Key characteristics of technical university libraries in Kenya

Abstract

In the recent past, Kenya has created technical universities. However, their libraries continue to operate just like any other academic library. This study explored the key characteristics which technical university libraries should espouse. The specific objectives of the study were to analyse the concept of technical universities; investigate the information needs of technical university students; and propose the key characteristics that technical university libraries should espouse so as to offer effective information services and products to their users. The study was conducted as a single case study using The Technical University of Kenya library. Data on the characteristics of technical universities was collected through document review. Primary data on how well the current library staff, services and collection meet the information needs of the users was collected through structured self-administered questionnaires from students. The students were selected using simple random sampling. The data was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that technical university libraries in Kenya operate just like any other academic library. This has resulted in inadequate service delivery to their users. The libraries should be philosophically distinct from the other academic libraries. This should be manifested through unique services, collection and staff.