MST-Department of Library and Information Science

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    A survey of the information services provided by the Kaimosi teachers college's learning resource centre to teachers advisory centres in Hamisi division, Kakamega.
    (1990) Makokha, Jas Amwayi
    This study traces the origins~ development and the objectives of learning resourcecentres and teachers advisory centres in Kenya. It investigates whether these centres meet their stated objectives and the problems they encounter in Hamisi Division of Kakamega District, particularly in providing for the information needs of their clients. The investigation was done through questionnaires, interViews, discussions and observation of the centres. The findings are that 5 (100%) of the TAC tutors neithe~ find the material in the LRC sufficient enough to meet their information needs nor do these materials meet the information demands of the schools and the local community in Hamisi Division. As such only 5 (16%) of the teacher population under the study visit TACs to borrow resources and 24(89%) of them have difficulties in accessing the information at TACs. Hence 17(63%) of the respondents rated th~ TACs as usel~ss in terms of their ability to provide resources and information support to them. On the other hand, 4(67%) of the local residents did not know how to rate the TACs in terms of their usefulness in providing information services to them while 2(33%) rated them as being useless. None (0(0%) rated them as either being useful or very useful. Based on these findings, conclusions have been drawn and recommendations made towards the improyement of the information services provided by these institutions .
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    A study of the availability and relevance of children’s recreational literature in selected public libraries in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 1992) Kibandi, Irene Muthoni; Mukuvi Michael Kitetu
    This study on the availability and relevance of children’s literature established the condition of our children•s sections in the public libraries. The underlying assumptions of the study were; that Kenyans are poor readers who read only for examinations and to ensure promotion at work; that reading habits can improve in Kenya if children are provided with relevant recreational literature and that these books should be relevant in as far as themes, characters, language and style, plot and physical conditions are concerned. The themes covered in children•s literature should promote lasting moral values that are useful to our society. Such are like honesty, love, kindness, humility, respect and many others. These should be inculcated into the children as they grow up. The characters should be children who the readers can identify with either through sympathy or admiration. The plot should be interesting with suspense that will make children read further. It should not be over prolonged as they can easily lose interest. The length of the books and their physical condition should be ideal for the different ages so as to promote and not stifle the interest of reading. The recreational books should be in adequate supply so as to keep up with the children’s changing needs as they grow up. The idea of Kenyans being poor readers is yet to be statistically proved as true but it is rarely that adults read for pleasure. The findings showed that recreational books for children are too few in our public libraries to fully satisfy the reading needs of the active users yet the majority are not using the libraries. Most of the books are imported and only a few are written specifically for the African child. Most of these, however, were relevant since they had themes that had teachings for the children who read them, They had well-coloured illustrations and simple language. A few had no illustrations and most of them had difficult words with no explanations. The physical condition of majority of the books was not very encouraging. Some were incomplete, torn, written on while others had too lengthy stories for children. More books are needed; the service should be publicized so as to have more children aware of it. User education is necessary and the children1s librarians need to be trained so as to serve children more confidently.
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    A study of libraries in the industrial and commercial sectors in Kenya with particular reference to staffing, information organization and services
    (1993) Kiragu, Caroline Wangari
    Libraries in Industrial and Commercial enterprises are generalyreferred to as special libraries. The main aim of these libraries is to provide access to specialized information to meet the needs of their clientele within the parent organization. These libraries normally have relatively small specialized collections and are managed by relatively few staff members. Information in these libraries is organized either by unorthodox or conventional methods depending on the size of the collection and what the librarian in charge finds most appropriate for his library putting a lot of emphasis on saving time for both the information workers and the users. A wide range of services are offered to the clientele of these libraries. The services are very specialized and personalized and are all geared to providing the clientele with the most up-to-date information whose effectiveness affects the growth of the parent organization. This study looked at these types of libraries in Kenya with particular reference to staffing, information organization and services offered. The study established that most of these libraries are poorly staffed which is one of the factors that is affecting the level of information organization and types of services ffered. Chapter one gives background information on development of special libraries, states the problem and also discusses the significance of the study. Chapter two reviews related literature. Chapter three discusses the methodology used in the study. Chapter four is devoted to data presentation analysis and discussion. Chapter five gives a summary of the findings, draws conclusions and makes practical recommendations.
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    Cataloguing and classification: problems and possible solutions. a case study of Kenyatta University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
    (Kenyatta University, 1996) Muthee, D.W.; Mwathi, P.G.
