Browsing by Author "Paul Maku Gichohi"

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    Assessing the capacity building programs pursued by university libraries in Meru County, Kenya
    (Journal of Information Science and Knowledge Management, 2024-08-14) Faith Ntinyari Gitonga; Paul Maku Gichohi
    Changing user demands require libraries to develop unique capabilities for supporting the delivery of quality teaching, learning, and research. This shift further requires librarians to develop competencies in handling emergent technologies, dissemination of information, scholarly communication, and strategy formulation. Nevertheless, there has been overreliance on conventional ways that have stifled innovation and creativity in most libraries raising questions on continuous training programs for information professionals. The purpose of the study was to assess capacity-building programs pursued by university libraries in Meru County. The study used a qualitative approach and employed a case study research design. The Technology Organization Environment Model guided the study. The unit of analysis was KeMU and MUST university libraries, unit of observation was 15 university library staff, specifically, 2 university library heads and 13 heads of library sections who were selected through the purposive sampling method. The study interviewed university librarians and conducted Focus Group Discussions [FGDs] with library heads of sections. The two FGDs comprised 5 and 7 participants in KeMU and MUST respectively. Validity of the instruments was ensured through conducting a pretest at Chuka University Library to appraise the dependability of interview and FGDs questions. One librarian and 2 library section heads participated. Data was analyzed using content analysis and thematic categorization. The study identified several capacity-building initiatives undertaken by libraries which included leadership training, customer care training, information retrieval skills development and training on reference management systems. This led to a conclusion that library staff were prepared to deliver quality services through a combination of skill enhancement. Notably, the study highlighted opportunities for library personnel to engage in ongoing professional development. It urges library management to organize seminars and workshops periodically to help its staff to keep abreast with latest developments and innovations in the field of library science.
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    Effect of Institutional Digital Repository Information Services on Utilisation of Library Resources by Postgraduate Students at Selected University Libraries in Kenya
    (EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers, 2024-11-08) Pauline Masaa Kavila; Paul Maku Gichohi; Faith Mwendwa Mwiti
    Purpose: Every year, Kenya does local studies worth billions of shillings, which are rarely disseminated outside of the institutions' office drawers and library shelves. Therefore, research findings should be shared for advancement right away. Institutional repositories are a significant recent development in the field of research exchange within libraries. Effective utilization of these services is essential for postgraduate students to access relevant resources, expand their knowledge, and complete quality research projects. However, gaps in the use of information services by postgraduate students have been observed, indicating the need for a deeper understanding of their usage patterns, preferences, and challenges. This study examines how postgraduate students in selected Kenyan universities utilise institutional digital repositories to support their academic needs. Methods: The study was grounded in the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT) focusing on 2,452 individuals - 2,372 postgraduate students and 80 librarians from the University of Embu, Kenya Methodist University, Kirinyaga University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Chuka University. A random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 493 respondents, including 475 postgraduate students and 18 librarians. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires for students and interviews with selected librarians to provide both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative data was presented narratively. Results: Findings revealed that digital repository services (β=0.109, p < 0.05) had significant positive effects on library utilization. Conclusion: The study concludes that Digital Institutional Repositories (DIRs) are essential in supporting postgraduate students' effective use of library services. It recommends the university management together with the ICT department should ensure the provision of reliable internet connectivity to facilitate the seamless use of digital resources, Initiative for regular training and workshops should be organised by the library administration. To provide librarians with knowledge of digital resources, information services, and efficient user support and service delivery. Additionally, Librarians should create more awareness of DIR functionalities among postgraduate students to maximize their engagement and benefit from these resources.