The Legal Implications of providing Information Services in Public University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

This study set out to investigate the legal implications of providing information services in public university libraries (PUL) in Kenya. Information and its contribution is recognized and supported by a number of legal instruments including the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Constitution of Kenya. However, there are also laws that inhibit and limit access to information, for example the Copyright law and the Official Secrets Act. This contradictory stance in law and its implications for the library‟s provision of information was the main concern for this study. The study was guided by specific objectives that endeavored to examine the organizational structure within which PULs in Kenya provide information services; explore the information services provided by public university libraries within the context of the influencing laws; Examine the acquisition of information materials in public university libraries in Kenya against the background of the relevant laws; examine the laws and declarations that have an influence on the provision of information services in public university libraries in Kenya; establish the knowledge of aspects of law required by librarians in public university libraries to enable them provide information services to their clientele; and propose appropriate and relevant recommendations to improve provision of information services in public university libraries in Kenya. The study was principally informed by both the organization theory and the social systems theory. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm and collected data from 54 librarians using interviews based on semi- structured questionnaires. Data from the field was complemented by information from documentary sources. The study found that there were legal implications. The study established that librarians in public universities were not fully equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to fully function in the challenging area of information and law. The study recommended that librarians in PULs needed to extend their knowledge and understanding to cover relevant provisions in law that can be appropriated to strengthen their work of providing information to their clientele