School of Social Sciences

Ruth Hoskins

Ruth Hoskins

LeadershipDean: Teaching & Learning

Last Updated 1 year ago

Designation Associate Professor
Qualifications BA, AUDIS, BProc, BBibl Hons, MIS (Natal), PHD (UKZN)
Email hoskinsr@ukzn.ac.za
Phone 033 260 5093
Campus Pietermaritzburg Campus
Office No. Room 316, New Arts Block

Research Interests

  • Open access and libraries, academic libraries, school libraries

Teaching Interests

  • Information Management, Information behaviour and ethics, ICTs and libraries

Publications

Papers (Journal articles and Book chapters)

  • Chisa, K. and Hoskins, R. 2014. Using church records at the Archives of the Anglican Diocese of Natal to trace indigenous ancestry: exploring the ethical barriers. ESARBICA journal 33: 45-58.
  • Nsibirwa, Z., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2014. Building the South African nation through legal deposit: the impact of legislation on preservation of digital materials. African journal of library, archives & information science 24(1): 53-65.
  • Chisa, K. and Hoskins, R. 2013. Public access to information and communication technologies in indigenous communities: a comparative study. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 46 June.: 228-248.
  • Nsibirwa, Z., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2013. The effects of climate change in preserving the past and enhancing the future of legal deposit in South Africa. Mousaion 31(2): 115-134.
  • Stilwell, C. and Hoskins, R. 2013. Integrated library management systems: a review of choices made and their sustainability in South Africa. Information development 29(2) May: 154-171.
  • Hoskins, R. 2013. The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. Electronic library 31(5). 574-592.
  • Hoskins, R. 2013. The gender profile of library and information science (LIS) academics in South African universities. Alternation 20(2): 257-275.
  • Toteng, B., Hoskins, R. and Bell, F. 2013. Use of electronic databases by law students at the University of Botswana Library. African journal of library, archives & information science 23(1): 59-74.
  • Kheswa, S. and Hoskins, R. 2012. Use of the internet by undergraduate third-year students at a South African university. Mousaion 30(1): 120-141.
  • Naidoo, P. and Hoskins, R. 2012. The information needs of adult type 2 diabetic patients at Addington Hospital, Durban. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 45 Dec.: 136-155.
  • Sukram, P. and Hoskins, R. 2012. Leading the way: the managerial competencies of library managers in South African university libraries. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 45 Dec.: 95-120.
  • Nkosi, D., Leach, A. and Hoskins, R. 2012. Academic staff expectations of undergraduate students with respect to their use of the library at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. South African journal of libraries and information science 78(2): 79-87.
  • Dubazana, K. and Hoskins, R. 2011. Promoting equitable access to school libraries in KwaZulu-Natal: the role of the Education Library Information and Technology Services (ELITS). Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 42 Jun.: 113-131.
  • Mushi, R., Hoskins, R. and Bell, F. 2011. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for teaching. Loyola journal of social sciences XXV(2): 239-256.
  • Nkosi, D., Leach, A. and Hoskins, R. 2011. Knowledge and use of library resources by academic staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg (UKZNP) campus. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 42 Jun.: 54-78.
  • Nsibirwa, Z., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2011. Access to information through legal deposit libraries in South African: some issues of concern. ESARBICA journal 30: 238-260.
  • Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2011. Library funding and journal cancellations in South African university libraries. South African journal of libraries and information science 77(1): 51-63.
  • Toteng, B., Hoskins, R. and Bell, F. 2010. Information literacy and law students at the University of Botswana. Innovation : a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 41 Dec.: 55-76.
  • Hoskins, R. (90%) and Stilwell, C. 2010. Journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. South African journal of libraries and information science 76(1): 24-35.
  • Hadebe, T. and Hoskins, R. 2010. Information seeking behaviour of master’s students using library electronic databases in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 40 Jun.: 47-67.
  • Kachoki, N. and Hoskins, R. 2009. Measuring the quality of service: a case of Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi. South African journal of libraries and information science 75(2): 170-178.
  • Soyizwapi, L. and Hoskins, R. 2009 Use of electronic databases by postgraduate students in a university based Faculty of Science and Agriculture. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 38 Jun.: 94-117.
  • Ncgobo, N. and Hoskins, R. 2009. Problem-based learning (PBL) and medical school libraries in South Africa. Mousaion 28(2): 110-131.
  • Mawindo, D. and Hoskins, R. 2008. Use of print and electronic resources by students at the University of Malawi College of Medicine. Mousaion 26(1): 90-111.
  • Abboy, I. and Hoskins, R. 2008. The use of CDS/ISIS open source software in Africa. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 36 Jun.: 17-37.
  • Nsibirwa, Z. and Hoskins, R. 2008. The future or the past: preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library, Pietermaritzburg. ESARBICA journal 27: 67-95.
  • Neerputh, S., Leach, A. and Hoskins, R. 2006. Towards establishing guidelines for performance appraisal of subject librarians in KwaZulu-Natal academic libraries. Mousaion 41(1): 51-74.
  • Hoskins, R. 2006. Training teacher-librarians in KwaZulu-Natal. Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa 33 Dec.: 59-75.
  • Hoskins, R. 2006. The potential of school libraries for promoting less polarised social relations in the post apartheid era. Alternation 13(2): 236-251.
  • Hoskins, R. 2005. Information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge and skills of the subject librarians at the university libraries of KwaZulu-Natal. South African journal of libraries and information science 71(2): 151-163.

