Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 1 May 1993

Cephas Odini

Gives an overview of information and library systems in adeveloping African nation, Kenya. Highlights the prevailing localconditions. Discusses the national library system with…

Abstract

Gives an overview of information and library systems in a developing African nation, Kenya. Highlights the prevailing local conditions. Discusses the national library system with particular reference to public, academic, special and school libraries. Also briefly considers staffing needs of the national information services. States factors inhibiting the development of effective national information systems; it is, however, recognized that the country has a sound information infrastructure on which to develop information services.

Details

Library Review, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1995

Dennis N. Ocholla

Discusses issues relating to professional development and manpowertraining in Kenya. Provides background information on the libraries andinformation sciences training programmes…

1934

Abstract

Discusses issues relating to professional development and manpower training in Kenya. Provides background information on the libraries and information sciences training programmes situation. Gives attention to issues and trends affecting the information profession in training, curricula development, application of information technology, cost of information materials and the crisis in supply and demand in regard to manpower development in the information profession. Suggests that institutions for training information professionals need to observe the supply and demand trends in their environment and to adjust both the curricula and intake of trainees to the national situation. The training institutions also need to broaden the courses offered in their programmes to include computer skills, communication studies, economics of information, marketing, research methodologies, management, publishing and booktrade, resource sharing and continuing education. The market for information professionals needs to be provided with products with diversified knowledge and skills. Concludes with observations on how the problems of manpower development and training in information sciences in Kenya may be handled.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1990

J.N. Otike

An account is given of the current position in documentreproduction and supply in the three East African states of Kenya,Uganda and Tanzania. A brief account is given of the…

Abstract

An account is given of the current position in document reproduction and supply in the three East African states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. A brief account is given of the region′s library/information infrastructure and the state of photocopying and microfilming services is outlined. Factors inhibiting interstate co‐operation are identified.

Details

Library Review, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2018

Peter Mose

The purpose of this paper is to establish stocking and services offered and user culture at the Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch. The study sought to respond to the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish stocking and services offered and user culture at the Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch. The study sought to respond to the following questions: Which books form the stock of Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch? Which services does the Kenya National Library Services Kisii Branch offer to the public on a regular basis? What is the user motivation for and frequency of use of the National Library Services at Kisii Branch?

Design/methodology/approach

Three instruments were used in data collection; document analysis, observation and interview. Document analysis obtained data on membership and frequency; observation obtained data on stocking, services, and user culture; and interview sought clarification on data obtained from documents and observation.

Findings

The findings indicate that publications in business and accounting and school type books form the bulk of the stock of books; the library offers only basic information access services; users are motivated by school assignments, examinations and academic project deadlines to visit the library hence user frequency in the library is predictable throughout the year.

Practical implications

Current practices at the library by both library staff and user culture have negative implications on public literacy and socio-economic development.

Originality/value

This paper presents information obtained from a systematic data collection and analysis. The findings are original and should be addressed by the relevant stakeholders.

Details

Library Management, vol. 39 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

JN Otike

This article opens with an examination of the information system in Kenya and goes on to highlight the lack of formal co‐operative agreements in the country's library system. An…

Abstract

This article opens with an examination of the information system in Kenya and goes on to highlight the lack of formal co‐operative agreements in the country's library system. An obstacle to resource sharing is the desire of many libraries to maintain the independence of their own collections. The resulting duplication can be seen as a waste of already‐scarce resources. The costs of interlending also militate against co‐operation, which is made even more difficult by physical problems such as distance and the scarcity of reprographic facilities. The demise of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute's co‐operative scheme is regretted, and the author suggests that consideration needs to be given to a new scheme to enable Kenyan libraries to maximize their coverage by sharing their resources.

