Wits Library Staff Conference Papers/Presentations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/38238

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    Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) and African Knowledge
    (2025-11-25) Mulaudzi, Matamela Michael; Mbutho, Mkhumbuleni
    Not Available
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    Operationalising the RDM Framework to enhance the Wits Doctoral Academy Project: A Case Study at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-10) Selematsela, Daisy; Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant
    Introduction: The Research Data Management (RDM) Framework for postgraduate studies, explored as a case study, would be implemented at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), South Africa. The RDM framework is intended to facilitate and promote Open data practices, guided by the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, to maximize data curation, reuse, and collaboration, while the CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) will focus on ensuring Indigenous data is protected and ethical considerations among postgraduate students are focused on. The study was carried out by librarians to facilitate, intervene, and influence the development, leading to the adoption, and use of the RDM Framework to strengthen Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) produced through the postgraduate research cycle. Methodology: The researchers used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a study lens and a questionnaire as the data collection tool, to collect data from 100 masters and doctoral students, drawn from five faculties of the university, namely the Health Science, Education, Science, Commerce, Law, and Commerce, Engineering and Built Environment. Data was collected using a mixed approach. Findings: The findings of the study were used to detect factors associated with facilitating conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), Internet skills (digital skills), and social influence (SI) of their understanding of the fundamentals of research data management principles and significance. Consequently, the study was also used to address the relevance of RDM principles to enhance the WDA project. The study also sought to establish role-players and key stakeholders in the postgraduate studies RDM research cycle. The researchers also wanted to identify relevant skills and tools required to ensure the university’s RDM framework succeeded. The primary data was gathered online, using a questionnaire, and interviews administered by faculty librarians. The findings of the study revealed that the University of Witwatersrand needs to review its RDM policy and provide a robust roadmap for RDM activities in the faculties and among students. It was established that Wits University would need to invest in RDM-focused digital tools and platforms and enlarge the Research Commons Hub at Wits Libraries. Conclusion: This study on the RDM framework for postgraduate studies concludes that they need to be well-equipped with RDM skills, and open data-sharing principles and that teaching RDM should be a continuous programme for the benefit of students, and their supervisors, and the research community. To develop and implement a robust RDM Framework for postgraduate students, at a research-intensive African university such as the University of the Witwatersrand, the library’s Scholarly Communication should play a role in formulating the RDM framework intended to advance the postgraduate research cycle. The alignment of RDM principles and data associated with the submission of theses and dissertations, and research papers associated with ETDs curated in the institutional open repositories should be mandated by policy. This approach will ensure the reliability and validity of datasets, ETDs, and other publications produced through the postgraduate research cycle at Wits University.
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    AI Challenges in the current environment
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-06-26) Selematsela, Daisy; Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant
    Abstract not available
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    Academic Libraries as Catalysts: Amplifying Research Visibility and SDGs Impact in South African Higher Education
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-09) Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant
    Libraries are no longer just repositories - they are strategic enablers of research excellence. In the context of South Africa’s development goals and global SDGs, libraries play a pivotal role in shaping research visibility and societal impact.
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    Positioning Data Ethics within the Wits Graduate Online Learning and Development (GOLD) RDM Strategy at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-09) Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant; Selematsela, Daisy
    This presentation explores the integration of data ethics into the Research Data Management (RDM) Framework strategy at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa. The case study focuses on the rollout of the Wits Graduate Online Learning and Development (GOLD) Programme, aimed at promoting Open and FAIR Data Principles among postgraduate students in alignment with the Wits RDM policy. The study sought to influence the development, adoption, and implementation of the RDM Framework as a strategic tool to enhance the submission of Data Management Plans (DMPs) and research datasets supporting theses and dissertations. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, data was collected through a mixed-methods approach from master's and doctoral students across five faculties: Health Sciences, Education, Science, Commerce, Law, and Engineering and the Built Environment. Key findings will be used to facilitate conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), digital skills, and social influence (SI) which should significantly shape students’ understanding and engagement with RDM principles. The study will also identify the roles of various stakeholders in the RDM research cycle and highlighted the tools and skills necessary for successful implementation of the university’s RDM framework. Analysis of questionnaire and interview data will be collected online and facilitated by faculty librarians. This survey will be used to gather information and give a comprehensive review of the Wits RDM policy and its impact on postgraduate studies at the University of Witwatersrand. Recommendations would include the development of a robust roadmap for faculty-level RDM activities, investment in infrastructure, and enhanced support for library-led RDM initiatives and Research Commons Hub services. In conclusion, the study seeks to underscores the importance of equipping postgraduate students with RDM competencies and fostering a culture of open data sharing. It advocates for continuous RDM education and policy-driven alignment of RDM practices, particularly data ethics, Open Data FAIR/CARE Principles before the thesis/dissertation and datasets submissions to the institutional open repositories. This will also establish the library’s Scholarly Communication division if positioned as a key driver in advancing the postgraduate research cycle through the formulation and implementation of a sustainable RDM framework in the University.
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    South African HE Libraries as Catalysts for SDG Impact: Strategies for Access, Collaboration, and Societal Engagement
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-08) Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant
    Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), libraries, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a nexus where innovation meets purpose.
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    Wits Libraries - Research Visibility and Open Scholarship
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-08) Mphuti, Bongi
    Abstract not available
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    Implementation of the Wits Open Data Vault: pairing Figshare with Altmetric and Dimensions​
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-07) Matizirofa, Lazarus; Roberts, Charl; Makhera, Pfano
    Abstract not available
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    The Analytics of Global Impact of Wits Research Datasets
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-07) Mphuti, Bongi
    Abstract not available
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    Implementation of the Wits Data Vault (repository) as part of ensuring digital cooperation: a case of the Wits University
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-07) Matizirofa, Lazarus Gallant; Selematsela, Daisy
    At the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), several challenges hinder effective Research Data Management (RDM), particularly in the life sciences and postgraduate research domains. Here are the key issues identified: 1. Lack of a Formal RDM Policy 2. Limited Awareness and Training 3. Infrastructure Gaps 4. Data Format and Integration Challenges 5. Fragmented Support Services 6. Need for Cultural Change 7. Digital Skills Gaps and 8. Security and Privacy Risks Fears.