The use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambian Libraries (PDF)

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2010 in the subject Library Science, Information- / Documentation Science, grade: A, University of Zambia, language: English, abstract: The purpose of this study is, to survey the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia. It`s intend is to find out whether librarians were trained in the use of these Technologies, their perceptions towards the use of them and factors contributing to their perceptions. The study also focused on how training of librarians in field could influence their use. A survey method was used to collect data in tertiary and research institutions in Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia through a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected from 90 librarians were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel. They are presented in the form of descriptive statistics.

Information and Communication Technologies are becoming widespread and libraries in developing countries are quickly adopting them. However, this is not matched with the requisite training and attitudes towards their use. Like in other developing countries, libraries in Zambia are also rapidly adopting those Technologies. Their application however, largely depends on the attitudes of librarians towards them.