Public libraries’ role in supporting e-learning and spreading lifelong education: a case study

Purpose – Public libraries play a pivotal role in supporting education and literacy. They provide numerous services, activities, collections and resources for education and leisure. Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) is an international renowned public library that provides numerous services for different users worldwide. Elearning is an emergent and promisingmethod for teaching and learning different subjects such as the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The e-learning educational system is quite novel in Africa and the Middle East; hence, this paper presents the whole concept to the reader. In addition, it demonstrates number of e-courses tackling different domains provided by different educational institutions, national and public libraries worldwide. Design/methodology/approach – In 2017, the BA inaugurated its e-learning services to cope with the new educational trend and to consolidate the lifelong learning concept in the community. The author showed special interest to the case of e-learning in the BA, as it is a regional public library. The main idea of this paper is to attract attention toward public libraries as a promising venue for e-learning implementation for general knowledge, library information sciences, soft skills, elementary and informal STEM education. The paper discusses in details e-learning and its characteristics. Findings – In addition, the paper compares traditional education (face-to-face) with e-learning education, mentions both their pros and cons and recommends blending the two educational methods as they complement each other. Furthermore, the author has selected a sample of different STEM e-courses (203 different e-courses). These e-courses were selected to assert the possibility of presenting STEM topics in the form of e-courses. Originality/value –This studywould be one of the emergent research studies that connect e-learning to both STEM disciplines and public libraries. Additionally, this research highlights the importance of public libraries and all the services they provide. In the mean time, it shed light on the important and unique role of specialized librarians. Briefly, public libraries with all their resources, services and expert librarians could provide an exceptional e-learning experience to their community and be of great help to educational institutions and organizations.


Introduction
During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the whole world witnessed the industrial revolution, which had a powerful impact on all aspects of human lives. Since then, people have been facing unstoppable challenges in education, social, economic and environmental welfare. The most outstanding breakthrough was achieved in both the science and technology fields. Science and technology are key elements toward development in different domains, such as economics, trade, industry, health improvement, education and infrastructure. Therefore, innovative and advanced education systems have lately attracted Role of public libraries in e-learning employees. In the meantime, educational institutions such as universities and research centers are heading toward the adoption of e-learning. Educational institutions usually combine face-to-face (traditional/classroom) learning and e-learning systems in what is called "blended learning" (NSTA, 2016). Currently, e-learning uses diverse tools and techniques to facilitate the covering of numerous topics and fields; starting from LIS to engineering sciences, which will be discussed in detail later. Pros and cons of both e-learning and traditional (classroom) learning systems can be briefly outlined in Table I. From all the above propositions, it could be noticed that both learning systems have advantages and disadvantages. The author recommends using both learning systems, which is called the blended system, which is a combination of both e-learning and traditional methods.

Library definition
Throughout time, libraries have supported education and played a key role in literacy dissemination. The word "library" is derived from the Latin word liber, which means "book". Libraries ensure the provision of educational materials, books collections, electronic resources, periodicals, multimedia materials, referral services, etc. At the same time, this term could refer to the building or space itself, which includes all the previously mentioned materials (Shukla et al., 2013).
In 1994, International Federation of Library Associations/The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IFLA/UNESCO) (1996) defined public libraries as the perpetual source of information and knowledge. Public libraries promote lifelong learning, cultural development, peace and social welfare for the public. Public libraries are hubs of information, providing all kinds of knowledge available to users nationally and internationally. Public libraries help communities to develop, improve and carry out decision-making independently. The manifesto stated that public libraries deliver different services and materials for various categories of users based on equity and equality. In addition, IFLA/UNESCO recommended public libraries to disseminate special services, materials and reference sources among users who cannot have access to the regular libraries services and materials, such as linguistic minorities, disabled, hospitalized or imprisoned people (IFLA/UNESCO, 1996).
Users of different categories could easily access all the provided materials and organized collections through the help of well-trained and skilled librarians. Skilled subject librarians act in significant roles in both public and academic libraries. Generally, these tasks include collection-cataloging, development, reference services, building collaboration with educational organizations (schools, universities and research institutions) and providing instructional lectures to users.
The main aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of public libraries in spreading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) e-learning education. In this paper, the author will focus on STEM e-courses available, list providers (libraries, educational organizations, educational platforms, etc.) and the learning management system (LMS) used to present scientific context. Educational resources could take different formats (text, videos, interactive presentations, audio, animation, etc.) according to the subject covered. Finally, the main target of this study and previously published studies is to shed light on the role of libraries in supporting e-learning education, developing both e-learning and traditional educational systems and to use the advantages of both systems to the maximum for the sake of learners.

