http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/67 2026-08-26T11:10:48Z 2026-08-26T11:10:48Z Gikunju, Milcah Odero, Damaris Kwanya, Tom http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10468 2026-08-25T12:50:20Z 2024-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Towards user-centred framework for reconfiguring library spaces in the global south: case of Kenyan Universities Authors: Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom Abstract: In the global sphere, there is a trend that is gaining momentum in university libraries, and that is the shifting nature of the physical library spaces. The transition from print to electronic resources is among the issues influencing the shifting of library spaces. The change in pedagogy, where learning activities now lay emphasis on collaboration and group projects, necessitates new requirements in physical library spaces to rhyme with the new purposes and learning styles that better meet users’ needs. Unfortunately, the available library space reconfiguring frameworks are inclined to the global north, which may not be suitable for the global south countries such as Kenya. It is on this strength that this paper seeks to explore how to attain user-centred university library spaces in the global south that meet the needs and wants of the users. The main objective of this paper is to propose a framework for reconfiguring university library spaces. The paper intended to achieve this by exploring suggestions on additional spaces and facilities to be included in the library, identifying attractive spaces and features of a library, exploring projections of the future outlook of the library, and examining elements of a desirable model space for university libraries in Kenya. The methodology employed a pragmatic research philosophy and multiple case studies. Data was collected from students, academic staff, librarians and university librarians. The qualitative data was thematically analysed, while the quantitative data used descriptive statistics. Based on the findings, the study proposed a user-centred framework for reconfiguring university library spaces in Kenya.

2024-03-01T00:00:00Z Gikunju, Milcah Odero, Damaris Kwanya, Tom http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10465 2026-08-24T08:54:14Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Case study: Kenyan university libraries status of access to library spaces and facilities for persons with disabilities Authors: Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to find out the position of library spaces and facilities at the university libraries in Kenya particularly in serving users with disabilities. The study was conducted using a pragmatic research philosophy, a convergent mixed methods design and a multiple-case studies strategy. The study population was university library users and librarians drawn from six public and private universities in Kenya. The six universities were selected purposefully based on their age (time they have been in existence) with an assumption that old universities have more developed infrastructure. Data was collected from students and academic staff who participated in an online survey; librarians participated in online focus groups and follow up online surveys while university librarians and students with disabilities had telephone call interviews. There were follow up telephone calls with the university librarians. The online survey was conducted using online questionnaires that were distributed via emails and Whatsapp. Online focus group discussions were conducted in Google Meet platform and interviews were conducted via personal telephone calls. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive and inferential statistics. After exploring inclusivity of university library spaces and facilities in Kenya for users with disabilities, this paper noted though the university libraries offered some space and facilities for PWDs, these were far from sufficient. The findings revealed that library staff required training on how to handle and assist PWDs and sign language was largely emphasised. However, the study concluded that accommodating diverse needs of persons with disabilities is a long-term process that requires involvement of all the relevant stakeholders. In addition, the study noted that access to services and facilities for PWDs is another significant aspect of modernised university library.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Gikunju, Milcah Odero, Damaris Kwanya, Tom http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10464 2026-08-24T08:47:01Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Case Study: Kenyan University Libraries status of access to library spaces and facilities for persons with disabilities Authors: Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to find out the position of library spaces and facilities at the university libraries in Kenya particularly in serving users with disabilities. The study was conducted using a pragmatic research philosophy, a convergent mixed methods design and a multiple-case studies strategy. The study population was university library users and librarians drawn from six public and private universities in Kenya. The six universities were selected purposefully based on their age (time they have been in existence) with an assumption that old universities have more developed infrastructure. Data was collected from students and academic staff who participated in an online survey; librarians participated in online focus groups and follow up online surveys while university librarians and students with disabilities had telephone call interviews. There were follow up telephone calls with the university librarians. The online survey was conducted using online questionnaires that were distributed via emails and Whatsapp. Online focus group discussions were conducted in Google Meet platform and interviews were conducted via personal telephone calls. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive and inferential statistics. After exploring inclusivity of university library spaces and facilities in Kenya for users with disabilities, this paper noted though the university libraries offered some space and facilities for PWDs, these were far from sufficient. The findings revealed that library staff required training on how to handle and assist PWDs and sign language was largely emphasised. However, the study concluded that accommodating diverse needs of persons with disabilities is a long-term process that requires involvement of all the relevant stakeholders. In addition, the study noted that access to services and facilities for PWDs is another significant aspect of modernised university library.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Gikunju, Milcah Odero, Damaris Kwanya, Tom http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10463 2026-08-24T08:37:17Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: How do University library spaces in Kenya align or misalign with the 21st-Century library spaces trend? Authors: Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom Abstract: in the 21st Century, university libraries are experiencing notable transformations due to the digital environments, changing user needs, and technological advancements. These changes have prompted the reimaging of library practices to align with modern trends. The paper explores the existing disconnect between the spaces provided by the university libraries in Kenya and the 21st-century space features. Research was conducted using a pragmatic research paradigm, a convergent mixed methods design and a multiple case studies strategy. The study population was university library users in Kenya, consisting of six (6) participating universities (three public universities and three private universities), purposefully selected based on their age (time they have been in existence). Students and academic staff participated in a survey; the heads of sections and librarians participated in focus groups, while university librarians had interviews. This study collected data through online questionnaires, online focus group discussions and telephone call interviews. The qualitative data was thematically analysed, while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive statistics. The results show that most university libraries in Kenya still predominantly offer traditional facilities such as circulation desks, book stacks and limited reading areas. While these spaces remain functional, they inadequately align with contemporary academic needs that emphasise collaborative learning, digital integration and flexible, technology-rich environments and variety in space types. The study concludes that Kenyan university library spaces are predominantly structured around traditional student-centred models that lack flexibility to support broader academic activities as envisioned in the 21st-century learning landscape. The study recommends that university management support the libraries in providing budgets to gradually configure library spaces to progressively match the 21st-century users’ preferences.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z