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at large. Respondents stated that there needs to be more research done in terms of finding out what is ‘on trend’. Attending workshops and conferences to expose staff to these new technologies was mentioned as well. Associating with colleagues from other libraries to see what is ‘working for them’ was another mechanism to introduce staff to new technologies, and thereby facilitate change in technology use in the library.
The study found that leadership of UKZN Libraries was aware of many issues emanating from changes in technology, and had a strategy and several plans in place to improve services. The study also revealed that funds, security issues and lack of communication were challenges that management were dealing with and working on improving. Some of the challenges that management faced, as stated by respondents, included having senior executives who did not support the library, reulting in a lesser funds allocation.
Management mentioned having a new executive who supports the library’s vision of going
‘e’ as a great relief, and they are hoping for much-deserved increased funding that will facilitate the technological change needed for UKZN Libraries.
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of different technological advancements, such as mobile phone technology and be more present on social media platforms.
6.4.2. Continuous improvement: MakerSpaces
Embracing changes in technology can be very beneficial to UKZN Libraries as it is an increasingly prevalent part of the library sector, moreover by rejecting what is happening there is a risk of being left behind and becoming redundant. Many academic libraries have adapted makerspace projects as part of reimagining their spaces and services. The recommendation is that UKZN implement makerspace so as to stay relevant and to remain abreast of technological developments. It is recommended that the library make use of technological changes as they come along, because most of these technologies will cost the university nothing, for example social media pages, which will not only improve communication between users and librarians, but may also increase the usage of the library. There is also the possibility of such technology playing a role in increasing the research output of the University by providing quick, reliable and easy access to information.
6.4.3. Staff training
Staff training with regard to the provision of library services via mobile technology: given the uncertainty of the findings regarding expertise and knowledge, the researcher recommends that staff be trained more often to meet technological changes and be up- to-date with technology, especially as technology helps with more successful and proficient dissemination of information. Once the staff are trained specifically for using most of these technological devices as well as the software to provide library and information services, it will improve the services offered by UKZN Libraries. However, while making this recommendation, the researcher acknowledges the budgetary concerns as expressed by the respondents. It is the budget which forms the basis of the next recommendation.
6.4.4. Budget
It is evident from the findings of the study that budgetary constraints would be an inhibiting factor in the adoption and implementation of additional technological advancements.
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However, given the clear advantages associated with changes in technology, it is recommended that both the library and the university management give urgent attention to ensuring that funding is available to adopt and implement the technology.
Consideration should be given to UKZN Libraries having a separate budget dedicated to technological advancements. This would arguably assist in facilitating such advancements.
6.4.5. Training and workshops
Library workshops can improve for academic libraries, they can use podcasts to teach searching techniques and provide tips. Hosting of conferences and workshops so to provide staff with much needed upskilling for professional service outputs. When the library becomes an ‘e’ library, many services have to be available, such as referencing techniques, information literacy skills and many others that may be offered virtually.
Academic library management and leadership have increased dramatically. As leaders, academic librarians are expected to influence, motivate and challenge their colleagues; it is thus recommended that leadership at UKZN Libraries follows suit.
6.5 Recommendations for further research
The findings of the present study give an overview of the status of technological changes embraced by UKZN Libraries. From these findings, fundamental approaches could be developed to enhance the services offered by the library and better interaction with users can be established in the future. Considering the fact that little research of this kind has been done at UKZN, there is therefore a need for more studies to be done relating to embracing changes in technology. These could include:
A study to determine the UKZN Libraries users’ needs and the most used technologies in accessing information. Conducting similar studies in quantitative or mixed methods at other South African university libraries in order to determine if which results, in terms of the benefits and challenges associated with changes in technology, would add more to the present study. A more in-depth study, based on the findings of the present study, but focusing on the feasibility of acquiring more technological devices and software in UKZN Libraries.
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