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Application of Knowledge Management Pillars in Enhancing Performance of Kenyan Universities
(research gate, 2011-01) Wakasa, Murumba, Joan
Data are simple, discrete facts and figures such as names, characteristics and amounts. Information is more complex, for it organizes data for a meaningful purpose. Data might be a table of circulation statistics, but once those statistics are arranged or organized in a meaningful way to describe trends in library use, they become information. According to Davenport and Prusak, knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experience and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of those who know. In organizations, it often becomes embedded not only in documents and repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices, and norms. While data and information are in a sense bound objects, knowledge is a process, a dynamic, or an ability to understand and to share understanding. There is need for institutions of higher learning to consider the creation of knowledge management (KM) departments which enhance the application of KM elements into the institutional processes. This paper endeavors to identify the need for application and integration of KM pillars for organizational success. Through non-probability sampling, the author observed issues relating to applicability of KM pillars in Kenyan universities, besides analyzing statements in journals, print and electronic documents on this subject. The discussions show the current KM status is still not exploited in Kenyan universities. The main aspects found include current proposals with regard to information and communication technology infrastructure, harnessing and preserving knowledge, knowledge and skills development in the context of KM. The author suggests ways of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of KM pillars in the performance of Kenyan universities.
Do Earnings Announcement Have an Effect on the Level of Efficiency of The Nairobi Securities Exchange?
(Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2013) Kakiya, Grace; Mugo, Robert; Onyuma, Samuel; Owuor, George; Bosire, Mary
Capital markets are normally considered to be efficient when prices reflect all the available information. However, there are instances when this information takes several weeks to be incorporated into share prices. This leads to investors’ making uninformed investment strategies on whether to hold or dispose shares thus unable to maximize returns. The study determined stock returns of firms listed in NSE and further determined the level of efficiency of NSE. An empirical evidence of anomalies for the study was obtained from 31 companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which traded and announced their earnings in 2007. A data collection sheet was used to collect secondary data on market indices, daily closing share prices and traded volumes for a period of 15 days before and after earnings announcement. Daily market adjusted abnormal and cumulative abnormal returns were computed and a further t-test at 5% level of significance done to determine the effect of earnings announcement on stock returns and results interpreted. Earnings announcement had a significant effect on stock returns when CAR was evaluated indicating market inefficiency but AR was not significant for individual companies. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that the Nairobi Securities Exchange is not semi-strong form efficient. Therefore, the Capital Markets Authority should eliminate the factors causing market inefficiencies, in order to boost-to-boost investors’ confidence.
Teachers’ and students’ perceptions about form one placement of students in public secondary schools in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya
(General Studies, 2013) Okello, Jacklyne Alari; Migosi, j.; Evusa, Z.
The study was geared towards establishing teachers and students perceptions about Form One placement of students in public secondary schools in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study targeted all teachers, students, guidance and counseling teachers and principals from public secondary schools in Mumias division. The literature revealed that quality student placement at all levels is very critical. The study employed a descriptive survey and phenomenological research designs and was conducted in 4 sampled public secondary schools in Mumias Division. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to select the schools. A sample of 170 Form One and Form Two students, 20 teachers, 4 guidance and counseling teachers and 4 principals from the 4 public secondary schools participated in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires for students and teachers and semi structured interview guides for guidance and counseling teachers and principals. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 and presented using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed, discussed in accordance with research questions and reported in narrative form. The findings revealed that both teachers and students concurred that public secondary school placement of students is affected by other factors such as family background and parental involvement in education. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) should review the new form one selection criteria so that the selection and admission of students should be fair and just based on merit in consideration of the students choices of schools. The study suggested that a comparative study be carried out on the student involvement in secondary school placement of students in private and public secondary schools.
Management of university research output in digital era: A case of Strathmore university library
(research gate, 2013-07) Musangi, Penninah S.; Sawe, Emily Cherono
Today scholarly information is being produced in digital format unlike few years ago when scholars used to present their work in a hard format.Kanyengo (2009) notes that creators of knowledge and publishers of knowledge and everyone who is involved in the production of knowledge prefer the electronic format.A lot of digital content is now being produced in the scholarly world and this has brought serious and pressing issues in the access, preservation an dissemination of the content. This paper will highlight Strathmore university’s experience in using institutional repository to manage their research output, the benefits and the challenges they faced.
