South African Library Research Articles

We May Be Visually or Hearing Impaired, but We Need Access to Visual and Auditory Information

This study explored access to information by visually and hearing-impaired patrons at the selected public libraries in Drakenstein Municipality: Paarl, Drakenstein, and Groenheuwel. The three Drakenstein Municipality public libraries were selected because they collaborate with the South African Library for the Blind (SALB) mini-library project to provide information services for the visually and hearing-impaired patrons. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling within targeted public libraries and Drakenstein communities, respectively. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with visually and hearing-impaired patrons, SALB project coordinators, sign language interpreters, library assistants, and librarians responsible for providing service to visually and hearing-impaired patrons. Document analysis and observation were also used to supplement the data collected through interviews. The data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The study revealed that none of the three libraries had a specific policy or set of guidelines in place to meet the information needs of visually- and hearing-impaired patrons. Furthermore, the study established that the visually impaired have limited access to braille resources and audiobook collections. It is recommended that the three libraries develop a policy addressing information access issues for visually and hearing-impaired patrons.

A framework for the incorporation of digital scholarship contents in South African Library and Information Science Schools

Education curricula need constant updates in response to job market requirements, which may be influenced by the changing technological environment. In the library and information science (LIS) job market there are dynamics brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). These dynamics call for LIS schools to reconsider their curricula in line with the job market. The job markets expect the education system to reflect their demands, as they are the primary clients. This study explored the education and training of LIS professionals on digital scholarship in line with the LIS curriculum in higher education institutions of South Africa. This was to enable the development of a framework for incorporating digital scholarship into the LIS curriculum. Wolf’s (2007) curriculum development model and an aspect of the customer satisfaction model (Zeithaml et al., 1993) informed the study. The models assisted in producing a framework that can be used to incorporate digital scholarship content into the LIS curriculum in South Africa. The framework suggests that when developing digital scholarship, consultation with relevant stakeholders both internal and external should be considered. Relevant infrastructure and resources should also be in place when developing a digital scholarship curriculum. The relevant infrastructure should include the 4IR-driven infrastructure such as smart sensors, three-dimension (3D) modeling, and cybersecurity tools, among others. Relevant documentation such as resources in the form of policies, course outlines, and other curriculum-related documents should also be consulted. This model, if adopted, could assist LIS schools in developing a curriculum that is driven by digital scholarship, leading to the production of LIS graduates that meet the requirements of the current LIS job market.

Incorporating digital scholarship content in South African library and information science schools

PurposeThe library and information science (LIS) profession experienced drastic changes in its job requirements due to emerging digital scholarship trends, especially the growth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As a result, there is a discrepancy between the job market and the LIS curriculum. This study addresses this gap by looking into incorporating digital scholarship into the LIS school curricula in South Africa. This may have implications for other contexts as well, because digital scholarship is becoming pervasive.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a constructivist paradigm using a qualitative approach and a multiple case study design. Primary data using semi-structured interviews were collected from 10 academics at LIS schools and 10 librarians from both academic and special research council libraries in South Africa.FindingsThe study revealed that LIS schools did not have content on digital scholarship such as research data management (RDM), digitisation, metadata standards, open access, institutional repositories and other related content. Stakeholders who needed to be consulted included librarians, information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT) specialists, computer scientists, humanists, the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and LIS professional bodies. There were gaps and redundancies in the curriculum as far as digital scholarship was concerned. Digital scholarship presented opportunities for librarians and academics to acquire emerging jobs and to collaborate more in the digital space.Originality/valueThe article advances knowledge on the importance of incorporating digital scholarship in the LIS curriculum in South Africa. Furthermore, it provides guidance regarding stakeholders to be consulted when incorporating content into the LIS curriculum with the intention of closing the gaps and curbing or removing discrepancies between job requirements and graduates’ skills and competencies.

