"The Impact of Open Access in Public Libraries, South Africa" by Molaodi Margaret Matobako Dr

The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of open access in the nine Thabo Mofutsanyana District public libraries. Data were collected using scheduled structured and unstructured interviews with a sample of 17 library officials from nine public libraries in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, as well as a sample survey study design. Thematic coding was employed to evaluate the quantitative data. Furthermore, descriptive statistics and nonlinear factor analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data. The major findings of the study indicate that most respondents had favourable opinions on the open access ideology, notwithstanding a small number of unfavourable viewpoints. Positive feedback was obtained on how users' ability to learn in the digital spaces of the libraries was impacted by the library officials' supportive role in assisting to build information technology competency. The negative opinions centred on limited free Wi-Fi access, insufficient digital resources, a sluggish Internet connection, and a lack of computer literacy. Most respondents indicated confidence and enthusiasm, with only a small number expressing confusion about their level of awareness, regarding open access and related achievements. It was recommended that public libraries address the issue of restricted access to published electronic knowledge to support and encourage additional acts in the digital domains that promote open access. After initiating open access procedures and resolving all development, governance, and production issues, it may be concluded that certain library officials have learned even more about the open access publishing process and ideology.