Networking as a new way of communication and sharing information
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2013-12-01) Anduvare, Everlyn Mmbone
According to whatis.com (2006) Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighbourhood subdivision. Social networking may take the form of bringing together people who share interests in the real world i.e. in person. In fact, social networking is said to have gone on almost as long as societies themselves have existed (whatis.com 2006). Despite the fact that social networking has existed through personal contacts over the years, it has increasingly become more popular online. This is due to the advent of internet connections through which millions of people can get in touch with one another just by a click of a mouse and share information. Whatis.com (2006) points out that social networking establishes interconnected Internet communities (sometimes known as personal networks) that help people make contacts that would be good for them to know, but that they would be unlikely to have met otherwise. In general, it works like this: you join one of the sites and invite people you know to join as well. Those people invite their contacts to join, who in turn invite their contact through anyone they have a connection to, to any of the people that person has a connection to, and so on. Web-based social networking has therefore quickly gained popularity because of its ease of use. All that one need is an internet connection and to know the website that will be of interest to him or her. Most web based social network sites are free of charge to access; one is only required to become a member. In this paper focus is placed on web based social networking and how it has improved communication.
What Are the Factors that Influence A Wide Interest Rate Band in Micro-Finance Institutions in Kenya?
(Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2014) Bosire, Mary; Mugo, Robert; Owuor, George; Oluoch, Wycliffe; Kakiya, Grace
Interest rates play a significant role of intermediation between savers and potential borrowers. High deposit rates acts as incentives to attract savings while high lending rates discourage credit demand from potential borrowers. The margin between deposit rate and lending rate at a given time period forms an interest rate band which has implications on borrowing and deposit mobilization in the economy. In Kenya, the interest rate band has persistently remained wide despite the efforts to narrow it down. Several factors have been established that influence this wide interest rate band. However, this was before the financial reform period when commercial banks dominated the financial sector. This study was designed to evaluate the factors that influence a wide interest rate band in Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) is new developments in the financial sector due to financial reforms in the year 2004. MFI sub sector has contributed to the competitive environment in the credit market. Factors that influence interest rate bands for these Institutions have not been documented. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 27 MFIs that are registered members of Association of Micro Finance Institutions (AMFI) Kenya and carry out retail Micro Finance activities. A cause effect research design was applied. Secondary data was extracted from financial statements using a data collection sheet and a questionnaire used to collect primary data. Data was collected for a four year period (2005 - 2008) and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A censored linear tobit model (Tobit) was used to test the hypothesis. The results indicated significant differentials between deposit rates and lending rates. From the findings, four factors; Growth, Financial costs, Profitability and Operating/Administrative costs significantly influenced a wide interest rate band depending on the time period. Findings from this study are expected to provide information to policy makers for decision making and policy formulation. The findings are also expected to be beneficial to the Donor community and support groups in their endeavor to promote Micro — Finance activities in Kenya
Technological capability of the Marist International University College to support a knowledge management initiative
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2014-12-14) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone; Minishi-Majanja, Mabel
This article is based on a Master’s degree study which aimed to conduct a knowledge management (KM) assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC), Nairobi-Kenya. Adopting the technology aspect of the Arthur Andersen’s Knowledge Management Assessment Tool (KMAT) model, one objective focused on taking inventory of the technologies at the MIUC that support KM. The mixed method approach was employed to collect data from the MIUC staff using a questionnaire and interviews. A purposive sampling technique ensured that respondents included key role players in KM activities at the MIUC. Using data transformation analysis, qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires were descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study found that the MIUC’s ICT infrastructure was inadequate in bandwidth and tools to support KM. The study recommends that the MIUC should invest in a systems upgrade of its ICT infrastructure to support KM adequately, and additionally develop policies and procedures to guide in the proper utilisation of ICT tools to enhance KM
Training and Development of the Human Resource in Institutes of Consecrated Life: A Case of Tangaza University College (TUC) and Marist International University College (MIUC)
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 2015) Okello, Jacklyne Alari
