Research Article
From Information Access to Community Capacity: Mbale’s Public Library Contribution to SDGs 4 and 11 in Eastern Uganda
Ayubu Kisubi Islamic
,
Elizabeth Nalunkuma*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
112-117
Received:
17 September 2026
Accepted:
30 September 2026
Published:
31 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajist.20261004.11
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Abstract: Public libraries can advance sustainable development by expanding equitable access to information, learning opportunities and inclusive community spaces. However, local evidence of their contributions to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities remains limited in Uganda. This study examined the services through which Mbale Public Library contributes to these goals and assessed users’ and staff members’ perceptions of their effectiveness. A convergent mixed-method case-study design combined questionnaires administered to library users, structured interviews with three staff members and analysis of institutional activity records. Of 98 questionnaires distributed, 39 valid responses were returned (39.8%). Survey responses were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while interview and documentary evidence was analyzed thematically and triangulated with the survey findings. Among respondents, 97.4% agreed or strongly agreed that the library disseminated information, facilitated research and provided literacy materials. Similarly, 92.3% perceived that it bridged information-access gaps, and all 39 respondents associated information dissemination with promoting research and development. The library’s August 2022 records documented 3,660 computer users, 3,320 Wi-Fi users and 20 computer-training participants, alongside substantial use of print resources. Evidence for the library’s contribution to SDG 11 was less consistent: 74.4% endorsed knowledge sharing through community spaces, and 71.8% recognized local discussions on SDGs 4 and 11. These results indicate strong perceived educational and information-access contributions, with a less visible civic-participation role. As the evidence measures service activity and perceptions rather than long-term outcomes, it cannot establish causal SDG impact. Strengthening physical and digital infrastructure, partnerships, inclusive community programming and outcome monitoring could make the library’s contributions more sustainable and demonstrable.
Abstract: Public libraries can advance sustainable development by expanding equitable access to information, learning opportunities and inclusive community spaces. However, local evidence of their contributions to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities remains limited in Uganda. This study e...
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Research Article
Data Privacy and Information Security in Academic Libraries: A Qualitative Case Study of the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology Library
Nalunkuma Elizabeth,
Edward Ssali*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
118-124
Received:
17 September 2026
Accepted:
29 September 2026
Published:
31 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajist.20261004.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Purpose – This study examines how data privacy and information security are understood and operationalized in the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) Library, with particular attention to the relationship between institutional safeguards, staff and user awareness, and trust in digitally mediated library services. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study was conducted in 2025 using semi-structured interviews with five staff members (three librarians and two IT officers) and focus group discussions with ten library users (six students and four lecturers). Participants were purposively selected for their direct experience of library data handling or use of library services. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach, with staff and user accounts compared to identify convergence and divergence. Findings – Four interrelated themes emerged: (1) foundational safeguards without library-specific privacy governance; (2) asymmetrical privacy awareness between staff and users; (3) interacting resource, infrastructure and capability constraints; and (4) the need for an integrated governance, capacity and awareness response. Across these themes, uncertainty about data handling was closely connected to user trust. Originality/value – The study provides institution-level qualitative evidence from a Ugandan academic library, a context that remains underrepresented in empirical library privacy research. By examining staff and users together, it shows that privacy readiness depends not only on technical controls but also on policy localization, user awareness and institutional trust. The findings extend debates on information governance and digital transformation by showing how national data-protection requirements are translated—or fail to be translated—into everyday library practice in a resource-constrained setting.
Abstract: Purpose – This study examines how data privacy and information security are understood and operationalized in the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) Library, with particular attention to the relationship between institutional safeguards, staff and user awareness, and trust in digitally mediated library services. De...
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