E-Readiness of Library Services’ Providers and Users towards Digital Library Services in Academic Institutions Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the degree of e-readiness of library service providers (librarians) and users towards digital library (DL) services in academic institutions in Tanzania. This study argues the concept of e-readiness in academic institutions during transforming from traditional libraries to digital libraries in Tanzania. The study examined the e-readiness levels of library service providers and users concerning digital library services' provision and usage. The investigation was performed through a thorough survey which was conducted at the College of Business Education (CBE) Dar es Salaam campus and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) through questionnaires and interview schedules as methods of collecting data. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The study revealed that most of the academic libraries have DL service providers and users who have limited knowledge of digital library services provision and usage. Thus, the readiness for digital library services provision for librarians was still low, and library users lacked enough knowledge about digital library services. In terms of the practical implications, the study seeks to promote academic inquiry about the need for innovative traditional library services, information literacy, and the adoption of these digital library services in Africa’s academic libraries in higher learning institutions. The study provides empirical findings on the use of digital library services in academic libraries, specifically in the Tanzanian context. The study provides a basis for further research on the use of digital library (DL) services.