The purpose of the study is to investigate into the role and development of mobile
libraries in rural areas in South Africa. Literature, case study and interviews were used for
data collection.
The study has tried to find out the role of mobile libraries in rural areas; models of
mobile libraries service provision; potential users and their needs; unique issues that have to
be addressed in South Africa to develop rural mobile library services and identified good
practice for developing mobile library service.
The findings show that there is a need for mobile library services in rural areas in
South Africa. The mobile library service plays a huge role to promote literacy and reading
recovery programs in the community, support sustainable independent and life-long learning,
supplement formal and informal education, build innovative ways to access information to
disadvantaged groups of society, provide professional advice to institutions and promote best
practice in managing small resource centres.
The study has shown that because of roads challenge in rural areas trucks and donkeys
can be used to provide the service. The study has shown that there are governing factors that
managers have to look at when planning for the service. These factors are; physical
characteristics, local provision, vehicle type, technical, finance, cost, collection, equipment
and furniture and promotion.
The findings have shown that mobile library service is needed in South Africa so as to
improve life of the people leaving in rural areas.