Electronic governance and hybrid libraries in Namibia
Loading...
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
A nation that is information empowered is capable of contributing to the democratic process. Governments
are realizing more the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as governing tools.
Libraries have always been valued institutions within societies as trusted sources of information; and are
becoming e-government access pomcs relied on by both the patrons and government agencies Jaeger and
Fleischmann, 2007). They assist in finding information and some provide computer access and free Internet
access. It is not surprising that with electronic governance (e-governance), libraries; in particular public libraries
are expected co provide citizens with access and guidance in using e-government websites, forms and services.
The paper is based on a study commissioned by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
(IFLA) and carried out by the Department of Informacion and Communication Studies in 2009 on
electronic governance and hybrid libraries in Africa. One of the study objectives was to investigate the
existence and the role of hybrid libraries in e-governance in Africa. The study, which included a survey of
several southern African countries and a case study of Namibia, employed the use of questionnaires for data
collection. The paper focuses on the Namibian case study. The authors conclude that there is great potential
for libranes to provide and promote e-governance but this is faced with many challenges, which include
technological and human and financial resources.
Description
Keywords
Electromc governance, E-governance, Libraries, Hybrid libraries, Information society, Namibia
Citation
Wilhelm, U. and others. 2011. Electronic governance and hybrid libraries in Namibia. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 37(2): 118·125.