An Investigative Study In The Utilisation And Promotion Of Electronic Resources In Government Libraries: A Case Of Namibia

ABSTRACT

This research study assesses whether a lack of marketing and promotion causes a decrease in the usage of electronic resources or whether there are other prevailing factors that prevent users from using the libraries’ electronic resources. The research tried to find out what marketing and promotional techniques are employed and how the electronic resources are organised in the selected libraries. The study covered the Khomas region in Windhoek, Namibia. The principal method used to collect data for the study was a user survey. A population of 50 participants was selected however only 45 took part in the survey. 37 were government officials, 5 librarians and 3 resourceful persons/experts in different library sectors, giving a 90% response rate, which indicates a very positive response from the participants. Data on the use of electronic resources was gathered through the means of administering user survey questionnaires and conducting interviews with the experts and the ministerial librarians. Results indicated that a significant number of employees are cognisant of the fact that electronic resources exist in their libraries however they do not use those provided by their libraries for example CD-ROM, Full-text and bibliographic databases. It is noted that researchers are the main users of the libraries and senior management and management staff form the smallest group of people who use library services. Most users prefer using electronic resources as they considered them easier to access and search than print resource based; however, the majority of people who visit the library still make use of print resources because of bandwidth issues of the internet, preference to read and edit printed text and problems of access. All libraries engage in minimal promotional activities and marketing of library services. It was however noted that the majority of people are not aware of the promotional campaigns carried out by the libraries. Users find it easy to use library electronic resources, but none of the libraries provide ICT skill training, carry out library instruction to users or offer in depended online searching to OPAC. Budget constraints, slow internet speed and lack of adequate skills are factors that hinder librarians from providing electronic resources to government employees. The study concludes that Namibian Government ministerial libraries need to better publicise their services in order to reverse the declines in the usage of electronic resources by staff members. Further training for staff in ICT and information literacy and retrieval is needed.