Strategies and Challenges of Converted Academic Library Spaces to Research Commons: A Case of Selected South African Libraries

This paper sought to obtain a deeper understanding of the conversion strategies adopted by the selected South African university libraries and the subsequent challenges experienced thereof. This paper presents a case study for which data were collected through a qualitative-quantitative approach from the three public university libraries in the Gauteng province of South Africa, which had converted their spaces into the research commons (RC). The study sample consisted of the RC manager/librarian from each of the three libraries. The qualitative part of the study employed face-to-face interviews, non-participatory observation and information from websites. The quantitative approach used a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Current library literature on RC does not encompass a holistic approach regarding how the conversion was planned and the challenges thereof. The study findings and recommendations include the formation of a research library consortium (RLC), ongoing user and space assessment to adjust services and resources to suit changing technologies, postgraduate needs and learning styles. Challenges included model misconception by librarians; planning and change management deficiencies; homogeneous staffing models; and budgetary constraints. The study recommends that essential conditions of the cultural commons (CC) be incorporated as the foundational RC conversion process to create a pool of collaboratively endorsed resources to enhance the mission of their parent institutions. The study also recommends that conversion should occur within a planned and collaborative framework to avoid the “tragedy of the commons” implementation and to preserve benefits derived for future sustainability.

A survey of transformational leadership traits for South African academic libraries in Gauteng province, South Africa

PurposeThe purpose of the paper was to survey transformational leadership traits in three academic libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa. The three academic libraries were chosen based on the fact that two of the universities were residential research-intensive universities and the third was an academic library of a distance learning university.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach with a survey design in three academic libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa in which a close-ended questionnaire yielded quantitative data. The study included 29 academic staff from the rank of assistant librarian to the director from the three academic libraries, as these are the personnel in leadership positions. To code and analyse, quantitative data from a Likert scale, SPSS version 25 was used. Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the instrument's reliability on the five constructs used in this study to determine readiness to adopt a transformational leadership style. The overall level of internal consistency exceeded the theoretical minimum of 70 percent. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normality of the data and the p values were greater than 0.05 (p > 0.05). Tables have been used to present descriptive and inferential statistics based on data.FindingsParticipants expressed favourable opinions about academic libraries' ability to learn from the best practices of others in the profession, with mean scores greater than 3.5 on a 5.0 scale. Participants' perceptions of transformative versus traditional management styles yielded a moderate mean score of 3.0, with moderate mean scores ranging from 2.8 to 3.3. The average score for talent identification and succession planning in academic libraries was 3.5. Perceptions of leadership responsibilities had a mean score of 4.1, with attributes on leadership responsibilities scoring at least 3.5. Perceptions of problems for the next generation of leaders in academic libraries were moderate, with a mean score of 3.2 on a scale of 5.0.Research limitations/implicationsOnly three of the seven public university libraries in the Gauteng province in South Africa were surveyed in this study. The sample size was reasonably small for generalizations beyond the South African Gauteng province academic libraries. However, it was felt useful for this particular case. A survey of all 26 South African public universities is required to assess transformational leadership traits in academic libraries.Practical implicationsNext-generation leaders in South African academic libraries are perceived as not being aggressive in terms of team building, coaching and motivating others.Social implicationsIn the wake of COVID-19, new leadership traits such as scenario planning are needed for academic libraries.Originality/valueLeadership studies abound in the library and information studies (LIS) profession and they are not new. However, research on transformational leadership in South African libraries is still in its early stages. As a result, this study fills a gap in the literature on transformative leadership in academic libraries in South Africa.

Birds of a feather: partnerships towards community engagement in South African academic libraries

This paper adopted a qualitative research approach to assess the formation of partnerships towards community engagement (CE) in South African public university libraries. Online interviews with Library Heads and Community Participants as well as focus group discussions with Librarians were the two data collection methods used. Data were collected, analysed and interpreted thematically using ATLAS.ti. Findings revealed that in conducting CE, South African libraries foster several internal and external partnerships. These partnerships help the libraries to bridge the gap between the university libraries and the external communities as well as to strengthen bonds between the libraries and internal communities. Barries to partnerships include lack of commitment, non-sustainability of some partnerships, differences in organisational culture and internal processes, and poor or lack of communication. Strengths include sharing responsibility and resources, and an opportunity to create long-lasting bonds based on mutual benefits and trust. None of the academic libraries have an explicitly stated exclusion criteria for partners which may expose them to the danger of partnering with unscrupulous organisations and individuals. Therefore, it is recommended that, in forming partnerships, academic libraries should develop clear guidelines on the type of organisations and individuals to collaborate with to protect themselves from the possibility of partnering with unscrupulous organisations. Therefore, all academic library partnerships must be based on shared vision and values.

