Investigating access to information by the University of Namibia (UNAM) students during Covid 19 pandemic lockdowns

Abstract

The first coronavirus (COVID-19) case to be recorded in Namibia came in February 2020. Libraries had to be closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In order to address the information demands of library users during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockout of the university library, this study examined the information access of students at the University of Namibia. The main objective of the study was To find out how the UNAM library provided access to information resource to students during the COVID 19 lockdowns; To investigate the type of information materials and sources that UNAM library provided to the students during the COVID 19 lockdowns; To determine the media and tools that the library used to provide information to students during the COVID 19 lockdowns; To identify the challenges faced in the provision and access to information by the UNAM Library and students during the COVID 19 lockdowns; and To suggest solutions on the challenges face in the provision and access to information by the UNAM Library and students during the COVID 19 lockdowns. The population of the study was UNAM Library staff and information science undergraduate students. The study adopted a case study research design. A sample population of 36 students and 4 staff from the University Library using stratified sampling technique and convenience sampling techniques took part in the study. The data collection methods were interviews and surveys. The data collection instruments were questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) technique for quantitative data and Thematic content analysis for qualitative data. The results demonstrate that the Library informed the students about personal hygiene (hand washing, cleanliness, and the use of hand sanitizers) and educated the public about COVID-19 through posters and leaflets. The results also show that the Library offered data and e-resource links to aid students' continued research. Moreover, it was revealed that the challenges the UNAM Library faced were lack of coordination, and none subscription for data for librarians to work from home. The researcher recommends that the UNAM Library needs to revise its current procedures for responding to patrons' informational demands during emergencies. The management of the Library should put together a team to develop a crisis management plan that would keep patrons' services running smoothly in the event of a pandemic. The Library's ICT units should be developed with competent staff, sufficient internet connections, and amenities that will improve the distribution of information to patrons in partnership with university management. The adoption of sustainable information technology tools, including as blogs, repositories, and professional networks like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and Academia.edu for the delivery of online material, should be ensured by the Library's ICT divisions. The management of the Library should give enough data subscriptions for the librarians to improve the availability of information to customers via mobile phones at all times.