Abstract
The purpose of the study anchoring this chapter was to measure the extent to which the students from the Department of Library and Information Science had intentions to venture into infopreneurship after graduating with their Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Library and Information Science. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from a population of 45 students through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that the majority (25) students intended to pursue infopreneurship as information consultants, information brokers, researchers, information literacy assistants, writers, and proofreaders. The study concluded that infopreneurship could be a panacea to the unemployed information science graduates in Zimbabwe. Since the field of infopreneurship is unique and under-researched, the study recommends the creation of a community of practice of infopreneurs who research, share ideas, collaborate, and make the field of infopreneurship robust and efficient in creating employment opportunities for information science graduates.
TopBackground
Universities and colleges, in various countries, across the globe have introduced entrepreneurial courses in their curriculum as a response to the increasing demand and to the request to promote careers in entrepreneurship (Postigo and Tamborini, 2002). Coduras, Urbano, Rojas and Martinez (2008) commends the significance of the university’s support to the entrepreneurial activities. Kazmi and Nabradi (2017: 149) opine that “studies on entrepreneurship education focus on measuring the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education programmes in tertiary education only”. It is important to note that some of the intentions to starting a business maybe induced by aspects in which the students can plan on or exercise self-control on. Xie (2014) has attributed traits, cognitive, environmental and demographic factors. The ultimate goal of infopreneurship is to create graduates who are self-motivated, confident and innovative to take opportunities and chances to engage in their own infopreneurial businesses.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Entrepreneurship: The capacity and willingness to develop, organise and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit (Business Dictionary, 2018 AU92: The in-text citation "Business Dictionary, 2018" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Behaviour: Can be understood as a state of engagement.
Graduating Students: Are Part 4 final year students who on successful completion of their fourth year academic year can be awarded with a first degree.
Infopreneurship: Is the act or practice of self-employed individuals who have acquired specialised skills that addresses people’s information needs by accessing necessary information that supports the demand and justifies charging fees for a profit (Kody, 2011 AU93: The in-text citation "Kody, 2011" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).