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The purpose of this paper is to focus on Koha enterprise resource planning system and its potential impact on information management organizations in Kenya against the risks and myths associated with the solution.

The study focused on selected scan and analysis of information management organizations using Koha enterprise resource planning system in addition to document or desk review analysis. Expert opinions and ideas of information professionals, especially information systems and information leaders, also provided vital knowledge.

Koha enterprise resource planning system as the premier and leading free and open-source software is transforming and integrating information services in knowledge-based organizations. Driving significant forces include economical benefits, global customer base, free use and distribution, technical and online support, compatibility and integration with other technologies and global access to information and organization of knowledge. The study also established that the risks and myths associated with the system such as compatibility and integration with other technological solutions are no longer possible challenges. Koha provides business intelligence and cloud computing solutions over proprietary or commercial systems for managing and supporting information in organizations.

This study purposively focused on selected information and knowledge management organizations using the Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system in addition to expert opinions and ideas of stakeholders in the information industry.

Koha enterprise resource planning system provides alternative solutions to information organizations already burdened with limited financial resources. In addition, it proves to the entire world that the solution that was developed for rural and small-based information organizations has developed into a leading knowledge enterprise resource planning solution. In information management organizations, Koha enterprise resource planning system is the strategic asset whose growth and use has increased tremendously across the globe.

Potential widespread application and usage of the Koha enterprise resource system that was initially developed for rural and small information organizations is proof enough that the free and open-source software movement can produce best solutions that are economically viable over proprietary systems. Significant impact of the enterprise system across the globe indicates that information management organizations, information professionals and leaders are satisfied with the system.

In the knowledge-based economy, where technological systems and solutions are fundamental for quality delivery of services to the customers, information professionals must and as always provide the necessary technology, leadership and management qualities. Across the world, Koha free and open-source enterprise resource planning system is increasingly gaining momentum in information management organizations, and Kenyan information professionals are no exception.

Modern technological solutions are rapidly changing the information landscape in library and information establishments. One such innovative solution that is gaining momentum in information centers is cloud computing. The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare opportunities and challenges of “cloud computing paradigm” in handling and supporting delivery of information services in university libraries in the face of the present hard economic situation and limited financial budgets.

The study is based on current academic literature, document analysis, several editorials and articles on the potential and challenges of cloud computing paradigm in university library and information centers.

Cloud computing is proving as the best management practice of salvaging information services in university libraries due to numerous competing challenges and issues in institutions of higher education. University libraries in developing countries face many challenges of inadequate information infrastructure, limited financial budgets, manpower issues and rapid changes in technological systems. In the context of hard economic times, cloud computing is critical in adding value as well as advancing the goals and objectives of modern university libraries. Cloud computing is the “best technology practice” that is poised to play crucial roles in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers. There are many competing challenges and claims, but potential benefits count more.

The study is based on the ideas of cloud services conceptualized from reading academic literature, document analysis, several editorials, articles and professional work experience. The paper identifies that cloud computing paradigm is useful in achieving the goals and objectives of university libraries in this hard economic situation facing institutions of higher learning.

The paper provides practical insights that cloud computing is the “must have technology” for modern university library and information centers already burdened with the demand to develop effective and efficient technological solutions due to subsequent changing needs of the digital information environment. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management.

Cloud computing paradigm provides university libraries with the business opportunity to use comprehensive technological solutions with reduced capital expenditure and safe methods of data storage. This eases the inconveniences normally caused by the need to develop and own such comprehensive technological solutions.

This research looks at the potential of the emerging trend of “cloud computing paradigm” in enhancing quality provision and delivery of information services in university library and information centers in the context of limited financial budgets. Cloud computing has been gaining momentum in Kenya, especially in business organizations as compared to library and information establishments.

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations.

Quantitative research design involved survey of selected academic and research information organizations in public and private chartered institutions. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists that normally consume big data and technological resources were involved in the process of data collection using structured questionnaire and content analysis. Information organizations and information practitioners were selected from public and private academic and research institutions.

Innovation of internet of things has increasingly transformed and changed academic and research information organizations as the source of knowledge in addition to expanding access to education, data, information and communication anywhere anytime through hyperconnectivity and networking. Internet of things technologies such as mobile of things, web of things, digital information systems and personal devices are widely applied by digital natives in academic and research information organizations. Mobilization platform and devices is the single biggest provider of data, information and knowledge in academic and research organizations. Modern trends in education and knowledge practices in academic institutions and information organizations depends upon internet of things, digital repositories, electronic books and journals, social media interfaces, multimedia applications, information portal hubs and interactive websites, although challenges regarding inadequate information communication technology infrastructure and social computing facilities still persist.

Information organizations in public and private chartered academic and research institutions were adopted in the study. Respondents handling and supporting information management, planning and decision-making provided the necessary data. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists are proactively involved in data and information analytics.

