Department of Information Science and Knowledge Management

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Open Access
Assessment of Hybrid Records Management Systems at Mount Kenya University, Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2017-10-10) Mulati, Noreen; Wasike, Jotham
Records are pillars of business activities. In their absence the organizational management is likely to sabotage decision making. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of hybrid records management system at the Mount Kenya University. The study was guided by the following objectives to establish whether MKU has an adequate records management policy that governs hybrid records management system, analyze the extent of staff training on records management and determine the security measures that have been put in place to manage records. The study adopted a case study which involved in-depth analysis of how records were being managed using a hybrid records management system at MKU. Target population consisted of 240 respondents drawn from University`s main campus. Stratified sampling technique was used to select respondents from administration, examinations, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Library departments. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and documentary evidence. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS) version 20. The study found out that Mount Kenya University (MKU) has embraced hybrid records management since most of its records were in paper and electronic formats, the university has policies governing management of records using a hybrid records management system which has led to effective management of records, staff training does not affect the use of hybrid record management system since most staff that have been employed are managing records especially the electronic records due to the technological changes most staff are computer literate, the university records have been secured and that personal records and vital records can only be accessed by authorised personnel. By embracing the hybrid records management system the universities records will be effectively managed and it will also enhance decision making by policy makers. The study is vital to researchers who will use it for benchmarking and for future reference.
Open Access
E-RESOURCES COMPLEXITIES AND THEIR USAGE AMONG THE INFORMATION SCIENCE STUDENTS IN MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, KIGALI CAMPUS
(Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management, 2014-11) Nyamboga, Constantine; Bosire, Josephat; Tinega, Haron; Mucyo, Vincent
This study intended to ascertain the usage of e-library resources among the undergraduate students at Mount Kenya University (MKU)-Kigali Campus by determining the awareness level, e-library resources accessibility complexities and the challenges faced by information Science students. The study employed the use of a descriptive statistical research design in which the questionnaire instrument was administered the 178 undergraduate respondents of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. The analysis of the study indicated that a large number of the students were aware of the availability of electronic library resources through library notice board. However, students showed low awareness via other modes of communication such as colleagues (39.7%) for the undergraduate and 34.5% postgraduate, also only 6.4% of the undergraduate and 6.9% of were aware of the e-library resources through e-mail from the library. Many students indicated that they face challenges in accessing and using e-library resources and the main reasons put forward were lack of advanced information searching skills, information overload due to too much information available online. This implies therefore that there is a high need to improve on the awareness campaign via other modes of communication such as e-mails and seminars. Trainings and workshops on how to use e-library resources should be organized by the library staff and management so that the subscribed e-resources databases are used effectively and efficiently to maximize research in higher learning institutions. In conclusion, the study suggested that it would be important to establish information literacy programs so that students and the entire university community are acquainted with the use of electronic resources.
Open Access
Access to and use of Tobacco Production Health Hazard Information Sources by Tobacco Farmers in Kuria West Sub – County, Migori County, Kenya
(SRELS Journal of Information Management, 2022-09) Chacha, Jackson Manchare; Amunga, Hellen; Ongus, Raymond
Tobacco production poses serious dangers to tobacco farmers especially in developing countries. Previous studies have shown that tobacco production activities continue to expose tobacco farmers to health risk. This study examines sources of health hazard information that tobacco farmers in Kuria West Sub- County of Migori County, Kenya access and use in an effort to protect themselves. The data was collected from a sample size of 100 tobacco farmers and 41 key informants. A representative sample was chosen from the four selected wards of Kuria West Sub-County. Software Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. A major finding was that majority of tobacco farmers used various sources of information whose adequacy about potential risks associated with the crop farming remained a challenge. The paper concludes that, the sources of information that tobacco farmers relied on are unreliable and not trustworthy. The study recommends the establishment
Open Access
Application of Text Mining for Explicit Knowledge Retrieval at Kenya Coastal Development Project
(Journal of Information Science, Systems and Technology, 2021-12) Onkundi, Ednah Nyakerario; Ongus, Raymond Wafula; Nyamboga, Constantine Matoke
