The Promotion of Lifelong Learning Through the Ethekwini Municipal Public Libraries in the Digital Era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/16053Keywords:
lifelong learning, library uers, lifelong learning service, public libraries, digital library servicesAbstract
The advent of the digital age has provided public libraries with opportunities to support users in accessing diverse information services and engaging in continuous lifelong education. In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, lifelong learning is essential for information users to survive and adapt. This study examines how public libraries contribute to lifelong learning in the digital era by analysing the services and programmes they offer as well as the technological resources they utilise and proposes ways to promote lifelong learning in these institutions. The study used the positivism research paradigm and a quantitative research approach was employed in the form of closed-ended questionnaires to gather primary data from 25 library users as study participants. Cluster sampling was used to select the participating public libraries, while a convenience sampling method was used to select library users. The study found that public libraries provide various lifelong learning programmes, including literacy classes and storytelling. However, these services are not offered online, despite a growing demand for digital access. The study also highlights a shortage of technological equipment, such as computers, which hinders the promotion of lifelong learning in the digital era. This research is significant to the field of librarianship as it proposes feasible solutions for public libraries to promote lifelong learning in the digital era.
References
Abumandour, E. S. T. 2021. “Public Libraries’ Role in Supporting e-Learning and Spreading Lifelong Education: A Case Study.” Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning 14 (2): 178–217. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-06-2019-0063 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-06-2019-0063
Adebayo, O. A., Y. O. Ahmed, and R. T. Adeniran. 2018. “The Role of ICT in Provision of Library Services: A Panacea for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” Library Philosophy and Practice e-Journal.
ALIA. 2015. Comparison of e-Books and e-Lending in Australian Public Libraries. Canberra: ACT, Australian Library and Information Association.
Apuke, O. D. 2017. “Quantitative Research Methods: A Synopsis Approach.” Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review 33 (5471): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.12816/0040336 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12816/0040336
Ayre, L. B. 2016. “The Impact of Information Technology on Public Libraries.” Public Library Quarterly 35 (4): 355–361. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245009
Baskar, A. 2017. “E-Resources and Its Uses in Library.” Journal of Critical Reviews 7 (08): 3588–3592.
Creswell, J. W. 2018. Research Design. Fifth ed. London: Sage.
Doherty, T. 2014. “Why Do We Still Need Public Libraries in the Digital Age?” British Council, 19 September 2014. Accessed 25 June 2025. https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/why-still-need-public-libraries-digital-age
Dube, S. 2018. “The Role of Public Libraries in Enhancing Information Literacy Skills (ILS) of Senior Secondary School Students in the Central District in Botswana.” PhD diss., University of South Africa.
eThekwini Municipality. 2022. “About eThekwini.” eThekwini Municipality. Accessed 5 June 2025. https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/government/about-ethekwini#:~:text=The%20annual%20population%20growth%20rate,4%20164%20503%20by%202024
Evans, G. E., M. Z. Saponaro, H. Christie, and C. Sinwell. 2015. Library Programs and Services: The Fundamentals. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798400679209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5040/9798400679209
Eyisi, D. 2016. “The Usefulness of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Methods in Researching Problem-Solving Ability in Science Education Curriculum.” Journal of Education and Practice 7 (15): 91–100.
Francis, F. 2023. “Usage of e-Resources in Academic Libraries.” Journal of Online Engineering Education 14 (2): 13–26.
Gilton, D. L. 2012. Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries: Principles, Programmes, and People. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. https://doi.org/10.5771/9780810883574 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5771/9780810883574
Hamada, D. and S. Stavridi. 2014. “Required Skills for Children’s and Youth Librarians in the Digital Age.” IFLA Journal 40 (2): 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0340035214529733 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0340035214529733
Hossain, Z. 2016. “Towards a Lifelong Learning Society Through Reading Promotion: Opportunities and Challenges for Libraries and Community Learning Centres in Viet Nam.” International Review of Education 62 (2): 205–219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-016-9552-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-016-9552-y
Hussain, A. 2020. “Industrial Revolution 4.0: Implication to Libraries and Librarians.” Library Hi Tech News 37 (1): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-05-2019-0033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-05-2019-0033
Hussain, M., and A. Parveen. 2021. “Status of ICT Facilities in the Public Libraries: A Pakistani Perspective.” Library Philosophy and Practice, e-Journal. 6173. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/6173
IFLA-UNESCO. n.d. “The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2022.” IFLA. Accessed 9 June 2025. https://www.ifla.org/public-library-manifesto/
Lawson, R. B. 2016. “The Role of the Public Library in Today’s World.” Journal of Law and Policy for the Information Society 13: 32–49.
