Problem‐solving strategies that Kenyan academic librarians utilize when presented with copyright queries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Kenyan academic librarians, with varying education levels, solve and handle copyright issues when presented to them by library users.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered to 253 librarians in 14 universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Of those who responded to the survey, a think aloud protocol and critical incident technique interview were administered to a convenience sample of 32 librarians.

Findings

Learned helplessness was found to exist among librarians who were Certificate and Diploma holders when faced with copyright queries. Librarians from the different education levels differed in their ranking of problem‐solving strategies they employ when it comes to stopping copyright infringement in libraries.

Practical implications

This study helps to inform internal library policies regarding copyright and the type of staff member a library can utilize to serve library users whenever they present queries on copyright issues. The study supports the need for thorough copyright education for librarians.

Originality/value

This is the first time that a study has tried to compare how academic librarians in Africa with varying education levels in Library Science respond to copyright queries presented to them and approaches they use to fight copyright infringement.

Citation

Wakhungu Olaka, M. and Adkins, D. (2013), "Problem‐solving strategies that Kenyan academic librarians utilize when presented with copyright queries", Library Review, Vol. 62 No. 3, pp. 118-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531311329464