Types of libraries
Libraries have essential influence on education. Libraries could deeply support education by different means. Different types of libraries are listed and defined below:

Role of public libraries in e-learning
Parameters E-learning system Traditional system Accessibility Learners should have smart device (computers, laptops, tabs and mobiles) and Internet connection Learners should be enrolled on schools and/or campuses Learners could access any educational materials, data banks, up-to-date relevant and reliable scientific e-resources Learners depend on the teachers' explanations, study program, settled curriculum and fixed educational materials E-learning is like a virtual classroom. Learners could interact with instructors and each other through different tools, such as (messaging, forums, chat, e-mails, etc.) Learners interact directly with the class teacher and classmates

Instructor and learners relation
Teacher plays the role of instructor, mentor, moderator and coach Teacher and lecturer plays the role of the knowledge source and transmitter Synchronous e-learning enables learners and instructors to directly interact and communicate at definite time. In addition, online materials could be updated and learners could view changes immediately In this system, teachers reach out to students, directly, through speeches and oral communication, hence, students could receive answers for their queries right away Learners are free to enroll in any e-course regardless of their discipline It might be an obligation for students to take courses relevant to their specialty Pedagogical curriculum It suits wide, specific and general topics, modules and lessons It suits applied, detailed and collaborative subjects Learners could study at their own pace, independent of the group speed Both teachers and students are strictly adhered to fixed curriculum E-learning depends on interactivity and help learners to construct their own knowledge Traditional system depends on repetition and students are recipients E-learning allows students to access and attend online educational content unlimited times 24/7 Traditional sessions have limited time, and each semester follows a set timetable

Degrees available
Learners could earn diplomas, master's degree and/or PhDs any time anywhere while working in their jobs or in their own space Students attend classes in person and pass through different assignments, exams and evaluations to earn an academic degree Assessments and evaluation Learners could acquire any course and/or training about any subject and/or field of their interest with simple assessment or placement test or none Students are evaluated according to different progress criteria that represent students' level of achievement or performance Most of the online courses evaluate participants through multiple choice or short answer assignments Student performance is evaluated orally and via written tests/exams The lack of clear objective of learner could be the reason for them to drop out ecourses. In addition, students attending ecourses could be inactive and fail more than students attending the same courses face-to-face in a regular classroom Student potentials could not be easily measured if the number of classroom students is large (>30) Suitability of learning system This system would be considered a convenient system for independent and self-study learners   De, 2018;Heap, 2017;Versteijlen et al., 2017) JRIT Public library As mentioned earlier, public libraries are national organizations, funded and supported by governments and communities. Public libraries have a great impact on society, and they play the vital mission of spreading literacy and lifelong learning to improve and fulfill needs of society. Public libraries are no longer limited to their buildings, physical collection or indoor services. Most public libraries successfully cope with the publics' increasing demands, as well as technological and educational challenges. Thanks to open access and open educational resources, public libraries can offer educational materials, courses, trainings, scientific publications, etc. to users. They manage to deliver their services not only face-to-face but also online. Earlier, all these resources were restricted to educational institutions, accessed in definite places, during specific times and at fixed prices. Nowadays, users and students have a vast amount of raised references on different topics, such as educational and reference resources, digital tools and services. Users access public libraries (physically or virtually) seeking the guidance and help of skilled and competent librarians. Parameters E-learning system Traditional system It could be hard to illustrate courses, which require certain tools and kits It could be preferable for subjects, fields and programs that require hands-onapproach Learners skills E-learning system could enhance selfmotivation, creative thinking and time management skills Traditional system is efficient, and it could enhance self-motivation and discipline Learner is completely his/her own boss; learner is responsible for completing all the online courses requirements such as viewing lectures, interact with peers and instructor, submitting and required assignments before the deadline (selfdirection) This system could build strong relations between students and teachers. Meanwhile, it helps young students improve their personalities, increases their self-esteem and assists them in avoiding exam panic Learning system time-consuming E-learning is a fast way of presenting lessons. Learners could retrieve and save the online sessions and electronic resources to revise them anytime anywhere The time required for the teaching process is 20-60 percent higher than the e-learning method

