The Emerging Role Of Librarians In A Digital Environment: A Case Of The University Of Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library
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Date
2018Author
Nzioki, Timothy S.
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
We live in an environment characterized by constant access to online information and
extensive automation of services. It is an information age that has given rise to a
knowledge-based society fuelled by advances in technology. The aim of this study was to
investigate the emerging role of librarians and information professionals in a digital
environment at the Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, University of Nairobi. The
objectives of this study were to examine the adoption of technology in the provision of
library services at the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library; to
examine the changing needs of library users in the digital environment, to explore the
emerging role of librarians in a digital environment, and to propose possible steps the
library management can take toward the creation of new ICT enabled roles at the Jomo
Kenyatta Memorial Library. The theoretical framework guiding this study was the
Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The participating
respondents comprised of members of staff working at the various library service points
and student library users. The study was both qualitative and quantitative, with the data
being collected through the circulation of questionnaires among the library staff and
students. The study used systematic sampling and non-probability convenience sampling
to select the respondents, ensuring comprehensive representation of the target population.
The study underscored the necessity for librarians to embrace emerging trends in the
profession and the specialized roles that result from interacting with and dispensing
services in a digital environment. The study’s findings showed that 65% of respondents
strongly agreed that knowledgeable and competent staff were an important factor to
delivering quality services. Additionally, it also found that 79% strongly supported the
idea that librarians in specialized ICT related roles could help to address user needs and
expectations. The study will benefit academic libraries, the library professionals that
oversee their operations and the patrons who frequent the libraries for information
services
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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