Academic libraries as agents and architect of social transformation in South Africa. Makhubela S UNISA Fombad F UNISA Jiyane V UNISA

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1 Academic libraries as agents and architect of social transformation in South Africa Makhubela S UNISA Fombad F UNISA Jiyane V UNISA

2 Outline Background and problem statement Definition of words Theoretical framework of the study Methodology of the study Data presentation and analysis Conclusions and recommendations

3 Background and problem statement Since the demise of apartheid and the dawn of a democratic rainbow nation in 1994, South Africa is striving to make radical changes in all aspects of life. The country is committed to eliminating the legacy of racial discrimination, economic exploitation, inequality in education, political authoritarianism in order to build a democratic and equitable South Africa Different organizations are confronting this issue in one way or the other. The Museum and the Heritage community for example has played a crucial role in bringing about a new democratic society based on a truthful influencing, examination of the past and creative participatory approach to the future (Galla,1999).

4 Background and problem statement South African universities are playing an important role in the transformation process by embracing a learner-centered approach to teaching, and engaging in research and community development as its core mission These universities are also attuned to the communities, businesses and government by constantly looking for opportunities for collaboration in ways that will enhance the life of all South Africans. University libraries, which are generally regarded as the heart of a university, are yet to recognize the significance of their position in the transformation process.

5 What is social transformation? Social transformation relates broadly to modifying the existing social order, convention or status quo (Seyranian & Bligh: 2008). According to Elzen, Geels & Green (2004) social transformations not only involve new technological artefacts, but also new markets, user practices, relations, infrastructures and cultural meaning. Techniques used during social change in order to achieve the specific goals: specific communication tactics, inspiration, actionoriented language and tangibility.

6 Theoretical Framework of the study Study is based on the theory of social transformation This theory has four interlinked components - a theory of social reproduction - a theory of the gaps and contradictions of reproduction - a theory of trajectories of unintended social change, & - a theory of transformative strategy

7 Purpose and research questions The general purpose of the study is to investigate the role of academic libraries as agents and architect of social transformation in South Africa. The specific objectives are to: To what extent are academic libraries in South Africa involved in social transformation? What activities are academic library in South Africa performing to address social transformation? What recommendations can be made for academic libraries to enhance social transformation?

8 Research methodology Qualitative content analysis of website of academic libraries websites. We still have to look at the annual reports of academic libraries and interviews with the directors of selected academic libraries Out of 25 universities in SA, we analysed the web pages of 19 libraries Six websites did not have information on the library page.

9 To what extent are academic libraries in South Africa involved in social transformation Out of 19 Academic Libraries, only 4 (Libraries of the Universities of Limpopo, Witwatersrand, Johanesburg, Zululand) have incorporated their community engagement activities within their vision and mission statements. This means touch-base with the society is not planned for and does not happen for most of them, research teaching and learning are the focus. Wits mission: To support the University s teaching and learning, research and outreach, by facilitating access to high quality, scholarly information and services through a team of skilled and knowledgeable library staff and welcoming physical environments UL: To provide efficient and effective customer driven, innovative library and information services in support of teaching, learning, research and community engagement UJ: We are committed to producing competent professionals capable of meeting the country s needs, community engagements that empower the people and meaningful research. UNIZULU: our mission is to serve the teaching, learning and research functions of the University of Zululand, as well as the needs of the community in its immediate vicinity who can benefit from the library without prejudicing the privileges of its primary clientele

10 Activities listed on the websites of academic library in South Africa for social transformation Community engagements Professional associations Schools, e.g. abhor days

11 What academic libraries can do as agents and architects of social transformation Relationships in voluntary associations Presence in the local institutions Serve as the physical infrastructure of the community Understand the profile and dynamics of the local economy Understand the definition of the community, its history and its dreams Recognition of the changes in communities (educational landscape, technological opportunities-social media, political climate, environmental shifts-climate change). Libraries as gateway for democracy: Provide space & encourage & support democratic initiatives, participation and debates (create awareness, provide sources, lessons, develop posters and messages on democracy).

12 What academic libraries can do as agents and architects of social transformation.. Enablers of community literacy: Literacy is crucial for effective citizenship- librarians- committed to free flow of information to all its citizens (ALA, 1989). While faculties [and schools]provide the foundation for continued growth of community members, both young and old, through their careers and in their roles as informed citizens and members of communities, by ensuring that they have abilities of reasoning and critical thinking (ACRL,2000), librarians should support this courseteach users on how to find, evaluate, use information effectivelyliteracy skills that will help them to tackle the problems facing their communities and act as competent citizens (Milner, 2002).

13 What academic libraries can do as agents and architects of social transformation.. Academic libraries and community engagement: Partner in community-based projects. Need not physically be there, however, but take advantage of online venues as means of serving the community e.g. supporting local schools initiatives by answering reference questions, providing tours or support dialogues and debates, etc. Recruit and partner with community members eg principals, teachers, local media, etc. to offer their professional involvement and strengthen the library partnership with the communities through their participation in and broadcasting community projects. Such partnership could add value to the communities and increase library visibility and respect.

14 Conclusions and recommendations The element of social transformation by academic libraries is not practiced by many academic libraries in SA. The study recommends that for these libraries to contribute to the social change, they have to re-consider their vision and mission statements, incorporate it and practice it for the benefit of the society whose youth are their clients. Staff in academic libraries are open to performance management. The study recommends that social activities become one of their key performance areas. In that way being agents of social transformation will not only serve as a choice but as an expectation from them.

15 Thank you