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Adoption of Electronic journals in scholarly communication in African Universities: A review of the critical issues
(Eastern Africa Journal of Humanities and Sciences, 2004) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The advent of new information technologies, and i particular the internet offers advantages in terms of rapidity of scientific and scholarly communication and universities worldwide are fast moving from subscription of journals in print to electronic formats.However, for universities in Africa the transition to e-journals is hampered by high subscription costs as well as challenges relating to the administration, access and archiving of e-journals. This paper argues that, if African scholarship is to benefit fully from e-journals the above issues and specifically those of internet infrastructure, lack of informtion and specially those of internet infrastructure, lack of information and communication technology skills among librarians and inadequate budgetary support to university libraries in Africa have to be addressed
marketing of library services: a case of selected libraries in Kenya
(Emerald Insight, 2004) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Regardless of the type, libraries are under pressure to justify their existence and funding through provision of customer‐ or market‐oriented services. This requires a shift from product or service orientation to customer or need orientation. Different marketing concepts provide libraries with the tools for collecting and analysing useful data about information needs of customers, which assists in designing, developing and delivering appropriate services. This paper examines the methods used by university libraries in Kenya to market their services to different categories of users and the problems experienced therein. It concludes that, although efforts have been made to achieve this, more emphasis must be put on promotion of the already existing services and therefore on the need for university libraries in Kenya to adapt more systematic techniques in collecting data on their user needs, if they are to design and deliver services that fit user requirements.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: A case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(Emerald Publishers, 2003) Kavuly, Joseph Muema
The ability to access, evaluate and use information is aprerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirementfor the information society. At the university level,students are expected to contact independent explorationin diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespectiveof their areas of study, they need to use informationeffectively. They should not only master the skill of findinginformation in print format or electronic formats, but alsobe able to evaluate and use it competently both in theirstudy activities as well as in their later lives. This paperexamines why the acquisition of these information skills isa matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in qualitylearning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that althoughthere have been efforts to ensure information literacyamong university students, there is need to build on theseefforts through collaborative efforts between librariansand faculty members particularly through joint curriculumdesign and implementation.
Access to Scientific Information and Quality in Higher Education in the African Region: The Critical Role of Information Literacy.
(CUEA Press, 2011) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This paper examines first, why information literacy is a major factor in quality education in higher institutions of learning (HEIs) and crucial in the emerging knowledge society. Secondly, it examines literature to provide an overview of the current status of information literacy in the African region. Finally, it examines key challenges that universities in the region face and strategies they can adopt to ensure quality of learning outcomes through information literacy. The paper concludes that information literacy is a fundamental element of the survival skills required by young people in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century. There is substantial development of information literacy in universities in the Sub-Saharan region although this development is uneven. The paper proposes a number of measures that can be undertaken to successfully implement information literacy programmes such as collaboration between academics and librarians collaborate in developing appropriate strategies for delivering information literacy training, integrating information literacy into the teaching and assessment process by establishing viable library services as an key component in the educational process.
Participatory Strategies by PBOs on Street Children’s Well-Being in Mathare Sub County in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 2019) Odoyo, Mercy Akinyi; Kavulya Joseph; Muhingi Wilkins Ndege
Rehabilitation Programmes are necessary for helping in reducing the number of street children in Kenyan cities. With the number on the rise despite the many rehabilitation programmes across cities worldwide and particularly in Mathare SubCounty where this study is anchored. This study sort to evaluate the influence of participatory strategy by PBOs on the Street Children’s wellbeing in Mathare Sub-county. The study is guided by participatory approach theory and seeks to answer the question, to what extent are participatory programs effective in rehabilitating these street children? In order to address the objective of the study, a descriptive research design was used. A sample determination formula was used to establish a sample size of 92 respondents from a target population of 120 staff members and 20 selected street children under rehabilitation. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were employed. Both Close-ended questionnaires and interview guides were employed. For quantitative, the Cronbach’s alpha technique was used to ensure reliability of research instruments while validity used pilot testing and reviews. Further, the study used Systematic random and purposive sampling methods and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the quantitative data. The findings revealed that out of the 120 staffs who participated in the research 68.8% on average agree that participatory approach strategy was significant to the wellbeing of street children in rehabilitation centers in Mathare Sub-County. In conclusion, it is essential at participatory level for street children to be involved in planning and execution of programmes in the community as part of the stakeholders. We recommend that The PBOs should establish structured mentorship Program consisting of graduates of the rehabilitation program, who have gone on to be success stories or have displayed great transformation in their lives and reintegrated well in the community since graduating from the program. The goal here is to be able to demonstrate to present candidates that participatory strategy in rehabilitation programs contributes not only achievable change but also sustainable.
