Exploring the impact of management of public libraries towards community development in Ga-Molepo, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Recent transformation in the new democratic South Africa has impacted negatively on the management of public libraries. Before 1994, public library services was the responsibility of the municipality. After 1994, the Provincial government was compelled to render the services. Most of the public libraries are still funded by their municipalities as unfunded mandate. The uncertainty about a clear definition of the relationship between municipalities and provincial library service impacts negatively on the management of public libraries in Limpopo Province. The study intended to investigate the impact of the management of public library towards community development in Molepo. The dynamic nature of the functions of management namely planning, organising, delegating, marketing, policy making and implementation were discussed in full to show the importance of leadership in the public library arena. In order to achieve intended objectives of the study, the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The researcher collected qualitative data through semi structured interviews while quantitative data was collected through questionnaires. Target population was librarians working in Molepo library and members of school management teams. The sample of the study comprised of fifty school management team and ten librarians. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the researcher has employed both random and stratified sampling to collect data from 60 participants. According to the findings, most of the people believed that the management should be transformed and innovate so as to achieve the intended objectives of the public library at Ga Molepo. Based on the findings, it is clear that the success of public library management towards community development in Ga Molepo depends solely on a visionary leader who has participatory and consultative style of leadership. In order to achieve the above process, all stakeholders should be consulted and involved towards the management of the public library. The study further recommended that the library management needs to adopt the latest business management strategies