AWARENESS AND USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION AT KENYA NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE, NAIROBI

Purpose: This study sought to assess Awareness and use of environmental information resources to promote environmental protection & conservation at Kenya National Library Service Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 105 respondents from a total target population of 550 staff members. In addition the five heads of department were interviewed. Data was collected and later analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Frequency count and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Results: Findings revealed that the level of awareness on environmental information resources is low since the KNLS library staff has not implemented methods of awareness creation to users. The environmental information resources in Kenya National Library Service are not located at a specific place but integrated with the rest of the library collection thus hard to locate with ease. The challenges faced by Kenya National Library Services staff in disseminating environmental information resources to the users. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Libraries and relevant environmental institutions need to create awareness on environmental information resources, conduct staff training, and evaluation of environmental information resources so as to access the level of quality and value to the library users.

The role of the Kenya National Library Service in the provision of information for youth empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya

This paper is developed from a study that investigated the role of the Kenya National Library Service in provision of information to empower the youth with the view of identifying gaps that may be addressed in order to enhance effectiveness of service provision. The study was informed by the uses and gratification theory which focuses on what people do with the media and also Wilson’s general model of information-seeking behaviour. Case study research method was used. The study population was the library users of Buruburu Knls library in Nairobi County aged between 15 and 30 years. Non-probability sampling method through quota sampling was used to get the required sample. The study population was categorized into three and the samples picked purposively. The main data collection method was face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in descriptive and narrative forms. The study established that the public library played a significant role in empowering the youth through the information it made available to them. Young people, however, face various challenges in accessing information in the library which showed that there were gaps that public libraries needed to fill to enhance their information services to youth. This study recommends that public libraries aim for youth-friendly programmes/services, provide information literacy, strengthen online information service provision, non-book materials and provide space for group discussions. It proposes a framework that can be followed to enhance the effectiveness of service provision.

User perception on library services and information resources in Kenyan Public Libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide information on how public libraries and information services in Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) are perceived, by examining adult users, with a view of improving service delivery and enhancing the effective management of public library services.Design/methodology/approachSurvey methodology using questionnaires was adopted to solicit required information from 112 respondent adult users and data were analyzed using SPSS version 14.FindingsThe paper shows that KNLS library services and information resources are very positively perceived by most respondents. KNLS libraries are: comparatively better off than universities and other public libraries; are predominantly focused on print documents (books) as preferred sources; readers' mostly begin their search for information on a particular topic; general reading and research purposes and information resources equip users with appropriate knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on adult users in internet‐serviced libraries within the KNLS and thus may not be used to generalize about users of all public libraries in Kenya.Practical implicationsThis paper attempts to provide KNLS public libraries with fundamental information about adult users' perspectives of services and information resources. Though the services and information resources are positively perceived, the library management has room to improve and maintain current levels of perception.Originality/valueThe paper is of value because understanding of users' perceptions is vital for services and information resource improvement.