The evolving role of public libraries in South Africa in addressing information poverty. A historical context
| Published date | 13 August 2018 |
| Date | 13 August 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-08-2017-0072 |
| Pages | 364-374 |
| Author | Karla J. Strand,Johannes Britz |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
The evolving role of public
libraries in South Africa in
addressing information poverty
A historical context
Karla J. Strand
University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, and
Johannes Britz
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA and
University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the historical development of libraries in
South Africa against a backdrop of poverty and social inequality. In particular, this paper illustrates how the
development of libraries in South Africa both reflected and influenced information poverty and has as its goal
to increase awareness of the role of libraries in the alleviation of information poverty.
Design/methodology/approach –The information in this paper is based on doctoral research completed
by the author who investigated the role of libraries in the alleviation of information poverty in South Africa.
The methodology for the research included two case studies, interviews, examination of library records, and
observation. An extensive review of the professional literature and recorded histories provided imperative
context for that research and this paper.
Findings –Findings indicate that libraries can play an important role in the alleviation of information
poverty in South Africa. Libraries are underutilized in this role and in order to increase their capacity in
addressing information poverty, one should consider the historical circumstances behind the dispossession of
library services. Understanding the development of libraries in South Africa and sociopolitical ramifications
of this development can encourage and inform greater participation of libraries in the alleviation of
information poverty in the future.
Originality/value –This paper compiles the work and findings of previous studies on the history of South
African libraries. The information provided here offers an accessible and efficient history of libraries in South
Africa. In so doing, it provides context that is invaluable to the understanding of how the development of libraries
throughout time can have sociopolitical effects on the people and their circumstances. The paper also encourages
increasedunderstandingof the value and purposeof libraries in combating information povertyin South Africa.
Keywords Public libraries, Case study, Information poverty, South African historical context,
South African information poverty, South African libraries
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Many South Africans, particularly those in rural areas, are still living under conditions of
information poverty, which we define as that situation in which people, within a specific
context, do not have the required skills, abilities, and/or material means to access and use
information in a meaningful way to address their needs. In other words, they find it
challenging to access and use essential information in addressing their daily needs
regarding their health, education, and employment opportunities and a lack of access to
libraries exacerbate this condition. This form of information poverty is aggravated in cases
where people have limited access to electricity, transportation, or simply the lack of a
physical space where they can sit down and, for example, do their homework after school.
It goes without saying that public libraries are best suited to address this form of
poverty –not only by providing free access to needed information and assisting patrons in
understanding their own information needs, but also to “be”the physical space with
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 6/7, 2018
pp. 364-374
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-08-2017-0072
Received 3 August 2017
Revised 1 December 2017
Accepted 10 April 2018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
364
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39,6/7
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