Analyzing access and use of information resources by Users at The National Museums of Kenya

Abstract

There is an increase of access and use of information resources in most of our research institutions in Kenya, yet this study has revealed that there is low access and use of the Information Resources by users at the National Museums of Kenya. The National Museums of Kenya was created to facilitate the generation, preservation and dissemination of information on historical, cultural and natural heritage of the country. National Museums of Kenya and external researchers have over the years continued to generate information in print, audio-visual and electronic formats. However, due to the proliferation of information, and its haphazard management, accessing this vast reservoir of data has become a major challenge. Hence the study tried to analyse access and use of information resources by users at the National Museums of Kenya and to suggest ways in which it can be enhanced. Objectives of this study were: to identify institutional-generated information available; to find out how the institutional-generated information was organised; to examine how information users access the institutional-generated information; to determine challenges inhibiting access of institutional-generated information; and to suggest strategies that would enhance access to institutional-generated information by research staff of the National Museums of Kenya. The researcher used a case study research design. The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study adopted Social Exchange theory; while the Data collection methods relied upon were administration of questionnaires and interviews. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and interview schedules. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select respondents from three stations. The study population was 600 people, which comprised of researchers, management staff and external users. The study sample size involved 226 information users of the National Museums of Kenya. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Tables, graphs and descriptive charts were used to present the data. In pursuance of the research objectives, the research found out that the National Museums of had information touching on scientific, technical and other types of information including advertisements. The research found out that the organization of institutional-generated information was in bad state. Most of the respondents disagreed that information users had ease of access to information generated by the institution. The study revealed that the most challenge inhibiting access of information resources is lack of trained personnel. However, there were other challenges in relation to access of information resources including; lack of policy on Institutional repositories, inadequate ICT infrastructure, inadequate funds and inadequate trained personnel. The researcher concluded that the National Museums of Kenya need to be part of the global movement towards providing open access to information generated by the institution. More people are likely to benefit from this as it will provide access to appropriate scientific, technical and other types of information produced by institution’s research staff. The study recommends the need for policy formulation on institutional repositories in order to establish an institutional repository at the National Museums of Kenya, improved ICT infrastructure in place to help NMK in enhancing access to institutional-generated information, allocation of enough funds to uplift the state of ICT at National Museums of Kenya, and National Museums of Kenya should organize trainings to help the managements and researchers understand the importance and use of institutional repositories in accessing institutional-generated information. In view of this, there is need for a coherent informatics structure that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness of information outreach as a way of easing access to information by use of open access institutional repository.