University Library services to researchers in Kenya with particular reference to the problems faced by this category of users: a case study of Kenyatta University Library

Abstract

A university library is an important central organ that disseminates information to all potential users in the institution. Its primary objective is to provide resources necessary for the teaching, learning and research activities in the institution. A university library, like Kenyatta University library, offers services to different hierarchical organization of users, such as the maturing scholars: undergraduates students, faculty members and research fellows concerned with the extension or application of knowledge and providing the necessary intellectual support for research.

In its effort, the library should strive to design services that meet the needs of each of the hierarchy at the same time ensuring that all the services are relevant to the information needs of the day.

The study sought to find out the library services offered to researchers in Kenyatta university library. Central to the study was, the problem they face in making use of these services and satisfying their needs.

Aspects such as, the library use, resources services were considered. The findings have shown that the library offers a variety of services which aim at bringing the users and information together at the right time. But, as was established, most of these services lack efficiency, due to several problems, such as noisy environment, crowded reading areas, mishelved and unshelved books declayed services, unpublicized services, and worse still, most of the library stock is deficient in that it lacks currency and relevance in books, journals, abstracts and indexes.

These findings indicate that, there is dire need for revision of all services offered to researchers and at the same time updating to the resources.