Realizing the vision of a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa
(CUEA PRESS, 2011) Kavulya, Joseph M
Knowledge Management as Corporate Strategy in Higher Education: Exploring the Prospects for Higher Education Institutions
(Studies in culture, gender and education in Africa, 2013) Kavulya, Joseph M.
In the current era of intense competition, globalization, and rapid changes reference is often made to the relationship between knowledge management and organizational performance. Knowledge management processes are geared towards bettering the organization through harnessing and making use of knowledge that that generated internally. Globally, higher education institutions generate large amounts organizational knowledge which can be utilized to improve operations and services. This paper will explore first, contemporary perspectives in the theory and practice of knowledge management and secondly, benefits accrue and challenges universities in the sub-African region face in the application of KM as a corporate practice. Finally, it proposes a framework through KM can be applied as a strategy to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for higher education institutions
Adoption of e-books in university education in Sub-Saharan Africa: A possible conceptual framework
(The Maktaba: Journal of the Kenya Library Association, 2012) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kiruki, B
Research Metrics: Does it matter in the African scholarship and collaboration?
(UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking, 2017-11) Kavulya, Joseph M.
In the last 50 yrs: An exponential growth in scientific and knowledge expansion. In the recent past there has been interest in the trends in research in Africa. Spending in R&D is on the rise in subSaharan countries driven by investments by both public and private investment (UNESCO, 2015)
Towards Improved Access to Scientific Information in Africa: The Case for Transforming the Model of Scholarly Communication in the Region
(UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking, 2016-11) Kavulya, Joseph
Despite the centrality of scientific information in the research enterprise, scientific communities in many parts of the developing countries including Africa have limited access to this vital commodity. This paper reviews current challenges facing existing scholarly communication in the Africa region and examines how its transformation can be achieved using new practices, and tools of information management in the emerging digital environment. The paper seeks to concretize these practices and tools into a new model for scholarly communication that can bring down costs, and improve access, dissemination and sharing of scientific information among researchers and other key stakeholders in the African region. These tools include digital publishing and open access, library consortia access to scientific information, digital library concepts, use of social media and virtual communities and data digital curation
The Emerging role of digital libraries in e-learning: A review of opportunities and challenges facing Kenyan universities
(2008-09) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Both e-learning and digital libraries are gradually converging to transform the learning environment in many universities. This trend, which is widespread in the developed countries, is gradually gaining momentum in sub-Saharan countries such as Kenya. Elearning is recognised as the ultimate convergence of learning and the internet approach to building the knowledge and skills of learners through web enabled technologies. On the other hand, digital libraries provide technology-based information services and organized collection of knowledge which is accessible to users via digital or electronic interface technologies to support the learning process. With the emergence of e-learning as a novel avenue to provide course content, digital libraries are viewed as appropriate means to provide the supporting learning information services . This paper discusses the potential complementary interaction between library environments and learning environments to create more productive experiences for the learners. The paper will also explore strategic and technological issues involved in creating systems that facilitate high level and effective interaction between future e-learning environment and digital library world.