This study applied and evaluated a Text Mining model and tools in the retrieval of explicit knowledge at the Kenya Coastal Development Project (KCDP). The study identified textmining techniques that could be used to develop and evaluate a text-mining model for the task, complemented with system analysis of the existing systems through surveys of 52 purposively sampled relevant staff of the KCDP using a questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGD) to collect data to establish the current situation at the KCDP in terms of records and knowledge management systems in place and how text mining may be used to retrieve knowledge from the existing systems. Text data were also collected from the project and related websites, using various Python programming language libraries including Python Request 2.22 and Beautiful Soup 3, and summarized using algorithms that included Luhnsummarizer, Lsansummarizer, Lexranksummarizer and Edmondsummarizer. Topic modelling was also performed with the text data using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic-modelling algorithm, and the model was evaluated to establish its performance. It was concluded that text mining and analysis could be used to analyze explicit knowledge from both structured and unstructured electronic data at the KCDP using the model. The study recommended that more research be done in the development and evaluation of proposed models and text analysis tools and code libraries should be developed to support other languages than English, such as Kiswahili
Open Access
Adapting Social Networking Sites for Scholarly Communication among Postgraduate Students in Kenyan Universities
(SRELS Journal of Information Management, 2021-10) Kipruto, Martha; Kitetu, Catherine; Ongus, Raymond
The study examines how postgraduate students use Social Networking Sites (SNS) in communicating scholarly information in Kenyan universities with reference to use of WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Academia.edu. The objectives of this studies are: to determine how social networking sites are used for scholarly communication and to find out the reasons for using social networking sites by postgraduate students. Descriptive research design was used to guide the study. From four universities with a sample size of 242 postgraduate students who filled the questionnaire. The findings of the study showed that postgraduate students use SNS to share research ideas, class experiences, to know where to meet for lessons, when lectures are starting and updates on deadlines for submitting class assignments; the reasons for using SNS are for academic purposes and group discussion. In conclusion, the findings of the study show that postgraduate students use SNS to share daily experiences within campus rather than sharing information on how and where they can get scholarly information that will enable them to add new body of knowledge.
Open Access
USAGE AND USER SATISFACTION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES IN KISII UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, KENYA
(European Centre for Research Training and Development UK, 2017-11) Maina, Jane; Masese, Jasper Mogaka; George, Benard Omallah; Makwae, Evans Nyanyu
This paper examines the usage and user satisfaction of library resources in Kisii University Library, Kenya. With the advent of mobile and computer technologies coupled with information proliferation, interest has been shifted to addressing changing users’ needs. The target population comprised of all librarians and all registered library users in Kisii University.It employed ex-post facto research design. The study sample comprise of one hundred and ninety five (195) out of a population of one thousand six hundred and twenty five (1625). Questionnaires were used in data collection. The findings suggest that the both library staff and users to embrace automation, better marketing of library resources and user training to be done
Open Access
Multimedia Technologies and Student Learning : A Case Study of G.S. ST Michel EPA
(2016-02) Nyamboga, Constantine; Ongus, Raymond; Chweya, Tinega Haron; Okello, Gilbert
Information overload experienced in the information society calls for improved human information processing.Researchers around the globe are now focusing research on investigating the contributions of multimedia technologies on information processing. This research seeks to bring out the contributions of PowerPoint presentation on content recall, interpersonal interaction and attitudes towards PowerPoint presentation in communication. This research was conducted on the senior one (S1) secondary school students of GSS EPA, in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city province, Rwanda. A sample size of 180 students was selected based on Slovin’s formula from a population of 330 senior one students. Through a completely randomized experimental pretest-posttest design, the sample size was randomly assigned to three groups: The group one (G1) is the control group while group two (G2) and group three (G3) experimental groups. Students in group one (G1) were exposed to only talk-and-chalk (less interactive communication strategy) while those in group two (G2) were exposed to talk-and-chalk with PowerPoint presentation and finally students in group three (G3) were exposed only to PowerPoint presentations (a more interactive communication strategy). The researchers used questionnaires, observations and test questions to collect and analyze the data collected in order to establish the relationship between multimedia and student learning attitude.
Open Access
Data Smog and Information Literacy in Special Libraries: Case study of Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kitale Centre.
(The Maktaba Journal of Kenya Library Association, 2016-11) Odhiambo, Henry Kenneth; Nyamboga, Constantine M.
This paper aims at breaking the barriers that link information seekers and the information providers to enhance information literacy in the society with interest to the agricultural sector. Most special libraries have more than enough data banks of information and therefore to the parent organization, this behavior of having too much information results to Data Smog, which is produced by the amount of information, the speed at which it comes to us from all directions, the need to make decisions, and the feeling of anxiety that we are making decisions without having all the information that is available or what we need. The 21st century has been called Information Age because of the explosion of information output and information sources. Information literacy equips people with critical skills necessary to become independent. Literature review highlights Information Policy in Kenya, Promotion of use of information, Information Marketing and Information Literacy. The methodology that was used in the research was descriptive research design. Target populations were (i) Library users at KALRO (ii) KALRO Library staff. The researcher used questionnaires for Data Collection. In Data Analysis, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. It can therefore be summarized that information resources in special libraries need to be shared, marketed, and disseminated to the rightful information seekers at the right time.
