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<title>Master of Information Science</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/75" rel="alternate"/>
<subtitle/>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/75</id>
<updated>2026-04-15T07:17:54Z</updated>
<dc:date>2026-04-15T07:17:54Z</dc:date>
<entry>
<title>An Assessment of Eco-Friendly Digital Records Management Practices for Promoting Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2280" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Diba, Bilinga Kosi</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2280</id>
<updated>2026-04-13T08:45:33Z</updated>
<published>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">An Assessment of Eco-Friendly Digital Records Management Practices for Promoting Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital
Diba, Bilinga Kosi
Environmental sustainability is a growing global concern, driving institutions to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily operations. This study examined how paperless communication, digital archiving, cloud storage, and e-waste management contribute to sustainability at Marsabit County Teaching &amp; Referral Hospital (MCTRH). Anchored on the Green Information Technology (Green IT) theory, a descriptive survey design was applied. Data were collected from 117 staff members through structured questionnaires and from three top managers via key informant interviews. Random sampling was used for staff, while key informants were purposively selected. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and pre-testing, and reliability confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha values above 0.7. The study achieved a 97% response rate. Results indicated that paperless communication is moderately adopted, cutting paper use and costs while supporting sustainability. Digital archiving improved accessibility and reduced physical storage needs, though adoption was inconsistent. Cloud storage enhanced collaboration and accessibility, offering strong sustainability benefits despite infrastructural challenges. E-waste management practices were partial, signaling the need for structured recycling and safe disposal. Other initiatives, including solar energy, green campaigns, and electronic medical records, were evident though unevenly adopted. The study concludes that eco-friendly digital records management significantly fosters environmental sustainability among healthcare. It recommends stronger policies to institutionalize paperless communication, investment in reliable archiving and cloud systems, and robust e-waste management frameworks. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable healthcare management while offering practical implications for policymakers and administrators aiming to integrate green technologies into health information systems.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>The Relationship Between User Education and Undergraduate Students’ Perception of University Libraries in Meru County</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2239" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Chepkurui, Kibos Jane</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2239</id>
<updated>2026-03-05T09:14:53Z</updated>
<published>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">The Relationship Between User Education and Undergraduate Students’ Perception of University Libraries in Meru County
Chepkurui, Kibos Jane
In the context of rapid technological advancements, information digitization, and the increasing availability of e-resources, effective user education has become crucial for enabling students to navigate and utilize university library resources. Despite these advancements, the two university libraries in Meru County, Kenya, have experienced suboptimal usage, potentially due to students' perceptions of the library. This study aimed to investigate the impact of user education programs on undergraduate students' perceptions and consequently library usage. The research was guided by objectives focusing on the types of user education programs offered, the extent of student participation, students' perceptions of the quality of these programs, and the barriers affecting user education. The literature was reviewed based on the research objectives. The study employed descriptive statistics and was anchored on the Expectancy-Confirmation Theory by Richard L. Oliver. The study was conducted in Meru County, focusing on two chartered universities: Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), a private university and Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), a public university. The study employed descriptive statistics. The target population was 6138 first-year undergraduate students enrolled in the academic year 2023/2024. The study employed stratified sampling techniques based on academic schools. The study used Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table to determine the sample size, which was 364 students. The researcher purposively sampled a total of 12 out of 46 library staff. Data was collected from students using questionnaires and interviews for the staff. Pretesting of research instruments was done at Mount Kenya University, Meru Campus. Permission to collect data was sought from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). The computation of descriptive statistics was in the form of mean, mode, median, percentages, and standard deviation. The findings were presented using descriptive tables, figures, and narratives for ease of understanding the results. The findings revealed that library orientation and