Use of RFID technology in Libraries: A perspective from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Nairobi
(UbuntuNet Alliance, 2014) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This paper explores the potential of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in facilitating efficient library operations with a focus on the experience gained at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). It also examines key challenges experienced in the deployment of the technology as well as main issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve successful implementation of RFID in Libraries. Literature review was used as the key methodology. Further information is based on experience collected in implementation of the project. The paper demonstrates that RFID can be used in libraries to ensure security and facilitate innovative services and highlights key issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve successful implementation of RFID in Libraries. This paper presents an initial review of the experiences in the implementation of RFID technology in one library. There is need for an empirical study to uncover in a deeper way the perception and experiences of library patrons in the use of RFID technology The paper also examines main issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve successful implementation of RFID in Libraries including RFID standards, appropriate software and hardware, training of staff, privacy concerns of patrons and proper process planning. It exposes the initial efforts to apply RFID technology in management of library services in the East African region. This forms the basis for further research in how this technology can contribute to efficiency in the provision of automated library and information services in the region
Cooperation or Competition: Reflections on the Future of Parliamentary Library and Research Services
(Association of Parliamentary Libraries in Eastern & Southern Africa (APLESA), 2015-04) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Since the first of its kind was founded in the late 18th century, parliamentary libraries have played a critical role in supporting parliamentarians in their legislative and oversight role. Today world over, parliamentary libraries are recognized for supporting elective democracy around the world by enabling members of parliament to obtain information, analysis and advice which is objective and independent because it takes a perspective beyond government policy. At the same time in the changing information landscape characterized by information explosion, competition from other information sources and ubiquitous ICTs, parliamentary libraries face an uncertain future. This paper explores the current information challenges faced by parliamentarians as well as those faced by parliamentary libraries in addressing the information needs of this clientele. The paper argues that there is a need for collaboration as the way into the future if parliamentary libraries are to be effective in fulfilling their mandate.
Influence of Institutionalized Care On Psychosocial Well-Being of the Elderly in Kenya: A Case of Nyumba Ya Wazee Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Psychology, 2017-02-13) Kago, Moses Kamau; Kavulya, Joseph; Mutua, Daniel M.
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of institutionalized care on psychosocial well- being of the elderly in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a case study research design. The study population comprised of 118 persons who included the institutions managers, staffs and the elderly persons in Nyumba ya Wazee. A census methodology was used for the managers and staffs (50) whereas purposive sampling was used to sample the elderly persons (20) within the institution. The data was collected using structured questionnaires while interview schedules was administered to the aged people within the Home. The collected data was entered and coded into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Frequencies, percentages and means was presented. Results: The study found out that institutionalized care for the old was found to influence psychosocial well-being of elderly. The care given to the elderly was found to be very important because it influences their psychosocial well-being and hence improves the lives of the elderly at large. Institution policy framework was found to influence the psychosocial well-being of elderly. Old person placed in the institution for the aged do have relative caregivers though they are also assigned non-relative caregivers. Further it was clear from this study that old people are comfortable with the policy frame work for the institution and they have good attitude towards their caregivers which influences positively towards their psychosocial well-being. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that care institutions should ensure that the elderly have a life satisfaction in terms of the ability to transform negative to positive outcome. The care institution should ensure that the elderly never lack basic needs and their health is good. Institutions should ensure caregivers within the institution are well trained and receive on-the-job training to effectively look after the elderly. The community at large should support the management towards ensuring that the institution provides the care to the elderly.
The quest for a development-oriented information society in the sub-Saharan Africa: implications for CPD programmes of LIS professionals in the region
(The Maktaba: A Journal of the Kenya Library Association, 2009) Kavulya, Joseph M.
This paper reviews key values and skills that CPD initiatives for LIS professionals in the subSaharan region should focus on to enable them effectively contribute to the transformation of the region into an information society. The article argues that LIS professionals in the sub-Saharan countries can contribute to the transformation of the region to a development-oriented information society. In so doing, they will contribute to social development and specifically the attainment of Millennium Development Goals. To be active participants in the emerging information society LIS professionals in the region must possess certain values, skills and knowledge in areas such as advocacy, management and leadership, ICT and research. They should also be conversant with contextual issues relating to the global information society such as sustainable development, information literacy, gender and development, globalisation, human rights, and, ethics. The findings in this paper lay the basis for further investigation and planning of CPD programmes in the region.
