Efficacy of electronic information in special libraries: the case of Milimani court library

Abstract

This study seeks to assess the efficacy of electronic information in special libraries, the case of Milimani Court library. More specifically, the study seeks: to examine the current status of electronic information at the Milimani Court library; to identify the users‘ training needs on electronic information at the Milimani Court library; to establish information seeking behavior of the users at the Milimani Court library; and to examine the challenges experienced in accessing legal information in digital format, at the Milimani Court library. This study adopts a mixed method approach. The Milimani Court Library was selected purposively since it is the biggest Court library in the Judiciary. The study made use of semi-structured questionnaires and interview methods to collect data. The questionnaires were used to collect data from judges, advocates, magistrates, legal researchers and the judiciary staff. The library staffs heading various sections were interviewed. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. The qualitative data analysis was done from the interview conducted from the library staff. The data analysis critically looked at the information gathered. The cumulative data from primary and secondary sources was synthesized and the resultant data categorized in accordance to the objectives of the study. Microsoft excel was used to perform descriptive statistics. The findings of the quantitative analysis were then presented by use of tables, charts and graphs. The study findings revealed that Milimani Court library provides electronic information resources and that some of the users are not aware of their availability. The study recommends that the library should subscribe more e-resources, information literacy skills should be enhanced to create awareness of the existence of the e-resources, enhancement of information and communication technology Network or bandwidth, and a generator should be acquired to curb power interruptions. If these challenges are addressed the library will go a long way to facilitate effective legal research hence faster delivery of justice.