An assessment of the technology readiness of public librarians in Botswana

Abstract

Purpose -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/approach -Convenience 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.Findings -The 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/implications -These 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/value -This is the first study conducted in Botswana to assess the public librarians' readiness to adopt new technologies.

Librarians’ views of the readiness of university libraries in Indonesia to adopt virtual and augmented reality

“…The findings also provide new insight into the use of ORIC, IRFC and TRI in libraries' adoption of new technology. First, the significant influence of librarians' readiness to adopt VR/AR in university libraries in Indonesia aligns with the assertions of Shonhe (2019) and Mahendrati and Mangundjaya (2020) that individual readiness to change influences new technology adoption. Also in line with Mahendrati and Mangundjaya (2020), this research highlights the significant influence of IRFC (Rafferty et al, 2013) on TRI (Parasuraman and Colby, 2015), which can be used to measure librarian readiness to adopt new technology.…”

“…Librarian readiness and librarians' roles and skills constantly evolve to suit social needs and technological developments (Shonhe, 2019). Individual readiness for change (IRFC) measures the cognitive and affective aspects.…”

Internet of things in libraries and focus on its adoption in developing countries

“…Technological readiness defined as the tendency of organizational members to accept or reject new technologies for achieving set goals (Parasuraman, 2000) is another organizational factor that influences the adoption of IoT (BayoOlushola, 2019). Shonhe (2012) noted in a review study that public librarians in Botswana are ready to adopt new technologies. Contrary to the aforementioned, Tiemo and Edewor (2011) empirically revealed that academic libraries in Delta State, Nigeria, are yet to fully embrace emerging technology for innovative service delivery.…”

A feasibility study on importance of using Big data Analysis in implementing E-Government services

“…The results showed that increasing the level of dynamism in recognizing technological management styles and big data analysis in line with the dynamic capabilities of companies can help to develop and effectiveness of decision-making level and cause the level of quality services to be developed. Shonhe et al [5] is focused on information technology participation. The analysis method in their study was basic data analysis based on three stages of open coding, selective coding and axial coding.…”