Utilization of information and communication technologies in public libraries at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in public libraries at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM). In line with the principles of Batho Pele (People First), libraries in Ekurhuleni started adopting ICTs such as computers and their Internet-based facilities, photocopiers, printers, laminators, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs and faxes in order to improve their services to users. Despite the adoption of ICTs, there is neither a record nor existence of strong evidence on the extent to which these facilities are used. The study targeted all public libraries in Ekurhuleni and, within the libraries themselves, library users were surveyed (using questionnaires). The major findings suggest that, although ICTs in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) libraries are well utilized, poor ICT facilities, access time limit, an insufficient number of ICT facilities in these libraries and restrictive library policies made it difficult for users to maximize the full benefits offered by ICT applications. The study revealed that the lack of ICT knowledge and skills, among other things, have the potential to discourage people from maximizing the full benefits offered by ICT in public libraries, hence the need for user ICT training in public libraries. The public libraries in Ekurhuleni should address these problems in order to provide services in a manner that meets and sometimes exceed the public’s expectations in line with Batho Pele principles. This article contributes to the understanding of the use, access and perception of ICTs in public libraries in the Ekurhuleni Municipality of South Africa. It also contributes knowledge to the library and information services profession on the value of ICTs in public libraries.

The use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa

“…The findings indicate that most of the users became aware of the electronic learning services centres through personal discovery, library staff and other electronic learning centre users and through social media tools. Mamafha (2013, p. 105) also conducted a study in the use of ICTs at Ekurhuleni municipal libraries, in which users were made aware by the staff members on electronic learning services when seeking help, particularly first-time users of ICTs who rely on staff for guidance.…”

“…Three (8%) library handouts are used for awareness of electronic learning centres and three (8%) for flyers. According to, Mamafha (2013, p. 38), libraries attract a lot of users, and the board planned to expand the service both at libraries in the network to meet the ever-increasing user needs, as the people become more aware of the power of Facebook as a source of information and knowledge. The findings indicate that Facebook and notice boards are the most used to create awareness of electronic learning centres.…”

Availability and use of assistive technologies at selected South African public libraries

“…In the case of the Global South, South Africa has developed numerous policies and legislations that advocate for speedy and effective implementation and use of ATs at public libraries with a view to ensuring equalisation of access by all to library services. These include the Library and Information Services (LIS) Transformation Charter, National Policy for Libraries and Information Services in South Africa, South African Public Library and Information Services Bill 2012, as well as Batho Pele (People First) White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery, which focuses on giving improved customer service to users of government service’s (Department of Arts and Culture 2018 ; Department of Social Development n.d ; Gauteng Provincial Government n.d ; Mamafha, Ngulube & Ndwandwe 2016 ; National Library of South Africa [NLSA] 2018 ). Developments in these principles, policies and legislations were influenced by the government’s realisation that ATs have the potential to provide hope in overcoming access barriers which PwVI have been subjected to for several decades (Mamafha et al 2016 ).…”

“…Given this proclamation, it was necessary to establish whether targeted libraries had relevant devices and services for PwVI. Among the services rendered by these libraries include, but are not limited to, lending, reference, interlibrary loan, computer and internet-based services, fax, printing and photocopy, scanning, lamination and wireless network (Joburg 2018 ; Mamafha et al 2016 ). Public libraries in the two cities have transformed into centres of learning, allowing the public to have access to a range of information sources such as online magazines, audio material and electronic books (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality [EMM] n.d. ; Joburg 2018 ).…”

“…Public libraries in the two cities have transformed into centres of learning, allowing the public to have access to a range of information sources such as online magazines, audio material and electronic books (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality [EMM] n.d. ; Joburg 2018 ). Furthermore, e-learning classrooms equipped with computers, giving users access to online courses such as coding, as well as access to e-resources including online academic sites, online newspapers and articles, are also available in some libraries (Joburg 2018 ; Mamafha et al 2016 ). Despite these positive developments at libraries in these cities, questions abound about whether these advancements extend to the availability of special access devices for PwVI against decades of global service inaccessibility for persons with disabilities.…”