Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Public university libraries globally in this dynamic and innovative environment strives to satisfy their users’ needs. From time immemorial they have been essential constituents of scholastic enterprise and have been established alongside academic institutions Empirical literature on library service standards assessments and user’s satisfaction is extensive but controversial. The digital age is also changing the methods of producing and disseminating information with a greater emphasis on electronic service delivery. To retain relevance, libraries are expected to adapt to new technologies and position themselves as important learning organizations where services continually change and improve to meet the information demand of all the user community. Most studies in Kenya relating to academic libraries service quality enhancement and awareness is scanty and library service goals and objectives are not in tandem with its stakeholders. Consequently there is need to provide scientific knowledge and suggestive solutions on library information services. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess the predictive variables of library performance in public university libraries of Western Kenya and suggestive measures to improve library information service to the user community. The specific objective of the study includes; assessing compliance of public university libraries in Western Kenya to statutory standards for information services provision; to assess the user satisfaction in relation to information service provision of public university libraries in Western Kenya and to identify the challenges to service provision of information services. The study adopted gap analysis model. Quantitative and qualitative research design was used with a sample size of 507 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaire, interview, observation and document review. The results was presented by the use of percentages, graphs and frequency tables. The findings indicated that library information services for the normal and persons with disabilities users were below normal satisfaction level, inadequacy in funds for physical expansion, service personnel, low competency in service personnel, weak management policies.