Abstract:
Even after two decades of a constitutional democracy that is prized as one of the most progressive achievements, public libraries and information services remain scarce in rural South Africa. This is despite the fact that Library and Information Services (LIS) are important to build and develop communities and foster enlightenment among citizens, but in direct contradiction to the rights of free education and the right to information enshrined in the Constitution. On the one hand, the establishment of new libraries in rural areas moves at inexcusable slower pace, while in the same vein, the population and communities continue to grow rapidly, with consequent demand for LIS. However, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have positively impacted the library landscape and society at large. This transformation requires a shift from traditional ways of information provision to modern library services, namely, digital libraries. This study intended to investigate public librarians' perspectives of digital library for rural areas of Capricorn District Municipality (CDM), Limpopo Province. Moreover, to understand the nature of digital libraries and requirements for access and effective use of such libraries. A further objective is to ascertain whether digital libraries could be a solution for inaccessible LIS in rural areas. The study employed qualitative research approach through interpretive paradigm to investigate the perspectives of public librarians. The study adopted phenomenological research design. DeLone and McLean's Information System Success Model was adopted to frame the study. The population of the study was a total of the twenty-three public librarians with various titles from the CDM employed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Local Municipalities. A purposive sampling technique was employed. The sample of the study included five librarians from various public libraries. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and was analysed thematically. The study findings revealed that the digital libraries are not to replace the physical libraries, but to improve the LIS. It was found that digital library users require ICT tools of which some rural users may not afford. Moreover, users have varying preferences on the format of the information source, some may need printers to convert the digital information to print format adding financial implications on the rural user. The study indicated that basic computer literacy skills are central for access and use of digital library services, no advanced training is necessary. However, self-training might be sufficient for the use of digital library system, denoting expectation of a usable digital library system. The study revealed that the youth are expected to use the digital library services than other age groups, as youth are arguably conversant with internet technologies. The study found out that some librarians do digitise some of their heavily used materials to cater many users as they flock to the library, for instance, curriculum books. However, copyright laws might be overlooked or not taken cognisance of. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the current traditional libraries should operate as hybrid to provide LIS to enable users with no gadgets and other access challenges. Digitisation equipment, reliable internet, well-trained personnel are seen to be aspects of significance for digital library system. Moreover, it is encouraged that the digital library system should be inclusive of people with disabilities and other services beyond library services. It is further advised that the digital library system should provide services of traditional libraries which are possible digitally and subscribe to online information resources. This study shall serve as a guideline on implementation or establishment of digital libraries in a rural context. Therefore, other researchers can investigate the attitudes of digital library users and the likelihood of rural users on acceptance of digital libraries.
