Digital Libraries and Accessibility of Information by Users: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the factors that enhance the performance of digital libraries in promoting access to information. The method adopted was an exploration of literature to find out the relationship between digital libraries and access to information. First, a review of the concept of digital libraries and access to information was carried out in order to unravel their meaning. Secondly, a conceptual framework was presented to show the digital libraries variables that influence the user in having effective access to information. Lastly was the examination of the factors that promote access to information through digital libraries. It was revealed that technology usability and usefulness; adequate support services from library professionals and acquisition of digital literacy by users are the basic critical factors that promote access to digital information. Among other things, it was recommended that government / parent institutions, which are the major donors of digital resources, ensure that digital technologies, through which access is provided, are designed in an easy-to-use manner to enable library patrons to make optimal use of the resources for effective access to information.