Expenses
Learners could save travel expenses, course materials and accommodation fees by applying for e-learning courses

Role of public libraries in e-learning
Thus, public libraries should be classified as information hubs and central sources of a multitude of educational materials, ranging from traditional to online-based courses. Nevertheless, public libraries should collaborate with regional educational institutions (schools, universities and adult learning) to execute students' demands and to avoid redundancy (Lifelong Learning, 2012;Balapanidou, 2015). Creelman (Lifelong Learning, 2012) stated that public libraries depend on their librarians' professionalism and expertise. Balapanidou (2015) reviewed a number of published studies and stated that public libraries have played a fundamental role in every community by providing various services to different user categories, for both educational and recreational purposes. Nowadays, they are facing challenges in keeping up with technological evolution, moreover, maintaining and upgrading their services. In the meantime, they should reach and support all types of users, such as the literate, illiterate, children, youth, adults, the disabled, minorities, the hospitalized and/or imprisoned people. There are numerous examples of illuminating and inspiring public libraries, such as the Library of Congress (Washington D.C., USA), Biblioth eque Nationale de France BNF (the National Library of France) and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) (The Library of Alexandria). In this study, the author will focus on the BA and its different facets. This paper will highlight the efforts done by the Library of Alexandria to spread and increase public participation and support the e-learning educational system.

Special library
Special libraries could be briefly defined as establishments concerned with a specific subject or field with their own specialized collections. They provide help and guidance for their particular clientele (academia or professionals) (Bilawar, 2013). Generally, specialized libraries are involved in any research and/or educational process in any academic, industrial and business organizations. Special libraries include the following: (1) Science libraries; (2) Law libraries; (3) Medical libraries; (4) Music libraries and (5) Museum libraries.

Academic library
Academic libraries are entities that fall under the umbrella of educational or academic organizations, such as schools, universities, colleges or research institutions. They have two fundamental and integral functions: first, to support the curriculum of the educational organization, and second, to promote research in these organizations. Academic libraries are usually located within campuses, and they have materials and collections that help teachers, professors, researchers and students to fulfill their missions.
Examples of academic libraries are as follows: (1) American University in Cairo Libraries and (2) University of Lorraine Libraries

Digital library
Digital libraries are emerging paradigms of the rapid development of ICT. Trivedi (2010) defined digital libraries as virtual entities offering very large organized collections stored in JRIT digital formats that can be accessed remotely. They consist of three main elements: the library materials (data), information about the library materials (metadata) and the performed functions that link all the library elements (processes) (Rajput, 2013).
Recently, it is noticeable that a large number of traditional libraries are heading towards digitizing their collections.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA)
The BA was officially reborn on October 16, 2002. The main target of the modern library is to be a hub of merit in acquaintance creation and spreading. In addition, the BA aspires to be a destination of interchange, learning, tolerance and understanding. This paper will discuss the BA e-learning services as the case study.
The BA provides numerous services for all users. Most of these services are listed on the BA website. The core services, which are offered by the BA, are listed hereunder: (1) Free computers, Internet access and free Wi-Fi; (2) Electronic resources (open and closed access); (3) Community events; (4) Study rooms and reading space; (5) Printing and copying centers; (6) Reference and inquiry services; (7) Adult learning courses; (8) The BA catalog (enables users to search for items anytime, anywhere); (9) Specialized courses for librarians; (10) Researchers' services; (11) Celebrity authors events; (12) Numerous cultural and scientific events and (13) Exhibitions, seminars, conferences, concerts and theatrical performances.

