An appraisal of the Kenya national library reference service
Loading...
Date
2002
Authors
Macharia, Beatrice Wangari
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
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.
Description
Master of Education in department of Library studies, 93p. April 2002