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Browsing Journal Articles by Subject "Academic libraries,"

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    Case Study: Kenyan University Libraries Status of Access to Library Spaces and Facilities for Persons with Disabilities
    (Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2023-07-12) 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.
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    Every “reader” his or her “book”: Information services to persons with disabilities in Tangaza University College
    (KLISC Journal of Information Science and Knowledge Management, 2023) Kwanya, Tom; Awuor, Afline
    ABSTRACT Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, an Indian librarian, and mathematician developed the Five Laws of Librarianship in 1931. Principles drawn from these laws undergird the design and delivery of library services to date. The second law states that “every reader his or her book”. This implies that libraries should deliver services and resources which are customised for the specific needs of unique categories of their users. The degree to which academic libraries in Kenya offer appropriate services to persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, is unknown. This paper evaluates the services offered to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya using Tangaza University College Library as a case study. Specifically, the paper assesses the preparedness of academic libraries in Kenya to meet the information needs of PWDs, identifies the services and resources offered to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya, evaluates the usability of the services, and proposes a framework for providing information services to PWDs in academic libraries in Kenya in the post-COVID 19 era. This paper was developed using concurrent triangulated mixed methods research through which quantitative and qualitative data was collected from 11 librarians and 9 PWDs using questionnaires and interviews respectively. Due to the small number of the target population, a census was used. The findings of the study reveal that academic libraries are least prepared to offer information services and materials to PWDs. Although commendable efforts are being made, there are gaps in the conceptualization, design, and delivery of the services. There is a need for a framework to mainstream the needs of the PWDs in the bouquet of services offered by academic libraries in Kenya. The findings contribute to the discourses on the emerging role of libraries in safeguarding the information and communication rights of PWDs in Kenya and abroad in the post-COVID era. A framework to enhance information services to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya is proposed.
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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.