Examining the role of public library as access venues for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries: A case in Namibia

Yim, Moonjung; Fellows, Michelle; Coward, Chris

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/103370 Copy

Description

Title

Examining the role of public library as access venues for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries: A case in Namibia

Author(s)

• Yim, Moonjung
• Fellows, Michelle
• Coward, Chris

Issue Date

2019-03-15

Keyword(s)

• Public library
• Information and communication technology (ICT)
• ICT public access
• Developing countries (Global South)
• Namibia

Abstract

"The role of public libraries in the Global South as information and communication technology (ICT) access provider has been highlighted among scholars—in terms of its potential to stimulate human capital development of broad populations and overcome the limitations of telecentres with libraries' expertise in managing information, providing tailored services, and interacting with communities. However, major stakeholders in the development field have been largely skeptical about the significance of libraries as ICT public access venues. To resolve the gap, we address the question, ""how are public libraries in the Global South meeting the needs of patrons through the provision of ICT access?"" We analyze and present the case of Namibia regional libraries through a combined approach of examining both patron and library service provider perspectives. We present how the combined approach helps us: (1) understand how the regional libraries are addressing the needs of surrounding communities, and (2) identify and suggest long term strategies to be taken at the organizational level to better serve the needs."

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2019 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/103370

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21900/iconf.2019.103370

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 Moonjung Yim, Michelle Fellows, and Chris Coward

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