The role of public librarians in promoting digital literacy: a case study of City of Cape Town libraries

Abstract

Publication In Progress:

This study investigated the role of public librarians in promoting digital literacy in the City of Cape Town public libraries. This study aimed to identify gaps that limit public librarians from effectively promoting digital literacy within the City of Cape Town public libraries and develop an evidence-based model that will form effective strategies that will address factors limiting public librarians from effectively promoting digital literacy within the City of Cape Town public libraries. The study was constructed on two theoretical frameworks, namely, the Professional Development Framework for Digital Learning and the Digital Competence framework, DigComp 2.0. The study was guided by a post-positivist research paradigm and a mixed method approach. The study applied an Explanatory Sequential Design to collect data. A total of 13 librarians were surveyed, and three senior librarians were interviewed online. Quantitative data was gathered online using Google Forms, and the online interviews delivered qualitative data. Quantitative data were assessed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Excel, and the qualitative data were assessed with thematic analysis. The research found that the City of Cape Town libraries do provide digital literacy programmes; however, the librarians face several challenges in providing adequate digital literacy programmes. The research data revealed that library users are interested in the digital literacy programmes being offered by the City of Cape Town libraries, in which public librarians have a significant role to play in including more digitally advanced training for their library users. The research findings identified challenges that hinder librarians in providing effective digital literacy, including outdated computers with outdated software.