THE IMPACT OF FREE PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS IN NORTH WEST COMMUNITY LIBRARIES: USER S PERSPECTIVE. PRESENTED BY: Ms. M. LAKHENI Ms M. L.

Transcription

1 THE IMPACT OF FREE PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS IN NORTH WEST COMMUNITY LIBRARIES: USER S PERSPECTIVE PRESENTED BY: Ms. M. LAKHENI Ms M. L. RAMAUBE

2 Outline Abbreviations Introduction Background Objectives of PIA Current Status of PIA Methodology Impact of PIA in NW community libraries Recommendations Conclusion

3 Abbreviations PIA: Public Internet access ICT: Information Communication Technology NW: North West NWPLS: North West Provincial Library Services SA: South Africa CG: Conditional Grant DAC: Department of Arts & Culture ISP: Internet Service Provider VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

4 Introduction The aim is to measure the impact of free PIA in NW community libraries. The presentation evaluates how the service has changed the perspectives of community members.

5 Background DAC introduced Conditional Grants for Public libraries in 2007/2008 financial year. Aiming to enable South African society to gain access to knowledge and information that will improve the socio-economic status. PIA was implemented in NW as one of the projects of CG.

6 Background Cont TELKOM is the main ISP in SA and it had no sufficient footprints reaching areas where libraries are located in NW. Ralph (2012) states that The United Nations has ruled that Internet access is a basic human right. This is based on the evolution of technology in the 21 st century.

7 Maslow s hierarchy of needs

8 Objectives of PIA The objectives of PIA are to: Bridge the digital divide. Provide and enhance computer literacy skills. Support educational research for learners and students. Provide information technology tools. Assist in seeking employment online. Improve social inclusion e.g. provision of e-government information.

9 Status of PIA NWPLS has 102 libraries across the province. Only 14 libraries had Internet in 2008/9. Currently 97 libraries provide PIA. The free PIA is implemented in libraries where there was no form of network infrastructure. VSAT and ADSL networks are used.

10 Methodology Data collection Questionnaires were used to collect data from users. Written Interviews were distributed to librarians. Limitations The focus will be on the positive impact of PIA.

11 The impact of PIA Gender group 54.6% -19 and under 44.9 % years 0.3% NWPLS is making an impact by grooming an ICT literate society

12 The impact of PIA - Gender GENDER 63.9% - male 34.7 % -female. Males are dominant in utilizing PIA. MALE FEMALE

13 The impact of PIA: Occupation Current occupation Pupil Students employed self employed unemployed Retired other 0% 0% 16% 23% 7% 9% 45% Information needs differ depending on the occupation NWPLS is playing its role in balancing the socio-economic responsibility in NW communities.

14 The impact of PIA Computer literacy and skills Computer literacy Computer literacy strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree New IT Skills New IT skills strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree

15 The impact of PIA Research and library collection PIA as a research tool PIA used for research strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree PIA complements library collection PIA complements library collection strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 2% 3% 25% 12% 13% 5% 5% 77% 52% 53% 30%

16 The impact of PIA- Educational purpose PIA used for educational purpose strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 2% 4% 5% 89% 19% 70%

17 The impact of PIA social media Social media PIA used to stay connected strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 22% Findings Factor Library policies Lack of marketing 14% 16% 34% 20% 28%

18 Impact of PIA Library is the only Provider Library as the only provider of free Internet strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 9% 29% 10% 72% 43% 9%

19 The impact of PIA Sufficient computers Are computers enough? Are computers enough? strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 20% 19% 15% Findings Lack of space Library design often too small Theft of computers 29% 13% 34%

20 The impact of PIA Job seeking and e-government resources Job seeking PIA used for job seeking strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree E-Government resources PIA used for E-government resources strongly disagree disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 18% 9% 19% 14% 58% 21% 37% 16% 49% 21% 28% 17%

21 Importance of PIA in the information needs PIA is important to user's info needs Yes No 7% 93%

22 The highlights from librarians Users appreciate the free service at their libraries. PIA also serves as a library marketing tool through word of mouth from one library user to the next. Libraries have attracted a new group of users due to the availability of free Internet. The Internet speed is reliable. Users are able to apply for jobs online instantly.

23 Negative feedback from Librarians Limited time allocated to each user. Lack of IT skill in some library users. The computers and printers provided to the libraries are often not enough. Restrictions to what is prescribed in the library policy.

24 How can PIA be improved? Recommendations from librarians: More computer literacy training Increase the number of work stations Introduce E-resources and e-books Vigorous marketing of the service to communities ICT training of library staff Evaluation of library policies and guidelines

25 Internet as the basic need

26 RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings, the following recommendations were formulated : NWPLS still need to do more in attracting the age group of 60 and above and train them on computer literacy. NWPLS needs to strike a balance to attract more female library users to be interested in ICT. To capacitate library staff and users by conducting more ICT trainings Adequate space for PIA

27 CONCLUSION The NW communities have benefited from the PIA project in community libraries. PIA has positively changed the provision of library services and is making an impact in improving lives in rural communities.

28 THANK YOU