The use of information and communication technologies in public libraries in South Africa as tools for bridging the digital divide: the case of the Kempton Park public library

ABSTRACT

The information and knowledge society has resulted in the exponential growth of information and communication technologies (ICTs), thus creating a gap between those who use ICTs and those who do not; hence the emergence of the term “digital divide” in the 1990s. One of the milestones of South Africa’s National Development Plan, a policy that charts the country’s development up until 2030, is to ensure that high-speed broadband internet is universally available at competitive prices. Notwithstanding the importance of ICTs in public libraries, the provision of such is still taking place on a limited scale in South Africa. This article investigates the use of ICTs in public libraries in South Africa as a tool in bridging the digital divide. It also examines the inequalities in access and use and suggests ways in which ICTs may be used to reduce the digital divide. A qualitative research methodology was adopted. In order for public libraries to function as an important tool in bridging the digital divide, there is a need to standardize the provision of public library services with regard to the digital divide.     

创客时代高校图书馆读者创客素养培育探究

[目的/意义]培育读者的创客素养是发展读者核心素养的关键之一,通过提出培育创客素养的有效途径,为在创客时代提升读者创客的创客素养提供借鉴。[方法/过程]基于创客素养教育涵义的分析,对创客素养包含的创客意识、创客道德、创客能力、创客技术和创客精神5个方面内容进行阐述,提出图书馆应通过采取转变思维观念、打造创客环境、渲染创客空间范式、培育不同创客DNA、支持组建创客团队等8种培育创客素养的途径。[结果/结论]图书馆应把握好双创教育的发展态势,正确实行空间再造,积极开展创客活动并实施创客素养教育,真正担当起双创教育的职责,为构建良好的校园创客文化做出贡献。     

Mandatory Student Fees and the Academic Library

As academic libraries' budgets remain flat while their expenditures rise, library leaders must seek out alternative sources of funding. One option is a mandatory student fee dedicated to the library. This article presents the results of a survey of 152 deans and directors of public R1 and R2 research universities that were asked whether their libraries benefit from mandatory student fees. While a library-specific fee is unusual, nearly half of responding libraries are eligible to receive some portion of another mandatory student fee. Study results can serve as evidence for libraries preparing to make a case for the significant, positive impact possible through even a modest library fee.     

Applying a Software Development Product Cycle to Library Technology Adoption and Development

Product cycles have long been used in software development, but libraries can also benefit from a structured product life cycle to help manage technology development and acquisition. This article outlines a proposed product cycle for library technology management with information on implementing each step of the cycle. It will also include information for librarians assessing the success of structured technology management.     

More Than Just a Student Voice: Facilitating Student Leadership Development Through the Library Student Liaison Program

This article explores how the library-student liaison program at Eastern Washington University (EWU) Libraries has evolved into an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills. Originally designed to foster better communication between the EWU Libraries and students enrolled at the university, we recognized that the process of achieving established goals for the program provided a vehicle for students' leadership-skill development. To facilitate the leadership process, librarians employed the Social Change Model. Designed specifically for college students, this model engages the student to develop individual capacities to strengthen group activities that foster positive changes in the community and society.     

高校图书馆社会化服务中用户信用体系研究

[目的/意义]针对我国高校图书馆向校外用户提供借阅服务时收取押金的现象,寻求可覆盖大部分用户的免押金信用借阅体系。[方法/过程]分析高校图书馆所遇信用问题的产生原因,对比国内外高校图书馆面向校外读者的借阅制度。[结果/结论]在信息化社会中,高校图书馆社会化服务中的用户信用体系由用户信用信息体系、用户信用评价体系、用户失信惩罚制度、用户信用教育体系、信用风险转嫁机制等构成。     

拥抱技术的变革:智媒时代对公共图书馆服务重塑的启示

随着信息和人工智能等技术的发展,"智媒时代"正在加速来临,智能化、场景化、共享化成为内容传播的三大趋势,图书馆与用户、内容的关系也将重新连接、深度交互。作为推广"全民阅读"重要阵地的公共图书馆,已经迎来了发展和变革的重要时间节点,以人、馆和资源之间的智能互联为特征,公共图书馆的运营模式、服务转型和空间生态都在发生深刻变化,一切职能转型和服务创新都必须围绕用户的需求和体验进行,进而成为提供智能化、泛在化、人性化服务的——"智慧型"第三文化空间,实现从"书的图书馆"到"人的图书馆"的终极跨越。     

Bringing the Law to the Library: The Importance of Librarian Mediation in Access to Justice Services

Library access to justice programs and services help people who need legal information and who cannot afford an attorney. Librarian mediation is a critical component in the provision of access to justice services. However, the value of library mediation, or assistance with using library resources, is often unrecognized, particularly where members of the public are trying to access electronic legal information sources, online legal forms, and other law technologies. This article will explore the role of librarians in providing access to justice services from the perspective of the work of Richard Susskind, which emphasizes technological approaches to providing legal services. While there is a place for technology in access to justice services, there is also a valuable role that librarians play in contributing to access to justice.     

Managing a Biomedical Library’s Instruction Program: Redefining Scope

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) library instruction program provides training services to staff, clinicians, and researchers across NIH and several Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) operating divisions. The audience, training needs, and training topics are diverse and constantly changing. The NIH library has developed several new services and class topics to meet the needs of its NIH and HHS communities. Context, strategies, and future directions for the NIH library instruction program are described.