    The purpose of this study was to examine the existing problems in cataloguing and classification of library materials in Kenyatta University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Libraries. The study also purposed to utilise the findings to propose solutions and recommendations which should be used to rectify the situation. The procedures of the study included:- i. reviewing of literature to show the existing state of cataloguing and classification in many libraries. ii. Data gathering through use of questionnaires to library staff, and library users, and interviews (interviews were administered to librarians using a guiding questionnaire). iii. Observation of the library staff. The study found that several problems exist in cataloguing and classification of library resources. Such problems included:- Use of outdated cataloguing and classification tools ,inadequate knowledge of cataloguing and classification rules and therefore poor interpretation and application of these rules, backlogs, lack of stationery, shortage of professional staff, manual systems, and many more. The research has recommended several solutions to the identified problems with a view of eradicating the cataloguing and classification problems. Such recommendations included:- creation of a committee on cataloguing and classification, allocation of more teaching and practical time to cataloguing and classification in the KU Library school, expanding the cataloguing systems to suit their own needs, recruiting of cataloguing oriented personnel, purchasing of up-to-date National Union Catalogues (NUCs), avoiding of unnecessary details, among other things.
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    An appraisal of the Kenya national library reference service
    (2002) Macharia, Beatrice Wangari
    A reference service is one of the services offered in any type of a library. It's role in the library is that of maximizing utilization of a library's resources. Due to this important role, it is an essential service that should be recognized as an important and inseparable part of the library services. This reference service provision involves not only finding the answers to queries but performs other functions; i.e. inter-library loans, location of documents, outreach services, compiling of bibliographies and indexes among others. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the quality of this service in K.N.L.S. The objectives were; to establish the philosophy of this service, identify services offered, and establish through user satisfaction the quality of this service. The sample for this research was obtained through simple random sampling method. This was done from three categories of users i.e; from primary school level, secondary school level and above secondary school level. This was to ensure that all users of the library were well represented. There was also a sample representing the staff which was also acquired through the same simple random sampling. IV Data collected was through questionnaires, direct observation and reference service records at the K.N.L.S. On analysing and interpreting the data, conclusions were made by the researcher. From the findings of the study, it was established that the reference service although not extremely poor, it is below average. Various factors established which down play the quality of this reference service are, lack of policies, inadequacy of services and resources, and lack of marketing of services provided. The recommendations given by the researcher were that, the reference service personnel come up with policies, improve on the collection, enter into formal inter-library services, sensitize their users and potential users on services provided and automate all services.
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    Collaboration challenges facing information literacy programs in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Library
    (2009) Wanjiru, Samuel Muthami
    This research project was to investigate the information literacy collaboration challenges in JKUAT library. Information literacy (IL) is a critical pillar in all libraries. It ensures optimal usage of all forms of information resources acquired. It demands collaboration between the library, teaching departments, administrators as well as users to achieve its purpose. The challenge is that this IL partnership is often missing in many information centers. This investigation was therefore geared to unearthing insights into why there is lack of IL collaboration; poor IL evaluation practices; the potential areas for IL collaboration; and strategic outcomes of partnership in information literacy training (Montiel-Overall, 2008). The study investigated the collaboration challenges hampering information literacy initiatives in JKUAT library. The target respondents were librarians, lecturers and masters’ students. Questionnaires were used to gather information from lecturers and masters students owing to their big numbers. The senior library staff and especially the ones in-charge of the department, user instruction or subject sections were purposively selected and interviewed by the researcher. This was to enable the researcher probe and unearth more pertinent research details of qualitative nature. The librarians were fewer in number, knowledgeable and experienced in the IL subject hence the interview was apt. Out of 35 lecturers 32 (91%) responded. Only 31 (53%) of the 58 masters students responded to the questionnaire. All the targeted senior library staff (100%) were interviewed. A total of 73 of the anticipated 98 responses were received from both questionnaires and interviews representing a percentage return rate of 74%. The overall purpose of this study was to unearth the factors hindering effective collaboration in IL in JKUAT library. The study’s main objectives were: to establish the current IL programs and policies prevailing at JKUAT library; to establish the extent of collaboration in JKUAT library’s IL programs; to identify the factors hindering IL collaboration in JKUAT library; and to find out whether information literacy programs are cooperatively evaluated and assessed in the said library. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitatively inferences were made from the opinion of the respondents in the open-ended responses. The responses were categorized as data was edited to sift most relevant to the objects of the study. Quantitatively descriptive statistical methods were used. Statistical data was coded and analyzed with the help of a statistician using the computer-based statistical package for social scientists – SPSS. The raw data was then saved in the spreadsheet Ms Excel. It is in Ms Excel that the researcher generated percentages, pie charts, tables and graphs used to present the data. This forms chapter four of this project. A major concurrence with previous findings elsewhere is that there is very little collaboration between librarians, lecturers, users and administrators in information literacy. The stakeholders agree that more needs to be done and propose approaches to redress this inadequacy. As Amunga (2007) had observed, this study confirmed that IL training is still an unestablished and uncoordinated effort. The study to a great extent corroborates previous findings on the challenges which hinder IL collaboration in university libraries in the west. Generally, these impediments to IL collaboration in Jomo Kenyatta university library and elsewhere are negative attitude of iv v lecturers towards IL, collaboration and library generally; negative attitude of library staff towards IL efforts hampers its development; the attitude of users towards IL and the library in general; lack of clear IL policy across the university which would nurture IL partnership; poor evaluation and assessment tradition on IL; issue of academic status for librarians and ensuing remuneration disagreements; inadequate IL training time and timing of programs reduce its impact; unmanageable or large groups viz a viz space constraints in the library. The IL collaboration challenges strongly emerging from this investigation are (a) poor public relations in the library which puts off users and other potential IL partners. The way the library projects itself when dealing with other potential collaborators determines relations in other aspects. (b) lack of leadership or initiator of IL collaboration. Other stakeholders look upon the library to propose and lobby for such partnership since the bulk of IL content is centered on the library and information services. Nothing has been initiated so far towards this end. (c) poor planning of IL initiatives. There are pockets of IL aspects that are uncoordinated. The communication skills course, electronic resources training, Orientation and research methods ought to form the basis of IL collaboration with a view to a formal partnership. (d) lack of or reluctance to acquire or share skills/knowledge on IL by both the trainers and trainees. Some members across the stakeholders are not ready to participate in IL training either for lack of confidence, skills, embarrassment or avoid workload since IL is involving. It demands continuous skills updating if one is to remain relevant in the fast evolving information field. (e) low frequency of IL training sessions inter alia, delinks the ardent information seeker from the potential collaborator offering the IL training. This cements attitudes exhibited by users. One sphere that would promote IL cooperation was found to be missing. The study found that there is seldom any evaluation and assessment of IL programs at JKUAT. This is an ideal area to promote tripartite collaboration between librarians, lecturers and users if they formulate objectives and content, mount training and evaluate together. Respondents agreed that it is imperative to work in partnership to make effective apt IL training albeit with shared roles. Such concerted efforts would yield the identified benefits of IL: research skills; critical skills; problem solving skills; IT skills; evaluation skills; synthesis skills, searching skills and information usage skills. These skills are vital to survive the information society and sustain lifelong learning. The study concludes that the identified collaboration challenges facing IL initiatives must be addressed through concerted efforts and in tandem with the CHE and ACRL standards on information literacy. Information literacy is everybody’s business and not just librarians’.
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    Barriers in accesing and retrieving information resources in academic libraries: a case study of selected libraries of Nairobi University
    (2011-05-09) Mumo, Anjela Mbula.
    Access to information in academic libraries is of vital importance. Users of academic libraries need information for education, training and research. University academic programmes are tight and students are always overwhelmed with the number of units they have to cover, term papers to finish and projects to write, thus accessing library materials should be very smooth with minimum constraints to save their time. Libraries should ensure that users receive adequate training on how to use the library and information retrieval tools should be user friendly, reliable and available. However, accessing information has faced challenges that have made the process frustrating to users and therefore hindering the library from achieving its goal of disseminating information. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers that make the access and retrieval process time consuming, tiring and difficult in academic libraries in selected libraries of the Nairobi University library system. The study objectives were: to find out barriers that are related to the library systems, barriers that are related to the user systems, barriers that are related to Library staff systems and barriers that are related to multimedia systems and the effect these barriers have on information use. The researcher used a descriptive survey design to collect data. The design is appropriate in studying the problems users face in accessing information because it focuses on the users' views, opinions and perceptions on what barriers they face while accessing and retrieving resources. The study established clearly that academic libraries have barriers that affect information access and retrieval to a large extent. These included library related barriers like faulty information retrieval tools, poor library and stock signage and guidance. Others included, lack of skill on how to access and retrieve information and lack of publicity of resources which led to unawareness of resources. Untrained library staff and lack of commitment to work by personnel. Multimedia related barriers that included Poor telecommunication infrastructure, inadequate electronic services and facilities were the other barriers. Major recommendations from the study are to facilitate the use of electronic retrieval tools which are more effective; intensive and continuous training of users to impart skills of information access and retrieval; training of library staff about customer care and public relations. Other recommendations include marketing of library services and resources, improvement of telecommunication infrastructure and increase the number of multi-media facilities and services.
