Government libraries Kenya face many challenges, which include inadequate funding, inadequate space, increasing cost of library resources, and high proliferation of information literature, challenges in acquisition of modern equipment and facilities, increased demand for information by users, poor remuneration and lack of adequate qualified personnel. This calls for resource sharing as a means of overcoming some of these challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the prospects of resource sharing in the provision of library services in Government ministries in Nairobi and ascertain the extent to which resource-sharing can assist to alleviate some of the challenges they are facing. The specific objectives of this study were to establish factors affecting the performance of Government libraries in Nairobi; examine Government policies within which these libraries operate and how these relate to the challenges of inadequate funding; establish the information resources and facilities available in Government libraries in Nairobi that can be shared among themselves; find out whether resource-sharing can assist to alleviate the challenges they are facing and propose recommendations to enhance resource-sharing among government libraries in Nairobi. This study is informed on the resource-sharing model as proposed by Sahoo (2009). The study used qualitative research method. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews, observations during the interviews as well as documentary evidence. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. This study established that most government libraries in Nairobi do not share their resources effectively, they have inadequate information resources which are little used, limited accommodation space as well as lack of equipment and other facilities and, that no formalized library resource-sharing exists within government ministry libraries in Nairobi. The study recommends and shows how resource-sharing can be used to harness and/or improve the provision of information services in Government Ministry libraries in Nairobi; it also presents proposals necessary to establish a framework for their library resource-sharing.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.6 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
1.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
1.8 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
1.8.1 Scope
1.8.2 Limitation
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.2.1 Networking Model for Resource-sharing
2.2.2 Resource-sharing and organizational structure of networks
2.2.3 National resource sharing network model
2.2.3.1 Essentials of library networking
2.2.3.2 Other networking models
2.2.3.3 Government Common Core Network (GCCN)
2.2.4 Conceptual Framework
2.2.5 Definition and scope
2.2.6 Development of Government libraries in Kenya
2.2.7 Administration of Government libraries
2.2.8 Staffing
2.2.9 Accommodation and physical facilities
2.3 RESOURCE-SHARING
2.3.1 General definitions
2.3.2 Types of resource-sharing
2.3.2.1 Interlibrary lending
2.3.2.2 Shared acquisition
2.3.2.3 Exchange of personnel
2.3.2.4 Exchange of information materials
2.3.2.5 Use of information technology
2.3.3 Resource-sharing in Kenya
2.3.4 Resource-sharing in Government libraries
2.4 BENEFITS OF RESOURCE-SHARING
2.5 REQUIREMENTS OF RESOURCE-SHARING
2.5.1 Resources to be shared
2.5.2 Willingness to share resources
2.5.3 Resource-sharing agreements
2.5.4 Locational tools
2.6 PROBABLE PROBLEMS
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN
3.3 TARGET POPULATION FOR THE STUDY
3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING METHODS
3.4.1 Sampling procedures
3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
3.5.1 Interview Schedules
3.5.1.1 Pre-testing of interview schedules
3.5.2 Observation
3.6 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
3.7 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3.8 SUMMARY
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 GENERAL INFORMATION
4.3 LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION
4.3.1 Staffing
4.3.2 Staff recruitment and turn-over
4.4 FINANCE
4.4.1 Library budgets
4.5 LIBRARY ACCOMMODATION
4.6 SERVICES TO LIBRARY USERS
4.7 INTERLIBRARY RESOURCE-SHARING ACTIVITIES
4.7.1 Interlibrary resource-sharing problems
4.7.2 Interlibrary resource-sharing prospects
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 SUMMARY OF MAJOR RESEARCH FINDINGS
5.2.1 Library administrative systems
5.2.2 Library staffing: recruitment and turn-over
5.2.3 Objectives of Government libraries
5.2.4 Library stock
5.2.5 Library budgets
5.2.6 Library accommodation
5.2.7 Services to library users
5.2.8 Resource-sharing activities
5.2.9 Interlibrary resource-sharing problems
5.3 CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM THE FINDINGS
5.3.1 Library administrative systems
5.3.2 Library Staffing: recruitment and turn-over
5.3.3 Objectives of Government libraries
5.3.4 Staff recruitment and turnover
5.3.5 Library budgets
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.4.1 Recommendations for Librarians
5.4.1.1 Objectives of Government libraries
5.4.1.2 Resource-sharing activities
5.4.2 Recommendations for policy/administrators
5.4.2.1 Library Staffing: recruitment and turn-over
5.4.2.2 Library budgets
5.4.2.3 Library accommodation
5.4.2.4 Services to readers
5.4.2.5 Proposed Model for resource sharing
5.4.2.6 Proposed framework for managing resource sharing
5.4.3 Suggestions for further research
Research Objectives & Key Themes
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the prospects of resource-sharing among government ministry libraries in Nairobi, Kenya, to determine how such cooperation can alleviate operational challenges and improve information service provision. The research explores the factors impacting these libraries, their current administrative and budgetary constraints, and the potential for a coordinated network model to enhance service quality.
