Utilisation of information and communication technology to support Public Primary school libraries in Highveld Ridge East circuit, Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Utilising information and communication technology (ICT) in libraries, particularly academic libraries, has revolutionized the scope and pattern of library services. by encouraging library patrons to utilize ICT. This study aimed to investigate how ICT can be used to support school libraries. The research focused on primary school learners, teachers, and teacher librarians in five primary schools within the Highveld Ridge East Circuit in the Gert Sibande district of the Mpumalanga province in South Africa. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework was the foundation of a study and provided a perspective on how the school library system might effectively incorporate technology into teaching and learning activities. The study employed a mixed-method research approach, which is grounded on pragmatism. The explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used in this study, and questionnaires were used to gather quantitative data from the pupils in seventh grade. In contrast, teacher-librarians were interviewed to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, and qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed varying degrees of ICT integration and highlighted to issues including scarce resources, teachers' inadequate ICT proficiency, and a lack of digital platforms for library administration. Implementing grants and partnerships to standardise access is one of the primary recommendations for enhancing the use of ICT to assist school libraries. Furthermore, to close knowledge gaps, comprehensive training programmes for teachers and learners are recommended as is specialised training for teacher librarians. Future research should expand beyond the Highveld Ridge East Circuit to encompass multiple libraries across South Africa, providing a broader understanding of ICT utilisation in public primary school libraries.