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services, technologies, organisational constructs, ownership as well as access policies.
Thus, leadership needs to employ a more vigorous approach in making sure that they receive an adequate budget for the library.
The study revealed that the issues regarding the budget can be sorted by sourcing funds externally, outside the parent institution. Respondents stated that even if they are to source the funds, the University would want to control their funds which will make things difficult and cause challenges in accessing those funds.
5.6.2 Ways to inspire staff
There was a general agreement amongst management about what would assist when technological advancements were being introduced to staff. Most respondents agreed there might be numerous ways to inspire and motivate staff to accept technology. One of the ways mentioned by respondents is that leadership can motivate staff by sending them to training, thus empowering them to perform better at their jobs. The study found it was difficult for leadership find ways to inspire and motivate staff. Perhaps one way is to make training compulsory; for staff to attend training on new technology and older staff to be re- trained, which would encourage them to get out of their comfort zones.
Martell (2012) states that it is mandatory in the twenty-first century to provide our society with value-added services; professionals need to be well-equipped and aware of the current trends. Library management acknowledged that there was a demand for services that would add value to their users and stated that the current move of setting up an electronic library is the solution to many issues they face on a daily basis. The study revealed that exposing staff to new technologies used in other institutions could help inspire staff to want to have those technologies implemented in their own workplace.
Therefore, it is essential for leadership to send librarians out to explore what their colleagues are doing in other institutions.
5.6.2 Innovation and relevance
Raju (2014) mentions that new approaches of academic communication, expansion of the library's space via knowledge or research commons, the explosion of social media, and the increasing growth of mobile devices and related applications have collectively
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transformed the traditional academic library beyond recognition. A librarian stated that the whole concept of the library should be revisited; the space as well as the ‘look and feel’
has to be improved to accommodate the modern user.
The study found that librarians at UKZN see the importance of innovation and have ideas on how to improve – not only the service but also the physical buildings of KZN Libraries.
Jantz (2012) agrees, stating that there are undeniable environmental changes that call for innovation in academic institutions. To remain relevant, innovation has moved from being a consideration to being a necessity. This indicates that despite the current challenges associated with funding issues and staff resistance to change, UKZN library management can benefit more if they continue offering relevant, timely and efficient service to users by being conscious of innovations surrounding the library sector.
This study found that librarians at UKZN are not fully relevant to their users, as users are mostly found on social media platforms, and this poses one of the major challenges faced by library management. Respondents admitted that the library has a challenge in providing enough materials for the number of users who need print books. Therefore, perhaps the library needs to introduce a service that will meet the demand, such as providing prescribed materials as e-books, so that every user can have access without restriction. Thus, the study found that UKZN Libraries can solve a lot of challenges they are facing by moving the print sources across to electronic platforms.
5.6.3 Strategy and way forward
According to some respondents, meeting the needs of users through technological advancements needs a strategic plan from management. Respondents noted that the first place to start is to find out where they lack as a library and, if the services currently offered are needed by users. In order to facilitate progression, library management are challenged with making sure that staff are on board with the changes, and encouraging them to see the bigger picture when it comes to embracing changes in technology. Pugh (2016) believes that if librarians are certain they are key players within a team, or simply believe that the new technology will be better than the old one, they may be able to embrace change.
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Surveys were mentioned by librarians as one way to find out user needs. Library management expressed the fact that they might not be able to meet all the needs of the users, but being aware of them will make a tremendous difference. Leadership of the library emphasised the vision of the university as a whole, stating that they need to ensure that they support this bigger picture. They stressed that for the library to become successful, the strategy is to ensure that the technology being implemented actually goes with the vision and the mission of UKZN. The study revealed that implementation of technologies previously was influenced solely by looking at implementing the latest trends in the library sector. Librarians mentioned that progressing requires that they implement technologies based on the needs of UKZN users.
The goal of UKZN libraries is to have all materials available online, however respondents expressed concerns and mentioned there have been some challenges regarding this process. Management mentioned that bringing on change within the institution calls for patience, but it was noted that they were quite positive and excited about this venture.
The study revealed that leadership’s plan is to consider digitising the print collection and rare collections, which they have housed in special collections libraries. Based on these findings, one can assume that UKZN library management are aware that this will globally elevate UKZN Libraries.
It was evident that librarians overall want to embrace changes in technology and believe it would improve library services. Respondents stated that technologies increase access to information and users can access the library at any time wherever they are. Usage of mobile technology was deemed a fundamental part of an electronic library which library management are in a process of implementing. Furthermore, it was found that technologies would promote a personalised service between users and librarians and this could result in faster real-time communication. It did not come as a surprise that they were aware of the advantages these technologies bring, even though some librarians were reluctant to accept that they lagging behind when compared to their counterparts. It was found that librarians are already doing their best to communicate and assist users, but the implementation of new technologies should contribute to enhancing customer service and communication, which will impact positively on library usage.
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