Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the National University of Lesotho Library’s shift to supporting of contact teaching to e-learning because of COVID-19. The university library increased access to digital content and broadened digital services.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study is based on reflective practice methodology in which practitioners learn from their practice, reflect and adapt to change as they improve on their practice. The library team members were reflective participants in the transformation of library services from on-site to digital services. The main research questions are “How did the digital libraries meet the needs of the digital community?” and “What will be the new normal after COVID-19 experience in digital libraries and their communities?” The literature review juxtaposes reports on transformation of library services to digital services.
Findings
The library transformed from on-site to digital services library. It also reports on observed increase in databases usage during lockdown.
Research limitations/implications
The nature of a case study is limited by time and geography.
Practical implications
This paper has implications and possible applications for other university libraries in African countries that are resources constrained such as Lesotho.
Originality/value
This paper makes a valuable contribution to lessons on how African universities’ libraries respond to pandemics such as COVID-19. It speaks to the need to strengthen existing infrastructure and digital content, while ensuring the library staff and the university community adapts to the new normal.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss issues surrounding implementation of technology in libraries. The paper aims to focus on the process of implementing mobile phone services at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library, and how the introduction impacted on internal operations. It is based on a survey of staff concerning the impact of the first six months of the service implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a limited survey conducted within the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library. It discusses the impact and potential on staff within the library and the service processes. The study provides information for management decisions if there should be changes in the operations. It outlines lessons learned. It further stresses the need to monitor and evaluate processes of introducing new technology in libraries.FindingsThe paper indicates that the introduction of new services should not be simply an add‐on‐ service, but should also be followed by monitoring and evaluation of impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library. Applications in different settings may yield different results.Practical implicationsThe findings could be used as lessons learned by other libraries wanting to introduce mobile phone services.Originality/valueThis is an original paper, not previously published providing useful information on the impact of new technology on library internal operations.
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