Public libraries as facilitators of information services

Mugwisi, Tinashe; Jiyane, Glenrose Velile; Fombad, Madeleine C.

doi:10.1177/0266666916672718

Cited by 17 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The overall view on ICT tools is that laptops, desktops, smartphones or tablets with internet connectivity enable access or are a minimum requirement to access the digital library. Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu (2015) in Mugwisi et al (2016) postulate that access to information and communication technology is important for users. According to Elahi and Islam (2014), users prefer online information through mobile gadgets (for example, mobile phones, laptops and tablets) over desktop computers.…”

Section: Findings and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For them to acquire those skills, this study reported that users may self-train, attend training from public libraries and computer colleges, and the scholars can be trained in schools. Mugwisi et al (2016) acknowledge that most libraries have computer rooms in which users are trained to search for information. Rather than that, users can self-train, as a study by Taskin and Tuzun (2015) shows positive results on self-training.…”

Section: Findings and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rural accessibility to digital libraries: requirements and challenges

Mamabolo,

Durodolu

2023

DLP

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Purpose This study aims to determine the requirements and find out the challenges for the use of digital library services for rural areas of Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo province. The research questions of the study are: What are the requirements for the use of digital library services in rural areas of Capricorn District Municipality? What are the challenges of accessing digital library services in rural areas? Design/methodology/approach Data was analysed thematically and deductively in this study, as researcher required to accomplish the purpose of the study through consistent structure (Zalaghi and Khazaei, 2016). In deductive analysis, the researcher starts with a set of categories, which are then used to categorize and organize data (Bertram and Christiansen, 2020). The researcher got familiar with data from the interviewing process and when transcribing data from audio tape. The transcription process was done for the coding purposes. Coding allows the researcher to simplify and focus on specific characteristics of data. Findings The study findings advocate for the establishment of digital libraries in rural areas. The library authorities are challenged to adapt digital ways of information provision. Since librarians have been providing digital content in libraries for use on users’ laptops and other gadgets, this implies that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been lagging behind in finding innovative ways to provide information, especially in rural areas. To successfully keep libraries as sources of information, transformative measures have to be taken, and where possible, revisit the policies and keep drifting with the societal changes. The library authorities have to delve into new ways of providing LIS to the communities. Unquestionably, information and communication technologies have penetrated our societies and became a way of life. In addition, there are unlimited benefits which can be derived from digital technologies, especially given the lack of physical libraries in rural areas. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the academic research is original and has not been published anywhere before.

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Section: Findings and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Findings and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rural accessibility to digital libraries: requirements and challenges

Mamabolo,

Durodolu

2023

DLP

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“…Results indicate that challenges such as lack of information resources, lack of expert trainers, slow internet connection, erratic power supply. These and many other challenges may hamper the support of information literacy training by the public library (Nawe, 2001, Mugwisi et al, 2018.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many libraries lack sufficient ICT facilities that would cater for a substantial number of prospective information literacy trainees. Moreover, for the past decades public libraries have been experiencing serious shortage of information resources due to high dependency on governments and donor support (Mugwisi et al, 2018).…”

Section: Review Of Related Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

Wema

2022

Information Development

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This study aimed to examine the role of Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy to users in the public library. Specifically the study examined the available facilities and resources available in public libraries that would facilitate the teaching of information literacy; established what users were taught during information literacy courses and identified barriers in implementing information literacy courses in public libraries. It also sought to gather views from the users on the roles of TLSB in organizing, teaching and facilitating information literacy courses in public libraries. The study was carried out in 7 regional libraries working under the administration of the National Central library in Dar es salaam. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were conveniently distributed among 58 library users who were found in the reading areas and other service points in the selected libraries. Face to face semi-structured interviews were carried out among purposely selected 11 librarians who were providing services at different points in the libraries. Results of the study indicated that TLSB was involved in organizing and teaching information literacy courses to users who visited the library either in groups or as individuals. Users were taught how to search for electronic resources, utilizing special collections, borrowing and returning library books and using the library OPAC. Challenges facing TLSB in offering information literacy courses included lack of expert trainers; limited number of facilities such as computers, some users did not want to attend training and lack of motivation among library staff to participate in teaching information literacy courses. The study recommended that TLSB should collaborate with other institutions by facilitating the teaching of information literacy courses to users in various libraries in the country.

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“…Case studies are recognised as a rigorous research approach, allowing for in-depth exploration of themes and issues via multiple data points (Stake, 2005). Case studies from other library contexts (Kiel et al, 2015; Mugwisi et al, 2018) highlight the importance of viewing the library and its provision within a wider operational context. The ‘case’ examined for the purposes of this paper is the multilingual children’s library, a section sharing the same space as the general (English-language) children’s library, leading to a blurring of boundaries that is both welcome and complex.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The multilingual children’s library as physical and metaphorical ‘space’ within the community: Practical and emotional considerations

Little

Murray

2022

Journal of Librarianship and Information Science

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Following the establishment of a multilingual children’s library section in Sheffield, England, this paper explores logistical and emotional considerations concerning the set-up and running of the library, and its role within the community. Adopting a case study approach, data are derived from book stock and borrowing statistics, feedback from multiple events (including multilingual storytelling and story writing events, and a reading scheme), as well as a library staff and a parent focus group. Data were analysed thematically according to logistical and emotional concerns, with subthemes – such as borrowing patterns, identity, belonging and physical and metaphorical ‘space’ being identified within the data. The research highlights shortcomings in cataloguing facilities, and in the way in which ‘successes’ are measured in library management and research, while adding significantly to our understanding of the contribution multilingual resources and events in public libraries makes to a community’s sense of identity and belonging. The notion of real and metaphorical ‘space’ for multilingualism as part of library provision forms a vital addition to the way libraries might consider their roles in diverse societies.

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Public libraries as facilitators of information services

Cited by 17 publications

References 16 publications

Rural accessibility to digital libraries: requirements and challenges

Rural accessibility to digital libraries: requirements and challenges

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

The multilingual children’s library as physical and metaphorical ‘space’ within the community: Practical and emotional considerations

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