Efficacy of electronic information in special libraries: the case of Milimani court library
Abstract
This study seeks to assess the efficacy of electronic information in special libraries, the case of
Milimani Court library. More specifically, the study seeks: to examine the current status of
electronic information at the Milimani Court library; to identify the users‘ training needs on
electronic information at the Milimani Court library; to establish information seeking behavior of
the users at the Milimani Court library; and to examine the challenges experienced in accessing
legal information in digital format, at the Milimani Court library. This study adopts a mixed
method approach. The Milimani Court Library was selected purposively since it is the biggest
Court library in the Judiciary. The study made use of semi-structured questionnaires and
interview methods to collect data. The questionnaires were used to collect data from judges,
advocates, magistrates, legal researchers and the judiciary staff. The library staffs heading
various sections were interviewed. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods of
data analysis. The qualitative data analysis was done from the interview conducted from the
library staff. The data analysis critically looked at the information gathered. The cumulative data
from primary and secondary sources was synthesized and the resultant data categorized in
accordance to the objectives of the study. Microsoft excel was used to perform descriptive
statistics. The findings of the quantitative analysis were then presented by use of tables, charts
and graphs. The study findings revealed that Milimani Court library provides electronic
information resources and that some of the users are not aware of their availability. The study
recommends that the library should subscribe more e-resources, information literacy skills
should be enhanced to create awareness of the existence of the e-resources, enhancement of
information and communication technology Network or bandwidth, and a generator should be
acquired to curb power interruptions. If these challenges are addressed the library will go a long
way to facilitate effective legal research hence faster delivery of justice.
Publisher
University of Nairobi