand and value each other’s work to change their mindsets. College librarians were encouraged to ensure library priorities remain on the agenda through advocacy campaigns. Short-term measures: The UFL training was designed as a practical and hands-on training blended with individual and group tasks, discussions, take-home assignments and presentations by participants. This allowed participates to engage with the material and take responsibility for their own work. Further, the training material was prepared with a view that librarians support the academic life of teaching staff and students. Participants were tasked to develop and later fine-tune materials designed to support their work. For example, developing a subject bibliography and posting it on the library website designed using open source tools such as Google website, Wikis, blogs. The developed library manual includes user-friendly policies and procedures referred to as “dos and don’ts in the library” that promote equitable open access to information; drafting book selection memos; new book arrivals lists; subscribing to open access journals; current awareness services and selective dissemination of information service displays and electronic bulletins. Based on their library needs and semester calendar, participants developed action points and timelines to implement tasks in their libraries at the end of each unit training. Librarians were encouraged to share their experiences through library websites, Facebook page, group e-mail/listserv and Instagram; however, they were challenged with intimate internet access. College libraries were rewarded for their extraordinary job. Given their pivotal role in the management and administration of financial and material resources, on top of librarians, the participants in this training were college administrators/ management, teaching and ICT staff, researchers and student leadership. Participants were selected to address the current and future needs of the college library. These are individuals that are perceived to have a great impact towards furthering the college library agenda. The practical nature of this training warranted conducting the workshops from developed but similar library spaces, for example, Aga Khan University Library and Kampala Capital City, Makerere University Library, International Hospital Kampala Library and Uganda Christian University Library. Participants observed orientation sessions, reference desk management and interviews, collection management practices, preservation and conservation, secretarial bureau management, etc. Long-term measures: Changing the mindset of librarians, college administrators and teaching staff is a long-term commitment which continues to demand for innovative interventions. For example: job shadowing allowed college librarian short-term attachments to Makerere University Library, Uganda Christian University Library, Aga Khan Hospital University Library and International Hospital Kampala Library – these libraries were selected because of their comparable practices and size. The mentorship programme lasted between two-three weeks; on-spot supervision and follow-up visits to assess progress with the action plan by the librarians and college administration and college library committee; ensuring that all library documents – library strategic plan, library manual, library organogram, etc are approved by the College Governing Council and are part of the college wide governing documents; and establishing the library committee with a job description for each member – this has strengthened the library most especially as an advocacy tool, planning and budgeting mechanism, awareness channel for library practices, while bringing the library to the agenda – reemphasizing the library’s agenda. To bridge the widened gap between librarians and the rest of the stakeholders, i.e. teaching staff, ICT staff, college administration and students, a college library committee structure and its mandate were established comprising: Library Committee Chairperson – member of the teaching staff; Library Committee Secretary – College Librarian; Student Representative – must be a member of the student Guild with library work experience; and Representative from each college academic department. A library consortium was formed involving all the four project supported colleges to participate in resource sharing practices, shared work practices like shared cataloguing, information literacy training, reference interview and referral services as well a platform for sharing experiences. A library consortium further demanded for automating library functions to facilitate collaboration and shared work. Plans are in place to install Koha integrated library system that will cultivate a strong working relationship between librarians and students, academic staff, college administration and IT managers. This was achieved by ensuring that librarians innovatively implement library practices and skills acquired from the workshop as well as show their relevance to the academic life of the academic staff. Cultivating relationships takes a great deal of time, thus college librarians were coached on: creating inclusive library committees, timely response to user needs, design library programmes that address user needs, keeping with changing technology to suite changing user needs, seeking customer feedback and collecting user statistics to support their requests, strengthening the library’s financial based by starting a secretarial bureau and conducting user surveys to understand users’ information-seeking behaviour. To improve the awareness of new developments in the library world, college librarians were introduced to library networks at national, regional and international levels, as a result they participated in conferences, workshops, seminars at local, regional and international level. For example, for the first time and with funding from Belgium Technical Cooperation, college librarians attended 81st IFLA World Library and Information Congress in South African in 2015. College libraries are now members of the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries and Uganda Library and Information Science Association and have attended meetings of these two very important library organisations in Uganda’s LIS profession. The college librarians have attended meetings and workshops organized by these two organisations. Originality/value At the end of the three units training, participants were able to develop: a strategic plan for their libraries; an organogram with staffing needs and job description matching staff functions; a Library Committee for each library and with a structure unifying all the four project-support Colleges; a library action plan with due dates including deliverables and responsibilities for implementation; workflow plan and organisation of key sections of the library such as reserved and public spaces; furniture and equipment inventory (assets); a library manual and collection development policy; partnerships with KCCA Library and Consortium of Uganda University Libraries; skills to use Koha ILMS for performing library functions including: cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, reporting and statistics; skills in searching library databases and information literacy skills; skills in designing simple and intuitive websites using Google Sites tools; and improved working relationship between the stakeholders was visible. To further the user-friendly libraries principle of putting users in the centre of the library’s operations, support ATL methodologies and activities with emphasis on getting engaged in transforming spaces, services, outreach to users and collections the following initiatives are currently implemented in the colleges: getting approval of all library policy documents by College Governing Council, initiating job shadowing opportunities, conducting on-spot supervision, guide libraries to set up college library committees and their job description, design library websites, develop dissemination sessions for all library policies, incorporate user-friendly language in all library documents, initiate income generation activities for libraries, set terms of reference for library staff and staffing as per college organogram, procurement of library tools like DDC and library of congress subject headings (LCSH), encourage attendance to webinars and space planning for the new libraries.