Conference papers

  • Tapfuma, M. and Hoskins, R. 2014. The accessibility of indigenous knowledge on open access institutional repositories at higher learning institutions in Africa. Paper presented at the Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Africa: Fourth Annual International Conference of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science, National University of Science and Technology, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 25 – 28 August.
  • Chisa, K. and Hoskins, R. 2014. Digitisation of indigenous knowledge in cultural heritage institutions in South Africa: examining the policy and cultural interface. Paper presented at the 21st SCECSAL Conference, Lilongwe, Malawi, 28 July – 01 August.
  • Zawedde, N., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2014. The custodians of South African cultural heritage: ensuring the preservation of legal deposit through education. Paper presented at the 21st SCECSAL Conference, Lilongwe, Malawi, 28 July – 01 August.
  • Naidoo, P. and Hoskins, R. 2014. The information needs and information seeking behaviour of diabetic patients at a South African Public Hospital. Paper presented at the 21st SCECSAL Conference, Lilongwe, Malawi, 28 July – 01 August.
  • Hoskins, R. 2013. Changing times: LIS education in the 21st century. Paper presented at the Research, Education and Training Interest Group (RETIG) Pre-conference Workshop of the 15th Annual Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Conference, Cape Town, 7 – 11 October.
  • Chisa, K. and Hoskins, R. 2013. Using church records at the archives of the Anglican Diocese of Natal to trace indigenous ancestry: exploring the ethical barriers. Paper presented at the Indigenous Knowledge Systems International Conference on “Information, Records and Archives in a Knowledge Society”: Third International Conference of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science, National University of Science and Technology, Victoria Falls, 6 – 8 August.
  • Stilwell, C. and Hoskins, R. 2012. Choice and sustainability of integrated library management systems in South Africa. Paper presented at the 20th SCECSAL Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 04 – 08 June.
  • Nsibirwa, Z., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2012. Legislation affecting the legal deposit and preservation of digital materials in South Africa. . Paper presented at the 20th SCECSAL Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 04 – 08 June.
  • Mushi, R., Hoskins, R. and Bell, F. 2011. The use of ICTs for teaching and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. International Conference on Learning and Teaching, Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines, 05-07 September 2011.
  • Hoskins, R. 2011. The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. DLIS Conference, University of Zululand, 14-15 September 2011.
  • The importance of the school library in the South African education system. 2011. Keynote address delivered at the ELITS KZN Provincial Conference, Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg, 08 – 10 July 2011.
  • Hoskins, R. and Nsibirwa, Z. 2011. Information skills. Paper presented at the ISASA School Librarians Conference, Grahamstown, 05-08 July 2011.
  • Hoskins, R. and Nsibirwa, Z. 2011. Referencing and plagiarism. Paper presented at the ISASA School Librarians Conference, Grahamstown, 05-08 July 2011.
  • Nsibirwa, Z., Hoskins, R. and Stilwell, C. 2011. Access to information through legal deposit libraries in South Africa: some issues of concern. Paper presented at the XXI Biannual ESARBICA general Conference on Access to Information: Archives and Records in Support of Public Sector Reform in Context, Maputo, 06-10 June 2011.
  • Mushi, R., Hoskins, R. and Bell, F. 2010. Use of Information and communication Technologies (ICTs) by postgraduate students and academic staff for teaching and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Paper delivered at the 11th DIS Annual Conference: Demystifying and popularizing LIS research in modern times, University of Zululand, 02-03 September 2010.
  • Toteng, B., Hoskins, R and Bell, F. 2010. Utilisation of electronic databases by law students at the University of Botswana. Paper delivered at the 3rd Digital Scholarship and Curation Conference: Mapping and demystifying digital scholarship: trends, challenges and opportunities, Gabarone, 25-27 May 2010.
  • Training teacher librarians in Mpumalanga. Keynote address delivered at the ELIS (Education, Library and Information Services) DoE Mpumalanga Provincial Conference, Nelspruit, 22-24 June 2009.
  • Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) School Library Development and Management. Paper delivered at the World Library and Information Congress: 73rd IFLA General Conference and Council, Libraries for the future: progress, development and partnerships, Durban, 19-23 August 2007.
  • ICTs as an information and library management tool. Keynote address delivered at the 5th ELITS KZN Provincial Conference, Port Shepstone, 08-10 August 2007.
  • Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) School Library Development and Management. Paper delivered at the 4th ELITS KZN Provincial Conference. Partnerships: developing and sustaining school libraries, Durban, 09-11 July 2006.
  • e-Learning and the school library in South Africa. Keynote address delivered at the e-Education and IRRISS Directorate Provincial Conference on ELITS & e-Education, Bloemfontein, 21-23 March 2005.
  • The Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) School Library Development and Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Paper delivered at the ELITS eThekwini Region Conference, Durban, July 2004.