Lai, H. 2011. “Information Literacy Training in Public Libraries: A Case from Canada.” Journal of Educational Technology and Society 14 (2): 81–88.
Lim, Z. Y., J. H. Yap, J. W. Lai, I. A. Mokhtar, D. J. Yeo, and K. H. Cheong. 2024. “Advancing Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age: A Narrative Review of Singapore’s SkillsFuture Programme.” Social Sciences 13 (2): 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13020073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13020073
Lyakurwa, B., and I. Luambano. 2019. “The State of Information Literacy and User Education Programmes in Public Libraries in Tanzania: A Case of National Central Library (NCL) and Kibaha Public Library.” University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal 14 (1): 38–52.
Majumder, K. 2016. “Community Information Services Through Public Libraries and Information Centres: An Experience in West Bengal, India.” Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries 5 (4): 797–804.
Marcum, D. B. 2016. “Library Leadership for the Digital Age 1.” Information Services & Use 36 (1–2): 105–111. https://doi.org/10.3233/ISU-160796 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/ISU-160796
Matolong, H. R. 2020. “Harnessing Digital Technology to Strengthen the Culture of Reading at Public Libraries in South Africa.” Mousaion 38 (3). https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/7881 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/7881
Mishra, L., and J. Mishra. 2014. “ICT Resources and Services in University Libraries.” International Journal of Digital Library Services 4 (3): 243–250.
Mohini, P. 2019. “The Contribution of eThekwini Municipal Public Libraries Towards Social Cohesion.” MA thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal. Accessed 3 March 2020. http://ukzn-dspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/16496?show=full
Mojapelo, S. M. 2018. “Challenges Faced by Libraries in a Democratic South Africa: A Case of Three Community Libraries in Limpopo Province.” Information Development 34 (4): 408–421. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666917712337 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666917712337
Mojapelo, S. M. 2020. “The Internet Access and Use in Public Libraries in Limpopo Province, South Africa.” Public Library Quarterly 39 (3): 265–282. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2019.1622980 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2019.1622980
Mothiba, I. M., and R. T. Enakrire. 2020. “Influence of Information Literacy Competencies on Users of the Saulsville Public Library, South Africa.” Mousaion 38 (2): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/7349 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/7349
Mphidi, M. H., 2016. “Strategy for South African Public Libraries to Bridge the Digital Divide.” PhD diss., University of Pretoria. https://repository.up.ac.za/items/b48167af-53ff-4a06-bd55-af2ea92177cc
Mugwisi, T., G. V. Jiyane, and M. C. Fombad. 2018. “Public Libraries as Facilitators of Information Services: A Case Study of Selected Libraries in KwaZulu-Natal.” Information Development 34 (1): 31–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666916672718 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666916672718
Nielsen, B. G., and P. Borlund. 2014. “Public Libraries and Lifelong Learning.” Perspectives of Innovations, Economics and Business 14 (2): 94–103. https://doi.org/10.15208/pieb.2014.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15208/pieb.2014.11
Obadare, S. O. 2014. “The Changing Role of Librarians in the Digital Age.” https://www.codesria.org/IMG/pdf/Obadare_S_O.pdf
Oyeronke, A. 2012. “Information as an Economic Resource: The Role of Public Libraries in Nigeria.” Chinese Librarianship: An International Electronic Journal 34: 66–75.
Padayachee, M., and Z. Nsibirwa. 2020. “Public Library Programmes Fostering Social Cohesion in the South African Context: The Case of eThekwini Municipal Libraries.” Innovation: Journal of Appropriate Librarianship and Information Work in Southern Africa 2020 (60): 27–54.
Pandey. P., and M. M. Pandey. 2015. Research Methodology: Tools and Techniques. Romania: Bridge Center.