Background: Hemorrhoidal disease is the commonest benign anal condition diagnosed in the outpatient setup. Interventional treatment options range widely, from office-based procedures to hemorrhoidectomy. Laser technology increasingly is in use in the field of proctology. We present our index clinical outcomes following laser haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP). Methodology: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 21 consecutive patients who underwent LHP between 2015 and 2018 under a single surgeon. Their outcomes were compared with a group of patients who underwent the standard open hemorrhoidectomy over the same period of time. Results: Postoperatively, 85.7% of patients post-LHP had a better pain score (mild) compared with 66.7% in the open hemorrhoidectomy group. The mean operative time in minutes was shorter for LHP, 29.67±17.50 versus 39.20±20.77 in the open group. Duration of hospital stay in days between the two groups were similar; LHP group median=1(1–3), open group median =1(1–3). Rates of infection, recurrence and urinary complications were however higher in the laser group, 4.8%, 9.5% and 9.5% respectively compared with the open hemorrhoidectomy group that were 0%, 6.7% and 6.7 % respectively. Both groups had no reported cases of stool or flatus incontinence. Conclusion: Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is associated with reduced pain scores and shorter operative time than open hemorrhoidectomy. Duration of hospital stay was similar in both groups. The rate of complications was high in the study group. Keywords: Laser haemorrhoidoplasty, Pain score, Complications, Open hemorrhoidectomy

An important initiative to develop higher education and physiology teaching was launched when recommendations were deliberated at the concluding session of a four-day international workshop, Physiology Teaching in the Developing World: Models for Quality Learning, held April 5-8, 1999, at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. The event was organized under the auspices of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS), Pakistan Physiological Society, and Aga Khan University. Among other major sponsors, the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Educational Science and Cultural Organization. Third World Academy of Sciences, and Pakistan Science Foundation were prominent.

Exhibition Schedule: The Block Museum, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, January 26–July 21, 2019; Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, Canada, September 21, 2019–February 23, 2020; Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Washington, DC, TBD–TBD

This report briefly describes the Aga Khan University with particular reference to the Department of Community Health Sciences which was recently rehoused in the new Ibn Ridwan building. The building was named after Ibn Ridwan because of his significant contribution to community health, and some details of his life are given.