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    Techniques used to market the library: case studies of United States International University (USIU-A) library and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS)
    (2011-08-10) Muriuki, Catherine Mumbi; Mathu, M. N.
    This study investigated the effectiveness of the techniques used to market the library. Among the areas looked into were: the different marketing techniques being used in libraries today; evaluating their effectiveness in selling the library services to users and non-users; feedback from users about their satisfaction/ dissatisfaction in using the library; and also finding out the extent to which library staff have been instrumental in marketing the library services and products. Two libraries: United States International University (USIU-A) and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) were the case studies. Data was collected using questionnaire and observation methods. Data was analysed using SPSS software. The study found out that various marketing techniques were actually being used in the two libraries studied. However these marketing techniques were not fully effective in marketing library services to users and non-users. Furthermore the study also found out that users prefer some services in the library to others depending on the degree of marketing of each service. Users sometimes prefer ed using other information providers than the library due to various reasons that have to do with marketing techniques. Users also gave various reasons why they are not fully satisfied with using the library among them failure by the library to do user surveys, not welcoming user suggestions, lack of evaluation of services etc. The study therefore came up with recommendations and various solutions that can, be applied to modern libraries today in order to solve this problem of ineffective marketing techniques in libraries. These include: having marketing plans for in libraries; have operational marketing departments in libraries; making marketing of services to users more effective and embracing new technology in libraries
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    Library user education in public libraries in kenya with particular reference to the Kenya National Library Service and Macmillan Memorial Library
    (2011-08-10) Ngacaku, Caroline Wanjiru
    The importance of library user education is so crucial to libraries and their users that it cannot be over emphasized. Effective library user education enables users to utilize library resources and facilities maximally and this utilization justifies the large amount of money spent on the acquisition and organization of the resources and the general up keep of the library. This study sought to establish whether library user education is carried out in public libraries in Kenya and how effective this education is in enabling library users acquire information retrieval skills so as to make maximum use of the library resources, services and facilities. It also looked at the objectives of library user education and the methods used in its provision in the public libraries under study. The study covered two main public libraries in Kenya, namely: Kenya National Library Service and McMillan Memorial Library. Also covered are the library's branches, namely KNLS - Thika and McMillan Memorial Library - Eastlands. The study utilized questionnaires in data collection whereby a total of 80 library users and 12 librarians were involved. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that library user education in the public libraries is provided. However, it is not effective. The education has not succeeded in developing library users who maximally utilize the library resources, services and facilities competently and independently. This is as a result of the librarians' assumption that library users know how to use the library before joining their public library, poor timing in the provision of the library use education programme, inadequate and untrained staff to provide the education and above all, lack of clear policies on library user education and lack of evaluation. The findings of the study also threw some light on the various services provided by the public library. The study recommends that the public library needs to have a policy on library user education that will provide guidelines on its provision. User studies should also be carried out to identify the information needs of library users to assist in designing appropriate and relevant user education programmes. The study also recommends that evaluation should be carried out on a regular basis to assess the effectiveness of the library user education provided
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    The provision and use of electronic Information resourses in J.D. rockefeller research library, Egerton University,Njoro
    (2011-08-10) Kamar, Nerisa Jepkorir
    The study focuses on customer awareness, usage expectations and satisfaction in the provision and use of electronic resources at J.D Rockefeller Research library, Egerton University. It is meant to find out how to increase usage of available resources to enhance research and teaching. The objectives of the study were to find out the information products/services offered to customers at J.D Rockefeller Research Library, customer awareness of the information products/services, establish customer expectations, and find out the level of usage of information products/services and to find out the customer level of satisfaction in the use of products/services. The study reviewed related literature and the case study method adopted in the research process to look intensively at specific user groups. The research adopted qualitative research that involved use of qualitative data to understand the population under study. Self administered questionnaires with both openended and closed ended questions were employed in the actual collection of data from the target population. The findings were graphically presented in form of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The major finding of the study is that electronic resources are essential in research and teaching and there is need to provide e-resources to meet all clients' needs as per departments within the eight faculties. Other findings are that customers are aware of the information resources offered by the library under study, this has been achieved through marketing strategies such as notices, brochures, word of mouth, workshops, demonstration and seminars. Usage of these resources which is a measure on the utilization of the e-resources is a means of satisfying user information needs as per their expectations. It concludes with the need to improve marketing strategies to maximize usage of e-resources. The study recommends: involvement of clients in acquisition of e-resources in liaison with the respective heads of department; introduction of e-resources in all subject areas as per university teaching curriculum for standardization and uniformity in all teaching departments; continuous in-house training for staff and clients to keep abreast with the ever changing technology; extension of library operational hours to allow clients utilize the services outside teaching and classroom hours; and increased marketing strategies to create awareness on the available resources to actual and potential user