instruction sessions had high participation rates and were considered effective by the majority of students. Active participation in ongoing user education sessions was moderate, indicating that there was potential for improvement in terms of student involvement. Students generally had positive perceptions of the quality of user education programs. The programs were seen as significant to their educational pursuits, with high satisfaction levels regarding the relevance and adequacy of the resources provided. Barriers to user education included inadequate session time allotment and a lack of current digital resources. Recommendations include increasing the duration and frequency of user education sessions, updating digital resources, and utilizing promotional techniques such as social media for broader outreach. Future research could explore the long-term impact of user education on academic performance. This study contributes new insights into the relationship between user education and library perception, highlighting the importance of tailored educational interventions in enhancing library usage.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Social Media Promotion Strategies for Enhancing Student Engagement with Library Services: A Case of Strathmore and Riara University Libraries in Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2157" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Segel, Winner Naisula</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2157</id>
<updated>2026-02-12T09:59:05Z</updated>
<published>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Social Media Promotion Strategies for Enhancing Student Engagement with Library Services: A Case of Strathmore and Riara University Libraries in Kenya
Segel, Winner Naisula
University libraries are increasingly adopting social media as a means of promoting their services, yet the effectiveness of these strategies remains underexplored in the Kenyan private higher education context. This study examined how social media promotion strategies enhance library service provision to students at Strathmore and Riara University Libraries. The study focused on four strategies: content creation, user engagement mechanisms, targeted advertising, and gamification. A descriptive mixed-methods design was applied, involving a survey of 300 undergraduate students in Information Technology and Computer Science, of whom 255 responded (85%), and interviews with 36 librarians, of whom 20 participated (55.6%). Questionnaires were used for students, while semi-structured interviews captured insights from librarians. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The findings revealed that content creation, particularly infographics and regular posts, moderately improved student awareness (mean = 3.15). User engagement remained weak (mean = 2.25), as libraries mainly used platforms for information rather than interaction. Targeted advertising showed minimal impact (mean = 2.88), limited by financial and technical barriers. Gamification emerged as the most effective strategy, with quizzes and contests significantly motivating student participation (mean = 3.42). The study concludes that while social media enhances library visibility, its full potential remains underutilized. Practical recommendations include staff training in digital content creation, investment in interactive tools, and integration of gamification beyond orientations into ongoing library activities. The study contributes to policy and practice by providing an evidence-based framework for optimizing social media strategies in Kenyan university libraries.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>The Role of Public Library in Improving the Livelihood of Nomadic Communities in Garissa County, Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2048" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>OMAR, ABDI YUSSUF</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2048</id>
<updated>2025-07-04T12:23:00Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">The Role of Public Library in Improving the Livelihood of Nomadic Communities in Garissa County, Kenya
OMAR, ABDI YUSSUF
Increasing access to information and knowledge for nomadic communities supports sustainable development and improves the community’s livelihood while establishing active, responsible, and inclusive institutions at all levels. This study investigated the role of public libraries in enhancing the livelihoods of nomadic communities in Garissa County. The objectives were to determine the information needs, examine the information sources and services provided by public libraries, and evaluate strategies that enhanced community participation in public library programs and livelihood improvement in Garissa County. The research was anchored by the Wilson Model of information seeking behaviour, social inclusion, innovation theory, and community development theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 377, including library users, heads of public libraries, and sub-county officers. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules, which were validated and tested for reliability through pretesting in Tana River County. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, employing frequency distribution and central tendency measures. Ethical considerations included obtaining a NACOSTI research permit, confidentiality, and academic integrity. The findings revealed that nomadic communities in Garissa County had distinct and pressing information needs to enhance their livelihoods. Sustainable farming practices, effective livestock management, and educational opportunities tailored to the nomadic lifestyle were identified as key areas of interest. By providing tailored resources and programs, public libraries addressed these needs to some extent. However, to meet the unique challenges of nomadic lifestyles effectively, libraries must continue to adapt and expand their services. The study recommends regular needs assessments to identify and address the specific information requirements of nomadic communities. Furthermore, public libraries should collaborate with community leaders to ensure that their collections and services meet the practical and cultural needs of the nomadic community, fostering greater engagement and livelihood improvement.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Influence of Financial Investment, Utilization Patterns, Perceived Value and Support Services on Maximizing &#13;
Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2045" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>KOCHUMBA, TERESIA ATIENO</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2045</id>
<updated>2025-07-04T11:35:04Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Influence of Financial Investment, Utilization Patterns, Perceived Value and Support Services on Maximizing &#13;
Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University
KOCHUMBA, TERESIA ATIENO
Academic libraries at Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) invest heavily in electronic resources to foster academic excellence and enhance research quality. This study assessed the influence of financial investment, utilization patterns, perceived value, and support services in maximizing electronic resources usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University with a view to optimize resource allocation and further enhance the benefits of electronic resources. Both universities had increased their financial investments on electronic resources, and introduced digital libraries, social media engagement/ marketing to promote the full maximization of these resources. Despite these efforts, both institutions continued to face challenges such as the misallocation of financial investments, limited usage patterns, low perceived value, and ineffective support services. Additionally, TUM's electronic resource usage was only 32% while KeMU’s was 57% in 2022/2023 academic year. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the strategies implemented by TUM and KeMU in maximizing electronic resource usage. It focused on key objectives, including identifying financial investments, determining utilization patterns, assessing perceived value, and establishing the support services in place to enhance electronic resource usage at both institutions. The findings were intended to guide future budget allocations and customize support services to improve resource utilization, perceived value, and ultimately, the maximization of electronic resources at TUM and KeMU. Guided by Edward Freeman’s 1984 Stakeholder Theory and employing a descriptive survey research design with a mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed 426 individuals from a target population of 23,039. The sample included 220 undergraduate and 80 postgraduate students selected through stratified random sampling, 120 faculty members selected through stratified proportional sampling, and 6 library staff selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with pretesting conducted at the University of Nairobi-Mombasa campus to ensure the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using SPSS for quantitative measures and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. The study achieved a response rate of 91.3% for undergraduate, postgraduate, and faculty members, and 100% for library staff. Findings indicated that 83.3% of library staff were satisfied with budget allocations for electronic resources. Additionally, 75.8% of users engaged actively with these resources, with audiovisual materials being the most utilized and mobile phones being the preferred access device. User satisfaction was reported at 73.1%, and 96.4% expressed contentment with support services. The study highlighted that additional financing and user engagement in resource acquisition improved perceived value and utilization. However, 24.2% of respondents never used the resources, and 23.7% reported dissatisfaction. Both universities had implemented support services to enhance resource use, with user support services, internet access, and feedback mechanisms being the most frequently utilized. The study concluded that financial investment significantly impacts perceived value, while support services influences both perceived value and utilization rates. Frequent utilization, supported by effective services, greatly improves perceived value and maximizes the benefits of electronic resources. Recommendations include engaging users in the acquisition process, enhancing capacity building for librarians, and conducting regular user assessments to tailor support services. These steps will improve perceived value, utilization rates, and overall resource maximization. These findings should guide both libraries in developing policies and strategies to further enhance the return on investment from electronic resources at TUM and KeMU.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Analysis of the Evolving Roles of Librarians in Enhancing Knowledge Management in University Libraries in Nairobi County</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1801" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Nasimiyu, Makokha Emily</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1801</id>