This study focuses on training and development of the human resource in institutes of consecrated life; a case of Tangaza University College (TUC) and Marist International University College (MIUC). Institutions and organizations exist to achieve certain goals and objectives. These goals and objectives can be successfully achieved through the human resource. However, the human resource must have the right skills and continuously polish their skills. The human resource that is the centre of interest in this study is the consecrated men and women who are members of the institutes of consecrated life in TUC and MIUC and their leadership. Njino (2009) strongly argues that the Church has enormous human resource but at times this resource is underutilized and its abilities and potential are unexploited or unrecognized. This was the motivation and driving factor for this study. The researcher carried out a survey. The specific method employed was descriptive survey design. The target population for the study was all professed members of institutes of consecrated life both men and women with their leadership. The study was developed by integrating interactive shared experiences of men and women religious. These are presented as cases within the different chapters. As a result the researcher only used questionnaires that contained both closed ended and open ended questions in data collection. A total of 242 individual members and 20 members of the different leadership categories of institutes of consecrated life participated in the study. The findings reveal that availability of training policies is dependent on the category of institutes of consecrated life. Majority of the respondents indicated that professional training of members was not a priority for the leadership of the institutes of consecrated life. Work allotment entirely depends on the needs of the individual institute of consecrated life. The researcher recommends that more emphasis is to be put in the training and development of the human resource in institutes of consecrated life. This is because it shall ensure sustainability of the institute. Key words: training, development, human resource, institut
Developing a knowledge management strategy for the Marist International University College, Nairobi-Kenya
(University of South Africa, 2015-02) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone
Marist International University College, Nairobi – Kenya is challenged with problems like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject experts as others have not been identified. This research thus set out to address these problems. The aim of the study was to conduct a knowledge management assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC) in order to identify and recommend a suitable strategy for the institution. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methodology approach which encompassed a questionnaire and an interview schedule to collect data from 33 academic staff and 9 members of the MIUC management respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as the target population for the study as they play the key role in knowledge creation at MIUC. All 33 copies of the questionnaires that were distributed to the teaching staff were returned by respondents and all the 9 MIUC members of management were successfully interviewed. Data transformation analysis was applied during which qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires was descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study revealed a variety of informal knowledge management structures and resources at MIUC and the challenges of managing knowledge at Marist. The main challenge was that there was no uniformity and consistency in the management of knowledge. The study hence, formulated a KM strategy for MIUC that would help leverage its knowledge assets.
Redefining Reference Services In Academic Libraries: A Critical Review
(Knowledge Librarian, 2015-10) Musangi, Penninah Syombua
Within the 21st century, academic libraries have witnessed a lot of technological changes, which cannot be wished away. There is need to rethink and redefine the reference services in the library. Reference librarians in academic libraries cannot stay static or traditional in their services or outreach to users, they need to harness technology and its capabilities in order to provide the information and literacy skills needed today by the ‘netgen’ generation of users. The library users of today in the academic libraries coupled with the advancement of technology has changed the physical makeup of libraries and their functions and, thus, has made an impact on the way information is delivered, as libraries strive to redefine their services in order to meet users’ needs and expectations. It is now possible for libraries to offer reference services to their patrons without worrying about the geographical limitations. This paper will review how emerging technologies are being utilized to offer virtual reference services and how they have impacted on academic libraries.
Library 2.0 and the changing landscape of information services in academic libraries in Kenya
(International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2015-12) Musangi, Penninah Syombua
Traditional models of libraries offering information services are not working for current generation of students. The current generation of library users can be termed as‘digital natives’. These digital natives have grown up in an environment surrounded by rapidly evolving technologies. This means that today’s academic library users think about technology and information differently than previous generations, and expect instant access to information. They can also be called ‘netGen’ users. With this kind of environment and expectations, academic libraries need to evolve by changing to offer user-oriented services and following users into their social spaces by allowing users to participate in the creation of content, keeping the users constantly updated and building services based on their feedback. To achieve this, libraries need to incorporate web 2.0 tools in the way they provide services. Some of the tools to take advantage of include creation of blogs, wikis, flickr, youtube, facebook, RSS feeds, social bookmarks, microblogs, mashups and slideshare among others. Another obvious change noted today and especially in Kenya is the development of university campuses all over the country. For most of these campuses, one will find small rooms as libraries; with minimal resources and a few staff members. This is a challenge and library 2.0 being a combination of both physical and virtual spaces and services can offer solution to such campuses. In addition, many universities are offering distance learning and evening programmes to cater for the working class people who want to advance their careers. Do they have to come all the way to visit the library to get information for their studies? No. Library 2.0 is their way out and therefore academic libraries have to invest in these tools, in addition to off-campus access to e-resources. This paper will discuss library 2.0 as the new model of information provision to library users and especially in the academic world. The library 2.0 tools and technologies will be discussed and how they can be applied in an academic library.