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    An assessment of security measures for electronic information resources in selected organizations in Nairobi
    (2011-08-10) Namaande, Ben Wekalao
    The purpose of this study was to assess security measures in place for electronic information and its infrastructure in selected organizations in Nairobi. The main objectives for the study were: establishment of the status of current security measures for electronic information systems in selected organizations in Nairobi, to suggest a possible security policy for organizations dealing with Information Communication Technology and to identify possible solutions to the problems. Before assessing the measures, the researcher identified some specific threats that electronic information faces. The study found out that electronic information and infrastructure faces two broad types of threats: physical and logical. Physical threats are the vulnerabilities militating against electronic information because of physical weaknesses such as improper securing of the information facilities. Measures for this brand of threats are also physical e.g. construction of bomb proof buildings, keeping out of bounds any unauthorized personnel in and around the information communication technology main center, and 24 hour round the clock surveillance, etc. On the other hand, logical threats are system-oriented dangers, which cripple the operations of the information system. As technology stands today, anybody with a computer and a modem can have access to the Internet or the WWW, however, not everybody surfing the web has good intentions. Some are driven by ulterior motives such as stealing or destroying information
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    The role of community-based libraries in information dissemination: a case study of three Kenya National Library Service branches
    (2011-08-11) Njoroge, Peter Mwangi; Mathu, M. N
    This study investigated the role of KNLS Community-Based Libraries (CBLs) in Information dissemination. Its particular focus was on the adult library clientele and the following areas were looked at: the library and information services currently available; their relevance and adequacy: accessibility to these services: extent of utilization of the information resources and the adult library users' information needs satisfaction. Three CBLs: Karatina, Naivasha, and Mwingi formed the case study. Data was collected using mainly the questionnaire, though observation and interview methods were used to a lesser degree. The study found out that a range of relevant services were currently being provided but the same were inadequate. Furthermore, it also found out that some adult library users were unaware of some of the available services. Though accessibility to services had been enhanced, some users were still experiencing some difficulties in accessing the services. The study found out that maximum use was being made of the available relevant information resources. However, on information needs satisfaction, the study found out that users were undecided on the issue. The study therefore came up with recommendations that can be applied by CBLs to enhance effective dissemination of information to adult library clientele. These include: introducing additional and diversified services: marketing the currently available services: conducting user studies: training of library staff to enhance accessibility to information: providing relevant information materials: compiling a community information profile, and embracing new technology.
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    The role of Interactive Multimedia (IMM) resourses in enhancing delivery of medical information and knowledge to student users: A cases study of Medical School, University Of Nairobi
    (2011-11-29) Mugo, Harun Kamau
    The computer networks and internet connections has mostly been assumed to make institutions Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Interactive Multimedia (IMM) compliant. The internet and Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) based information may be thought to provide class lecture information sufficient support. However, these facilities do not necessarily add up to availability and access to IMM resources or even effective utilization and support to class lectures, surgery and laboratory procedures. The resources should be specially identified and recommended by the lecturers and librarians to the medical students for ready access and utilization. This study sought to investigate the availability of IMM resources in the Medical School, UoN, their access and utilization in delivery of medical information and knowledge. The objectives of the study were to: • Establish the availability and determine the IMM sources and channels of information in the Medical School. • Establish the extent of use of IMM resources in enhancing delivery of information in the Medical School. • Identify areas where IMM technology can be used to gain medical procedure information and knowledge. • Identify the potential challenges and future of IMM in dissemination of medical information. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. A set of two questionnaires were administered to student information users and librarians of the Medical Library, UoN. The researcher interacted with students and librarians in the library for direct observation. The data was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The findings revealed that the students valued the IMM resources. However, the IMM resources available in the Medical School were internet-based and externally acquired CD-ROM resources. The UoN has not integrated IMM in its information system. The IMM resources used are mostly in textual format (e.g. electronic journals) and discussions. The simulations and animations, though considered more effective mode of delivery of procedural information and knowledge are used at negligible levels. The students suggested many practical procedures especially in surgery should be provided in IMM technology. The identified challenges in adopting IMM technology included funding, inadequate IMM literacy among users and librarians, inadequate IMM facilities and user awareness. It was recommended that an IMM designated department should be established to cater for IMM integration into the school's academic curriculum. Number computers, internet bandwidth and IMM competency and collaborations should be improved. It is pertinent that IMM implementation must be strategically planned for its potential benefits realisation.
