Influence of Library Consortia on Resource Sharing in Academic Libraries: Case of University of Nairobi Library Nche Eugene Che

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of library consortia on resource sharing in academic libraries in Kenya with reference to the University of Nairobi library. Specific objectives were to: examine the extent of resource sharing in academic libraries; find out the methods of resource sharing adopted in academic libraries; establish library consortia initiatives that improve resource sharing in academic libraries; and propose a framework to enhance library consortia and resource sharing in academic libraries. The research design employed was a case study and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted to collect and analyse data. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect information from participants. The study found out that library consortium model was the dominant method of resource sharing in adoption at the University of Nairobi library, and that resource sharing activities were greatly influenced by the consortium (KLISC). The consortium was shown to be very significant in ensuring wider access to shared information resources, institutional repository development and capacity development for resource sharing. However, resource sharing was shown to be limited to the provision of collectively acquired information resources, and there were limited efforts at ensuring information exchange and integration between the University of Nairobi and other libraries in the consortium. There was no exclusive resource sharing policy for resource sharing in adoption, however several other policies were in use even though they were limited in scope, an inadequate in the provision of alternative funding models, and in supporting standardisation. It was recommended that a set of standards be adopted to improve prospects of system integration and increased efforts made to improve the proportion of local content in shared information resources. The prioritisation of local content in the development of shared resources was also recommended and a framework for resource sharing was proposed to help tackle identified gaps in existing policies and frameworks. The originality of the study is that it introduces a new dimension to existing literature on resource sharing in Kenya by identifying gaps in existing policies and suggesting areas of priority for policy review. The practical implication of the study is the provision of a basis for the development of a sustainable resource sharing framework for the University of Nairobi library system.