Factors affecting the development of digital resources collection in universities: a case study of Kenya

Abstract

Universities in Kenya are drivers in national development. Rapid expansion of university education has taken place in recent years to facilitate access to higher education. Interest in digital resources has grown in order to satisfy faculty and students' information needs in this technological age. Digital resources are relevant in universities because of the different modes of teaching and learning occasioned by massified higher education. Faculty and students may all access digital resources at their convenient place and time; the information is up-to-date and huge amounts of information are accessible and also link to useful databases. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered by researchers in public universities seeking to access electronic resources. The study identifies the challenges to include insufficient, costly bandwidth, infrastructure, and lack of competencies and skills to develop and use digital resources. This leads to under-utilization of digital resources. The proposed solutions to the challenges experienced include: collaboration of stakeholders in acquisition of digital resources; purchase of bandwidth and management information systems in universities; training seminars and workshops for information specialists to enable them handle e-resources efficiently; and the provision of e-services.