Knowledge without boundaries

Usage Perception study findings IFLA, Helsinki, 2012

Research context EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme to support innovative use of technologies in public libraries Gap of knowledge about perceptions of public libraries in African countries EIFL – PLIP grantees

Study on the Perceptions of Public Libraries General state of public libraries Current awareness, perceptions and attitudes Role of librarians in local community development Perceptions of public libraries in Africa

Scope and targets 6 countries: Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Uganda 5 target groups: 2000 library users 1201 library non-users 283 librarians 278 local officials 112 national officials Source: Flickr, Labuto Library Project

Key findings

Libraries are important to individuals and communities Opinion of users Opinion of local government officials

Primary use of public libraries is educational Purpose of libraries by (users) Total Kenya Uganda Tanzania Ghana Base (=total sample) %%% Educational purposes (for homework or to take a class) National news or information Local news or information Entertainment Information on health issue International news or information To conduct a job search or write a CV Loan books To look for information on starting or running a business

But the benefits derived go beyond education Total Kenya Uganda Tanzania Ghana Base (=total sample) %%% Developed new skills or learned something new Obtained new ideas, new interests Got helpful information for school/ learning Experienced the library as safe and quiet place for study and reading Save time Enjoyed the visits- have you felt comfortable in the library Got helpful information for health and well being Made contacts with other people Got helpful information for business and commerce Got helpful information about your community Be better in your job

National officials strongly agree with the library helping to bridge the digital divide

Local government officials perceptions regarding the potential of libraries

Overall findings Awareness of libraries is high General perception about libraries is positive There is a need for technology Librarians are competent but have limitations in ICT Both local and national government readily accept the notion that libraries could contribute in the areas of economic development, employment, health, agriculture and the digital divide

Dissemination/ Use of findings

Dissemination Publicity, communication Articles and presentations (IFLA, Ariadne, African Library Summit, IGF) Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya Workshop title: Do policymakers understand the role of libraries in mobilizing the internet as a catalyst for development, innovation and freedom? EIFL web site:

Dissemination Publicity, Advocacy Presentations of findings to media and stakeholders in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda; Africa awareness raising groups – Advocacy plans; small grants to support innovation and AARG work

Dissemination Publicity, Advocacy Presentations of findings to media and stakeholders in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda; Africa awareness raising groups – Advocacy plans; small grants to support innovation and AARG work Libraries Foster Development Africa: Failure to Adopt Technology in Libraries Results in Fewer Users Kenya: New Research Shows Libraries in Africa Are "Essential," Yet Underutilized

Dissemination Publicity, Advocacy Presentations of findings to media and stakeholders in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda; Africa awareness raising groups – Advocacy plans; small grants to support innovation and AARG work Africa Awareness Raising groups

Uganda ARG Objective: To Advocate for and get more funding for library services Most participants in the survey including policy level officials (85%) say that libraries are underfunded Objective: Re-enforce Perception of instant association of libraries with information/knowledge storage Users (71%) and non-usrs (69%) of libraries see libraries as places where information can be obtained

Dissemination Publicity, Advocacy Presentations of findings to media and stakeholders in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda; Africa awareness raising groups – Advocacy plans; small grants to support innovation and AARG work Innovative services in libraries

Thank you!