An evaluative study of a resource centre within a community learning centre with particular reference to Tembaletu Community Education Centre.

Abstract

The objective of the study was an evaluation of the Tembaletu Resource Center within the Tembaletu Community Education Center. The Resource Center was evaluated in terms of its objectives. Each objective formed the basis for the subsequent research questions. The evaluation was from the perspectives of the three major user groups namely the teachers, the registered students and outside users. A survey was conducted whereby information was obtained from each group by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. Major findings in terms of the objectives were: many teachers, students and the general users use the Resource Center to read books and study, teachers read literacy books, many users have never bought literacy books for sale as many were unaware of this service, resource-based work has been given to students by teachers and this was seen to be a worthwhile exercise, more than half of the users had not borrowed educational videos, users had found information that helped them solve their personal problems although many users had never used the computer to access information. Lack of awareness of many of the services by users was indicated and was regarded as the stumbling block to the full use of the Resource Center. Recommendations based on the findings of the evaluation were made and this was followed by suggestions for further research.