Public libraries: pathways to making Botswana an educated, informed nation

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to discuss how implementing a public access to ICT project, Sesigo, at Botswana public libraries can help contribute to the achievement of the national goal of an informed, educated nation by 2016. It further shares ICT training experiences, achievements and challenges as the project evolves. Design/methodology/approach -The paper combines results from two sources of information, contracted studies (needs assessment, baseline and impact studies) as well as Sesigo project implementation data captured at public libraries. Analysis of this data forms the basis for the paper as it outlines the project's experiences and progress made in ICT training at Botswana public libraries. Findings -Deploying technology in Botswana's public libraries is changing people's perceptions about libraries especially their perceived value; that they are not just for students. It is becoming clear that even people with low literacy levels are able to learn and be proficient in using technology. Training librarians on ICTs has a ripple effect since they then train and/or assist users on ICTs, who are then able to search for information autonomously. Originality/value -This paper is amongst the first formal documentation of the Sesigo project. It shows the potential impact that public libraries equipped with ICTs can have on the overall desire to provide equitable access to ICT's. It also shows libraries as the natural platform for accessing e-government information, and thus should be supported by governments to provide access to those who would otherwise not afford it.

The Impact of Public Access Venue Information and Communication Technologies in Botswana Public Libraries

“…The literature on Botswana mentioned poverty (Hillborn, 2012) and lack of ICT facilities (Lekoko & Morolong, 2007;Maswabi et al, 2011;Totolo, 2014). However, the availability of ICTs is slowly changing the social, economic, and educational fabric of the Botswana society, with access to technology.…”

“…Overall it can be concluded that the ICTs were introduced amidst digital divide challenges (Oladokun & Aina, 2011), an almost dysfunctional library system (Maswabi et al, 2011;Mutshewa et al, 2010), and a reported poverty status (Hillborn, 2012), yet positive impacts were achieved. Heeks, Gao, and Ospina (2010) introduced what they called the "ICT4D Value Chain" which challenges the socio-economic and political stability of ICTs in a nation.…”

“…Many years later, libraries in Africa and Botswana in particular, had still not improved significantly. In a country report compiled by Isaak (2000), and studies conducted by Mutshewa et al, (2010), and Maswabi et al (2011), it was discovered that some of the library service problems in Botswana include a shortage of qualified staff, limited physical space, shortage of materials, and limited facilities for using information technology.…”

“…However, based on the literature on Sub Saharan Africa, Botswana has not removed all the hurdles that hamper access to ICTs (Maswabi, Sethate, Sebusang, & Taolo, 2011;Oladokun and Aina, 2011;Totolo, 2014 (Bose, 2004;Oladokun & Aina, 2011;Totolo, 2014). Most of the barriers to ICT access and use in Africa are intertwined with the socio-economic situation related to poverty and lack of education (Hillborn, 2012;Rice, 2003) which invariably lead to policy failure.…”

“…The literature on the library system in Africa and Botswana before the advent of ICTs showed that the libraries were underutilized and under resourced (Isaak, 2000;Maswabi et. al., 2011;Mutshewa et.al.…”