BA e-learning services
The BA has established an online educational service in January 2017. The main aim of this service is to enable the BA users (from all over Egypt, the Arab world, Africa and the worldwide) to attend the BA educational courses. This service will introduce the selflearning concept to the BA users and will increase their enthusiasm for selfimprovement. This service ensures providing sustainable educational services for all types of users anytime anywhere. The BA e-learning services aim to provide access to massive open online courses (MOOCs), online courses and other e-learning modules. In addition, the BA e-learning Services strive to provide e-learning courses about different Role of public libraries in e-learning topics not limited to LIS. The BA improves its e-learning resources, techniques and materials indoors and keen to cooperate with other educational organizations and institutions. This could be a positive indication for other public libraries looking forward to implement e-learning system. The BA develops its e-learning service internally depending on the subject expert librarians and externally by cooperating with educational institutions such as Alexandria University, Senghor University, The National Superior School of Information Science and Libraries (ENSSIB), the National Library of France (BnF), etc. Table II shows the available e-courses and online orientation sessions provided by the BA e-learning services. All the previously mentioned e-courses, sessions and trainings are presented using the Moodle platform. The BA e-learning services adopted Moodle platform due to its special features such as: (1) Open access learning management system (LMS); (2) Free platform with unlimited time; (3) User-friendly platform (learners, tutors and administrators); (4) A well-organized and easy to navigate platform; (5) The design to be responsive and accessible (it is easy to navigate on both desktops and smart devices); (6) Multilingual capability platform (The BA uses Arabic, English and French); (7) Various modules, features, tools, and customizable themes and layout; (8) Modular design that simplifies syllabus and curriculum arrangement; (9) Interactivity between tutors and learners through various activities and collaborative tools (i.e. forums, chats, wikis, glossaries, databases, quizzes, etc.); (10) Easy plugin (sign in) management; (11) Consistent security updates; (12) Supports multimedia integration (courses could be uploaded in all types of formats as text and multimedia files); (13) Can integrate with different cloud storage services to share files such as MS OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive and (14) Implements both synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Application of e-learning in international public libraries A number of published researches have indicated that public libraries are playing a key role in spreading and serving as remote sites for e-learning. Public libraries play a critical role in developing and expanding e-learning education (Proudfoot and Kebritchi, 2017). The traditional role of a public library is to offer information resources for users and play as information keepers. Nowadays, this role should be expanded to include being information providers and a gateway to knowledge (Sharifabadi, 2006). In this study, the author has listed a number of e-courses provided by three examples: the National Library of New Zealand, the American Library Association (ALA) and Australian Library and Information Association in

Role of public libraries in e-learning
Research design and sampling procedure This study implemented an empirical data analysis, which applied qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. The collected data were retrieved via web searches. The collected data were e-courses provided by different universities and educational organizations and hosted by different MOOCs platforms. In order to make the study representative, data were collected based on three criteria: the selected e-courses should be limited to STEM topics, should have best review and rating, the educational institution/ organization which provided the e-course should have high-ranking. The selected data are listed in Table AI.

STEM e-learning education
In this part, the author has selected a sample of different STEM e-courses that are relevant to the spectrum of the study. Additionally, the author was keen to choose e-courses based on the following factors to narrow down the sampling process: (1) Topic is limited to STEM fields; (2) E-courses should have best review and rating and (3) Educational organization/institution which provided the e-courses should have high ranking.
The list of these e-courses are shown in. Table AI. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the STEM fields were covered, the number and percent of the e-courses provided. From the collected data, the selected STEM e-courses were categorized into five main classes: the scientific discipline or field, the educational organization, the country, language of the e-course and the used platform. From Figure 3, it is noticeable that the chosen STEM e-courses are offered by countries in the following order: the USA, the UK and Egypt. Switzerland, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Denmark and Italy offered the remaining 8 percent of the covered STEM e-courses. Accordingly, the topics covered by the USA and UK are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The collected data show that the fields are represented as follows: 22.3 percent computer science, 12.9 percent engineering, 12.4 ;percent medicine, 11.4 percent biology, 10.9 percent physics, 5.4 percent mathematics, 5.4 percent STEM, 5 percent chemistry, 5 percent environmental sciences, 3 percent statistics and probability, 2.5 percent astronomy, 1.5 percent science, 1 percent bioinformatics, 0.5 percent Earth science, 0.5 percent quantum mechanics and 0.5 percent urban planning.