Objective: To determine the frequency of hyponatremia and itsassociation of with associated factors and its impact on in-hospital outcome in patients with acute ST elevated myocardial infarction. Study Design:AnalyticalStudy. Study Setting: Study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH). Subjects and Methods: This is an analytical study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH) between the period of 2016 to 2017.Informed consent to enroll and use data of patients was obtained from all the 225 patients before commencing the study. All patients of age between 20 to 75 years of either gender diagnosed with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction in emergency or outpatient department were enrolled in the study.Hyponatremia was labelled as serum sodium level less than 135mEq/L (Normal is 135-145mEq/L).A detailed history was taken followed by complete examination at admission.In hospital outcomes were measured within 72 hours of admission. Report was collected and findings were noted in the Performa.Data was analyzed on SPSS Version 16. Results:A total of 225 patients admitted in Department of Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi were included in this study. Mean age in our study was 56.80±7.56 years.135 (60%) were male and 90 (40%) were female. Out of 225 patients, 43 (19.1%) had hyponatremia and 182 (80.9%) did not have hyponatremia. In-hospital mortality was 22 (100%) who had hyponatremia. Conclusion:The results showed that hyponatremia has very strongly association with in-hospital mortality. Cardiovascular mortality among patients with acute STElevationmyocardial infarction. Plasma sodium levels may serve as a simple marker to identify patients at risk. Key Words: Acute ST elevated myocardial infarction,Hyponatremia, in-hospital mortality, associated factors.

The purpose of this study was to describe “caring” in the Pakistani culture from patients’ and healthcare teams’ points of view. This descriptive and qualitative study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Caring encompassed the themes of efficiency, sensitivity to patient needs, and humanness according to responses of the combined sample.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio)
Lack of adherence to the correct working conditions exposes workers to ergonomics-related hazards and eventually work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) which are estimated at 160 million per year globally. Literature shows that with modernization by use of computers, administrators are exposed to prolonged sitting and long working hours which predisposes them to ergonomic hazards. Low back pain and neck pain are the leading work-related musculoskeletal disorders with a lifetime prevalence of 70 - 80% and 50 - 60% respectively.Both low back pain and neck pain have a multifactorial aetiology that includes work-related and individual related factors. Lack of reporting of work-related injuries has led to paucity of statistical literature with regards to work-related low back pain and neck pain, especially in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ergonomics related low back pain and neck pain, and describe the effect of a knowledge-based ergonomic intervention among administrators in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N). A mixed method design was used in this study using a survey and two focus group discussions(FGD). A self-administered questionnaire that is in four sections was administered to 208 participants. The questionnaire sought the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, the knowledge of participants with regards to low back pain and neck pain as well as the work-related and individual risk factors related to the same. The dissemination of the study results involved a one hour knowledge-based ergonomic session given to all interested participants, based on the information from the survey. Two FGD with purposive selection of eight participants were held to explore their experience on the value of the information provided.The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to capture and analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the study findings in the form of means, frequencies, standard deviations and percentages. Inferential statistics (chi-square) was used to test the associations between different categorical variables (p<0.05). For the qualitative data, the tape recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, field notes typed, sorting and arranging data was done and themes were generated. Thematic content analysis was used to generate the themes. The aim of the study, confidentiality and the participants‘ freedom to withdraw from the study were explained. Informed consent was also obtained before the survey and FGD and referral was made where necessary. The findings of the current study revealed that the study participants were knowledgeable about ergonomics-related low back pain and neck pain however this knowledge was not directly translated into behaviour. Low back pain (LBP) had the highest twelve month prevalence at 75.5% followed by neck pain at 67.8%, and LBP showed significant associations at p< 0.05 with some work-related and individual risk factors. The results of the FGDs showed that most participants had positive behavioural and attitudinal change post the knowledge-based ergonomic intervention despite the challenges they met in implementing the behavioural change. These results therefore show the need for continual education about ergonomics to create awareness on the predisposing factors to work-related LBP and neck pain, hence promoting a healthier quality of life amongst employees through adherence to healthy work behavioural practice.