Awards and Honors

UKZN Merit Award

  • University of KwaZulu-Natal Merit Award 2005 – for efforts towards coordination of the ACE School Library Development and Management Programme

Research Award

  • Emerald Group Publishing Group Most Highly Commended Paper Award 2013 for paper entitled paper “The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa” published in Electronic library 31(5). 574-592.

Supervision

Masters

  • 1. Neerputh, Shirlene. 2005. Developing guidelines for performance appraisal of subject librarians in KwaZulu-Natal academic libraries. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Athol Leach)
  • 2. Soyizwapi, Lindiwe. 2006. Use of electronic databases by postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Patrick Maxwell)
  • 3. Mawindo, Diana. 2006. Evaluation of students’ use of print and electronic resources at the University of Malawi College of Medicine. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 4. Khumalo, Loqukala. 2007. Use and non use of selected school libraries in Manzini Swaziland. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 5. Xulu, Aphelele. 2007. An evaluation of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Works Library collection: a user-centred approach. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 6. Nsibirwa, Zawedde. 2008. Preservation of, and access to, legal deposit materials at the Msunduzi Municipal Library, Pietermaritzburg. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 7. Nkuku, Buyi. 2009. The perceptions of principals and educators of primary school libraries in implementing outcomes based education and imparting and enhancing information skills in the Ndengezi Ward, Pinetown District, KwaZulu-Natal. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Athol Leach)
  • 8. Ngcobo, Nonhlanha. 2009. The effect of Problem-Based Learning on medical Libraries in South Africa. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 9. Kachoka, Naomi. 2010. Undergraduate student’s perceptions of the quality of service at Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 10. Hadebe, Tusiwe 2010. Use of electronic databases by masters students in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 11. Toteng, Bosha. 2010. Use of electronic databases by undergraduate law students at the University of Botswana Library. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Fiona Bell)
  • 12. Keshwa, Siyanda. 2011. Use of the internet by the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science undergraduate third year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 13. Mushi, Restituta. 2011. Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by postgraduate students and academic staff for teaching and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. (co-supervisor Fiona Bell)
  • 14. Naidoo, Prabavarthy. 2012. The information needs and information seeking behaviour of adult diabetic patients at the Addington Hospital in Durban. MIS thesis. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 15. Ramgobin, Surika. 2013. An investigation into Web searching strategies use by postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pietermaritzburg campus. Master of Commerce Information Systems and Technology. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Mitchell Hughes)
  • 16. Idoboye-Obu, Idons. 2014. The use of library resources by doctoral students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Humanities, Pietermaritzburg Campus.

