Disruptive Forces Affecting Libraries: Analysis of Strategic Responsiveness of Universities in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Responsiveness to disruptive forces is a participatory role for all stakeholders including university libraries. However, the role of university librarians in Meru County in responding to disruptive forces has been slow and marred with some sort of unpreparedness. This study aimed to assess the strategic responsiveness of university libraries in Meru County, Kenya to disruptive forces. To do this, the study examined the technology responsive measures, cooperation initiatives, capacity building programs and resource sharing initiatives pursued by university libraries in the county. The study was guided by technological organization environment theory and organization theory. It used qualitative approach and employed a survey research design. The target population was the senior library staff in the two university libraries. Unit of analysis was Kenya Methodist University and Meru University of Science and Technology university libraries and unit of observation was 15 university library staff; specifically, 2 university library heads and 13 heads of library sections. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis; then analyzed using content analysis and thematic categorization in relation to the state of responsiveness of university libraries to disruptive forces and their implications on policies and practices. The study findings indicate that libraries have adopted technology-based measures such as e-library software, anti-plagiarism solutions and social media channels to improve communication with library users. Another finding is that library management provides support in terms of budgetary allocation, stakeholder involvement in decision making, implementation of staff capacity building programs, and moderation of partnerships between libraries and the different faculties. The findings revealed good working relation between library staff, faculty members and students in terms of their receptiveness and willingness to cooperate on resource sharing. The study concluded that university libraries have taken moderate measures in responding to disruptive forces through leveraging on technology, cooperation initiatives, capacity building programs and resource sharing initiatives. The university management have employed skilled library staff who are capable of adapting to a new technological environment, although there is a need for refresher training to enable them adapt to the new technological landscape. The recommendation is that libraries review their cooperation and resource sharing policy with other libraries to improve on procedures, processes and information exchange. Another recommendation is that library management need to provide adequate budgetary allocation to support staff training, community engagement, and acquisition of library resources. Further, libraries are supposed to leverage on disruptive forces to enhance their operating efficiencies, adaptability to the changing environment, innovation and staff development. The study is valuable in contributing new knowledge in the theory aspects of librarianship