The role of public libraries in enhancing adult education: experience from tanzania library service board

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the role of public libraries in enhancing adult education in Tanzania with particular reference to TLSB. Specifically, the study looked at the information services offered to adult learners, the availability of special areas for adult learners, the skills possessed by library staff serving adult learners, the challenges faced by library staff offering services to Adult Learners, and measures for improving Library Services for Adult learners. The study adopted a case design whereby Tanzania Library Board Services was used as a case. The study population included all TLSB stakeholders, including library users, staff, and the TLSB director. The sample size of this study comprised of 36 library staff. Respondents were purposively selected for inclusion in this study. Questionnaires were the data collection method employed to gather data from library staff and were analyzed descriptively, and results were presented in Tables, Figures and Charts. Information services offered to adult learners were identified, and thus, TLSB has a special area for adult learners was also revealed. The study also established that TLSB has staff with specialized skills serving adult learners. Challenges faced by library staff offering services to adult learners and the measures for improving library services for adult learners were also revealed in this study. The study concludes that providing library services has to go with the availability of other factors, such as adequate materials, reading space, and staff with the skills to assist adult learners. The study recommends addressing the identified challenges for adequate information services provision to adult learners, and the identified measures should be considered.