Adoption of transformational leadership qualities for South African academic libraries in Gauteng Province

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the adoption of transformational leadership qualities in South African libraries in Gauteng Province.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a qualitative approach with open-ended questions that yielded some qualitative data. For the study, a multi-case study design was used. The study specifically targeted participants by identifying three directors of academic libraries in Gauteng. The criteria for selecting the three directors were that two of the universities are residential research-intensive universities, and the third is an academic library of a distance learning university. Atlas.ti8 was used to analyse the data, which was then presented using thematic content analysis.FindingsThematic areas for leaders of the 21st century, as mentioned by the directors, were a mixed bag. That empowerment was suggested by the first academic director. The appropriate leadership qualities were fiduciary, analytical, pragmatic, transformative and visionary. The second academic director proposed consultative, innovative and adaptable approaches, while the third proposed collaborative, ethical and adaptive approaches.Practical implicationsTransformative leadership is required, particularly in the aftermath of technological advances and pandemics such as COVID-19, which have altered the way academic libraries should operate.Originality/valueMany studies on transformative leadership have been conducted. However, in the aftermath of technological advancements and pandemics such as COVID-19, the role of transformative leadership remained untested. This study fills the void.

South African Library and Information Science (LIS) Students’ Perceptions, Motivations and Reasons for Enrolling in the LIS Program

Abstract Library and Information Science (LIS) has gone through many changes over the past two decades. These changes have had an impact on the youth who want to study LIS. Lack of knowledge about LIS and its career opportunities makes it difficult for young people to consider studying towards a LIS qualification. Literature reveals that most LIS students end up in the program accidentally and without knowledge of the content. This study investigated students’ perceptions regarding LIS, the reasons for enrolling, and motivating factors that make students study LIS. The study was informed by the Circumscription and Compromise theory. To answer the research questions, a survey was conducted in three LIS schools in South Africa. A questionnaire was sent to first and final year students, and 165 responded. The findings indicate that before they enrolled, many students had a slight idea of what LIS programs were and prepared them to be. The students’ decision to study LIS was mainly influenced by information brochures, followed by relatives, teachers, friends, and parents. Most of the students decided to study LIS when they were already accepted to enroll at university but did not choose LIS as their first-choice program of study. The availability of job opportunities and a stable LIS work environment are the main factors that motivated students to continue to study LIS. Students also indicated that they were satisfied with LIS and would recommend it to others to study. The study concludes that LIS is a compromise field of study because students did not initially want to study it. Interestingly, after enrolment, they became satisfied and motivated to continue with the program. Public awareness campaigns, especially in high schools, are encouraged to sensitize people about LIS.

The Position of South African Children's and Youth Literature in Librarian Training in South Africa

A survey of 16 South African library schools was undertaken to identify children's literature courses. Eighteen courses were found at eight institutions. The lecturers responsible were then interviewed - giving details of course content, resources available and their perceptions of their challenges. The courses are clearly under threat and very little emphasis is placed on South African literature. The intervention of the Library and Information Association of South Africa and library organisations is called for.

Library Practice for Young Learners (LYPL)

The LPYL project focused on human resource development and was designed to explore some of the untested innovations in the South African draft Policy Framework for School Library Standards (South Africa, 1998) among a sample of school librarians in all of South Africa’s nine provinces. The project was also designed to provide mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise between Swedish and South African library personnel. Ideas from a conference in 1995 and the planning of the South African Policy Framework for School Library Standards formed the important bases for the strategic direction of the project. The two phases involved South Africa’s national and provincial education departments and two South African and one Swedish non-governmental organisations.

Regulatory Frameworks Impacting on the South African Public Libraries Internet Access

ABSTRACT Legislation governing public libraries as well as internet access exists in many countries across the globe. Key to the existence of legislation is the assurance that information services and access are developed within the set regulatory framework. Since the existence of public libraries especially in South Africa is highly regulated, it becomes imperative for Library and Information Services (LIS) practitioners to be conversant with regulations governing the sector. This paper reports on a study that was undertaken to examine legislation and support mechanisms that promote equitable information access in South African public libraries. Internet access was part of the study as it forms the basis toward bridging the digital divide. The study was necessitated by the view that puts access to information as a right which is guaranteed by Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights, enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of). As a result, public libraries serve as the platform on which information is disseminated and accessible to communities. The paper was guided by research questions on; the extent of public libraries development in South Africa; regulations impacting on public libraries and awareness of regulation governing internet access to public libraries. The study employed a survey design in which a questionnaire was used to collect data from sampled 322 respondents while interviews were used to collect data from nine participants.

