Awareness of Big Data Analytics for Improved Services at the National University of Lesotho and University of the Free State Libraries

Tahleho Tseole; Nambitha Manqola

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/20994

Authors

Tahleho Tseole National University of Lesotho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0422-5181
Nambitha Manqola

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/20994

Keywords:

data analytics, service delivery, academic libraries, digital library, IT infrastructure, librarians

Abstract

Despite the increasing interest in the application of big data analytics (BDA) in different sectors, there is a significant gap in its application in the context of library and information science in Lesotho and South Africa. This study investigated awareness of BDA among librarians at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and the University of the Free State (UFS) with the aim of improving services at their respective libraries. A multiple case study design was used. Interviews served as the data collection instrument. Using interviews, the researchers solicited opinions from five staff members who were purposively selected. Data were analysed manually in line with the study’s objectives. The results of the study show that the librarians at the NUL and UFS are aware of BDA and its potential to enhance services in the context of academic libraries. The results also identified some of the requirements needed for the successful implementation of BDA in academic libraries including capacity building of information professionals, improving technological infrastructure to align with BDA requirements, financial resources, and an institutional level policy framework to support BDA implementation.

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