Maximizing the Value of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Its Implications on Library Operations in Public Universities in Kenya: Potential and Challenges

Abstract

The advent of information age has significantly changed the environment in which libraries operate in the 21st century. Technological encroachment has forced librarians to adopt various technologies for their continued existence in line with the constant changing information seeking behaviors of varied readers and development in education and research. The purpose of this paper was to examine the value of information communication technologies (ICTs) and its implications on library operations in public universities in Kenya: Potential and Challenges. The objectives of the research were to: Establish the efficiency of emerging ICTs in public university libraries in Kenya, determine the application of ICT on performance of duties in public university libraries and evaluate the effects of ICTs on access and retrieval of information. The study employed survey research design in collecting data from 31 public universities in Kenya. The respondents were university librarians. The data was collected by use of questionnaires which was later analyzed with the aid of SPSS software (version 22). The findings of the study showed that the application and usage of information communication technologies (ICTs) had significant impacts on library service provision such as circulation, E-books, internet services, OPAC and increased work output. The study recommendation indicated that there is need for adoption of a comprehensive ICT policy to create an enabling framework for the application and development of ICTs in libraries and, train both staff and information users on how best to apply ICTs features in accessing, and retrieving information materials. The study, if adopted will enhance information provision and service delivery in university libraries.