<updated>2024-12-09T07:31:40Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Analysis of the Evolving Roles of Librarians in Enhancing Knowledge Management in University Libraries in Nairobi County
Nasimiyu, Makokha Emily
It has long been recognized in several sectors that librarians can enhance the efficacy and &#13;
operational efficiency of knowledge management. University libraries do not yet completely &#13;
acknowledge the worth of the role of librarians in managing knowledge. The primary goal of this &#13;
study was to analyze librarians' evolving roles in enhancing knowledge management in university &#13;
libraries in Nairobi County. Expressly, the following objectives were set forth: to evaluate the &#13;
knowledge management practices currently in use by librarians in Nairobi County University &#13;
libraries; to investigate the role of librarians in fostering information literacy skills among users at &#13;
Nairobi County University libraries; to assess the role of librarians in organizing knowledge at &#13;
Nairobi County university libraries; and to assess the role of librarians in maintaining the cultural &#13;
heritage at Nairobi County university libraries. The study was carried out at the Technical &#13;
University of Kenya and the University of Nairobi, and the following theories anchored the unified &#13;
theory of technology acceptance and use, the role theory, and the adaptive structural theory. This &#13;
study used the descriptive survey research design targeting 2180 individuals, consisting of librarian &#13;
section heads and information science students, who were identified across the two institutions. A &#13;
sample size of 338 respondents was sampled from this population to take part in the research &#13;
process. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. This comprised 314 &#13;
students currently enrolled at TUK and UON in the School of Information Science and 12 librarian &#13;
section heads from each university. The content validity was attained by selecting the questionnaire &#13;
measuring items from the operational framework. The quantitative data collected was analyzed &#13;
using version 26 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Consequently, a frequency &#13;
distribution will also be employed to analyze the quantitative data obtained during the research. &#13;
This will show how often each value occurs in a data set, mainly the mean, median, and mode &#13;
measures of central tendency. Ethical considerations were observed in the study. The value of this &#13;
study was to help provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving roles of librarians in &#13;
enhancing knowledge management, which was very useful in assisting university libraries in &#13;
Nairobi County. Based on the collected findings, most students felt that librarians had the most &#13;
influence on knowledge management at these institutions. In addition, the librarians also felt they &#13;
were responsible for enhancing literacy skills among library users. When asked for &#13;
recommendations on how to evaluate the knowledge management techniques currently used by &#13;
librarians in the libraries of Nairobi County University, a few librarians were informed that &#13;
conducting knowledge management audits, regular surveys and questionnaires, focus groups, and &#13;
interviews would provide these organizations with the data they require to ascertain which &#13;
particular techniques are employed and how successful they are overall at promoting effective &#13;
knowledge management. Finally, all responders agreed to set explicit targets for their cultural &#13;
preservation program when asked how universities might evaluate librarians' contributions to the &#13;
preservation of cultural heritage at university libraries in Nairobi County. Based on available data, &#13;
this study shows that while some aspects of effective knowledge management, such as technology &#13;
application, are used throughout the knowledge management (KM) cycle, their full &#13;
implementation is not observed at every cycle stage. The study also suggested that librarians &#13;
should actively communicate with teachers and students, offering them specific guidance on where &#13;
to look for, evaluate, and use information. The last proposal was that these universities offer &#13;
accurate metrics, promote collaboration with cultural institutions, and equip librarians with the &#13;
skills to evaluate how successfully university libraries preserve cultural assets.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) In Promoting Blended Learning at University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1800" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Nyamboga, Felysta Nyamusi</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1800</id>
<updated>2024-12-09T07:26:20Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) In Promoting Blended Learning at University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya
Nyamboga, Felysta Nyamusi
There is a lack of consensus in current studies on the extent of Open Educational &#13;
Resources integration for blended learning in universities and the associated factors. &#13;
This study investigated the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) in &#13;
promoting blended learning within university libraries in Nairobi County, focusing on &#13;
the University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, Strathmore University, and &#13;
Catholic University of East Africa which was informed by a paucity of studies focusing &#13;
on this population. The study sought to assess the adoption of open educational &#13;
