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

Abstract

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.

How public library users perceive the information professional: is the image transforming?

“…In contrast, they disagreed that librarians are "isolated" (mean score ϭ 2.28), "shy" (mean score ϭ 2.18) and "strict" (mean score ϭ 2.16) (Table VIII). This finding is in agreement with Nzivo (2012) who found that staff in Kenyan public libraries were perceived as effective, friendly and supportive. Overall, users retain a positive image regarding librarian's nature of work, whereas negative stereotypes, namely, librarians being strict, orderly, shy and isolated were disapproved as outlined in Vassilakaki and Moniarou-Papaconstantinou (2014).…”

“…The authors concluded that the misconceptions of the library work could be attributed to its hidden nature. In contrast to the above-mentioned studies, Nzivo (2012) found that library services were perceived positively. Specifically, the staff was perceived as efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, honest and supportive.…”

Transition from Camel Libraries to Digital Technologies in Kenya Public Libraries

“…Nzivo (2012) painted a very positive picture about user perception toward services provided by public libraries; unfortunately, these findings cannot be generalized to the entire population in Kenya. In reality, users often complain about the lack of current and relevant materials and other resources available among public libraries in Kenya.…”

Utilization and Dissemination of Information Resources in District Information and Documentation Centres in Kisumu County, Kenya

“…Whereas majority of the respondents indicated that they were familiar with DIDC products and services, findings of this study also suggest that a substantial number (48.7%) are not familiar with DIDC products and services. Lack of sufficient familiarity with information products limits a user's capacity to access and use documentations (Nzivo, 2012). Users rarely seek information or services that they have little or no knowledge of.…”