Access to and use of information by Booksellers in the work Situation: A case study of Book Trade Entrepreneurs in Nairobi

Abstract

This study investigated access to and use of information by book trade entrepreneurs in Nairobi. It examined the experiences of the entrepreneurs in the day to day work situation by identifying information needs, information seeking–behaviour and use, determining information systems, sources and channels available, establishing specific environmental factors both micro and macro that impact on the work situation. The study also considered problems that hamper the smooth flow of information in the book trade; investigated the role other players whose operations affect or are affected by the book trade play and further examined views of informants to the book trade such as the Kenya Booksellers and Stationer’ Association, suppliers to the trade and Ministry of Education. The study used largely qualitative case study approaches with arising quantitative aspects being incorporated as per research parameters that allow for use of both qualitative and quantitative methods irrespective of the dominant method of study. The main theoretical framework for the study was the interpretive social paradigm framework. In giving perspective to the study Glaser and Strauss’s ‘grounded theory’, and Denzin’s ‘principles of thick descriptions’ guided data collection, interpretation and analysis. Wilson’s barriers to information-seeking behaviour formed the conceptual model of the study. Data collection was through the interview method where semi-structured interviews were conducted. These were tape-recorded for most of the entrepreneurs and hand written for those not comfortable with taped interviews. Responses were transcribed, coded, analysed and interpreted for each interview. Book trade entrepreneurs in Nairobi, provided the sample population where non-probability purposive sampling was applied. Major findings of the research show that book trade entrepreneurs’ information needs comprise funding related information, stock and stocking information, market information, supplier information, human resource information and personal development information. Other emerging issues that affected entrepreneur access to, and use of information included information illiteracy, lack of streamlined records systems, manual systems of operation, entrepreneurial oversight, change preparedness inadequacy, information inequalities, poor provision of book information, an unstructured system of book trade communication and ineffective book trade associations. Recommendations arising from the study for improved access and use of information by book trade entrepreneurs included inculcating professionalism into the book trade, the need for change of attitude towards information among entrepreneurs, the need for training including regular seminars and workshops and the need for an information system that addresses book trade entrepreneurs’ unique information needs. A model of the proposed information system depicting possible improved communication flow was created.