Challenges Facing Academic Libraries in Utilizing Mobile Devices in Access and Use of Information in Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi in Kenya

Abstract

Mobile devices are extremely important in informational facilities. Apart from providing convenience, mobile devices open up new avenues for academic libraries to enhance access to in fo r mation. However, few studies have been carried out that directly look at the use of mobile devices in enhancing access and use of information. The study objective was to identify the challenges faced in utilization of mobile devices and suggest ways of ad d ressing them. The study adopted descriptive research design. The targ et population for the research included 1620 students, 47 teaching staff from three academic departments, 91 library staff and 38 ICT staff thus the entire target population was 179 6 r es p ondents. To select users (academic staff and students), stratified ra ndom sampling was used, and purposive sampling was used to identify senior library and ICT employees. A sample size of 10% was drawn from each stratum (age, department, course exper ien ce , duration at the university) forming a total sample of 181 respondent s. Primary and secondary data were gathered using a semi - structured questionnaire and photographic evidence. The collected data was evaluated using descriptive and inferential analy sis . D escriptive statistics included means, percentages, and frequency rang es. In inferential statistics, chi - square analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between factors, in this case, the usage of mobile devices and the associated benefits. Data wa s a nalyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Vers ion 22). Tables, maps, and graphs were used to display the data that had been analyzed. The study established that majority of the library users in universities use mobile devices. The u s e of mobile devices was mostly associated with the new university ent rants. This age group has highly technical perceptiveness and prefer digital access of information and communication. The use of mobile devices in university libraries was mostly in ac ce s sing library e - resources, internet searching of learning materials an d communicating with fellow peers. The study established significant relationships between use of mobile devices and ease of access of library resources. The use of mobile devices h ad ch a llenges, notably, lack of mobile devices technical support, limited p ower sources to charge the devices, poor Internet connectivity, and expensive repair and replacement costs associated with the use of mobile devices. The study concluded that the us e m ob i le devices in university libraries is greatly beneficial to the users and it reduces the stress on traditional library facilities. Keywords: Academic Libraries, Mobile Devices, Information & Internet, informational facilities