Underutilisation of internet facilities at Universities: A Case study of Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (JKML), University of Nairobi and United States International University Africa (USIUA) Library

Abstract

This dissertation is based on a study carried out at Jorno Kenyatta Memorial Library, University of Nairobi, and United States International University-Africa. The main aim of the study was to establish how internet facilities could be utilized effectively. Specific objectives or the study were to: identify the present internet facilities; identify the present and potential internet users; establish whether or not the internet facilities are optimally used. The study was mainly qualitative though it had quantitative elements. Purposive sampling was applied ,because only some key respondents hac! the required data and they were identified by applying snowballing strategy. instruments used included questionnaires, focus group guide and observation guide. Lecturers and students were the targeted sam le as they are the foundation to Research and Development in this technological global village. USC of internet facilities is very vital to achieve high standards in academics. Major findings includes: • Sensitization o lusers especially at the University of Nairobi was very poor. • Very few lecturers and postgraduate students visited the Internet Cafe. • The computers for use were very few taking into consideration that there were six computers that served a population or about 15 000 lecturers and students. Major recommendations are: • Creating awareness of the presence of the internet facilities should be taken seriously to improve the learning environment at universities. • Increase the number of computers to give users high chances of internet accessibility • Make internet accessibility easier by reducing the Ices charged to users.