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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electronic Records Management Strategies by Government Agencies in Kenya
(Record and Library Journal, 2019-09-30) Limo, Jonathan; Kwanya, Tom; Chepchirchir, Sally
Background of the study: With the advancement in technology, government agencies generate, receive or use records in electronic formats. There is need to develop appropriate strategies to manage these electronic records effectively. An electronic records management strategy must be aligned to the agency’s legal mandate as well as reflect best records management practices and technological options. Purpose: This chapter explores the extent to which government agencies in Kenya apply electronic records management strategies in regard to legal framework, long-term preservation, metadata, file naming and file formats, and digital media storage. Method: Additional data was collected through a review of relevant literature. The data was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Findings: The findings indicate that the Government of Kenya recognises electronic records as valuable. The study leading to this chapter was conducted as an online survey through which data was collected from records managers working in 90 government agencies who are members of the Network of Library & Information Professionals in Kenya. The link to the online questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, was circulated through the network’s administrator. 38 officers successfully filled the forms. Conclusion: It has developed and deployed several policies and legislation to enhance the management and use of electronic records for posterity. However, the government lacks facilitative structural and budgetary provisions to implement these effectively.
Embracing the Human Resource Department Role in Modern Organizations
(“Scholars Middle East Publishers, 2016-08) Waweru, Beauttah Mwangi
eResearch Support: An Exploratory Study of Private University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2019-06) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone
This exploratory study was carried out in Nairobi County, Kenya to investigate the role of private university libraries in supporting eResearch. The study used a multiple-case study design involving six private chartered universities that included Africa International University, Africa Nazarene University, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Daystar University, Pan Africa Christian University, and the United States International University. The following research questions were addressed: How do the organisation structures of the university libraries support eResearch? What positions in the organisation structure and competencies are available for coordinating eResearch? How is curation, analysis, and provenance (Metadata) of both basic data and information produced by research achieved? What problems of data management, organisation, dissemination, and preservation exist and how can they be addressed? What procedures, tools, and policies are used to promote eResearch? What is the inclination of library and academic staff towards eResearch? The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks namely: The Purdue University Libraries (PUL) model and the eResearch Capability Model (eRCM) respectively. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted, which provided a basis for the use of mixed methods encompassing qualitative and quantitative approaches. The unit of analysis consisted of PhD students, Faculty, University Librarians, Reference Librarians, and Institutional Repository Managers. PhD students and Faculty are the most active group in research in the universities. Librarians on the other hand, are involved in providing eResearch support. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 306 PhD students, 462 Faculty members, 13 Reference Librarians, and 7 IR Managers, while interviews were used to collect data from the University Librarians. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 21 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Validity was enhanced through deriving questions from the set objectives, reviewing and adopting methodologies from previous studies and application of a multiple-case design to enhance generalisabilty of the results. Reliability was ascertained through pre-testing of the survey questionnaires and subjecting it to Cronbach’s Alpha where a coefficient Alpha of 0.895 was achieved indicating a high reliability. The study complied with research ethical protocols of the UKZN and permission
Influence of Flexible Work Practices on Employee Performance in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya: A Case of Selected Universities in Nyeri County
(AJEST, 2023-04) Dikirr, Sammy N.; Omuya, Jacqueline
Work flexibility offers employees a balance between their professional and personal lives, leading to job satisfaction and high performance and an overall improvement of the organization as a whole. Work flexibility is very important, and with digital advancements and improved technology, employees are able to continue their work anywhere they wish, provided they have an internet connection. The general objective was to examine the influence of flexible work practices on employee performance in institutions of higher learning in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Self-determination theory, Three Stage Model for Talent Management and Spill Over Theory. This study employed a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 1300 staff of Karatina University and Dedan Kimathi University. The study applied stratified random sampling to sample 260 staff. The study used questionnaires to collect data. A pilot was conducted with 10% of the sample size hence 26 staff. Content validity was tested using factor loadings. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient method was used to check reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean,) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) with the help of SPSS version 28. Data was tabulated and presented in tables. Ethics were observed before, during, and after data collection. Findings show that; there is a strong significant relationship between flexi time and employee performance (r=0.467, p=0.005), a moderate significant relationship between leave and employee performance (r=0.348, p=0.000), a weak significant relationship between tele working and employee performance (r=0.240, p=0.000), and a strong significant relationship between job sharing and employee performance (r=0.511, p=0.022). The study recommends that; the institutions should embrace flexibility in relation to the work schedules of the staff, the institutions should come up with policies that will guide on how to compensate staff who are recalled to work while on leave, the institutions should organize training for the staff especially on use of technology, the management should also establish a culture that promotes sharing and have proper plans for conducting orientations and inductions to ensure effective onboarding of new personnel.