Embracing New Trends in Scholarly Communication: From Competency Requirements in the Workplace to LIS Curriculum Presence

INTRODUCTION Scholarly communication has undergone dramatic change in the digital era as a result of rapidly evolving digital technology. It is within this context of evolving scholarly communication that this paper reports on an inquiry into (1) the extent to which university libraries in South Africa are actively embracing new and emerging trends in scholarly communication; and (2), the extent to which LIS school curricula in South Africa are responding to new and emerging scholarly communication competencies required in university libraries. METHODS This qualitative study, located within an interpretivist epistemological worldview, was informed by the Operational Elements of Scientific Communication aspect of Khosrowjerdi’s (2011) Viable Scientific Communication Model. Data was collected using summative content analysis of university library job advertisements over a four-year period; South African university libraries’ organizational organograms; and course descriptions available on the websites of South Africa’s LIS schools. RESULTS & DISCUSSION A review of job advertisements and organograms shows that on the whole university libraries in South Africa are embracing the new and emerging trends in scholarly communication, but some university libraries are performing better than others in adopting emerging scholarly communication services such as RDM, digital humanities, or research landscape analysis. Course description analysis provides evidence that LIS schools’ curricula, as per global trend reported in the literature, do not seem to be keeping pace with developments in scholarly communication. CONCLUSION The ambivalent nature of an evolving scholarly communications field with unclear definitions and boundaries necessitates professional practitioners who are adaptable and open to change as well as an LIS education curriculum that is in constant review to seamlessly embrace an evolving field propelled by advancing digital technologies.

Recognition of prior learning as an access tool

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of recognition of prior learning (RPL) as an alternative tool for access into learning programmes in South African Library and Information Science (LIS) schools. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted quantitative methods, and utilised questionnaires and document analysis to collect data. Findings The study found that despite an institutional “will” among the LIS schools to open up access to learners who come from diverse backgrounds; there are still aspects that inhibit the use of RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training. Research limitations/implications In-depth interviews were not conducted to ascertain the veracity of the findings. Practical implications This study was valuable for institutions, policy makers, government and other stakeholders to assess the impact of RPL implementation in higher education and training. Originality/value Despite there been very little published concerning RPL implementation in higher education and training, use of RPL, as an alternative route to access into higher education and training is generally low. The paper seeks to highlight and promote RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training especially for non-matriculants from diverse backgrounds.

Strategic library and information services models for the visually impaired persons: The South African Library for the Blind perspective

The South African Library for the Blind (SALB) contributes to the quality of life of print-impaired people encouraging independence through access to information, informed decision making, and taking pleasure in the enjoyment of recreational reading. In realizing the vision, SALB implemented two strategic models; agent mini-libraries and comprehensive mini-libraries. Management and administration of the services rendered is covered in detail. The project was pioneered in one of the provinces and has been rolled out to other provinces. The paper highlights how visually impaired people experience in a tangible manner, assistive technologies, training and interaction with community members and use libraries.

Compliance with legislative framework in implementing recognition of prior learning (RPL) by South African library and information science (LIS) schools

Compliance with legislative framework in implementing recognition of prior learning (RPL) by South African library and information science (LIS) schools

The evolving role of public libraries in South Africa in addressing information poverty

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the historical development of libraries in South Africa against a backdrop of poverty and social inequality. In particular, this paper illustrates how the development of libraries in South Africa both reflected and influenced information poverty and has as its goal to increase awareness of the role of libraries in the alleviation of information poverty.Design/methodology/approachThe information in this paper is based on doctoral research completed by the author who investigated the role of libraries in the alleviation of information poverty in South Africa. The methodology for the research included two case studies, interviews, examination of library records, and observation. An extensive review of the professional literature and recorded histories provided imperative context for that research and this paper.FindingsFindings indicate that libraries can play an important role in the alleviation of information poverty in South Africa. Libraries are underutilized in this role and in order to increase their capacity in addressing information poverty, one should consider the historical circumstances behind the dispossession of library services. Understanding the development of libraries in South Africa and sociopolitical ramifications of this development can encourage and inform greater participation of libraries in the alleviation of information poverty in the future.Originality/valueThis paper compiles the work and findings of previous studies on the history of South African libraries. The information provided here offers an accessible and efficient history of libraries in South Africa. In so doing, it provides context that is invaluable to the understanding of how the development of libraries throughout time can have sociopolitical effects on the people and their circumstances. The paper also encourages increased understanding of the value and purpose of libraries in combating information poverty in South Africa.

