An Investigation into bibliographical control, accessibility and use of government publications in Kenya.

Abstract

This study set out to examine the current state of Bibliographical control, accessibility and use of government publications in Kenya. Government publications are sold at the Government Press Bookshop. Except prestige Bookshop. Other bookshops in the city do not sell Government publications except Prestige Bookshop. Outside Nairobi there is no bookshop selling them.

Bibliographically Kenya does have adequate bibliographical tools. There is only the government publications catalogue. It lags several years behind. The latest is a 1977 edition. It is supplemented with the Kenya Gazette which lists only publications which are in stock for sale.

The study identified many obstacles to access. They include languages, legal impediments, change of organization’s titles or names, Classification of documents, closed access, geographical distance etc. The thirty-year period during which government publications remain classified and the public cannot be allowed access is a major obstacle.

The use of government publications is still very limited. Government officials, Students, and academicians use them. The use of government publications by the public at large is negligible. Government publications remain underused resources. All in all government publication are seen as meant for Government officials only and therefore the general public does not bother much to acquire them.