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An assessment of the technology readiness of public librarians in Botswana

An assessment of the technology readiness of public librarians in Botswana The use of technology in today’s life has skyrocketed, leaving information providers with no option but to implement technological initiatives that will enable effective information access and dissemination. This paper aims to assess the readiness of Botswana public librarians to adopt the use of technology in the management of libraries and dissemination of information.Design/methodology/approachConvenience and purposive sampling were used to collect data from 21 participants via Survey Monkey software. The study questions were based on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) by Parasuraman and Colby (2015). In addition, mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.FindingsThe study found out that public librarians are ready to adopt information and communications technologies (ICTs) in library services. This is evidenced by their usage of social media networks and emails. Results also show that public libraries in Botswana are facing various challenges such as low bandwidth, shortage of computers, lack of timely technological support and ICT skills by librarians.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings call upon the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to setup/construct more public libraries and equip them with the necessary technology. This will enhance productivity and help libraries to meet the needs of the twenty-first century information seekers. An in-depth study should be conducted to establish the technological status in Botswana public libraries.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted in Botswana to assess the public librarians’ readiness to adopt new technologies. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Library Review Emerald Publishing

An assessment of the technology readiness of public librarians in Botswana

Shonhe, Liah
Library Review , Volume 68 (4/5): 13 – Jun 24, 2019
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References (48)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
0024-2535
DOI
10.1108/gkmc-10-2018-0086
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The use of technology in today’s life has skyrocketed, leaving information providers with no option but to implement technological initiatives that will enable effective information access and dissemination. This paper aims to assess the readiness of Botswana public librarians to adopt the use of technology in the management of libraries and dissemination of information.Design/methodology/approachConvenience and purposive sampling were used to collect data from 21 participants via Survey Monkey software. The study questions were based on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) by Parasuraman and Colby (2015). In addition, mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.FindingsThe study found out that public librarians are ready to adopt information and communications technologies (ICTs) in library services. This is evidenced by their usage of social media networks and emails. Results also show that public libraries in Botswana are facing various challenges such as low bandwidth, shortage of computers, lack of timely technological support and ICT skills by librarians.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings call upon the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to setup/construct more public libraries and equip them with the necessary technology. This will enhance productivity and help libraries to meet the needs of the twenty-first century information seekers. An in-depth study should be conducted to establish the technological status in Botswana public libraries.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted in Botswana to assess the public librarians’ readiness to adopt new technologies.

Journal

Library Review – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jun 24, 2019

Keywords: Digital libraries; Public libraries; Botswana; Botswana National Library Services; Information dissemination; Technology Readiness Index

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