resources (OER) in blended learning at university libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya, &#13;
to provide recommendations for improvement. The specific objectives were to evaluate &#13;
the extent of OER adoption, identify strategies for incorporating OER into blended &#13;
learning, and determine the success factors and policies supporting OER initiatives. The &#13;
Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and the Institutional &#13;
Theory provided the theoretical underpinning for the interpretation of the findings. A &#13;
mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative &#13;
elements in the questionnaire to library staff and qualitative interviews with university &#13;
librarians involved in OER adoption initiatives. The data collection involved 86 library &#13;
staff and 4 university librarians. Census method and purposive sampling was employed &#13;
to get the library staff and university librarians’ respectively. The quality of the data &#13;
collection tool was achieved by checking the face, content and criterion validity, while &#13;
reliability was achieved by using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. The mean and standard &#13;
deviation were computed to SPSS for descriptive statistics for close-ended questions, &#13;
while the open-ended questions and interviews were analyzed thematically using &#13;
NVivo. The data was presented using graphs, pie charts, and tables. The analysis &#13;
revealed a positive but varied state of OER adoption, with significant differences in &#13;
awareness and integration efforts across the surveyed libraries with 62.3% indicating &#13;
adoption to a large extent. The findings showed that the key strategies for incorporating &#13;
OER included interdisciplinary collaboration (89.8%), investment in technological &#13;
infrastructure (42% strongly agreed), and the promotion of open pedagogical practices &#13;
(72.6%). Success factors identified were strong institutional leadership (46.4%), &#13;
comprehensive faculty development programs (49.3%), and the effective dissemination &#13;
of best practices. The findings on the policies highlighted presence of but the need for &#13;
clearer copyright and licensing guidelines, sustainable funding mechanisms, and robust &#13;
monitoring and review processes. The findings further indicated that while there is a &#13;
foundational level of OER adoption, significant opportunities exist for enhancement &#13;
through targeted awareness campaigns, comprehensive training, and strategic &#13;
investments in technological infrastructure. The study concluded that universities are &#13;
integrating OER for blended learning, enabled by institutional support, continuous &#13;
professional development, and clear policies covering different aspects. Based on the &#13;
findings, universities should enhance awareness campaigns, provide comprehensive &#13;
OER training, create centralized repositories, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, &#13;
invest in technological infrastructure, promote open pedagogical practices, ensure &#13;
strong institutional leadership, implement faculty development programs, review and &#13;
improve policies, and secure sustainable funding. This research contributes to the &#13;
understanding of OER integration in higher education and offers practical &#13;
recommendations for universities aiming to enhance their blended learning initiatives &#13;
through OER.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>The Role of Public Libraries in Enhancing Maize Production in Laikipia East Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1799" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Wangari, Maina Susaide</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1799</id>
<updated>2024-12-09T07:21:06Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">The Role of Public Libraries in Enhancing Maize Production in Laikipia East Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya
Wangari, Maina Susaide
Maize is a critical food source in Kenya, with Laikipia East sub-county being a significant &#13;
contributor. However, low maize production has been reported every year, posing &#13;
questions not only on production methods, but also on availability and accessibility of &#13;
information for supporting production activities. This implies that maize farmers require &#13;
adequate and reliable information to support production activities. Public libraries are &#13;
accessible to farmers and therefore have the potential to empower maize farmers with &#13;
knowledge and information to enhance maize production. This research aimed to explore &#13;
the significant role of public libraries in fostering maize production within the agricultural &#13;
landscape of Laikipia East Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of this research was: to &#13;
ascertain the information requirements of maize farmers in Laikipia East Sub-County; to &#13;
evaluate the existing information resources within public libraries that support maize &#13;
production initiatives; to analyze the information services offered by public libraries to &#13;
promote maize cultivation; and to examine information dissemination channels employed &#13;
by public libraries in reaching out to maize farmers. The study was grounded on &#13;
information needs theory, information-seeking behavior theory, community informatics &#13;
theory. This was cross-sectional survey research, targeting 373 maize farmers from &#13;
Laikipia East County and 3 library staff members from Nanyuki Public Library. Maize &#13;
