Title: The Digital Crusade and the Sanctuary of Silence: Who is Fooling Who at Uganda's Library Crossroads?
Authors: Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Musiimenta Nancy, Akampurira Sarah
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 320-329
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
This quantitative cross-sectional study critically examined the extent, determinants, and implications of digital resource utilisation among library patrons in selected public and academic libraries across Uganda. Conducted in eight purposively selected libraries in Kampala, Wakiso, Mbarara, and Gulu districts, the study drew on a stratified random sample of 432 registered library patrons comprising students, researchers, and community members. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26). Univariate analysis generated descriptive profiles of sociodemographic characteristics and utilisation patterns; bivariate analysis using Pearson chi-square tests and Spearman rank correlation coefficients explored unadjusted associations between utilisation and key predictor variables; and binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of regular digital resource use. Findings revealed that only 32.4 percent of respondents were regular digital users (using digital resources daily or 2-3 times per week), while 34.7 percent used digital resources rarely or never, reflecting a deeply uneven uptake landscape. Among the principal determinants, digital literacy score (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.61-5.65), ICT infrastructure availability (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.93-4.57), and awareness of e-resources (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.67-3.48) emerged as the most powerful positive predictors of regular digital use in the logistic regression model, which explained 48.7 percent of the variance in utilisation (Nagelkerke Rē = 0.487). Distance from the library was the only significant barrier (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.90), while gender was not significantly associated with digital utilisation. Critically, patron satisfaction with library services was significantly and positively correlated with regular digital resource use, underscoring the centrality of digital engagement to overall service quality perceptions. The study concludes that Uganda's library digitalisation narrative substantially outpaces operational reality, and that unless critical investments are made in digital literacy training, ICT infrastructure, and e-resource awareness, the promise of equitable digital access will remain performative rather than transformative. The study recommends targeted digital literacy programmes for both library staff and patrons, sustained infrastructure investment, and proactive outreach strategies to close the awareness and access gaps that currently undermine meaningful digital engagement in Ugandan libraries.