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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2002

Buhle Mbambo and Johannes C. Cronjé

The Internet has been called the technology of the century because it is expected to reduce the development gap between developing countries and developed ones. This article…

1169

Abstract

The Internet has been called the technology of the century because it is expected to reduce the development gap between developing countries and developed ones. This article examines the validity of that assertion. The researcher examines Internet use at two levels. The first level is the macrolevel of issues of Internet connectivity in developing countries and the second level is the microlevel of the usability of the World Wide Web (WWW) for information management in a developing country, Botswana. The two research methodologies of content analysis and case study were used for this study. The findings of this study are that entrepreneurs found a Website easy to use, but while there is a need for macropolicy to create national and global environments for using the Internet sustainable connection should not be universal, but should rather be based on the information management needs of a target population. Inherent infrastructural and socio‐technical challenges should then be tackled as part of the effort to create a sustainable Internet usage.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 54 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2020

Buhle Mbambo-Thata

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…

1960

Abstract

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.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2010

Buhle Mbambo‐Thata

The 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…

1930

Abstract

Purpose

The 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/approach

The 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.

Findings

The 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/implications

The paper is limited to the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library. Applications in different settings may yield different results.

Practical implications

The findings could be used as lessons learned by other libraries wanting to introduce mobile phone services.

Originality/value

This is an original paper, not previously published providing useful information on the impact of new technology on library internal operations.

Details

Library Management, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

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