| dc.description.abstract | The environment in which libraries operate has changed significantly with the advent of
information age. Technological advancement has compelled libraries to adopt interactive
online media for their survival mainly because of its profound influence to the functions
of libraries and the information seeking behavior of the readers. However, the
proliferation of new technologies opens a number of challenges for libraries in
institutions of higher learning which include; inadequate infrastructure, inadequate
skills, inadequate funding among other factors. In an effort to ensure that libraries
remain forecast in their objective in this era of ICT, the Commission for Higher
Education (CHE) recommended that academic libraries in Kenya shall adopt and
maintain new ICTs as they develop.
Research design for this study is descriptive in nature. The data was collected from the
11 libraries of the University of Nairobi that are located in Nairobi (UoN) and its
surrounding. The respondents were library professionals working at the UoN libraries.
Data was collected in form of questionnaires. The questionnaire covered 4 sections with
section A focusing of demographics of the respondents, section B dealt with ICT
adoption, Section C focused on adoption challenges while section D focused on adoption
benefits. Data was analyzed using SPSS, Excel and STATA.
Results of the study show that most of the libraries surveyed are computerized. Already
the computerized library services such as circulation, electronic books and journals,
internet services, OPAC services among others. High cost of computer hardware and
software were some of the major factors identified as barriers to ICT adoption. Despite
the challenges, respondents strongly agreed that ICTs improves the accessibility and
provision of current information. The linear regression model showed that improving the
ICT skills of the librarians improves the adoption process. The findings of the
assessment reveal a high level of awareness among the UoN librarians about the benefits
that could be derived from utilizing ICTs. It is recommended that librarians be engaged
in continuous professional development and digitization facilities and services be
provided. | en |
