Status of Library Spaces and Facilities in University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

In the global sphere, university library users’ needs continue to changethus university libraries are repositioning themselves to address thechanging users’ needs. An important aspect of the change revolves aroundthe library space and many university libraries are making efforts tochange their spaces to meet the need driven by information technology,improved higher education systems and shifting of users’ expectations.This paper discusses the status of library spaces in Kenyan universitylibraries and is based on research conducted using pragmatic researchparadigm and a convergent mixed methods design and multiple casestudies strategy. The study population was university library users inKenya consisting of six (6) participating universities (three public andthree private) purposefully selected based on their age (time they have beenin existence). Students and academic staff participated in a survey;librarians participated in focus groups while university librarians hadinterviews. This study collected data through online questionnaires, onlinefocus group discussions and telephone call interviews. The qualitative datawas thematically analysed while the quantitative data adopted a statisticalapproach that encompasses descriptive statistics. The results show somecommon available library spaces among the university libraries, the mostpreferred available library spaces and most frequently used library spacesby the users on daily basis. The study recommends continuous assessmentof library spaces in the universities in order to understand library users’needs and make informed decisions.

(1) (PDF) Status of Library Spaces and Facilities in University Libraries in Kenya. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371858602_Status_of_Library_Spaces_and_Facilities_in_University_Libraries_in_Kenya [accessed Feb 07 2024].