The preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology in higher education institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Abstract

This study investigates the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology in higher education institutions in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The objectives of the study were to identify different technologies that subject librarians use, also to investigate the preparedness of subject librarians to meet the challenges of information technology as it changes rapidly. Furthermore to determine the areas in their technological skills that subject librarians need to improve or strengthen; and to investigate whether the surveyed institutions are providing training and development programmes to re-skill and update subject librarians on new technologies.

The target population for this study was subject librarians from major academic institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Electronic questionnaires were administered to subject librarians for data collection purpose. The study revealed some weaknesses in the use of some technology as well as challenges being faced in skills transfer using technology. Recommendations were made on support from the management of universities in re-skilling subject librarians and pro-active actions from subject librarians should they encounter something new in technology.