Piaget, J. 1976. “Piaget’s Theory.” In Piaget and His School: A Reader in Developmental Psychology, edited by C. Zwingmann, B. Inhelder, and H. H. Chipman, 11–23. Berlin: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-46323-5_2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-46323-5_2
Pedersen, L. 2016. “The Future of Public Libraries: A Technology Perspective.” Public Library Quarterly 35 (4): 362–365. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245013
Pureta, I. 2015. “Lifelong Learning Process Using Digital Technology.” MPRA Paper No. 89206, posted 28 September 2018. https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/89206/
Raab, S. 2021. “Lifelong Learning or Learning for a Global Future: A Comparison Between Asia and Europe.” The Greater European Journal 3: 49–58.
Rajić, J. 2023. “Climbing the Digital Ladder–Embracing Digital Technologies and Meeting Digital Demands of the Library Patrons.” In INTED2023 Proceedings, 89–93. IATED. https://library.iated.org/publications/INTED2023. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2023.0045 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2023.0045
Raju, R., and J. Raju. 2010. “The Public Library as a Critical Institution in South Africa’s Democracy: A Reflection.” Library and Information Science Research E-Journal 20 (1). https://doi.org/10.32655/LIBRES.2010.1.4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32655/LIBRES.2010.1.4
Ribble, H. 2011. “Why Libraries Are Relevant in the Digital Age.” https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=cesp
Salman, A., T. Mugwisi, and B. Mostert. 2017. “Access to and Use of Public Library Services in Nigeria.” South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science 83 (1): 26–38. https://doi.org/10.7553/83-1-1639 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7553/83-1-1639
Schunk, D. H. 2012. Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective. 6th ed. Boston: Pearson.
Serholt, S., E. Eriksson, P. Dalsgaard, R. Bats, and A. Ducros. 2018. “Opportunities and Challenges for Technology Development and Adoption in Public Libraries.” In Proceedings of the 10th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, edited by Tone Bratteteig and Frode Eika Sandnes, 311–322. New York: Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3240167.3240198 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3240167.3240198
Shonhe, L. 2019. “An Assessment of the Technology Readiness of Public Librarians in Botswana.” Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication 68 (4). https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-10-2018-0086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-10-2018-0086
Srikanth, C. 2017. “Role of Public Libraries: Information Literacy in an Information Society.” IMPACT: International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Literature 5 (7): 55–60.
Statista. 2020. “Online Search.” Accessed 23 June 2021. https://www.statista.com/markets/424/topic/541/online-search/#overview
Tóth, M. 2016. “The Role of Public Libraries in Lifelong Learning in a Multicultural and Digital Context.” ProInflow 8 (2). https://doi.org/10.5817/ProIn2016-2-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5817/ProIn2016-2-4
Umana, K. 2018. “ICT Resources for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” Accessed May 2023. https://researchcyber.com/icr
Umeozor, S. N., and H. U. Emasealu. 2022. “The Triad of Technology, COVID-19, and Psychology of User Behaviour: The Reality for Academic Library Services.” American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery 7 (1): 1–4. https://doi.org/10.47524/jlst.v4i1.32 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47524/jlst.v4i1.32
Uwakwe, B. S., C. O. Onyeneke, and N. I. Njoku. 2016. “Effect of User Education on Law Student’s Use of the Library: A Case of the Faculty of Law Library.” Scirp.org. Accessed 17 June 2020.
Verma, M. K. 2014. “Information Communication Technology (ICT) Challenges for Library Professional: A Professional Approach.” In Conference: Libraries Towards Digital Paradigm. 354–363. Faizabad: Bharti.
Western Cape Government. 2017. “E-books Now Available to Western Cape Public Library Users.” Western Cape Government. Accessed 9 February 2023.https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/e-books-now-available-western-cape-public-library-users
Yilmaz, K. 2011. “The Cognitive Perspective on Learning: Its Theoretical Underpinnings and Implications for Classroom Practices.” Clearing House 84 (50): 204–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2011.568989 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2011.568989
Zimu, A. N. 2020. “Information Literacy Skills of First-Year Students at the Mangosuthu University of Technology at a Pre-Library Orientation and Instruction Phase.” Innovation 2020 (60): 55–75.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Unisa Press
