Preparedness towards adoption of cloud computing technologies by academic libraries in Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Maina, Paul Kibet
Muthee, Daniel Wambiri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Research in Library Science
Abstract
In many developing countries including Kenya, there is a great challenge determining the preparedness of libraries
towards the adoption of cloud computing technologies. Paucity of resources and Information technology
capabilities, lack of manpower, inadequate skills, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate power supply have been
identified as key impediments to institutions towards successful adoption of cloud computing. Despite the benefits
of cloud computing technologies, education sector has not fully implemented this emerging technology. The
objective of this study was to assess the preparedness of academic libraries towards of adoption of cloud computing
technologies so that academic libraries can have clear path on how to prepare and measures to put towards cloud
computing adoption. The study was undertaken at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology library,
Kiambu County, Kenya where 40 librarians were involved in the study. Random sampling procedure was used to
select the sample population. The study used descriptive study design to carry out research. The results from the
study showed that the library was experiencing shortage in infrastructure due to low student to computer ration, low
bandwidth, only one OPAC point and centralized servers. Most library staff posed basic ICT skills with just few
staff being experts in areas where cloud computing skills are required. The study recommends that the government
and the university should concentrate on ways of making cloud computing affordable by budgeting more funds to
improve the ICT infrastructure in the library. The library should concentrate on impacting the library with skills;
invest more to improve the ICT infrastructure in the library
Description
A research article published in International Journal of Research in Library Science
Keywords
Cloud computing, preparedness, ICT, adoption, Academic libraries