Academic and research information organizations are powerhouses that provide knowledge to support research, teaching and learning for sustainable development and the betterment of humanity and society. Innovation of internet of things and associated technologies provides practical aspects of attaining sustainable information development practices in the contemporary knowledge society. Internet of things technologies, principles of economies of scale and investment and customer needs entail that information organizations and practitioners should provide appropriate and smart systems and solutions.

Modern academic and research information organizations have the social corporate responsibility to offer technological innovations to heighten access to knowledge and learning in academic and research institutions. Economically, innovation and application of internet of things provide unlimited access to big data and information in organizations all the time anywhere anytime.

Data management is a growing phenomenon that information practitioners need to fully understand in the digital economies. Information professionals need to embrace and appreciate innovation and application of internet of things technologies whose role in sustainable development practices is critical in academic and research organizations.

The purpose of this paper is to examine and demonstrate the extent to which university libraries in Africa are bridging the information gap through the use of web 2.0 systems, including challenges and prospects.

The review adopted a combination of various data collection methods and approaches, including current academic literature, document analysis, desk review guides and reports on university libraries.

Review results indicate that few university libraries in Africa have embraced the use and application of web 2.0 systems. It is regrettable that web 2.0 is not new in libraries, although many African university libraries have not adopted the concept. Web 2.0 systems, including blog, delicious, YouTube and Facebook among others, are no longer a preserve of commercial organizations.

The review involved university libraries in Africa because of their perceived role in creation, management, preservation, transmission or diffusion and utilization of information and knowledge. University libraries provide information services to support research, teaching, learning, and community activities of respective universities.

University libraries in African countries face various challenges in implementation of web 2.0 systems. Web 2.0 systems have proved to be useful in addressing issues and challenges of open, distance and e‐learning programmes. Information professionals should support implementation and use of relevant web 2.0 systems.

Across the globe, university libraries are increasingly using web 2.0 systems to support, promote and extend information services to their patrons. In the modern information world 2.0, it is important for university libraries to identify relevant web 2.0 systems and integrate them into mainstream library and information services.

The review provides useful insights regarding the use and application of web 2.0 systems in university libraries in Africa.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of marketing of information products and services in university libraries in Kenya.

The paper utilises literature surveys of currently published articles and the researcher's professional experience.

Marketing is a basic and essential management process for promoting information products and services in university libraries in Kenya, but it is not given the attention it deserves and/or is poorly coordinated. Marketing avails university libraries the unique opportunity to provide quality, and demand‐based and user‐oriented information products and services.

The paper used mainly literature surveys of currently published articles and the researcher's professional experience.

The paper offers reasons, strategies or initiatives and recommendations on how to make university libraries the destination for the user population. In this respect, university libraries should be proactively involved in marketing of information products and services to the user population.

University libraries in Kenya should involve themselves actively in marketing and promotion of information products and services to the information audience. This helps to create awareness among the user population leading to increased use of information products and services in the libraries.

The paper highlights various marketing initiatives of making university libraries in Kenya the destination for the user population. Also, the paper explores recent innovative strategies for marketing information products and services. Marketing helps university libraries to: market and promote information products and services, provide innovative products and services, understand the needs and demands of the information audience or user population, plan service provision, and provide efficient and effective information products and services.

The purpose of this paper is to review recent initiatives by academic libraries in Kenya aimed at reinventing, re‐engineering, and providing innovative information products and services to support learning and research activities or aspirations of their institutions.

The review utilized literature surveys of currently published articles.

The review provides some answers to the various challenges facing academic libraries in Kenya in the process of providing adequate information services. The review also provides useful information on how academic libraries in developing countries including Kenya can withstand the ever‐changing information environment by adopting entrepreneurial approaches to manage information.

The paper reveals that academic libraries in Kenya are facing daunting challenges in their effort to provide knowledge to support learning and research activities in their institutions. These challenges include: changing information environment and media landscape, technological innovation, user expectations, and economical forces. This forces them to adopt innovative approaches to manage and deliver information products and services. These approaches include: building new learning resource centers or refurbishing existing academic libraries, creation and development of digital institutional repositories, providing technological systems, understanding the information audience, and innovative information products and services.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in handling and supporting information services and activities in Kenyan university libraries.

The study utilized a survey research design to collect data, ideas, opinions, views and suggestions from the respondents drawn from various university libraries in Kenya. Collecting data and getting in‐depth information from the respondents was done using a web‐based structured questionnaire, document analysis and participant observation.

The findings from the study show that few university libraries in Kenya are using radio frequency identification technology to handle and support information services and activities. The study also found various problems hindering the adoption of the technology, such as a lack of information communication technology (ICT) policies, lack of a business approach, limited market opportunities, lack of lobbying or negotiating skills, inadequate funding and budgeting, and lack of ICT competencies and skills. The study recommends that library ICT professionals, information professionals and other stakeholders should make tireless efforts to implement and use RFID technology with the view to building, strengthening, improving and supporting information work and activities in university libraries.

The study involved RFID technology, a relatively new and emerging innovation in university library and information systems, especially in the Kenyan context. The study also involved university libraries in Kenya that provide and support the fundamental functions of their respective universities.

