Measuring and communicating the value of special libraries in provincial government departments in Pietermaritzburg

Abstract

This study assessed the value of special libraries (SLs) in provincial government departments (PGDs) in Pietermaritzburg. The objectives of the study were to investigate the methods used to measure the value of SLs in PGDs, measure the effectiveness of the functions of SLs in helping to achieve the PGDs’ goals, and communicate this value to the management to advocate their need for redevelopment. The study was conducted in six PGDs that have operative SLs. The population of the study comprised departmental employees who were considered as library users, information professionals (IPs) working in the SLs, and the heads of each department (HODs). The study adopted the pragmatic paradigm and applied the convergent parallel design through the mixed-methods approach. A sample of 369 employees was drawn from a population of 7,866. In addition, six IPs and six HODs were purposively selected to participate in the study. Online platforms were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study established that there is no method used to measure the value of SLs in all six PGDs. However, the functions of SLs were more effective in other departments. The study concluded that the value of SLs in PGDs is visible, although the lack of support from the management in the development of these libraries hinders the ability of IPs to demonstrate the significance of the libraries. The study recommends that SLs in PGDs adopt and implement the proposed strategic framework for measuring and communicating the value of these libraries.