Innovative use of Information Technology to Enhance Knowledge Management Practices at the Marist International University College, Nairobi - Kenya
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Anduvare, Everlyn M.
The study aims to identify and recommend to the Marist International University College (MIUC) technologies that enhance knowledge management, with a particular focus on collaborative and distributed learning. Design/methodology/approach Nine senior full-time academic staff members were purposively selected for the study. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved the use of Google forms to conduct an online survey to collect data from the target population, and it achieved a 100% response rate. Using content analysis, data were analysed, interpreted and presented in a mini-dissertation. Findings This research paper presents the findings relating to the innovative use of technologies to enhance collaborative and distributive learning. The findings confirm the existence of informal knowledge management practices at the MIUC and recommend technologies established through a review of the literature to expedite these practices. Practical implications The proposed technologies are thought to be useful in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning in academic institutions as technologies act as enablers in knowledge management within academia. Originality/value As technologies continue to emerge, there is a chance for universities to hit a stalemate in terms of identifying appropriate technologies to enable knowledge management. This paper contributes by identifying not only KM practices at the university under study but also specific multimedia, social media, media sharing and brainstorming technologies from the literature that would be ideal in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning.
Embracing the Human Resource Department Role in Modern Organizations
(“Scholars Middle East Publishers, 2016-08) Waweru, Beauttah Mwangi
An Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Legislation and Policies in Kenya
(2016-08) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kwanya, Tom
Since the dawn of history, humanity has always sought more knowledge to feed families, stay healthy, argue with neighbours, and understand the immediate environment, among other issues. Before scientific approaches of knowledge discovery emerged, local ways of solving problems were already strongly established. These ways have persisted to date and comprise what is known as indigenous knowledge (IK). As society scientifically developed, IK became a neglected area whose potential as a resource in development was forgotten. This neglect has led to myriad socioeconomic challenges affecting food security, environmental conservation, health and social cohesion, among others. Therefore, the need to rediscover and mainstream IK in development is great. This need is anchored on the understanding that IK is the basis for local-level decision making in agriculture, healthcare, food preparation, education, natural-resource management, and a host of other activities. One of the perspectives of enhancing the creation, use and perpetuation of IK is enactment of facilitative policies and legislation. This chapter analyses the IK legislation and policies in Kenya and the extent to which they have been implemented and thereafter recommends strategies which can be used to enhance the impact of IK in socioeconomic development in Kenya. Data that informed the study leading to this chapter were collected through content analysis of the existing IK policies and legislation. Additional data were collected through key informant interviews with information science professionals and policy makers. The study revealed that several legislative and policy provisions on the regulation, preservation, management, use and development of indigenous knowledge exist in Kenya. However, there are many gaps in the content and implementation of these provisions which should be addressed to enhance their impact on the promotion, growth and perpetuation of indigenous knowledge in Kenya. The findings here may be used by information practitioners, policy makers and communities to enhance the creation, use and impact of IK.
Open access initiatives in Kenya: The role of the librarian
(research gate, 2017-07) Musangi, Penninah S.