Determinants of effective library user education in public and private universities in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2012-05-07) Kavulya, Joseph Mwema
This study aimed at investigating the various factors that affect the effectiveness of library user education in private and public universities in Kenya. It also assessed how far these library user education programmes/practices are enabling the clientele to make the best use of library resources by giving them the appropriate library skills. The study covered two public and two private universities and involved 120 students in total, and 28 librarians. It utilized questionnaire and observation checklist in data collection. Being descriptive, it largely used descriptive statistics to analyse data and make inferences.The findings of the study indicate that the present library user education practices in Kenyan public and private universities have not succeeded in facilitating maximum utilization of information resources and services in the respective libraries due to reasons such as poor timing g of such progrmmes in the students university life, inadequate time allocation to these programmes and institutional factors e.g. Lack of proper policies on library user education as well as lack of evaluation of such programmes.The study recommends that among other steps, university libraries need to have well stated policies to guide them in the area of user education and more time should be allocated to these programmes. Each form of library user education should be guided by realistic objectives. Even more importantly, it underscores the need to evaluate these progrommes regularly.Therefore, the study has revealed the state-of-art concerning the performance of university libraries in user education, exposed the various shortcomings in library user education and the reasons for them. It further provides a basis for future action, in the planning an implementation of user education programmes.
Trends in funding of university libraries in Kenya: a survey
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2006) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Purpose – To investigate recent trends in funding and collection development in university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on primary data collected from four university libraries in Kenya as well as secondary literature relating to university libraries in Kenya. Findings – This paper concludes that funding of university library services in Kenya is inadequate. Due to diminished governmental fund allocations for these institutions, their library collection development levels have deteriorated and are characterized by low monographic purchases and limited journal subscriptions. This decline is at odds with rapidly expanding student enrolment levels. Private universities experience these problems too, but to a lesser extent. Originality/value – The paper recommends that to ensure that university libraries continue to provide adequate information services supporting teaching, learning and research, the adoption of a strategic plan in all areas of library management, and especially in funding and collection development, is needed.
Digital libraries and development in Sub-Saharan Africa A review of challenges and strategies
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2007) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region. Design/methodology/approach – A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries. Findings – The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today’s digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub-Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development. Originality/value – The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub-Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government-backed strategy on digital libraries.
Transforming Africa into a Knowledge-based society: Concretizing the case for Digital Literacies and Revision of ICT Strategies in the Education Sector in the Region
(IST-Africa, 2015) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kyengo, Bernadette N.
In the recent past there has been a global push for the transformation of communities into knowledge societies as a strategy of achieving development. This transformation is expected to enable communities use knowledge to solve current societal problems, create employment, sustained democratic governance, and economic growth. Education is a key pillar in this process and in the African context of Africa, there is need to reform the educational strategy if countries in this region are to achieve this transformation. The new strategy should be include a curriculum reform to target digital literacies, intensive investments in ICT infrastructure in education sector, digitalization of curriculum content and re-alignment of human capacity among educators to the needs of knowledge-driven society. There is also need for continuous research on key knowledge society indicators to evolve best practices and ensure evidence-based approaches in ICT projects.
Library and information science education in the 21st century: report of a needs assessment study for training of LIS professionals in Kenya
(Finesse Publishing, 2006) Kavulya, Joseph
The library and information science field in Kenya is currently characterised by a proliferation of training programmes at all levels of study. Whereas some of the courses are created and offered by local universities and tertiary institutions other are provided through distance learning by foreign institutions. At the same time the global society is characterised by changes that affect practice in information field worldwide. This study was carried out as a contribution to the effort to understand the kind of curriculum for training of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals that equips its graduates with the right skills, knowledge and values required by the society and the current job market in Kenya.

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