Examining the role of public library as access venues for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries: A case in Namibia

The role of public libraries in the Global South as information and communication technology (ICT) access provider has been highlighted among scholars—in terms of its potential to stimulate human capital development of broad populations and overcome the limitations of telecentres with libraries' expertise in managing information, providing tailored services, and interacting with communities. However, major stakeholders in the development field have been largely skeptical about the significance of libraries as ICT public access venues. To resolve the gap, we address the question, "how are public libraries in the Global South meeting the needs of patrons through the provision of ICT access?" We analyze and present the case of Namibia regional libraries through a combined approach of examining both patron and library service provider perspectives. We present how the combined approach helps us: (1) understand how the regional libraries are addressing the needs of surrounding communities, and (2) identify and suggest long term strategies to be taken at the organizational level to better serve the needs