Factors that influence attitudes to and perceptions of  public libraries in Namibia: user experiences and  non-user attitudes

Belinda Lizazi-Mbanga; Patrick Mapulanga

Belinda Lizazi-Mbanga Senior Librarian, Library, Archives and Information Services, Directorate of Education Arts and Culture, Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Namibia.
Patrick Mapulanga Senior Assistant Librarian at the Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Abstract

This study assessed user experiences of a public library in Namibia and non-user attitudes to it. A convenience sample of 586 was employed. Participants in the study were 207 (35.3%) registered librarymembers and 379 (64.7%) non-users. Needs assessment questionnaires, suggestion box forms, interviews and observations were the tools used for the collection of data. The results indicated that thepublic library is well known to the local community and is mostly accessed by learners from local schools, teachers, and distance-learners from various tertiary educational institutions. Users from different occupations also accessed the library. The library was used for study purposes, research, access to computers and reprographic services. The results also revealed that, although services, resources and usage were found to be satisfactory, some users were not satisfied with the services because of inadequate space, irrelevant resources, attitudes of staff members, untidiness, location, poor internet connectivity, poor ventilation, and noise. The findings of this study can inform policymakers on how information access and services need to be improved.

Author Biographies

Belinda Lizazi-Mbanga, Senior Librarian, Library, Archives and Information Services, Directorate of Education Arts and Culture, Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Namibia.

Belinda Lizazi Mbanga is a former student at the Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town and a Senior Librarian, Library, Archives and Information Services, Directorate of Education Arts and Culture, Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Namibia.

Patrick Mapulanga, Senior Assistant Librarian at the Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Patrick Mapulanga is Former Part Time Lecturer at the Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town and a Senior Assistant Librarian at the Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.

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