Digitalization of library services as a magnifying factor towards improving public library services in Limpopo

Abstract

The digitalisation of library services is concerned with ensuring that almost all systems used to render services are ICT incorporated. This is of utmost importance since we are moving towards the 4th industrial revolution. Public libraries need to upgrade their systems to ensure that the service rendered is digitalised. Failure to digitalise libraries may lead to public libraries being obsolete and library staff may lose their users. The purpose of this study is to examine the digitalisation of library services as a magnifying factor towards improving public library services in Limpopo public libraries. The quantitative research approach was used to conduct this study. The questionnaire was used to collect data from Limpopo public library staff population. Convenience sampling techniques were used to select libraries in all five districts in Limpopo Province, which are Capricorn, Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg and Sekhukhune. The instrument used to collect data from all library staff was a self-administered questionnaire. Eighty-seven questionnaires were distributed, filled, interpreted and analysed. Findings revealed that the library staff have a positive attitude towards digitalisation. The study also found that library staff do have the necessary Information and Communication Technology skills. Most libraries lack ICT systems and operate under financial constraints. The study recommends that training should be implemented more than once a year in public libraries and that it should be relevant towards the library staff needs. The government should also finance libraries for promotional and maintenance of ICT systems to ensure that a positive attitude is held up high by the library staff.