Thesis (MNutr (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
INTRODUCTION: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, reduction in quality of life, and increasing health care costs OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of osteoporosis, in Kenyan Asian women seen at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya since there is no literature on the prevalence of all these risk factors for osteoporosis in a similar middle aged population sample of Kenyan Asian women. METHOD: The study was of a retrospective design and used recall as a basis of data collection. A socio-demographic questionnaire was completed and anthropometric measurements, of height, weight, waist and hip circumference taken. Bone mineral density (BMD) had been measured previously using Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) at the lumbar spine, T11 to L4. Nutrient intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and physical activity was determined using the Epic Physical Activity Questionnaire 2 (EPAQ2). BMD scans had been done on all study participants from January 2004 to December 2004 and the subjects were aware of their bone status. RESULTS: Risk factors that were identified by being associated with the development of osteoporosis in Asian women were age (p<0.001), waist size (p<0.001), hip size (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001), low physical activity (p=0.001) and use of prescription drugs. Seventy two percent of the study sample was using prescription drugs and the effect on bone mass was most likely detrimental. Anti-hypertensive (p=0.002), non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (p=0.003) and anti-diabetic drugs (p=0.033) had a significant negative association with bone health. Energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intake in all the groups was above the EAR and comparatively similar. The intake of all the micronutrients in the study group was above the DRI. There were no statistical significant differences in most of the trace element intake between the two groups, apart from iodine, biotin and manganese. No dietary risk factors were identified which impacted adversely on bone health in this group. The impact of gynaecologic history (parity, oral contraceptive use, age of menarche) on BMD was uncertain. The educational level of the study sample was high as 50% of the subjects were graduates and had a relatively better diet. CONCLUSION: As Kenyan Asian women age they experience the menopausal transition and the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. No nutritional factors were identified that were adversely associated with BMD. Low level of physical activity, prescription drugs for chronic diseases like hypertension, asthma, diabetes and arthritis, age, weight and body mass index were identified and found to be adversely associated with bone mineral density. Early detection, and implementation of patient education, physical activity, and a diet rich in all nutrients, will help to slow down the progression of osteoporosis.

The study investigated the service quality of the Aga Khan University (AKU) library as an example of an academic library in Kenya using SERVQUAL, a user based assessment tool. Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy formed the basis of the study; a philosophy that is customer oriented and lays great emphasis on enhancing customer satisfaction. The study adopted a survey design and data was collected using a structured selfadministered questionnaire by the name of SERVQUAL. The study sample consisted of nursing and medical faculty; nursing and medical students. A total of 78 (63%) respondents responded to the questionnaire. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0. Descriptive statistics was provided and univariate analysis was applied to examine the characteristics of the 2 main variables; perceptions and expectations. The findings of the study established that the expectations of AKU library users are higher than their perceptions. It is also evident from the findings that there are service quality gaps in a number of library services offered by AKU library. This is demonstrated through the gap analysis between the AKU library users‟ perceptions and the users‟ expectations of AKU library. The study recommends that AKU library as well as other academic libraries in Kenya adopt user based assessment tools such as SERVQUAL in the evaluation of library service quality. The study further recommends that AKU library needs to address gaps between the library users‟ perception and the users‟ expectation in order to enhance customer satisfaction through the provision of quality services. The study also recommends that AKU library needs to address the gaps in service attributes such as those relating to AKU library staff, reliability and efficiency of AKU library service delivery. In line with the findings the study further recommends more training for AKU library staff in areas such as customer service skills as well as the need for AKU library to invest more in its physical facility and equipment.
Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)

Maulana Azad Library is considered one of the major libraries of the world, with a glorious past and promising future. It was established with the foundation of Madarsatul-Uloom Musalmanan at Aligarh in 1875, which became Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1877 and became full-fledged Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920. The Maulana Azad Library came into existence with the donation of personal collection of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University in 1877. The library has very rich collection consisting of oriental and occidental printed and non-printed records. Various formats exist, such as: books, journals, manuscripts, government publications, Rrot graphs, audio-visual materials, phonodiscs, phonorecords, microfiche, pre-recorded cassettes, microfilms, compact discs, floppies, et cetera. Autographed letters, edicts of the kings and queens of the Mughal period, portraits of important personalities, coins, theses, dissertations, braille books, pamphlets, maps, charts, paintings etc. are available. The documents cover almost every discipline of knowledge with special reference to Islamic theology, history, literature, et cetera. A very good collection of books in oriental languages is also available in the Library. The library has started the automation process selecting Libsys software that is quite popular in central universities of India. The present chapter examines the automation process in different sections of the library.