Re-engineering information literacy programmes of Nairobi - based public and private universities in Kenya
Date
2012Author
KINGORI, G. M
CHEGE, A
KEMONI, H
Type
PresentationLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The paper reports findings of a doctoral study at Moi University from 2006-2012.
The aim
of this study was to investigate the prospects of
re-engineering
information literacy
programmes (ILP) in selected Nairobi - based public and private universities and
develop
a model that could be used to address the issue.
This study was based on a mix of Jerome
Seymour Bruner’s (1971) theory of discovery learning and the Seven Ways or Faces
model developed by an Australian – based researcher Christine Bruce (1997). The study
design was both exploratory and cross-sectional. The data collection
instruments
included
key informant interview
schedules, questionnaires
and observation
checklists
.
University librarians were interviewed as key informants while lecturers and other library
staff directly involved in information literacy initiatives were interviewed through in-
depth face-face interviews.
In addition
, first year undergraduate students (first years or
freshmen) from the sampled universities were interviewed through a questionnaire. Data
from the questionnaires was analyzed and is presented as descriptive statistics such as
frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data was analyzed and presented on the
basis of the Grounded Theory approach which is concerned with the refining of ideas.
The findings indicated that all the universities which were sampled have various
information literacy initiatives
which
lacked a systematic approach
and
a policy
framework. It is recommended that a four tier system for undergraduates, post graduates,
teaching staff and research fellows, non teaching staff and visiting scholars in both public
and private universities
be established
. The recommendations will inform the librarians,
lecturers, university administrators, curriculum planners and education administrators
about
the importance of information literacy in the learning process.
Citation
Presented at SCECSAL XXth Conference hosted by KLA on 4 th -8 th June 2012 venue LAICO REGENCY HOTEL Nairobi, KenyaSubject
Information literacyKenyan universities
Information literacy programmes
Universities
Kenyan students