The role of public libraries in promoting corporate social responsibility by small and medium enterprises

Abstract

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been significantly drawing global attention for the past decade. The solving of social, political and economic problems now fully requires the involvement of both the public and private sectors, particularly in the context of developing countries. In Zimbabwe, CSR has mainly been the responsibility of large firms, NGOs and the government. Little has been done to encourage SMEs to take initiative and responsibility on CSR matters, although these SMEs constitute about ninety percent of all economic activities in Zimbabwe. For CSR to be implemented, there is need for access to information. Public libraries are one of the major focal points in the provision of information. These public libraries have vast potential to support CSR initiatives and are capable of partnering with various organisations from different sectors as well. However, when it comes to visibility on CSR, public libraries in Zimbabwe and in other developing countries are almost non-existent. The aim of this study was to investigate the role that public libraries play in promoting CSR to SMEs in Zimbabwe as a means of contributing in shaping policies which ensure that public libraries are more relevant in society through their support of, as well as their involvement in sustainable developmental issues. In order to attain this, the study adopted the interpretive paradigm and the qualitative approach. In addition, the case study design was used, allowing the researcher to obtain detailed information about the Harare City Library in relation to the promotion of CSR to SMEs. The target population for this study included librarians at public libraries in Zimbabwe and the owners or managers of formally registered SMEs in the country. The study revealed that a great number of SMEs have limited knowledge about CSR and do not engage in it. SMEs consider CSR to be mainly philanthropic in nature, as their knowledge does not extend to include other important aspects of the concept. In addition, public libraries are not the major source of CSR information provision to SMEs, although a fair number of SMEs believe that they should be at the forefront. The study recommends that public libraries should reach out to SMEs to promote CSR to them, in addition to marketing the library’s own information resources and services. Public libraries need also to establish strategic alliances with relevant stakeholders as a means of encouraging SMEs to engage in CSR initiatives.