- Analysis of existing factors affecting the performance of government libraries.
- Evaluation of current government policies regarding library operations and funding.
- Assessment of existing resources and facilities available for potential sharing.
- Identification of infrastructure and institutional challenges hindering cooperation.
- Development of a proposed sectoral coordinated network model for resource-sharing.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.2.1 Interlibrary lending
This is a scheme where libraries lend materials to other libraries. Each library determines the classes of resources it lends out on interlibrary loan and on what terms. According to Njuguna (1991) resource-sharing is the core of interlibrary co-operation. This is done through the exchange of information resources. Interlibrary lending is the most common form of resource-sharing. It is intended to make available library resources not available in a given library. Interlibrary lending is the oldest form of resource-sharing. Information workers have been known to practice inter-lending as far back as the year 200BC when the library at Alexandria loaned books to the library at Pergamum.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an overview of the study's background, problem statement, objectives, and scope regarding the state of government ministry libraries in Nairobi.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews literature on library networking and resource-sharing models, establishing a theoretical foundation for the proposed sectoral network.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the research methodology, including the use of qualitative methods, interviews, and observations to collect data.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents and analyzes the collected data, focusing on administration, staffing, budgets, and current resource-sharing activities.
CHAPTER FIVE: Summarizes the major findings, offers conclusions on the state of these libraries, and provides recommendations for improved management and networking.
Keywords
Government libraries, Nairobi, resource-sharing, interlibrary lending, library networking, sectoral coordinated model, information services, library administration, library budgets, library staffing, information technology, information access, library policy, Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on investigating the prospects for resource-sharing among government ministry libraries in Nairobi to address common problems like inadequate funding and limited resources.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include resource-sharing potential, library administration, staffing constraints, budget limitations, and the integration of information technology for better service delivery.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The primary objective is to evaluate why these libraries perform below potential and to propose a coordinated network model that enables sharing of resources to overcome existing barriers.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The study utilizes a qualitative research methodology, collecting data through face-to-face interviews with library staff and observations during site visits to various government ministries.
What topics are explored in the main body of the work?
The main body covers a literature review of networking models, a detailed analysis of the current administrative and logistical state of ministry libraries, and proposed frameworks for future management.
Which keywords define this publication?
Key terms include government libraries, resource-sharing, library networking, interlibrary lending, information access, and library administration in the context of Kenya.
How are ministry libraries currently managed?
The study found that they typically operate under centralized administrative systems, often led by staff without specialized library training, and lack dedicated, independent budgetary votes.
What specific network model does the author propose?
The author proposes a sectoral coordinated network model, where the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture acts as a central hub to facilitate electronic resource exchange among ministries grouped into specific sectors.
Does the lack of funding prevent resource-sharing?
Interestingly, the study concludes that a lack of funds is not necessarily an insurmountable barrier, but rather that the absence of a formal framework and administrative willingness is the primary constraint.
What is the "gentleman's agreement" approach mentioned?
It refers to the current, informal state of cooperation among these libraries, which lacks legal backing or clear, standardized procedures, thereby making the sharing of resources inconsistent and unreliable.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Joash Aminga (Autor:in), 2012, Prospects for Resource Sharing among Government Libraries in Nairobi, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/287359
