Journal Articles

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Browsing Journal Articles by Author "Abok, Villary Atieno"

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    Maximising the potential of social media to deliver academic library services to students: a case study of The Technical University Of Kenya Library
    (2015) Kwanya, Tom; Abok, Villary Atieno
    Abstract This study investigated how academic libraries in Kenya can maximise the potential of social media to deliver their services. The objectives of the study were to identify the various forms of social media utilised in academic libraries; explain how these social media are used to support the delivery of library services; ascertain the benefits academic libraries accrue from the use of social media; identify the challenges which hamper effective use of social media in academic libraries; and propose strategies which the academic libraries can employ to enhance the outcomes of their social media use. This research was a case study of The Technical University of Kenya library in Nairobi, Kenya. Primary data was collected from 23 knowledge ambassadors, who are student library champions, and three librarians selected through information-oriented purposive sampling. The findings revealed that academic libraries in Kenya are currently using Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Twitter to facilitate the sharing of information resources, provision of reference services, formation of professional networks, and promotion of library services. The findings also indicate that the use of social media in academic libraries in Kenya has enhanced interactions between librarians and library users; saved the time for searching, accessing and using information; reduced costs associated with space; and enhanced the promotion of library services and products. Nonetheless, lack of adequate ICT infrastructure and human resources are hampering the effective adoption of social media in the libraries. Academic libraries in Kenya are advised to invest more resources in infrastructural development, capacity building and hiring of more staff to enhance their social media use outcomes. The findings of this study may be used by academic librarians to apply social media in the design and delivery of information services and products effectively.
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    Trends, patterns and determinants of research productivity at the Technical University of Kenya
    (SAGE, 2020-12-03) Kwanya, Tom; Abok, Villary Atieno; Onyancha, Omwoyo Bosire
    Abstract This paper explores the trends, patterns and determinants of research productivity at the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). It analyses the research output of full-time academic staff collected from Google Scholar using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software. Further information was obtained from the top ten researchers based on productivity from the analysed research output. Additional information was obtained from purposively sampled officers of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Students; three executive deans of faculties; and the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange. The study revealed gradual growth in research productivity at TU-K. The study also revealed that insufficient funding, lack of motivation, limited time and lack of equipment are some of the factors affecting research productivity at TU-K. Full implementation of performance contracting targets and establishment of the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange are some of the strategies being implemented to increase research output, visibility and impact. The authors recommend that the university should nurture interest in, as well as enhance capability for inquiry and investigation to increase research productivity. The university should also create mechanisms for building intrinsic motivation and address the extrinsic factors in order to catapult research productivity.