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Faculty of Accounting and Informatics

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    Development of a mobile digital library model for teaching support in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal
    (2024) Khomo, Musawenkosi Phumelela; Sucheran, Reshma; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
    This study aimed to identify the contributing factors to the successful development and use of a mobile digital library model, assess its feasibility for teaching purposes, determine the technological competences of teachers in utilizing mobile technology, and develop a suitable mobile digital library model for under-resourced schools. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors that would contribute to the successful development and the use of mobile digital library model for teaching and learning support at selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to establish the feasibility of using a mobile digital library model for teaching in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to ascertain the technological competences of teachers to use mobile technology; and to develop a mobile digital library model suitable for teaching in under-resourced schools. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed method design. The preferred research paradigm for this study was pragmatism and interpretivism. The study surveyed eleven selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, categorized as quintile one, quintile two, and quintile three. Ninety-three teachers and three teacher librarians contributed to the study. Clustersampling method was employed to select the participating schools. Data collection instruments included individual interviews with teacher librarians, focus group discussions with teachers, and self-administered questionnaires for teachers and librarians. The study consisted of two distinct phases i.e. qualitative data collection through focus group and individual interviews then quantitative data collection with the usage of questionnaire. A mixed methods approach for data analysis was used. Both individual interviews and focus group interviews were transcribed and later edited, with the audio recordings serving as the primary source of data. The themes were formulated by the researcher, and the findings were subsequently synthesized and organized within these thematic categories. For quantitative data, the researcher employed multivariate analysis, a statistical technique aimed at investigating relationships among multiple variables. The findings revealed several factors influencing the development and use of a mobile digital library, such as the need for digital literacy training for the school community, user-friendliness of the mobile digital library platform, and financial support from the organization. The feasibility of implementing a mobile digital library relied on factors such as financial support, robust internet connectivity, digital literacy among the school community, and improvements in technological infrastructure. Additionally, the study found that younger teachers demonstrated greater technological competence compared to more experienced teachers. A mobile digital library model was developed to support teaching, ensuring a conducive learning environment where teachers and learners have access to information anytime and anywhere. The study recommends regular training for teachers and learners on the utilisation of a mobile digital library, adequate funding for hosting and maintenance, and improvements in technological infrastructure.
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    Factors contributing to the successful development and use of mobile digital libraries : a systematic literature review
    (Emerald, 2023-03-21) Khomo, Musawenkosi Phumelela; Naicker, Nalindren; Chisita, Collence Takaingenhamo; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
    The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile digital library (DL). This aim will be achieved by reviewing selected journal articles on mobile DLs' successful development and use. This paper argues that the concept of DLs is evolving because of the dynamic nature of knowledge and technological developments in the infosphere. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature search of journal article factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile DL was accomplished by searching the following databases: Emerald insight, Science directory and Google Scholar. The systematic review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. This study applied Rogers's (1965) Diffusion of innovation theory to unpack the attributes of innovation to unpack contextual factors shaping African conceptions of mobile libraries (m-libraries). The studies reviewed were published from 2016 to 2021. This paper is based on a systematic literature review. This paper uses publicly available literature on the theme of DLs concerning m-libraries. Among the search terms used for the study were: “digital libraries”, “Africa and digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies”, “access to information” and “mobile digital libraries”. Findings Reviewed literature indicates that myriad factors can contribute positively or negatively to the successful development and use of the mobile DL. These factors include the degree of staff awareness and understanding of the potential of mobile technologies in enhancing the provision of library services, the availability of relevant digital content, library staff and users’ level of digital and information literacy competencies to navigate digital platforms, user friendliness of DL platforms, material and financial support to access m-libraries, power supply and access to internet connectivity. Practical implications The results from this study will generate knowledge and insight into the factors that affect the development and optimal use of mobile DLs to enhance and widen access to scholarly databases irrespective of time and space. This study will make recommendations that will enable South African policymakers to make informed decisions relating to the factors affecting the development and usage of mobile DLs for enhanced learning, teaching and education. Originality/value Given the growing number of scholarly publications on mobile DLs, this study seeks to discover how such technologies can help enhance learning, teaching and research in higher education. This study’s findings will provide a scientific basis for policymakers and researchers with evidence-based knowledge that raises the value of mobile DLs. It was discovered that if the identified factors are handled well, users can easily access tools, such as databases, electronic journals and online reference tools, and this could improve the quality of teaching and learning.