Analysis of New Zealand documentation for promoting lifelong learning through IT services in New Zealand public libraries

Abstract

The development of Information and Communication Technologies (1CT) has brought many new challenges to New Zealand public libraries in terms of promoting lifelong learning. In order to create more learning opportunities for New Zealanders, the public library needs to have a good awareness of the use of ICT in promoting lifelong learning. This research investigated the current situation of using ICT to promote lifelong learning in public libraries reflected both in theory and in practice. Content analysis was used to analyze the documentation of New Zealand national organizations and 18 New Zealand public libraries on the relationship among lifelong learning, ICT and public libraries. The main results revealed that ICT has an increasing role in the process of promoting lifelong learning in public libraries. In addition, in spite of not being reflected in the documentation, the public library has shown a strong commitment to address the digital divide. However, the results also point out a gap between the theory reflected in the documentation and the practical operations in public libraries and suggest its potential consequences. Due to the limitations of this study, recommendations for the future development are to expand and improve the scope and depth of the research.