Influence of Intellectual Inspiration and Performance of the National Police Service in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 2020-12-07) Mulli, David Kavyu; Kiiru, David
The study determinedthe Influence of intellectual inspiration and performance of the National police servicein Nyeri County, Kenya.The specific objectives of the study were to establish the intellectual inspiration and on organizational performance. Descriptive research approach was adopted. The population of the study was 30 National police service stations selected from six constituencies in Nyeri County which included: Kieni, Mathira, Mukurweini, Nyeri Town, Othaya and Tetu Constituencies. The respondents of the study comprised of police officers from top, middle and lower level ranks. Structured questionnaires were used tocollect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical. Data was presented using Table and figures. The study established a positive and significant influence on intellectual inspiration on organizational performance. The study concluded that the organizational leadersattendto each employee needs and act as a mentor, coach or guide them. They listen to the concerns and needs of each employee and provide support and are empathic of each employee’s situation and background. The leadership articulates an appealing vision that inspires and motivates others to perform beyond expectations. They have high standards and expectation for their employees. The leadership recognizes employees through stimulation, creativity and innovation. They support and collaborate with the employees as they try new approaches and develop innovative ways of dealing with organizational issues and leadership become role models for their employees by engaging in high standards of ethical behavior whereby the employees identify with their leaders and desire to emulate them. The study recommended that the leadership of the organization should show willingness and ability to provide nurturing support for each employee as it leads to higher levels of engagement and motivation within the organization. The leadership should set goals so as to give employees meaning in their day-to-day roles through establishing what is expected of them. Provide meaningful feedback to theemployees so as to help them grow and develop. The leadership should make learning a requirement whereby both the leadership and junior staff need to know that learning is their responsibility, both as individuals and as teams and that the leadership should analyze the current work environment and the existing organization values, mission, goals and ethical policies. It should solicit the input of each employee about any ethical issues he or she feels,faces or that others may face.
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.
Information Organization Activities in the Knowledge Management Setting
(Journal of Digital Information Management, 2021) Masinde, Johnson Mulongo; Otuoma, Sanya
This study examines information organization activities in the knowledge management environment. The investigation commences with the long-drawn debate on the concept of Knowledge Management and the literature that has hitherto reviewed it. Furthermore, the study delves into how conventional bibliographic information retrieval techniques and expert search systems have heretofore been applied in the organization and retrieval of digital resources and if they can be employed in the Knowledge management setting. It is contended that though the procedures, tools, and techniques are effectual and productive, they cannot be utilized in a knowledge intensive environment. Accordingly, the study puts forth a generic knowledge management framework that can be applied in a knowledge management setting. In addition, it proposes novel research gaps in the context of information organization.
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.
Innovative use of technologies to enhance knowledge management
(Emerald, 2020-06-03) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone; Holmner, Marlene
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model to show how continuous joint learning of participant organisations improves project performance. Performance heterogeneity between collaborative infrastructure projects is typically examined by considering procurement systems and their governance mechanisms at static points in time. The literature neglects to consider the impact of dynamic learning capability, which is thought to reconfigure governance mechanisms over time in response to evolving market conditions. Design/methodology/approach – There are two stages of conceptual development. In the first stage, the management literature is analysed to explain the standard model of dynamic learning capability that emphasises three learning phases for organisations. This standard model is extended to derive a novel circular model of dynamic learning capability that shows a new feedback loop between performance and learning. In the second stage, the construction management literature is consulted, adding project lifecycle, stakeholder diversity and three organisational levels to the analysis to arrive at the collaborative model of dynamic learning capability. Findings – The collaborative model should enable construction organisations to successfully adapt and perform under changing market conditions. The complexity of learning cycles result in capabilities that are imperfectly imitable between organisations, explaining performance heterogeneity on projects. Originality/value – The collaborative model provides a theoretically substantiated description of project performance, driven by the evolution of procurement systems and governance mechanisms. The model’s empirical value will be tested in future research
Intellectual Property Rights in Digital Libraries: Status, Interventions, Challenges, and Opportunities for Academic Libraries in Kenya
(International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries, 2020) Chepchirchir, Sally; Limo, Jonathan; Kwanya, Tom
The management of intellectual property rights in digital contexts is increasingly becoming complex. In spite of its benefits, digitisationincreases the vulnerability of digital works, thereby exposing them to violation. This paper discusses the intellectual property rights regime in Kenya; examines intellectual property rights issues academic librarians encounter in the digital information universe; examines how librarians currently safeguard intellectual property rights; and analyses the challenges that hamper the librarians’ efforts to manage intellectual property rights effectively in digital contexts. Data for this paper was collected using the Delphi approach in which a group of 18 purposively-selected academic librarians participated by responding to an online questionnaire. The authors, acting as facilitators, analysed the responses and identified areas for further discussion or clarification, leading to another round of responses. Three rounds were held before consensus was reached. Additional data was obtained through documentary analysis. The findings of the study indicate that there are both local and international legal frameworks for handling intellectual property rights in Kenya. In spite of these, intellectual property violations in the form of plagiarism, piracy, freebooting, and parody are experienced in digital academic library contexts in Kenya. Librarians are making efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights through plagiarism testing; sensitisation of library users on intellectual property rights through comprehensive information literacy programmes; enforcement of citation and referencing styles; and tracking the use of protected information materials. However, these efforts are hampered by versatile technologies making intellectual property infringement easy, lack of landmark convictions in Kenya, inadequate intellectual property rights policies, presence of orphaned works, limitations of anti-plagiarism checkers, as well as lack of coordination and standardisation in violation of intellectual property rights. This is an original study which may contribute to the on-going discourse on how best to manage intellectual property rights while enhancing the access of digital content in libraries.
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.
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.
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.
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.