Open access has brought a revolution in scientific publishing. It has brought about a new business model which allows everyone to read scientific publications free of charge. Open access has been touted as an answer to the high cost of subscriptions for scientific journals amidst reducing budgets. Historically, librarians play a key role to collect, store and disseminate scientific outputs. Nowadays librarians are central in disseminating research outputs by creating and managing institutional repositories. The technological transformations in publishing have put the librarians in the limelight in terms of professional knowledge and skills in the new scholarly communication systems. This calls for rethinking of the place of the librarian by universities as research and scientific publishing are central to any institution of higher learning. The objectives of the study were to examine the level of open access awareness among librarians, establish the existing open access initiatives in universities in Kenya, investigate the role played by librarians in supporting open access initiatives and determine the challenges faced by librarians in open access publishing. Data was collected from librarians in Kenya using a questionnaire and analyzed thematically guided by the objectives. It was found that librarians in Kenya are involved in creating awareness about open access, establishing institutional repositories, uploading content, and creating metadata, among others. However, it was also found that there are various challenges which continue to bedevil the uptake of open access. Some of these include lack of familiarity with the technical standards related to open archiving as well as a negative attitude by teaching faculty and doubts about the quality of open access content. The study recommends to libraries to establish open access advocacy programs; sign open access petitions and mandates; as well develop and implement open access policies.
Maximising the socioeconomic value of indigenous knowledge through policies and legislation in Kenya
(Emerald insight, 2018) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kwanya, Tom; Kamau, Alice
Purpose – Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the anchor of survival and stability for indigenous communities. The purpose of this study was to establish how the socioeconomic value of IK can be maximised in Kenya througheffectiveenactmentandimplementationofrelevantpoliciesandlegislation. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed methods research using a survey design. The target population comprised 104 top- and middle-level managers drawn from organisations implementing diverse IK policies and legislation. Primary data were collected from the target population using questionnaires.Additional data were collected using content analysis of IK policies and legislation.The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSSVersion22)software. Findings – The ﬁndings revealed a low awareness of the IK policies and legislation by the stakeholders. It also became evident that the policies and legislation relevant to IK are not implemented effectively. The authors conclude that policies and legislation do not maximise the socioeconomic value of IK in Kenya. Originality/value – This is an original study which has practical implications for the use of IK for socioeconomic purposes. The ﬁndings of the study may be used to inﬂuence policy formulation and implementation; theory on IK; and practices which mainstream IK in socioeconomic activities in Kenya and beyond.
Challenges facing Academic Libraries in Supporting Webometrics Ranking of Universities in Kenya
(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2019) Wamahiga, M. George; Kwanya, Tom; Ndegwa, Lucy
Webometrics refers to the study of the quantitative aspects of the creation and usage of information resources, structures and technologies on the web drawing on bibliometric and infometric approaches. Across the world, libraries are committed to providing equal and rightful access to information. Therefore, libraries play a major role in influencing Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries influence Webometrics ranking through generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. Despite the remarkable success in Academic libraries’ influence on Webometrics ranking, there are a number of setbacks facing these libraries in the effective facilitation of Webometrics ranking. This study examined the challenges facing academic libraries in supporting Webometrics ranking of universities in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research design. The researcher collected data from a representative sample of 30 % of the entire target population in University of Nairobi, Chuka University and Kirinyaga University. The selection of the three universities was based on the most recent Webometrics rankings. The respondents were drawn from library, ICT and research Departments. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics that is frequency distribution tables to compute mean. The study established that Bureaucratic and connectivity barriers as well as substandard research and inadequate knowledge on Webometrics are the key challenges facing Kenyan academic libraries in supporting improved webometrics ranking. The findings of this study may be used by other institutions of higher learning on the mechanisms they can adopt to increase the capacities of their academic libraries so as to improve the contribution of these libraries to Webometrics and consequently to the overall ranking of the individual universities nationally and internationally. The findings may also help policy makers and policy implementers to effectively understand the challenges facing academic libraries in supporting Webometrics ranking of universities in Kenya and hence improve opportunities for upscaling Webometrics in academic institutions.
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Mechanism: Awareness and Involvement of Staff and Students: A case of Marist International University College (MIUC).
