The study examines the role of five public libraries in Kabwe whether they have lived up to their expected roles. The study is a case study using a qualitative paradigm, and data was collected through physical visitation to the libraries. Data collection instruments used were an observation guide and a semi-structured interview guide. 5 library staff were interviewed, one from each library, while 3 library users were interviewed from each library.
Libraries are the purveyor of information, custodian of knowledge, and the house of learning and play a vital role in the development of any society by catering for information needs of thousands of people within a particular community. Reding (2005) adds that libraries in our societies are stewards of our heritage, organisers of the knowledge in the books they collect, they take the knowledge of the past and present and lay it down for the future. Libraries are considered to be agents of educational, social, economic and political changes or revolutions in the community and their doors are now open to all who need them.
The present study examines the role of five public libraries in Kabwe whether they have lived up to their expected roles. The study revealed there was understaffing in the libraries coupled with demotivation. Presence of outdated books and lack of publicity on the existence of the libraries resulted in a low number of patrons to the libraries. Those who visited the libraries were either using their own materials or simply went to access newspapers to learn about current affairs. The study further revealed that there was an average of 15 people per day who accessed the library. Further, none of the interviewed library users visited the library for recreational reading but to prepare for exams or read the newspaper for current affairs. However, the library authorities were in the process of putting in place plans to encourage the communities to appreciate the existence of the libraries. Some plans underway included library commemoration activities in June 2019 whose theme is "Library =(is equal) to strong communities" and the introduction of a pre-school at Makululu compound Environmental Public Information Centre (EPIC) among others.
In view of the above findings, the paper argues that the role of the libraries in transformation of communities in Kabwe still remains an illusion, as a lot needs to be done if the book has to leave a footprint in society. The study further argues that in the absence of the latest materials that also caters all fields, the community cannot be inspired to visit the library. Ultimately, produce a cadre of people who do not put premium in reading, thereby breed a society that is not critical. One of the major footprints of the book is that people become educated and learn how to conform to their behaviours. Perhaps this explains why most youths in Kabwe indulge themselves in alcohol abuse because libraries do not exist in their minds as recreational centres.
Table of Contents
1. Background
2. Review of Related Literature
3. Methodology
4. Findings and Discussion
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study investigates the current role and operational status of five public libraries and Environmental Public Information Centres (EPICs) in Kabwe, Zambia, evaluating whether they effectively fulfill their mandate as catalysts for social and educational transformation within the community.
- Analysis of library infrastructure and resource availability in Kabwe.
- Assessment of the impact of outdated materials and limited ICT integration on patron engagement.
- Evaluation of the disconnect between library mandates and community perception.
- Examination of strategic initiatives and potential milestones for future library relevance.
Excerpts from the Book
Findings and Discussion
The study found out that there are two public libraries three Environmental Public Information Centres (EPICs) in Kabwe district which are funded by the government through Kabwe Municipal Council. The these are located in five locations namely Makululu compound, Kasanda Malombe compound in mine area, Katondo compound, Bwacha compound, and Kabwe Town centre. All these have the goal and aim to offer services to the public by ensuring that the book leaves an indelible footprint on the lives of the people of Kabwe. However, the findings of the study speak otherwise. One interesting finding is the lack of the latest materials in all the five libraries.
From the observations made and interviews conducted with the library patrons, it was clear that the presence of outdated books in the libraries was posing a serious challenge to the transformation of society through reading books. One library staff remarked: "Being a public library and not an academic library poses a challenge. Most books are very old. However, recently well-wishers from Sweden donated some books and many more have shown interest in and we are still lobbying for more in order to be up to date with a well-stocked library with latest materials."
Summary of Chapters
Background: This chapter contextualizes the importance of public libraries as pillars of education and community development, while highlighting the current deficit of resources and institutional support in the Zambian context.
Review of Related Literature: The chapter synthesizes existing academic discourse on the role of libraries in promoting literacy and sustainable development, particularly within African societies.
Methodology: This section details the descriptive case study design, employing a qualitative paradigm through physical visitations, observations, and semi-structured interviews with staff and users.
Findings and Discussion: This section presents the primary results, revealing significant challenges such as understaffing, outdated collections, and lack of ICT facilities, alongside emerging efforts to improve community engagement.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings to argue that until structural and resource-based challenges are addressed, the transformative role of public libraries in Kabwe remains largely an illusion.
Keywords
Public Library, Transformation, Roles, Communities, Kabwe, Reading, Footprint, Information Access, Literacy, Infrastructure, Sustainable Development, ICT, Zambia, Social Advocacy, Librarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study examines the role and effectiveness of five public libraries and Environmental Public Information Centres (EPICs) in Kabwe, Zambia, to determine if they are meeting their expected societal objectives.
What are the central themes explored in the research?
Key themes include library infrastructure, the impact of outdated resources, the necessity of ICT integration, community perception, and the role of libraries in socio-economic transformation.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to answer whether the public libraries in Kabwe have lived up to their expected roles in transforming the society, or if their impact is merely an illusion.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The author utilized a descriptive case study design within a qualitative paradigm, collecting data through physical observations and semi-structured interviews with library staff and patrons.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the historical and policy background of Zambian libraries, a literature review on global library roles, the methodology, a detailed discussion of the findings, and concluding recommendations.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Keywords include Public Library, Transformation, Roles, Communities, Kabwe, Reading, Footprint, Literacy, ICT, and Social Advocacy.
How does the lack of ICT facilities impact library operations in Kabwe?
The absence of ICTs renders the libraries less relevant in the digital age, limiting the dissemination of information and discouraging potential users who seek modern, technological tools for self-empowerment.
What specific challenges do the Kabwe libraries face?
Key challenges include severe understaffing, lack of funding, outdated book collections, low public awareness, and a total absence of modern information and communication technology (ICT) facilities.
What milestones are currently in progress at the Kabwe libraries?
Milestones include the introduction of a pre-school at the Makululu compound library, partnerships with local educational institutions, and planned commemoration activities to sensitize the public on library services.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jive Lubbungu (Autor:in), 2020, The Role of Public Libraries in the Transformation of African Society, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/960362