Fundamentally, library ICT professionals, information professionals and other stakeholders need to take appropriate measures to address issues affecting the use of RFID solutions. There is a need to empower university libraries and information professionals with the right mix of ICT knowledge and skills necessary in the modern information environment.

Across the world, university libraries are increasingly adopting and implementing RFID solutions in order to handle and support information work and activities. Of critical importance to the discussion is the extent to which university libraries in Kenya are using this technology to handle and support information work and activities effectively and efficiently. Proper management of library operations and services is necessary in university library and information systems.

The focus of the study was to assess the extent to which university libraries in Kenya are adopting and using RFID systems in information work and activities. This research is useful in providing a point of reference for university libraries and information professionals, increasingly going for similar solutions in Kenya and Africa in general.

The paper aims to establish the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in education and training of undergraduate library and information science (LIS) students in two selected Kenyan universities and suggest recommendations to improve ICT education and training in the country.

The study utilised a qualitative method. A survey research design was used to collect data from various categories of respondents in LIS including lecturers, undergraduate students, information professionals and employers. Interviews and document analysis were also used to collect data from the respondents.

Findings show that the graduates lack preferred ICTs knowledge, competencies and skills important in the modern information environment such as web technologies, information programming skills, software development, distributed systems, virtual libraries and digital information systems. Information sciences education in Kenyan universities and other institutions of higher learning need to review the curriculum and provide ICT education and training that address the needs and demands of the current job market and performance requirements.

The study was effectively carried out at Kenyatta and Moi Universities being the leading universities offering LIS programmes in Kenya.

In the twenty-first century and beyond, students can no longer be confined to traditional practices of LIS education. Information sciences programmes from around the global have recognized the importance to fully integrate ICTs education and training in order to meet the needs and demands of students and employers.

Present employment and career opportunities favour information professionals with intensive technological competencies and skills.

To purpose of this paper is to evaluate micro-factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, and suggest strategies to enhance and improve the utilization of these vital sources in the university learning environments.

The study uses document or desk review analysis, professional opinions and ideas and case examples regarding utilization of electronic information resources.

The study indicates how practices such as information literacy and learning skills, consultative or partnership meetings, use of portable brochures and guides, research, teaching and learning approaches, seminar and workshop trainings, public relations and attitudes influence the use of electronic information resources. Among the strategic measures that are instrumental for effective utilization of these vital knowledge resources, it is the ability to provide tailor-made programmes targeting postgraduate students and reaching out or going to where the students are through regular meetings and social media advertisements and announcements.

This study is confined to postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning inclusively using document review guides and case examples of utilization and non-utilization of electronic resources.

Possible strategies and solutions that enhance and improve use of electronic information resources among the postgraduate students include the need to integrate the use of information communication technology in research, teaching, learning and community services of the university, provision of compulsory literacy programmes to the students and regular partnership meetings with the faculty members, librarians and postgraduate fraternity.

Widespread use of electronic information resources in universities is proof enough that the libraries are proactively involved in advancement and creation of knowledge among the postgraduate students. One critical aspect of electronic information resources is the ability to facilitate return on investment if only the materials are effectively and efficiently used in supporting the goals and objectives of libraries and universities. These result in higher customer satisfaction, and better return on investment, leading to increased use of information services in the universities.

Institutions of higher learning including libraries and universities are in a new dispensation of modernity and post-modernity increasingly dependent on electronic or digital information systems. In the modern knowledge and learning environment, information professionals, postgraduate students and other stakeholders need to agree to the simple rule that electronic information resources are the backbone of academic services in universities perhaps more than ever before. In the academic and educational quest in universities, electronic information resources fundamentally supplements print materials because most universities lack the necessary technological infrastructure.

This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful guidelines to the issues and lessons learned to the other practitioners.

The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey design to gather and analyze data that was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In addition, questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide were utilized to collect data from the respondents.

First, the study established that the IR has not been well integrated into mainstream information services of the library. Second, there is lack of awareness on the use of IR as an information resource on the part of students and staff. Third, there is need to integrate different forms of information into the IR including graphics, video and sound to carter for the whole population of users even those with disabilities. Finally, there is need for aggressive or serious rebranding, marketing and promotion of the IR.

IRs are vital sources of information that are increasingly being integrated and utilized in African higher education. Discussion of the University of Nairobi as a case study provides practical lessons, implications and home grown solutions for other institutions of higher learning in the African context.

IR is not only contemporary or emerging source of knowledge, information and communication but also fundamental or basic in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, IR provides excellent opportunities for universities to expand knowledge beyond internal and external learning environments.

Being fundamental sources of knowledge, IRs provide and support teaching, learning, research activities, scholarly communications and community services in universities and the society at large. As information and communication hubs, IRs have reinvented the image and role of universities as sources of knowledge in the society.

Universities need to embrace IRs as vital and valid sources of knowledge and learning. Developing IRs without aggressive rebranding, marketing and promotional strategies is not enough for universities, associated institutions plus the information staff, but with prove that the resources are being utilized to achieve organizational goals and objectives.