“Librarying” Under the Candlelight: The Impact of Electricity Power Outages on Library Services

Abstract

Abstract Power outages have become pervasive in many Global South countries causing serious disruption to economies, psycho-social well-being, and industries including libraries. Occasionally, these power outages and their implications are felt in Global North countries too, mainly as a result of natural disasters whose occurrence has become too common due to global warming. This study sought to assess the impact of power outages on library services. The method employed was desk research which relied on a literature review and the lived experiences of the researcher who is based in South Africa, one of the countries that experienced almost daily periodic power outages as a result of the imposition of load shedding. The results show that power outages disrupt daily services of libraries resulting in difficulties in accessing electronic resources and services causing library hours to be adjusted and even closures. Power outages often lead to great frustration and anger from clients and librarians alike. Based on the available literature, some remedies are suggested to cushion the blow to clients and libraries. However, these remedies can only be temporary solutions. Ultimately, it is recommended that libraries should tackle the issue of load shedding collectively by either negotiating favourable deals with alternative energy providers and/or in negotiations with governments to, as far as possible, exempt and prioritise libraries in cases of power outages. This will aid in stemming the negative effects on education, access to information, and other efforts to actualise sustainable development.