Developing an e-Strategy for the South African Astronomical Observatory Library and Information Service: A case study

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Library and Information Service (LIS) forms part of the SAAO - which is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. Until recently each business unit had a library service that operated independently. With the formation of the NRF Knowledge Center (KC) this is set to change. Previously it was possible for a library service to conduct its processes and procedures in isolation as long as the LIS aligned with the business unit. This paper covers the study that investigated the needs and possible guidelines for an e-Strategy for the SAAO LIS that is both aligned to the broader NRF strategy but which also incorporates recommendations to upgrade the library products and services offering. The pool of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) -based products and services is growing. ‘Upgrading’ therefore requires that it is acknowledged that ICT provides essential infrastructure for the relevant the library. Library focused trends show continuous development. Bringing the SAAO LIS up to standard will require that these developments are continuously monitored for relevance and incorporation. This paper provides information about the SAAO LIS and its history. Both ‘SWOT’ and ‘PESTEL’ analyses were used to direct the discussion on the internal and external influences on the SAAO LIS. The analyses also provided insight into the challenges the SAAO LIS faces, the strengths that could be capitalized and the opportunities that could be exploited. The paper recommends that the SAAO LIS, before engaging in a strategic change, addresses the challenges of sustainable funding and accessibility to core resources. It is also recommends that the SAAO LIS uses its e-Strategy to ‘fast track’ the process of bringing it up to the standard required of world-class astronomy libraries.

SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY SERVICES: A STATUS REPORT

Parliamentary libraries can play a significant role in the information behaviour of parliamentarians. With the exception of the Library of National Parliament, also known as the Library and Information Unit, in Cape Town, South Africa, the other nine South African parliamentary libraries are relatively new institutions that mostly resulted from the democratic processes that took place in the country in 1994. The Library of National Parliament services the National Assembly, while the other nine parliamentary libraries service the provincial legislatures. Initial status reports compiled in 2004 and 2007 indicated limited and very traditional services and sources in many of the parliamentary libraries. Five years later, an attempt was made to establish if improvements and innovations had been implemented in the parliamentary libraries to serve parliamentarians optimally. A quantitative survey was carried out among all ten parliamentary libraries using a questionnaire. The major findings were that although most of the libraries were offering the same kind of services, very few innovative services had been introduced. A steady increase in online journals, newspapers and databases was observed, thereby indicating a shift towards incorporating digital content and making information available online. A few of the libraries had introduced technology to their services by way of a library portal, Facebook presence, or by using a library blog. Recommendations include: establishing a consortium among the parliamentary libraries to enable information sharing; extending services to a wider clientele; and establishing a platform through the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) where issues and challenges can be discussed.

Libraries and a “Better Life for All”: The Politics, Processes, and Promises of the South African LIS Transformation Charter

The rhetoric of public librarianship includes many ringing claims for the role of libraries in democracy; and, on the twenty-first anniversary of democracy in South Africa, it is an opportune moment to examine the rather confusing fortunes of libraries since 1994. The library and information services (LIS) profession portrays libraries as agents of development and social transformation; yet, since 2009, more than twenty South African libraries have been destroyed in social protests. This paper reports on the work of the authors of the LIS Transformation Charter , which after a start-stop-start process of two phases over six years was delivered to the government in 2014. The paper analyzes the political and professional forces that influenced the charter-writing processes. The two fundamental arguments of the charter are that access to information, and thus to libraries, is a fundamental justiciable human right, both as a so-called freedom right and as an instrument of other economic, social, and cultural rights; and that transformation will depend on “ecosystems” thinking whereby the various subsectors collaborate to ensure seamless services and the equity of provision. The paper argues that the final LIS Transformation Charter maps a path for a transformed and integrated library system that has meaning for all sectors of South African society.

Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy

Since the establishment of the first public library in 1818, the South African library and information services landscape has also been a reflection of the socio-political order and developments in the country. This article presents an historical perspective as well as an overview of libraries in South Africa since 1994, the context within which libraries function, library governance and legislative framework, government funding for redress, library technologies, library and information services education and the professional association. The article further highlights the importance of libraries in meeting the goals of the national development agenda towards entrenching a strong democracy and an educated and informed nation.