Management of Big Data at Busitema University Library

Abstract

Everything we do, see or communicate in this world amounts to data; thus making data the “new gold” in today`s information driven society. Big Data has the capacity to reduce uncertainty, inform decisions and predict future outcomes, thus necessitating better management. Since academic libraries execute numerous functions that result in the generation of large amounts of data, this motivated the researcher to examine the management of Big Data at Busitema University Library. The following research questions were addressed: What type of Big Data is managed at Busitema University Library? What is Big Data being used for at Busitema University Library? How is Big Data managed at Busitema University Library? What are the factors affecting the management of Big Data at Busitema University Library? What are the measures for improving on the management of Big Data at Busitema University Library? The study was guided by the Organizational Information Theory and adopted a qualitative case study design. The study population comprised 34 participants clustered as; 5 Head Campus Librarians (HCLs), 19 Library Assistants (LAs), and 10 Library ICT Support staff (LISS). A sample size of 29 participants (5 HCLs, 19 LAs, and 5 LISS) was purposively selected. However, only 28 participated in the study. Data was collected using interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and document review; and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found out that various types of Big Data emanating from several library activities were managed at Busitema University Library. However, there were major challenges including; limited budget, skills gap, unstable Internet, inadequate and outdated ICT equipment to lack of a central data management system amongst others. To tackle these challenges and ensure effective management of Big Data, the study recommends a central Big Data management system; increase in the University library budget; training of library staff; increase in Internet bandwidth, and recruitment of a data management officer. Future studies should consider a mixed research and handle each aspect of Big Data management such as; collection, organization, processing, analysis, and storage as a standalone study in Uganda University Libraries.