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    Understanding Library users needs in making appropriate collection development decisions for effective services: A case study of the university of Nairobi undergradute library users.
    (2011-11-29) Ndungu, Catherine Wangeci
    Understanding library user needs pauses enormous challenges to librarians because of the competitive pressures, information availability through the ever-growing electronic resources. University students have become more aware of such availability and have also become more focused on what they need to satisfy their information needs. This call for a better understanding of the specific needs of library users in order to provide the appropriate type and level of service that meets those needs. This study assesses undergraduates resource and service needs, their awareness and use of different sources of information for their course-work and research projects, their use of electronic resources, if and why they visit other libraries, the assistance they received from library staff as well as the type of instructions the received when they started using the library. Many studies have been done on library user needs as can be attested in this study's literature review. Most of these studies have revealed that students use other sources of information apart from what is stocked in their libraries to satisfy their information needs. It is through such studies that gaps are identified and filled in the libraries. That was the main objective of this study for the University of Nairobi (UoN) Library system. The study was carried out in five out of the twelve libraries of the UoN library network. They were JKML - the main library, Kikuyu, Chiromo, Medical and Parklands all branch libraries. Descriptive survey research was used. Data was collected using two questionnaires (for students and library staff) and analysed using Microsoft Excel and MS Word. The questionnaires gave both the undergraduates and librarians an opportunity to engage in proactive dialogue because as students were expressing their needs, librarians were trying to justify how and why they serve them the way they do. The researcher conducted a survey to establish information needs of undergraduate library users in making appropriate collection development decision. Student opinion and levels of satisfaction with regard to library collection and services were sought. The survey provided valuable data on the nature of students' use of the library and its collections. The study established that undergraduate library users were generally satisfied with the collection both in print and electronic format but there were a number of shortfalls that cause dissatisfaction. They include insufficient electronic databases, inadequate outdated books, difficult information retrieval tools, insufficient computer terminal, slow connectivity etc. The study recommended various practical steps to satisfy their clients' needs. These were rms of stock and services. The librarians must above all establish very good relationship with the students so that they should encourage them to express their true satisfaction towards the library.
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    Electronic information services in Kenyan academic libraries: A case study of Catholic University of Eastern Africa Library
    (2011-11-29) Wasike, Jotham Milimo
    The project grapples with the challenges facing electronic information services with the rising demand for new and current information systems by the library clientele. The type of electronic information services and how they are being utilized in the university libraries has been underscored. It gives reasons behind the departure from total reliance on print - based information to the use of electronic and digital techniques in information storage and access. The project reviews literature on various aspects of electronic information services in academic libraries and also looks at similar studies carried out mostly in developed countries where the use of electronic information services has been around for quite a longer time. It uses the conceptual framework upon which this study is based. The applicability of the five laws of library science in relation to academic libraries has also been looked at briefly.Other areas looked at include: range and use of electronic information services, ICT, information skills literacy, obstacles hindering electronic information services use and the benefits accruing from these services. The work further examines the research designs that help to gather systematically information necessary for library computerization. It also identifies the characteristics, current practices and the preliminary information necessary for successful library computerization. The target populations are the library users and the library staff. Sampling and other important instruments have been used to collect the data. The project also discusses and presents the results of data analysis in a systematic way. Data collected was coded and computerized. Some of the issues covered include the type and range of electronic information services, factors affecting library computerization, training and attitudes of library users, problems, benefits and impact of electronic information services. It concludes by giving the summary and findings of the research which includes the CUEA Library operating system and the software available. The conclusions given include the recent advances in ICT that has strengthened further the link between knowledge and broad based development of information. It finishes with the recommendations on the way forward with a call to academic libraries management to have a plan of action to cater for the short, medium and long term computerization requirements.