farmers’ participants were selected randomly while library staff were selected purposively. &#13;
Data collection from the respondents was through self-administered questionnaires to the &#13;
farmers and interview schedules to the librarians. The researcher used questionnaires and &#13;
interview guides for data collection and analysis. Regarding the kinds of information &#13;
required for growing maize, respondents were split evenly between those who agreed and &#13;
those who were neutral (20.74%), and 33.70 percent indicated they had never used the &#13;
library. Respondents' views on the information resources available at public libraries were &#13;
viewed as having increased their knowledge and skills in maize production in a neutral to &#13;
somewhat positive way, with a moderate range of opinions (standard deviation of 1.940). &#13;
Regarding the impact of library workshops and seminars on maize productivity, &#13;
respondents' perceptions ranged from neutral to somewhat positive; a substantial standard &#13;
deviation of 1.977 suggested a wide variety of experiences. Given the divergent views on &#13;
the significance of the services provided, libraries must regularly assess the effectiveness &#13;
of their resources and offerings. IT and library personnel should produce, maintain, and &#13;
optimize digital materials. To promote library materials and services, the management of &#13;
the library should work with local farming associations and community organizations. The &#13;
staff of the library ought to better tailor its resources and services to the particular needs of &#13;
maize producers. The publications are regularly updated and include practical, farmer&#13;
focused information on significant topics like seed selection, insect control, and crop &#13;
management techniques.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Analysis of Strategies for Enhancing User Engagement in University Libraries in Meru County, Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1798" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Mutuma, Martin Muthomi</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1798</id>
<updated>2024-12-09T07:15:23Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Analysis of Strategies for Enhancing User Engagement in University Libraries in Meru County, Kenya
Mutuma, Martin Muthomi
The interactions among students, faculty, and staff with library resources, services, and &#13;
facilities define user engagement in university libraries. To encourage engagement, these &#13;
libraries invest in digital collections, empower users through information literacy &#13;
workshops, gather feedback via surveys to customize their services, and build a strong &#13;
social media presence to foster a sense of community and connection among library users. &#13;
Unfortunately, some university libraries are facing low user engagement. This study aimed &#13;
to analyze strategies for enhancing user engagement in university libraries in Meru County, &#13;
with a particular emphasis on suggesting practical best practices. The objectives of this &#13;
study were to evaluate how digital resource accessibility enhances user engagement, assess &#13;
user survey mechanisms for improving engagement, examine the use of information &#13;
literacy programs to boost engagement, and analyze social media strategies to increase &#13;
engagement. The study was guided by information interaction theory, flow theory, and the &#13;
social media integration framework. It adopted a descriptive survey research design. The &#13;
target population consisted of 13,000 undergraduate students, 665 postgraduate students, &#13;
and 25 library staff from Meru University and Kenya Methodist University. A sample of &#13;
434 undergraduate students, 267 postgraduate students, and 15 library staff participated in &#13;
the study. The researcher first stratified the undergraduate and postgraduate students and &#13;
then applied a simple random sampling technique to each group to ensure representation &#13;
across different academic disciplines and years of study. Purposive sampling was used to &#13;
select library staff participants. The researcher gathered data from undergraduate and &#13;
postgraduate students through questionnaires and conducted interviews with library staff. &#13;
The instruments were pretested to ensure their reliability, which was crucial for producing &#13;
trustworthy and replicable research findings. A reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha &#13;
coefficient was conducted on the research instruments to ensure reliability. The qualitative &#13;
data were thematically analyzed and presented in thematic categories and narratives, while &#13;
the quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as mean and &#13;
standard deviation were computed, and the results were presented using tables and figures. &#13;
The research adhered to ethical guidelines, including observing all research policies and &#13;
ensuring the safety and confidentiality of the respondents. The study results revealed a &#13;
significant level of engagement between students and library staff, with students frequently &#13;
seeking assistance for research and resource location. Extensive use of online databases &#13;
and electronic resources was noted; however, many students experienced difficulties in &#13;
effectively using e-journals and institutional repositories. Additionally, user surveys were &#13;
conducted sporadically with a poor response rate, and poor attendance at information &#13;
literacy sessions was observed, with sessions not equipping students with efficient search &#13;
