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

Authors

  • Angelina Totolo University of Botswana
  • Jaco Renken University of Manchester
  • Araba Sey University of Wanshington

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18438/B8NP5F

Abstract

Abstract

Objective – A study on the impact of Public Access Venue (PAV) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) was conducted in Botswana libraries with Internet connections. The main objective was to determine the impact of ICTs in public libraries.
Methods –Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups.
Methods –Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups.

Results – The results of the study show that PAV ICTs had a positive impact on users in the areas of education and economic benefits. Within educational and economic impacts, social benefits were also found, pertaining to the use of social media and the Internet for formal and informal communication. The study also revealed a slight difference between school going users and non-school going elderly users where the use and acquisition of computer skills was concerned. Elderly non-school going users tended to rely on venue staff for skills more than the younger school going users.

Conclusion – The study recommends that PAV facilities should be improved in terms of skills offered and resources availed so as to appeal to both the younger school going generation and the older non-school going users. It is also recommended that education on ICT be improved to help curb rising unemployment in Botswana; such skills would enhance the income generation skills of the unemployed users as well as school leavers.

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Author Biographies

Angelina Totolo, University of Botswana

Senior Lecturer, Department of Library and Information Studies Faculty of Humanities

Jaco Renken, University of Manchester

Lecturer, Management and Information Systems Centre for Development Informatics

Araba Sey, University of Wanshington

Research Assistant Professor Technology and Social Change Group

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Published

2015-09-06

How to Cite

Totolo, A., Renken, J., & Sey, A. (2015). The Impact of Public Access Venue Information and Communication Technologies in Botswana Public Libraries. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 10(3), 64–84. https://doi.org/10.18438/B8NP5F

Issue

Section

Research Articles