Doctoral

  • 1. Zinn, Sandra. 2013. Information literacy in the classroom: assessing the competency of Western Cape teachers in information literacy education. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Prof Christine Stilwell)
  • 2. Nsibirwa, Zawedde. 2013. Preservation of and access to legal deposit materials in South Africa. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal. (co-supervisor Prof Christine Stilwell)
  • 3. Simba, Cornelius, 2014. School library resource centres in Iringa and Njombe regions of Tanzania: their status and role in resource-based learning. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Community Engagement

Editorial committees

  • Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa
  • Journal of the South African Society of Archivists
  • Journal of Gender Information and Development in Africa (JGIDA)

Journal reviewing/referee

  • South African journal of libraries and information science (SAJLIS)
  • Innovation: a journal for appropriate librarianship and information work in southern Africa
  • Mousaion
  • ESARBICA journal
  • International journal of library and information science (IJLIS)
  • Journal for the South African Society of Archivists (JSASA)
  • Global journal of educational research (GJR)
  • Journal of Education (JoE)
  • Alternation: interdisciplinary journal for the study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa
  • Review for the Journal of Information Technology for Development (JITD)

External examining (national and international modules and programmes)

  • Durban Institute of Technology – Information Management BTECH LIS INFO 101 module
  • University of the Western Cape – Advanced Certificate in Education School Librarianship, Information Literacy Education (DSL 162) and Information Sources and Referencing Services modules
  • University of the Western Cape – PGDip LIS – Information Literacy Education LBS707 module
  • UNISA – Masters Information Science dissertations
  • UNISA – Aspects of Advanced Management of Information Enterprises (HTINBED – Honours BInf)
  • UNISA – Information Management (HINKBSC – Honours BInf)
  • UNISA – Advanced Information and Knowledge Management (HAI4801 – Honours BInf)
  • National University Science and Technology (NUST) Zimbabwe – BSc LIS, MSc LIS, PGDip LIS programmes
  • University of Botswana – external examiner for masters and PhD thesis and dissertations

Research Projects

  • Project leader for the “Baseline study of mobile school libraries and impact of ACESLD Programme in KZN Province” which is ongoing. This project falls within the education and development area and involves collaboration with colleagues and postgraduate students in the Information Studies Programme and the KZN DoE Education Library and Information Technology Services (ELITS) Directorate. The primary intent of this study is twofold: 1) to undertake a base line study on the status of mobile school library services in KZN; 2) to investigate the impact of Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) for School Library Development and Management offered at UKZN to potential teacher librarians.
  • Project leader for the “Critical reflections on the conceptions, experiences and the practices of teaching and learning research methods in the Social Sciences”. This project stems from on-going conversations between the project team members, their students and other staff members who supervise students but are not involved in the teaching of the research method modules in the School. The focal points of the discussions being how can we enhance student and lecturer efforts in the teaching and learning of research methods, how to contribute to producing world class scholars/ researchers and develop strategies to create an enabling learning, teaching and research environment. Research objectives: 1) to identify and describe the different conceptions, beliefs and practices of teaching and learning research methods in higher education; 2) to examine and identify the personal and contextual factors that mediate in the construction of the conceptions, learning beliefs, preferences and practices or strategies; 3) to examine to what extent conceptions of teaching, strategies, learning and research are interrelated; 4) to explore how this discipline specific pedagogical research can mediate in teacher (lecturer) development and the development of a pedagogical culture in teaching research methods.