Discussion
Recently e-learning has shown significant expansion and attracted learners' attention worldwide. E-learning assists learners who are geographically remote from educational institutions, unable to participate as full-or part-time campus students and grownups. Elearning promotes the "lifelong-learning" concept, ensures learning equity and increases the competence of workforce in order to cope with the overwhelming development in the modern economy and industry. Generally, e-learning depends on three main factors: (1) The instructor (teacher or tutor) and learner; (2) Educational institution, which creates and influences the process and In addition, LMS carries the e-courses materials and offers different tools and techniques to evaluate and transform courses into interactive and interesting e-courses.
In the twenty-first century, it is clear that science, technology, engineering and mathematic fields have great influence on the labor market (Chen et al., 2018). These fields are in continuous and hectic expansion. As a result, educators and learners are in great need of implementing technological innovations to become more engaged with STEM education and its latest topics. Nowadays, a number of researchers, scientists and professors are searching for more innovative techniques for STEM teaching. A number of published studies in literature have shown that e-learning plays a key role in STEM education (Tiwari, 2011). STEM education via e-learning could be of great help to schools and university students. Elearning could foster science literacy and introduce new scientific findings to the public. From  The percent of the covered STEM ecourses JRIT the collected data, it is obvious that STEM education via e-learning is widely spreading, covering mostly all topics and offered by distinguished institutions worldwide. From all the above propositions, international educational, commercial and cultural institutions have created numerous programs and e-courses. A number of international agencies are supporting e-learning, such as the Commonwealth and the World Bank Group. Public libraries have supporting elements and great potential to empower them to play significant roles in developing and spreading e-learning education. Each public library has different scope and objectives, nevertheless, all presented cases showed positive indications that e-learning education could be offered by public libraries depending on their resources, skilled librarian staff and collaboration with different educational organizations (Universities, research institutions, information services' centers, etc.). However, most of the libraries providing e-learning services are confined to the LIS field. The collected data show that STEM subjects are successfully presented in interactive e-courses carried by LMS. The author suggests that as learners participate in engaging positive STEM elearning courses, they would become more concerned with STEM and STEM-related careers. From the collected data, it is obvious that public libraries have full capacity  (potential) to offer e-learning in STEM fields. This paper points out the value in having elearning team experts, this team could provide simple and/or deep scientific content; provide, support and develop e-learning technologies; as well as create interactive and entertaining e-courses. IT support teams could provide consultation to the e-learning teams.
In this study, the author has attempted to shed light on the role of the BA in e-learning as a case study. The BA is a public library emerged as a hub for excellence providing a wide range of innovative services. Among the remarkable services come the BA e-learning services. The nascent service aims to deploy the lifelong learning approach and introduces emerging scientific findings in interactive and simple means to specialized and nonspecialized audience. The BA e-learning services will achieve these goals by developing collaboration between the BA and different educational institutions (schools, universities and research institutions).
The BA e-learning service during three years was able to offer different e-courses categories that could match the requirements of various users (general and lifelong learner, LIS specialist, researchers and postgraduates). The BA in cooperation with Senghor University, The National Superior School of Information Science and Libraries (ENSSIB), the National Library of France (BnF) was able to award the DUSIB 2018-2019 alumni their diploma and launched its second round 2019-2020. In year 2019, it offered the Researchers' Program, which covers different topics, targets researchers and postgraduates and aims to enhance their competencies. Researchers, scientists and professors from academia and specialized librarians could cooperate to prepare and provide interactive, hands-on and useful scientific e-courses. The author would like to highlight the idea that the role of public libraries is providing online education to assist educational organizations, enhance society literacy, increase public awareness and to embrace lifelong learning concept. Indeed, public libraries could be partner to educational organizations not a substitute or alternative. There are varieties of e-learning platforms that produce STEM e-courses for individuals. Many library users are looking to public libraries to provide access to these platforms. Gale course, Knowledgecity and Skillsoft are examples of platforms that provide various e-courses topics for libraries. Briefly, public libraries with all their resources, services and expert librarians could provide an exceptional e-learning experience to their community and be of great help to educational institutions and organizations.

Conclusion
There is a diversity of e-courses, activities and programs that promote STEM education, but there are limited models of extending STEM e-courses by employing e-learning platforms in public libraries. These trials could be a positive sign that public libraries are promising key players in developing and supporting e-learning education in different fields not only in LIS. There is an increased need to augment STEM education via e-learning in a technology-driven society and generate initiatives that develop STEM literacy and increase individuals' awareness toward STEM, health, environmental issues and related professions. E-learning is considered one of the most rapid and emergent industries. It is obvious that e-learning has left a significant footprint on educational systems worldwide. Nowadays