Distance librarianship in Kenyan Universities
Rationale of Study - Many institutions of higher learning in Kenya are now delivering their programmes through distance learning and the library is providing support by offering information resources and services to students who are off campus. This research sought to establish the effectiveness of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management
2016-04-01
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| Series: | Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management |
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| Online Access: | http://www.rjikm.org/index.php/component/phocadownload/category/1-journals?download=5:distance-librarianship-in-kenyan-universities |
| Summary: | Rationale of Study - Many institutions of higher learning in Kenya are now delivering their programmes through distance learning and the library is providing support by offering information resources and services to students who are off campus. This research sought to establish the effectiveness of libraries in providing information resources and services to open and distance learners ODLs.
Findings– The study found that academic libraries were generally effective in delivering services to ODLs. This was exemplified by the existence of institutional repositories where research papers were available to ODLs the majority of the students were trained on basic computer skills enabling them to use digital resources effectively as well as collaboration during information repackaging between faculty, ICT staff and ODL personnel.
Implications– This study is of importance to university libraries, librarians, ODLs and administrators in universities in Kenya. The findings can be used to develop policies, programmes and infrastructure in academic libraries in Kenya to enable them to support distance learning effectively.
Originality– This paper highlights the role libraries can play to ODL university students, an aspect that can greatly influence information resource and service delivery. It makes a significant contribution to the distance librarianship practice and policy. |
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| ISSN: | 2412-6535 2412-6535 |