School of Information and Social Studieshttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/9172024-03-28T15:38:19Z2024-03-28T15:38:19ZStatus of Library Spaces and Facilities in University Libraries in KenyaKwanya, TomGikunju, MilcahOdero, Damarishttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19222024-01-16T07:44:57Z2023-06-25T00:00:00ZStatus of Library Spaces and Facilities in University Libraries in Kenya
Kwanya, Tom; Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris
In the global sphere, university library users’ needs continue to change thus university libraries are repositioning themselves to address the changing users’ needs. An important aspect of the change revolves around the library space and many university libraries are making efforts to change their spaces to meet the need driven by information technology, improved higher education systems and shifting of users’ expectations. This paper discusses the status of library spaces in Kenyan university libraries and is based on research conducted using pragmatic research paradigm and a convergent mixed methods design and multiple case studies strategy. The study population was university library users in Kenya consisting of six (6) participating universities (three public and
three private) purposefully selected based on their age (time they have been
in existence). Students and academic staff participated in a survey; librarians participated in focus groups while university librarians had interviews. This study collected data through online questionnaires, online focus group discussions and telephone call interviews. The qualitative data was thematically analysed while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive statistics. The results show some common available library spaces among the university libraries, the most preferred available library spaces and most frequently used library spaces by the users on daily basis. The study recommends continuous assessment of library spaces in the universities in order to understand library users’ needs and make informed decisions.
Research Article
2023-06-25T00:00:00ZPublic Access to Information and Open Governance in KenyaKwanya, TomKogos, Angellahttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19212024-01-16T07:28:47Z2023-11-01T00:00:00ZPublic Access to Information and Open Governance in Kenya
Kwanya, Tom; Kogos, Angella
Research Article
2023-11-01T00:00:00ZCase Study: Kenyan University Libraries Status of Access to Library Spaces and Facilities for Persons with DisabilitiesKwanya, TomGikunju, MilcahOdero, Damarishttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19202024-01-16T06:34:48Z2023-07-12T00:00:00ZCase Study: Kenyan University Libraries Status of Access to Library Spaces and Facilities for Persons with Disabilities
Kwanya, Tom; Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper was to find out the position of library spaces and facilities at the university libraries in Kenya particularly in serving users with disabilities. The study was conducted using a pragmatic research philosophy, a convergent mixed methods design and a multiple-case studies strategy. The study population was university library users and librarians drawn from six public and private universities in Kenya. The six universities were selected purposefully based on their age (time they have been in existence) with an assumption that old universities have more developed infrastructure. Data was collected from students and academic staff who participated in an online survey; librarians participated in online focus groups and follow up online surveys while university librarians and students with disabilities had telephone call interviews. There were follow up telephone calls with the university librarians. The online survey was conducted using online questionnaires that were distributed via emails and Whatsapp. Online focus group discussions were conducted in Google Meet platform and interviews were conducted via personal telephone calls. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive and inferential statistics. After exploring inclusivity of university library spaces and facilities in Kenya for users with disabilities, this paper noted though the university libraries offered some space and facilities for PWDs, these were far from sufficient. The findings revealed that library staff required training on how to handle and assist PWDs and sign language was largely emphasised. However, the study concluded that accommodating diverse needs of persons with disabilities is a long-term process that requires involvement of all the relevant stakeholders. In addition, the study noted that access to services and facilities for PWDs is another significant aspect of modernised university library.
Research Article
2023-07-12T00:00:00ZHarnessing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for sustainable development in Africa: a meta-analysisKwanya, TomNyagowa, HesbonKibe, Lucyhttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19192024-01-16T06:23:11Z2023-02-19T00:00:00ZHarnessing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for sustainable development in Africa: a meta-analysis
Kwanya, Tom; Nyagowa, Hesbon; Kibe, Lucy
Abstract
Purpose – The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has changed the way people operate. All sectors of the economy have been affected by this technological advancement. However, little is known of how 4IR technologies are used in Africa. This paper aimed to investigate how 4IR technologies can be harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa. The objectives of the study were to: examine the infometric patterns of research production on 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; explore the perception of 4IR technologies and their potential for sustainable development in Africa; investigate the extent
to which 4IR technologies have been harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa; determine the factors influencing the use of 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; and identify the strategies which can be used to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach – The study applied a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data was collected through bibliometrics analysis while qualitative data was collected by use of systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software and
analysed using Microsoft Excel, Notepad, VOSviewer and Atlas.ti and presented using tables, graphs and figures.
Findings – The study retrieved 914 research publications on 4IR and sustainable development in Africa. It emerged that production of research on the subject has increased gradually over the years. The findings reveal that Africa is aware of the potential of 4IR for sustainable development. In fact, it emerged that 4IR
technologies are being used to support education, health services, tourism, e-commerce, records integrity and project management. Some of the factors that inhibit the use of 4IR for sustainable development Africa include lack of relevant policies, low skill levels in 4IR technologies, inadequate infrastructure and lack of stakeholder involvement. This study recommends the development of policies in 4IR, capacity building and upgrading of infrastructures. The findings can be used by governments in Africa to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable
development.
Originality/value – The research is original in scope and coverage.
Research Article
2023-02-19T00:00:00Z