Utilization of the University of Nairobi Law Library by the undergraduate law students: a case study

Abstract

This study focused on how the university of Nairobi undergraduate law students utilize library resources at Parklands Law Library. The study was inspired by findings from different parts of the world showed that undergraduate law students do not utilize information sources in the library at their law schools as fully as they ought to.

From each year of the three years of study that were in session, the researcher randomly sampled five male and five female students. A questionnaire was then administered to each of the ten students sampled from each of the three years of study that were in session. Another questionnaire was administered to the library staff. A follow-up discussion with both students and library staff was conducted to elicit more responses so as to let students and the library staff clarify those issues that were not well articulated in the questionnaires or those needing further probing. Observation of the library resources held in the library helped to supplement the above mentioned data collection methods.

This study found out that a significant percentage of the students were not aware of the existence of some of the resources held in the library. Law reports, textbooks, dissertations and the reserve collection were more frequently used than any other resources. The library is mainly staffed with low cadre staff. There was evidence of a strained relationship between the library staff and students. Library resources were poorly marketed to students. As students progressed in their years of study, frequency of using the catalogue reduced. As a result of inadequate shelving and sitting space, old and worn-out resources, many students got discouraged from utilizing the library to the maximum. Inadequate relevant and current resources such as law reports, textbooks and non-book media characterise the library collection. Funding of the library is irregular and inadequate hence negatively affecting all the sectors of the library. Most library services such as inter-library lending and reference service have also not been efficient.