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The use of technology in today’s life has skyrocketed, leaving information providers with no option but to implement technological initiatives that will enable effective information access and dissemination. This paper aims to assess the readiness of Botswana public librarians to adopt the use of technology in the management of libraries and dissemination of information.

Convenience and purposive sampling were used to collect data from 21 participants via Survey Monkey software. The study questions were based on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) by Parasuraman and Colby (2015). In addition, mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.

The study found out that public librarians are ready to adopt information and communications technologies (ICTs) in library services. This is evidenced by their usage of social media networks and emails. Results also show that public libraries in Botswana are facing various challenges such as low bandwidth, shortage of computers, lack of timely technological support and ICT skills by librarians.

These findings call upon the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to setup/construct more public libraries and equip them with the necessary technology. This will enhance productivity and help libraries to meet the needs of the twenty-first century information seekers. An in-depth study should be conducted to establish the technological status in Botswana public libraries.

This is the first study conducted in Botswana to assess the public librarians’ readiness to adopt new technologies.

This research proposal aims to address the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the field of records and information management (RIM) within the African context. Despite the increasing prevalence of AI, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the factors influencing AI readiness and adoption in RIM. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore these factors and propose an AI readiness and adoption conceptual framework.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the proposed variables and support the hypothesis development. The theoretical foundation of the proposed conceptual framework is based on three theories: the technology acceptance model (TAM), the technology readiness index (TRI) and the cognitive appraisal theory (CAT).

The literature reveals that there is a lack of empirical investigation of AI readiness and adoption within the RIM context. Through the proposed conceptual model, the researcher anticipates uncovering critical insights into the factors influencing AI readiness and adoption in RIM practices across African nations.

The proposed model is not yet empirically tested and the study's scope is limited to African nations.

The proposed model takes a pioneering approach to empirically investigate AI readiness and adoption within the RIM field, specifically in an African context which is understudied.

Technology has influenced the implementation of electronic records management systems (ERMS) in government agencies. The high incidence of poor service delivery in government agencies is a key factor that has put pressure on the government to implement ERMS. Despite the potential benefits of implementing ERMS, the adoption and use of these programs has been slow and some systems have failed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess how Tlokweng land board (TLB) implemented its electronic records management program using Kotter’s model and awareness, desire, knowledge, ability and reinforcement change model.

The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and used a case study research design to collect data at TLB. The research made use of mixed methods approach to collect data using questionnaires, interviews and document reviews. Purposeful sampling was used to solicit data from 53 participants in the land board.

The findings of the study revealed that communication has been used as the most effective tool for managing change at TLB. However, TLB has not yet managed to reinforce the change implemented because of the lack of adequate training and motivation of change champions. Moreover, the change management team has little training on the change management framework produced by the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

The study was limited to one land board in Botswana. Therefore, the findings may not be generalized to all land boards.

This is the first study to be conducted in Botswana that has assessed change management practices in the implementation of records management systems. This study therefore recommends adoption of the change management lens/framework by a records professional when implementing ERMS.