Local authorities in the management of public libraries: a case of Harare city council

Abstract

Public libraries are critical to the well-being of any democratic society and Zimbabwe is not an exception. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Public library manifesto reemphasizes the role of public libraries as the living force to promote the active role of citizens in society through providing them with free access to libraries in order to benefit from high quality education, culture, recreational and information. The establishment of public libraries in the 1890s in colonial Zimbabwe provided the basis for the current public library system and also the study. This study investigated the role of local government in the management of public libraries with specific reference to the City of Harare Public Libraries. It examined how the current socio economic challenges are undermining the public libraries ability to actualize its mandate as the all-inclusive poor people’s university. It also explored the extent to which the local authorities are supporting public libraries and the factors that undermine efforts to fully capacitate them to enhance the delivery of quality library services. The study used a mixed method approach to investigate the City of Harare Public library services and the drive towards building an active and informed citizenry. The researcher used a number of theories drawn from management, Open Systems Theory, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and library science to underpin the study. The study highlighted the challenges that are affecting City of Harare public libraries with regards to providing state of the art library services. The researcher conducted an extensive literature review to analyse the context of the phenomenon understudy. Organizational structure and financial constraints were identified as the major stumbling block since the library relies on funding from the local government. The study highlighted how under funding has stifled the provision of quality library services as evidenced by poor static collection information and lack of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The study proposes recommendations to enable the Harare city council authorities to work with key stakeholders to revamp or invigorate the public library system to enhance inclusivity through support teaching, learning and research. A vibrant public library system contributes immensely to local authorities’ vision to create smart societies and restore the status of the city as a sunshine city. The study recommends strategies to improve the City of Harare public library service through partnerships and stakeholder engagement.