An investigation into library associations: A case study of Namibia information workers association

Abstract

The study investigated Namibia Information Workers Association (NIWA) to determine its contribution to the library and information profession in Namibia. The main objective of this study was to assess the contributions and challenges of NIWA. The objectives of the study were: to investigate how NIWA contributed to the development of the information profession in Namibia; to find out if NIWA had realized or achieved its objectives; to determine the effectiveness of NIWA members; to identify the challenges NIWA encountered; and to recommend strategies NIWA can use to increase visibility. This study used mixed methods research approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used to collect data. The population of the study was NIWA members and executive committee members. Convenience sampling technique was used for survey questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two executive committee members followed by snowball sampling. Data was collected using survey questionnaire for NIWA members and interview guide for executive committee members. The research instruments used for this study were self-administered questionnaire for survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide for interviews. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse data. The study revealed that NIWA contributed to the development of information profession by offering trainings, workshops and represented the interest of library and information profession in Namibia. The study pointed out that NIWA found out what members needed and responded to their top priorities needs. The findings revealed that NIWA maintained contact with relevant international organisations such as IFLA, AFLIA, SCECSAL, and ESARBICA. The study also found that there were some active and inactive members and some members’ had apathy with regards to the Association. The study also revealed that some members paid their subscription fees while some did not. Moreover, the study indicated that NIWA was faced by challenges such as lack of finance, time, and small membership base, lack of publicity and lack of subscription fees. Finally, the study recommends that NIWA should make use of social media to increase visibility.