(The Agakhan University, 2019) Okello, Jacklyne Alari
Between October 2015 and April 2017, the School of Education, Kenyatta University in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) organized three capacity building workshops for its lecturers on Integration of ICT in teaching and learning. During the 3rd workshop held in March 2017 and whose focus was on online Assessment it was noted that despite the university’s investment in a Learning Management System (LMS) for online teaching and learning, lecturers had not utilized it for formative learner assessment. Consequently, even students enrolled in the distance learning mode would come to campus for their Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs). Therefore, it was agreed that after the training, the departments of Educational Psychology and Educational Management would play the role of trailblazers in giving online Continuous Assessments Tests (CATs) in the School of Education. In the 2nd semester of 2016/2017 academic year and the 1st semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, the two departments gave a total of four online CATS in four different units to over 9,000 undergraduate students. This innovation in assessment informed this study whose purpose was to document the views and experiences of both students and lecturers on online CATs. The objectives of the study were to: capture the views of students and lecturers about the online CATs; identify challenges hindering effectiveness of on-line CATs; document the lessons learnt from administering on-line CATs. The study embraced a mixed methods design that enabled collection and triangulation of quantitative data from students and qualitative data from lecturers. Quantitative data was collected from students through an online questionnaire while qualitative data was collected from lecturers through a Focus Group Discussion Guide. The results indicated that the students were initially apprehensive before the on-line CAT but after they were done a majority stated that they enjoyed the experience and would opt for such assessments in future. A majority of the students also praised the technical support given during the CAT, the immediate feedback and the sense of control of their marks. Results from the lecturers also showed that that they were at first skeptical about mounting an on-line CAT. However, after the on-line CATs were given, their perception changed and they appreciated there was less work afterwards in terms of marking and grading. Lecturers also noted that on-line CATs enhanced the objectivity of the scores as they reduced human error. Challenges that hindered effectiveness of the on-line CATs were identified, namely: missing students’ registration numbers in the LMS making it difficult for lecturers to collate marks, slow internet during on-line CAT, faulty passwords for students, interruption from other students in computer lab and strict marking in the short answer items. The key lesson learnt is that online assessment confers benefits to the university, lecturers and students. The study concludes that the university has the resources (technical and human) to conduct online formative assessment. However, there is need for more capacity building of staff and students on online formative assessment. The University also needs to review its examination policy to embrace online assessment so as to cover possible malpracticessuch as cheating.
Assessment of Reengineered Library Services and Spaces for Improved User Experience in Universities in Kenya
(Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2019-04) Musangi, Penninah S.; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom
Innovation and transformation have been synonymous with the library environment, as they strive to rethink the services they offer amidst the changing information landscape. This paper assesses the reengineered library services and spaces in universities. The paper demonstrates how university libraries in Kenya have reengineered their services and spaces variably in order to cope with the changes in the information landscape and for improved user experience. However, despite the strides made by libraries in responding to the changes in information landscape, there is reported mixed user experience on the reengineered services and spaces. A multiple case study approach of six purposively selected private and public university libraries in Kenya based on Webometric ranking as an indicator of reengineering was used. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 30 librarians and 25 focus groups of students. The study established that university libraries have reengineered their services to respond to the changes and nurture a competitive advantage, but users still associate libraries with the traditional services. Additionally, reengineering has not had an effect on the satisfaction levels and usage of the library. The authors conclude that reengineering library services and spaces in universities has not improved user experience. The study recommends continuous reviews of the reengineered services for improvements or redesign; involvement of library users in the redesign of the services, and promotion of the reengineered services.
Information Commons: A Service Model for Academic Libraries in Kenya
(Digital Technologies for Information and Knowledge Management, 2019-05) Musangi, Penninah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom
The changing information landscape in today’s library environment has compelled libraries to shift from the conventional library service models to new service models. One of the new service models is Information Commons which is being embraced to satisfy the changing needs and demands by the current generation for technology-oriented services and products. This chapter explores the concept of Information Commons, describes its features and assesses the extent to which academic libraries in Kenya have transformed their physical spaces to Information Commons. This study on which this chapter is based was exploratory and adopted a mixed-methods research design. Data was collected from 30 librarians in six universities using face-to-face interviews and observation. 73% of librarians are familiar with the concept of Information Commons; no university has established an Information Commons; and various aspects of the Information Commons model exist but in fragmented form. Information Commons model is a promising and tenable solution to the challenge of academic libraries offering relevant services and facilities. This study offers insights in the design and composition of an Information Commons in academic libraries. Information Commons is still a novel idea to libraries in Kenya and therefore the results of this study adds to the general knowledge on this model and contextualises its implementation to academic libraries in Kenya.