Libraries face major challenges

Only half the country's population has access to libraries and information and communication technology services.

This was announced by Elia Manga, the deputy director at the Directorate of National Library and Archives Services (NLAS) during a key performance indicators presentation this week. Manga said that 1.1 million Namibians have access to library services although the number could be higher if more people made use of these facilities. According to Manga, NLAS initially targeted over 800 000 Namibians but this was surpassed during 2016/17. “The target was exceeded due to improved library service awareness,” said Manga. NLAS came up with the figures after conducting research at 63 community libraries, 17 special libraries and at the national library in Windhoek. The deputy director added that NLAS wanted to reach over 6 000 community members through mobile library services and eventually reached 5 746, falling just short of their mark. He also said that they initially targeted training for 2 000 community members in basic ICT training and finally managed to conclude the training for 1 492 community members. “The target was not met as only 26 libraries funded by the Finnish Library Association are conducting basic ICT training and some of the computers were not working,” said Manga. Manga says that only the national library has internet services for users. According to Manga they targeted 152 800 users in libraries and with the help of Wi-Ri in 2016/17 they exceeded that target to 184 000. “The target exceeded as many users are using Wi-Fi services - even after hours - at the three regional libraries,” said Manga. Manga says there are three government libraries that offer access to global electronic services. “The libraries provided access to emerald, EbscoHost and HINARI services,” said Manga. These services provide low-cost access to research and information. What is of concern however, is the lack of preservation of indigenous work in Namibia that is not being digitised for broader access. “Broader consultation to get participants from identified regions has been a challenge,” said Manga.

Due to a shortage of staff at the national library and the National Archives only 2 604 documents were digitised in 2016/17. While there have been many challenges, there have also been many successes and over 3 000 children have benefited from the organised reading programmes at schools and community libraries. Access to information in Namibia remains problematic but has improved with the greater penetration of smartphones, allowing instant internet access from any location. Drives by for example, MTC, have made smartphones for accessible for all Namibians providing far greater access to information than ever before. In the view of some, this may cause long-term challenges to libraries as they may become redundant as physical institutions.



Shona Ngava