Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented school libraries with opportunities and challenges that are unprecedented in the history of humankind as evidenced by total shutdowns, lockdown rules and regulations, and adaptation of emerging technologies for supporting teaching and learning in educational institutions. This chapter provides a general overview of the experiences of school libraries in a selected district in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. It highlights how the digital divide disadvantages school libraries that are resource famished. Using a qualitative methodology, the chapter interrogates how the adaptation of social media platforms has helped school libraries to contribute towards learning amidst the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TopIntroduction
Social media is mostly used in negativity, so much that those born before technology, including old-schoolers accept it with suspicions. This technological phenomenon is so instant that it captures events as they occur and unfiltered information is spread like veld fire to the masses around the world. Social media is in real-time captures phenomena instantly, thus, opening eyes just for capturing every detail. Virtually all organizations around the globe have incorporated this technology into their daily routines during Covid 19 lockdowns. School media centers are not an exception, they were also left with no option, since social media remained an innovative alternative source for facilitating the capturing of information and enabler instant shareability, without physical contact as required by Covid 19 regulations. During the pre-Covid 19 pandemic lockdowns, school libraries and other organizations were comfortable with their status regarding the provision of manual library services and gradually embracing new technologies, including, social media. The Covid- 19 pandemic brought about significant and instant changes, mostly requiring virtual access to learning and teaching resources. School media centers had also to adjust to the new normal just as all other organizations around the world were doing, embracing new technologies, such as social media.
Danladi and Soko (2018) heightened that the COVID-19 adversely affected the education sector as evidenced by the closure of universities, colleges, and schools. According to the aforementioned author, this predicament has resulted in the Work from home (WFH) modus operandi and online education even though this progressive development is undermined by the digital divide, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of information and digital skills, and non-availability of conducive workspaces at homes, especially in societies that are resource-starved, for example, Africa and other third world countries. The study will be guided by the following research questions:
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What is the social media?
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How did social media benefit school media centers with regards to information dissemination and access?
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How much support did school media centers receive from school administrators?
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Who funded virtual access to resources?
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What strategies should be utilized to enhance the effective use of social media by school media centers in Zimbabwe?
This chapter will expound on these questions, using a general approach regarding a selected district in Zimbabwe.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Access to Information: The fundamental right as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and national constitutions which guarantees every citizen the right of access to information as a way to empowers citizens to obtain information held by public bodies (with limited exceptions). It provides for the right to request and receive information, as well as an obligation for governments to publish information proactively.
Digital Divide: The lacunae that exists between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who lack access. The digital divide manifests itself technologically, economically, socially, educationally, democratically and infrastructurally
School Library: A library situated within the parameters of a school and under the aegis of the school administrators. It is also referred to as a school media centre and it serves the needs of students, staff, or parents of a private or public school. It is part of the curriculum of the school since it is an extension of the structured and unstructured learning space.
Social media: Internet-based platform used for interaction and access to news and information, and decision making. It is a treasured communication tool with others irrespective of time and space and a special platform for sharing, creating, and disseminating information.