An Assessment of the Level of Adoption of Disruptive Technologies in Academic Libraries in Kenya: a Case Study of the Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Research Library, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Academic libraries across the globe are vital entities based at the heart of universities to support knowledge production, information resources sharing and dissemination to meet the educational, research and teaching needs. Most libraries have for long adopted the use of ICTs in their operation and provision of library services. However, the frequent evolution and the disruptive nature of these technologies has continued to transform and disrupt the entire information management ecosystem in which academic libraries fall in. The study aimed at assessing the level of adoption of disruptive technologies in academic libraries with reference to the Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Research Library, University of Nairobi. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the library staff perceptions on the use of available disruptive technologies; to establish the extent of adoption of disruptive technologies at this library; to find out the library staff capacities in the use disruptive technologies; to examine ICT infrastructure supporting adoption of disruptive technologies at the library; to propose appropriate strategies for the adoption and utilization of disruptive technologies in academic libraries in Kenya. The study used the qualitative research design and purposive sampling technique where a sample size of 11 respondents consisting of the library staff, University of Nairobi library management, and ICT staff was selected. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic which prevented physical meetings, interview guides were administered to all respondents through telephone calls, video conferencing. Qualitative research approach was applied to analyze, interpret, and discuss data collected through interview guides. The findings from the research showed that: Library staff perceptions were positive on the use of disruptive technologies. The library has adopted and uses some of the available disruptive technologies although it has not adopted the newer technologies in the market. Majority of the library staff were competent, well trained, and skilled on the use of the disruptive technologies adopted at this library although not all the technologies adopted were fully utilized. The library has put in place an ICT infrastructure to support adoption of disruptive technologies, however it can not support newer technologies. In conclusion, it was noted that adequate financial resources were needed to support adoption of newer technologies and train staff. Carry out more benchmarking activities overseas on new technologies as well as employ more ICT staff.