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

Richard Masaranga Atuti and J.R. Ikoja‐Odongo

Discusses an innovation in the Kenya National Library Service, the Camel Library Service (CLS) in North Eastern Province, Kenya. Highlights results of an investigation of the…

745

Abstract

Discusses an innovation in the Kenya National Library Service, the Camel Library Service (CLS) in North Eastern Province, Kenya. Highlights results of an investigation of the impact and the feasibility of the CLS pilot project and its compatibility to the lifestyle of nomadic pastoralists. The instruments used in the survey included questionnaires, interviews, documentary analysis and a literature search. Data from the field was adapted, coded, summarized statistically and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS). The findings show that animal transport (camel) as a mobile library provides an adequate alternative and successful model for a service on wheels. The CLS was also found an effective channel of maximizing the use of National Library information resources by nomadic pastoralists. A review of its performance indicates the project is viable and can be adapted, replicated and expanded.

Details

Library Review, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2001

Richard M. Atuti

Adapted library buildings hinder rather than aid the optimum organisation and use of the library and information services, a situation which often puts librarians in difficulties…

752

Abstract

Adapted library buildings hinder rather than aid the optimum organisation and use of the library and information services, a situation which often puts librarians in difficulties by their reacting to problems, rather than anticipating them. A survey of some ten community libraries of the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) was carried out in September 2000, the findings of which revealed to the contrary that most buildings had fulfilled their changed function and are effective functional libraries that provide “customers” with a choice of best value. In the survey, overall characteristics of the buildings are reflected in terms of type, size, method and calculations. Factors affecting use were examined using interview and observation methods.

Details

Library Review, vol. 50 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1991

Dennis N. Ocholla

The status and development of information legislation in Kenya isdiscussed, with particular focus on legislation affecting informationflow in libraries and information centres…

Abstract

The status and development of information legislation in Kenya is discussed, with particular focus on legislation affecting information flow in libraries and information centres. The purpose of information legislation is outlined. The importance of information legislation in developing countries is considered in relation to its role in guiding, regulating and controlling the use of information and information resources within a society whether or not there is a national information policy.

Details

Library Review, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2022

Kaltuma Sama Bonaya

The purpose of this paper is to show how quality information materials are maintained in Kenyan museum libraries by examining collection development policy, skills and processes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how quality information materials are maintained in Kenyan museum libraries by examining collection development policy, skills and processes used by librarians in acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 137 respondents, which included 130 registered library users and seven members of staff, completed the questionnaires. This included the principal librarian, for whom an interview schedule was used to collect the required data. A pilot study to ensure data validity and reliability was carried out at the Kenya Medical Research Institute Library. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the research data.

Findings

The findings, which were presented both textually and graphically, show that the National Museum of Kenya library lacks a collection development policy to guide the acquisition process, as well as a diverse set of information resources that are both comprehensive and current to meet the current user information needs. Furthermore, the key impediment to the acquisition of information materials was revealed to be financial constraints, and there was a positive effort to involve library users in the acquisition process.

Research limitations/implications

The study focus on library users and library staff at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) library in Nairobi, it may not be, therefore, representative of the acquisition processes at all Kenyan museum libraries. Although NMK has other branches across the country, they were not included in this study.

Practical implications

This paper purposes to provide the Kenyan museum library with important information about maintaining quality information materials from the perspectives of librarians and library users. Despite efforts to improve information materials, the management faces financial challenges.

Social implications

The study unveils underlying picture in selection and acquisition practices which will inform on meeting library users information needs.

Originality/value

The paper is of value as a case study of Kenya Museums Library.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

Raymond Euppa Ochoggia

The paper defines the term disability and how it fits among persons with visual disabilities. Specific provisions in the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002 that may affect…

1355

Abstract

The paper defines the term disability and how it fits among persons with visual disabilities. Specific provisions in the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002 that may affect library and information services to visually handicapped students in learning institutions in Kenya are identified and listed. Establishment of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to oversee all matters affecting the disabled is highlighted. The National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities to provide financial assistance is equally cited. The author provides a detailed interpretation of the Bill with a bias towards provision of library and information services for visually handicapped people. The paper concludes that the Bill is likely to open up educational opportunities for the visually handicapped students in Kenya by widening the range of information sources.

Details

New Library World, vol. 104 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

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