ICT services to students in the greater Accra region of Ghana: An initiative of the Ghana Library Board (GhLA) towards the development agenda
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Date
2017-08
Authors
Dzandza, P.E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Information and Learning Science
Abstract
Purpose The article describes an ICT training programme in the central library in Ghana, discusses the benefits of the programme and the challenges faced by those delivering it, and seeks to relate this work to the broader development goals of the UN and the AU, offering some recommendations on how the programme can be made more effective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative approach to help determine the modality of the program to two Junior High Schools (JHS) in the area who benefit weekly from the training programmes offered at the ICT corner. Interviews were conducted with the 2 staff of the ICT corner to help gather information on the services that the ICT corner offers and challenges with the programme, ICT teachers and a library coordinator of the two JHS were also interviewed to find out their opinion on the programme and the impact they think the programme can make to help achieve the agenda of equipping the youth with ICT skills. Focus group discussions were held with two classes from the JHS for them to indicate the ICT skills they have acquired from the training and what they can use the skills to achieve. The researcher also witnessed two of the training sessions and observed daily activities of the ICT corner and the method of instruction. Findings The study brought to fore the contribution GhLA is making to help Ghana achieve Agenda 2063 and 2030 by helping students acquire basic ICT skill that is motivating them to use computers in their daily activities. Originality/value The study highlighted the importance of libraries in the 21st century and recommendations were made among others that, the facility should be replicated in all public libraries to be used by schools that do not have their own ICT lab in Ghana and the library should employ more staff to help with the training.
Description
Keywords
Public libraries, ICT, SDGs, Agenda 2063, Basic schools, Ghana Library Authority
Citation
Patience Emefa Dzandza, (2017) "ICT services to students in the greater Accra region of Ghana: An initiative of the Ghana Library Board (GhLA) towards the development agenda", Information and Learning Science, Vol. 118 Issue: 7/8, pp.393-405, https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-06-2017-0052