An assessment on the usage of internet services at Omaheke regional library

Public libraries have become primary sources of free Internet services delivery, and this qualitative case study set to assess the usage of free Internet services provided at the Omaheke Regional Library (ORL). The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the main reason for using Internet services? How satisfied are users with the provision of free Internet services? What difficulties do users encounter when using the Internet? What is the impact of free Internet services to the users? What policies exist in the ORL regarding the usage of free Internet provision to its users? Kuhlthau’s (2008) Information Search Processes theory and Wilson’s (1999) Information Seeking Behaviour theory guided the study. The study applied a qualitative research approach, and the data were collected through Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations were conducted with purposely selected staff members and Internet users. Interviews, observations and focus group discussions data were analysed by employing the content analysis technique. The findings of the study showed that the Internet users of the ORL used free Internet services for socialising, educational purposes and searching for jobs. The data further revealed that Internet users were not satisfied with the provision of Internet services due to the slow speed of the Internet and few computers in the library. The findings also demonstrated that the provision of free Internet services impacted the lives of Internet users through education and social activities. Moreover, the findings also revealed that the library did not have any Internet policy in place regarding the usage of free Internet services. The research recommends that the ORL should increase the Internet bandwidth and engage library stakeholders regarding decision making of Internet services for effective and efficient provision of free Internet services.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Ngashikuao, Lucia Ndeshihafela

• Omaheke regional library
• Internet in public libraries
• Internet usage
• Public libraries
• Information and communication technology

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3180

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3180