strategies. Furthermore, most students felt library staff were unresponsive on social media, &#13;
and the staff were unaware of effective methods to measure social media engagement. The &#13;
study concludes that maintaining knowledgeable library staff, improving the quality and &#13;
accessibility of digital resources, reassessing event planning and promotion strategies, &#13;
enhancing social media engagement, and better promoting information literacy sessions &#13;
are essential for enhancing user engagement. It recommended that university libraries in &#13;
Meru County conduct regular user surveys, incorporate advanced search techniques in &#13;
information literacy programs, establish clear social media engagement protocols, and &#13;
integrate information literacy sessions into the academic curriculum.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Adopting Attention Interest Desire Action (Aida) Model in Enhancing Electronic Resource Utilization among Postgraduate Students at Universities in Meru County, Kenya</title>
<link href="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1797" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Musungu, Mercy Shidemburi</name>
</author>
<id>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1797</id>
<updated>2024-12-09T07:01:25Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Adopting Attention Interest Desire Action (Aida) Model in Enhancing Electronic Resource Utilization among Postgraduate Students at Universities in Meru County, Kenya
Musungu, Mercy Shidemburi
Electronic resources are revolutionizing global education by providing postgraduate &#13;
students with swift access to information, powerful search capabilities, and seamless &#13;
citation of scholarly works. These digital tools are not merely enhancing learning; they &#13;
are transforming how knowledge is accessed and utilized, ushering in a new era of &#13;
academic excellence. However, there is a noticeable research gap regarding the optimal &#13;
utilization of these resources, especially among postgraduate students. Hence, the study &#13;
aimed to fill this gap by proposing the adoption of the Attention Interest Desire Action &#13;
(AIDA) model to enhance electronic resource utilization among postgraduate students &#13;
at KeMU and Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). The purpose of &#13;
the study was to assess how the strategic application of the AIDA model can enhance &#13;
the utilization of electronic resources, providing both short and long term best-practice &#13;
recommendations. The specific objectives were to: assess postgraduate students' &#13;
attention towards electronic resource utilization; determine their interest in such &#13;
resources; examine their desire for electronic resource utilization; and evaluate their &#13;
proactive actions in utilizing electronic resources. The study adopted a mixed-methods &#13;
approach with a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of &#13;
13 library heads of sections and 800 postgraduate students from MUST and KeMU. &#13;
Purposive sampling was used to select library head of sections, while stratified and &#13;
simple random sampling was employed for postgraduate students, resulting in a total &#13;
sample size of 260 postgraduate students and 13 heads of sections. Data was collected &#13;
using questionnaires and interview guides. Data quality was ensured through construct, &#13;
content, and face validity checks, and reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha &#13;
coefficient. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were computed &#13;
using SPSS version 26, while inferential statistics assessed the relationship between &#13;
variables. Thematic analysis was utilized for open-ended questions and interview data. &#13;
The study noted that extensive training programs and major advancements in technical &#13;
infrastructure are necessary for the efficient utilization of e-resources. This is supported &#13;
by regular training, awareness campaigns, tailored support, improved accessibility, and &#13;
sufficient ICT infrastructure. The effective utilization of e-resources was curtailed by &#13;
technical issues such as outdated computers and poor internet connectivity, limited IT &#13;
illiteracy and financial constraints in some postgraduate students. The study noted that &#13;
effective utilization of e-resources among postgraduate students is largely affected by &#13;
training, technical infrastructure, and resource management. It requires collaboration &#13;
between teachers, students, librarians, and university administration. The study &#13;
recommended that, universities should prioritize significant technological &#13;
infrastructure upgrades, such as raising internet speed and improving computer &#13;
availability. University libraries should incorporate e-resources into the curriculum and &#13;
hold frequent training sessions to improve students' e-resource literacy and navigation &#13;
abilities. They should also implement policies that integrate e-resources into the &#13;
curriculum, offering incentives for high usage, and continuously improving services &#13;
based on postgraduate student feedback. The findings implicate on strategies such as &#13;
targeted efforts to stimulate curiosity and relevance (Interest), cultivate strong &#13;
motivations (Desire), and facilitate proactive engagement (Action) to enhance &#13;
electronic resource utilization, ultimately improving academic outcomes and research &#13;
capabilities among postgraduate students.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
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