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Presented at the SCANUL‐ECS Conference held in Kenya 23‐26 July 1998. Examines the opportunities of information technology (IT) in improving access, transfer and use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya. This paper has used the term “information technology” to include CD‐ROM, computer networks, desktop publishing, interactive video, packet radio, expert systems, geographical information systems and satellite communications. The methodology adopted by the study was the use of case studies of the organisations and institutions that use IT in disseminating agricultural information to the rural population in Kenya. The study was limited to agricultural information. The information technologies examined include CD‐ROM, computer networks, video and desktop publishing. Highlights the advantages and limitations of IT in disseminating information in the rural areas of Kenya. Among the factors that make IT relevant for rural development are vast storage, fast and inexpensive communication channels, links between different media, easy and enjoyable use at comparatively and steadily declining costs. Concludes that for IT to have more impact on rural development, it should be needs driven, rather than technology driven. This can only be achieved if the needs of the users are placed at the centre and appropriate technologies adopted.

This study investigated the current status and occupational characteristics of women librarians in Kenya. The study’s objectives were to: compare their status to that of their male counterparts; establish their career advancement opportunities; investigate factors inhibiting their professional advancement; and suggest possible solutions to some of the impediments encountered by them in their professional advancement. The study was conducted using a survey research method. The findings indicated that the majority of women librarians in Kenya had adequate qualifications, but held lower positions compared to their male counterparts and were still specialising in cataloguing, circulation and children’s work. Concludes that Kenyan women librarians’ status has consistently been lower than men’s in terms of position, salary and other remuneration. Recommends that Kenyan women librarians need to be more assertive in job seeking and negotiating for higher remuneration and should be encouraged to venture into IT‐related jobs. Suggests proper supportive policies and legislation should be put in place to address issues of equal opportunities in education, training and employment.

The paper reviews literature on the obstacles that hinder the use of information held in archival institutions. First, it highlights the importance of records and archives as sources of information. Second, the paper examines the problems which hinder archival access, mainly focusing on those that are of a professional and technical nature. Third, it presents the components of a good archival programme to enhance the use of archival information. A summary of the key findings is given and the paper concludes by noting that archival institutions need to take certain measures in order to enhance the exploitation of information in their custody.

The aim of this paper is to establish how resource dependency theory (RDT) and transaction cost theory (TCT) can inform decisions to outsource ICT services by public university libraries in Kenya.

The study adopted a multiple case study strategy in four selected public universities libraries in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents and data collection was done using a semi-structured interview schedule.

The study highlights how RDT and TCT theoretical perspectives illuminate some of the reasons, and problems associated with Information and Communications Technology outsourcing in Libraries. The paper concludes with recommendations and the way forward.

The study was limited to the outsourcing of information technology services in four public university libraries in Kenya, namely, Kenyatta University (KU) in Kahawa, Nairobi; Moi University (MU) in Eldoret; University of Nairobi (UON) in Nairobi; and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Thika. This being a qualitative study (and taking into consideration the subjective views where bias could occur), the researchers ensured that the research was reliable by recording and taking notes during the interviews and by using peer-debriefing and professionals in the field to ascertain their views.

The paper provides practical insights into outsourcing of Information Technology (IT) services in Public University libraries and information centres in Kenya. This study is useful for university libraries, information professionals, information communication technology professionals and university management.

The implications of the study are that outsourcing needs to be guided by clear policies that are documented and communicated to all the stakeholders.

This research assesses IT outsourcing services in selected public academic libraries in Kenya.