The Effect of Library Staff Attitude to Work on the Use of Information Services in Public University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of library staff attitude to work on use of information services in public university libraries in Kenya with a view to establishing the extent to which it impacts on service delivery. Specifically the study endeavored to: investigate the effects of library staff attitude to work in relation to the utilization of information services by students in public university libraries in Kenya. The study was informed by motivation theories, which included; Maslow’s need hierarchy theory; scientific management theory and Vrooms expectancy theory. The study used mixed methods. Three public university libraries were purposively selected to participate in the study. The findings of the study were that; library users need information continuously regardless of its availability; the library clients require library staff with the right attitude to provide information services without any discrimination; most of the books required for class work were limited against a steady growing student population and shrinking budget; the library staff welfare is inadequate and does not fight for better working conditions in the library and therefore majority of the staff are demotivated and there is lack of structured promotion criteria for library staff from training and those with vast experience in the profession. Based on these findings, the study proposed an employee attitude management model to provide practical means by which library staff can be effective in their work. It is expected that this study will offer insight into attitude management practices in public university libraries in Kenya.