Digital literacy skills of librarians in the 21st century: A case study of the University of the Western Cape
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Digital literacy (DL) has become a critical skill in the 21st century. The proliferation of information communication technology (ICT) in academic libraries has resulted in migration from print to digital library collections, instant communication, virtual spaces, and high-speed information access and retrieval. This has also resulted in emerging technologies that support the demands of the 21st century. The new technologies come with certain digital skills that librarians must learn to remain relevant and to continue playing a supportive role in teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the DL skills possessed by academic librarians at the University of the Western Cape; how librarians use digital technology for service delivery; the acquisition of the skills and challenges often experienced when improving on their DL skills. The study used Rogers' theory to highlight how librarians choose to adopt technology, focusing on innovation characteristics. Data was analysed through adopter categories and the innovation decision process. A case study design was used, and a mixed methods approach employed. Web-based questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were deployed to collect data. Analysis was done through Microsoft Excel for survey and thematic analysis for interviews.
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Keywords
Digital literacy, Digital literacy skills, Competencies, Academic librarians, South Africa