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    Accessibility and use of online databases: a case study of INASP/PERI initiative in Kenyan university library
    (2011-11-29) Amunga, Hellen A.
    This study assesses the impact of online databases accessed through the Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information (PERI) on teaching, learning and research in Kenyan universities. The online resources are a new innovation in these libraries and the study therefore sought to establish the current status in relation to access and use of the resources. It focused on the available access facilities, users' awareness levels and training in use, challenges hampering access and use of the resources and sustainability of the PERI initiative in Kenya. A survey was conducted in four universities (two public and two private). It targeted university and reference librarians, lecturers and Masters students. Questionnaires were used to gather information from lecturers and Masters students, while university and reference librarians were interviewed as key informants. The general response rate for all the 136 target respondents was eighty percent (80%). Findings point at limited use due to inadequate access facilities in the university libraries. Users' awareness of availability of the INASP/PERI online databases in their local libraries is low- only 18% of all the lecturers and Masters students were able to mention a few of these academic databases. Most who claimed to be aware associated online databases with the search engines - Google and Yahoo! The study found out that 93% of the lecturers and 72% of the Masters students used print resources as compared to 73% of lecturers and 82% Masters students who used online resources including search engines. This is because the print resources are readily available in their libraries unlike access to online databases that is hampered due to various reasons. The study also established that information literacy training in Kenyan universities is still uncoordinated with lecturers teaching Communication Skills (a common unit) to undergraduate students only. Librarians teach the unit's library component on request by lecturers. Both lecturers and Masters students are not empowered to access and use online information. The study identifies various challenges that hamper access and use of the INASP/PERI online databases by the academic community in the country. The major challenges include inadequate access facilities; inability of the databases to adequately cover the information needs of most users in private institutions; insufficient bandwidth; lack of space, lack of awareness; high computer illiteracy and inadequate professional staff. Other challenges include lack of support facilities and services; lack of support from respective university administration and time limits to access and use the online databases. The lecturers targeted in the study indicated that the provision of online resources by their university libraries has not had a big impact on their work. The implication is that the expected outcome from access and use of the PERI online resources namely quality research and publishing, effective teaching and learning are, not therefore being achieved in Kenya. The study concludes that the country's academic community is not contributing towards the production and dissemination of knowledge through use of ICTs as envisaged by INASP/PERI. There is need for all stakeholders to urgently address identified challenges to enable maximum utilization of these resources. This dissertation outlines some recommendations that are useful for addressing the issues.
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    Utilization of electronic information resourses in academic libraries in Kenya: A comparative study of Jommo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and United States International University Africa (USIU-A) University Libraries.
    (2011-12-07) Horo, Stephen Njenga.
    The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of electronic information resources in academic libraries in Kenya with special reference to JKUAT and USIU-A libraries. The study pursued the following objectives: to establish the types and range of electronic information resources in JKUAT and USIU-A libraries: to establish the attitude of library staff towards the use these resources: to find out the extent to which electronic information resources utilization have affected the information accessibility in the libraries: to identify the ICT facilities that affect the use of resources in the libraries: to identify the obstacles that hinder effective use of electronic information resources in the libraries: and to assess if both the library staff and users have the necessary information skills to use the resources. To collect data, a combination of research methods: questionnaire, observation and content analysis, were used along with content analysis. Questionnaires were administered to the target population which included both users and library staff of the two libraries. Questionnaires and an observation schedule were used as research instruments. A pilot survey was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments. Data collected was analysed by SSPS, presented and discussed according to the research objectives. The study revealed that the academic libraries had embraced a range of electronic information resources: both staff and users make use of library resources: and the availability of these resources in the libraries had boosted staff morale. The study also revealed that majority of the staff and users had received user training. However, some staff and readers had no such training. The majority of respondents expressed the need for continuous training in the use of these resources to cope with the ever changing technology. The study further revealed several problems that hinder effective use of these resources. The study concludes that despite the availability of these resources in libraries, space and inadequate facilities pose the biggest challenge to the effective use of these resources. The study recommends expansion of space and increase of high speed computers. Furthermore, the library should promote and market library resources and also provide user guides.