Discovering the contextual factors for digital library education in Vietnam
| Pages | 125-147 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-08-2018-0071 |
| Date | 04 February 2019 |
| Published date | 04 February 2019 |
| Author | Hung Van Do,Daniel G. Dorner,Philip Calvert |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information in society,Information literacy,Library & information services |
Discovering the contextual factors
for digital library education
in Vietnam
Hung Van Do
University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University,
Hanoi, Vietnam
Daniel G. Dorner
Victoria University of Wellington –Pipitea Campus, Wellington, New Zealand, and
Philip Calvert
School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to discover the contextual factors affecting the development of
digital library education(DLE) in Vietnam and to determine how those factors are enablingor hindering its
development.
Design/methodology/approach –Based upon the literature and the theories of Fullan (2007),Nowlen
(1988) and Rogers (2003), an initial model of contextual factors that were potentially affecting DLE
development in Vietnam was developed. The model was then tested using a qualitative methodology
involving interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, along with the gathering of documentary
evidence. The data were then analysedusing the interactive model of Miles et al. (2014), and the initial model
was then revised.
Findings –The initial model allowedfor the depiction of potential factors, both internal and external,along
with some relationships between the factors. Based on the data analysis, a revised model was developed
composed of seven major contextual factors that were enabling and/or hindering DLE development in the
Vietnamesecontext. These are grouped into three categories: externalfactors –government, IT infrastructure
and social and cultural values;internal factors –stakeholders’attitudes, DLE characteristicsand the personal
and organisationalnexus; and change agents, which is both an internal and external factor. These factorshad
differentlevels of influence on DLE development and are inter-related.
Originality/value –No prior study has looked at contextual factors affecting DLE development in a
developingcountry such as Vietnam.
Keywords Digital libraries, Change agents, Vietnam, Continuing education, Educational change,
Digital library education
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The concept of the “digital library”was first popularisedin the 1990s and is in widespread
use today. A digital library (DL) uses technologies that were not previously available;
therefore, the library and information management (LIM) field requires educational
programmes better attuned to the needs of the profession in which employment in a DL is
becoming more commonplace. The central topic of this paper is the demand for digital
library education (DLE) in developing countries. This paper describes the creation of a
Digital library
education
125
Received17 August 2018
Revised27 November 2018
Accepted28 November 2018
GlobalKnowledge, Memory and
Communication
Vol.68 No. 1/2, 2019
pp. 125-147
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2514-9342
DOI 10.1108/GKMC-08-2018-0071
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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conceptual model of the factors thataffect the development of DLE, a model that can be used
to analyse the DLE environmentin Vietnam and any similar country.
The authors contendthat DLE has grown too slowly in Vietnam and, as a result, libraries
cannot recruit sufficient LIM graduateswith the necessary competencies to work in a DL. If
this is so in Vietnam, then other countries are likely to have the same problem, especially
those in Southeast Asia with cultures similar to Vietnam and also those that have yet to
build a digital informationeconomy.
Country background
Vietnam has seen the slow but steady introduction of computerised systems and digital
resources into its larger libraries. Applying new technologies to modernise the library sector
with a particular focus on DL development and the digitisation of highly valued materials were
objectives stated in the Master Library Development Plan (MCST-Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism, 2007). After one decade (2000-2010) focusing intensively on automation,
Vietnam’s libraries moved on to establish digital libraries, develop digital collections and
provide online services (Do, 2014). A significant problem with continuing the transformation of
Vietnam’s libraries is that they have been challenged by the lack of suitably qualified staff;
reports show that 49 per cent of LIM practitioners do not have DL competencies (Tran and Do,
2014), and there is an urgent need for digital librarians (Nguyen, 2017b); hence, improving the
quality of the human resource is the main priority of the Vietnam library strategy (MCST-
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Library Department, 2017).
The problem
Staff who work in DLs need knoweldge and compentieces not previousy associated
with library work (Bury and Jamieson, 2014;Muhammad and Khalid, 2010)and
traditional education programmes have not prepared staff for it. Recent research has
shown globally the number of DLE programmes has increased (Nieuwenhuysen, 2011;
Nguyen and Chowdhury, 2013;Myburgh and Tammaro, 2013;Audunson and Shuva,
2016) though none of these was in Vietnam. This research project sought to fill a gap
not only in our knowledge of DLE in Vietnam but also to contribute to developments in
this area that might be relevant to countries similar to Vietnam. The different pace of
DLE development in countries around the world must depend upon the local situation
so this research examines the context of DLE development.
Purpose
The intention of the study was to discover the contextual factors that either enable or hinder the
development of DLE in Vietnam. The practical valueofthisisclear:ifgovernmentstaff,policy
makers, academics and leading practitioners understand the factors that are currently standing
in the way of developing DLE then those barriers can be removed or lowered. If the enabling
factors are appreciated then actions can be taken to stimulate more DLE development. The
theoretical value lies in the development of a model of contextual factors affecting DLE. The
model also shows relations between the factors. Some factors are enablers, some are barriers
and some operate as both. This is an addition to the literature on DLE.
Research questions
RQ1. What are the contextual factorsaffecting the development of DLE in Vietnam?
RQ2. How do the contextual factorsaffect the development of DLE in Vietnam?
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