Use of Information Communication Technologies in education and training of Undergraduate library and information science Students in two selected Kenyan Universities

Abstract

Library and information science education and training is rapidly changing due to modern information work and activities that have made traditional methods ineffective and inefficient. This development indicates that the modern technology revolution has transformed the information environment leading to new information products and services and emerging competencies and skills in ICT. As a result, there have been growing concerns about the appropriateness of ICTs education and training of library and information science students in the universities. The purpose of the study was to establish the use of ICTs in education and training of undergraduate library and information science students in two selected Kenyan universities and suggest recommendations to improve ICT education and training in the country. The objectives of the study were to establish the extent to which ICTs have been integrated in the education and training of undergraduate library and information science students in two selected Kenyan universities, examine the perceptions of the stakeholders towards the adequacy of the current ICT education and training of undergraduate library and information science students in the selected universities, establish critical ICT competencies and skills in the current labour and job market that are essential for the education and training of undergraduate library and information science students in Kenya, establish the challenges that face ICT education and training for undergraduate library and information science students in the selected universities, and suggest recommendations on how to improve ICT education and training in the country. The study is guided by the diffusion of innovation theory which highlights the need for the students to acquire appropriate ICTs knowledge, competencies and skills for purposes of employment and career development. The study utilized a qualitative method. A survey research design was used to collect data from various categories of respondents in library and information science including lecturers, undergraduate students, information professionals and employers. The study used interview guides and document analysis to gather and collect data from the respondents. Findings from data drawn from various universities and other organizational libraries as well as library and information science teaching departments in the two selected universities show that the graduates lack preferred ICTs knowledge, competencies and skills in web technologies, information programming skills, software development, distributed systems, virtual libraries and digital information systems. The study recommends that library and information science education in Kenyan universities and other institutions of higher learning need to review the curriculum and provide ICT education and training that address the needs and demands of the current job market and performance requirements. The study recommends full integration of ICTs education and training of undergraduate library and information science programmes at all levels in the universities and other institutions of higher learning in the country.