Open Access
Information centers enhancing peace and justice : a case of Mount Kenya University.
(The Maktaba Journal of Kenya Library Association, 2016-11) Kigen, Lucy Jelagat
Education plays a major role in uniting nations, bringing human beings closely together, through a participatory and interactive process of instruction and learning. Developing a culture of peace and non-violence goes to the substance of fundamental human rights. The aspect of providing peace, security and justice requires the contribution of all stakeholders in the society. It is important to recognize the crucial role of education in contributing to building a culture of peace and condemning instances in which education is undermined in order to attack democracy and tolerance. In line with this, information centers by it’s objective nature avails information promoting research and continuity. However, Information centers must be safe and secure to ensure the best possible situation for research and learning since they are the seats of wisdom. The study was intended to explore local, national, and international issues of violence and injustice along with practical strategies for enhancing peace and justice in Mount Kenya University. The study targeted three Mount Kenya university campuses including Mombasa, Malindi and Virtual campuses. The technique used was simple random sampling where respondents were selected to fill questionnaires placed to collect the data. The targeted sample population is six hundred users out of population of six thousand users. The study will show that peace and justice prevails in Mount Kenya University
Open Access
Strategies to Enhance Access and Use of E-Resources by Postgraduate Students in Selected University Libraries in Kisii County, Kenya
(International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science, 2016-10) Masese, Jasper Mogake; Omallah, Benard George; Makwae, Evans Nyanyu; Moenga, Ezekiel Nyameti
Electronic information resources subscribed into by academic libraries play a vital role in addressing varied user information needs and engender research and development among them. However, recent studies have indicated that there is limited access and use e-resources among postgraduate students in academic and research institutions in Kenya. Low consumption of e-resources has been attributed to limited awareness of existing about e-resources, poor training on access and uses the resources, lack of access to computers facilities for access, poor internet connectivity, and lack of information searching skills among others. This study was to assess the strategies to enhance access and use oferesources by postgraduate students in selected academic libraries in Kisii County, Kenya. A survey research design aimed at identifying library users’ opinion on the access and use of e-resources was used. Stratified sampling was used to identify the students-respondents and simple random sampling used to select the library staff. While questionnaires were employed to collect data from postgraduate students and library staff, library staff in-charge of e-resources were interviewed. The study sample comprised eighty (88) postgraduate students and library staff out of a population of six hundred and seventy two (672). The data to be collected will be analysed using SPSS according to the research objectives and presented using tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study showed among other findings, that there are increased access and use
Open Access
An assessment of the framework of skills and competencies of staff managing student records at Kenya Technical Teachers College
(Journal of Library and Information Science Technology, 2016-01) Makwae, Evans Nyanyu; Omallah, Benard George; Masese, Mogaka Jasper; Nyamosi, Grace Gesare
Universities and Colleges are consistently facing challenges in managing student records in a bid to promote service delivery in the academic field. It is with this background that the study endeavored to assess the framework of skills and competencies of staff managing student records at Kenya Technical Teachers College (K.T.T.C.). Descriptive survey was adopted in conducting this research, primary data was collected by use of questionnaires while secondary data was collected from documented materials particularly textbooks and other relevant materials such as internet, newspapers and journals. The target population consisted staff managing student records, Human resource personnel and Heads of departments (HODs) of KTTC. The target population was therefore 30 respondents. The sample size for the study comprised twenty-two (22) staff in charge of student records, four (4) HODs and four (4) human resource personnel totaling thirty (30) respondents. The study employed purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques to select the sample. Purposive sampling was also used to sample key information like staff of the college. Simple random sampling was used to select staff in KTTC registry. The data was analyzed using the Microsoft excel package. The study findings indicated that the majority of the staff managing student records were skilled and trained in student records management skills. It’s therefore imperative for the college to train its staff as this will facilitate better student records management. This implies that the majority of staffs have no experience that will enhance efficiency. The study also established that skills and competencies lead to efficiency and effectiveness of student records management. Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations were made that: the philosophies of the heads of the college as well as the records staff must represent a critical framework of skills and competencies of staff managing student records at Kenya Technical Teachers College (K.T.T.C.).
Open Access
Succession planning in academic libraries in Kenya
(Maktaba Journal of the Kenya Library Association vol.5. NO.1 2016, 2016-07) Arita, Justus Onkware; Munyao, Victoria; Mugo, Marc Felix Muriuki
Succession planning enables internal people with the potential, to develop and fill key leadership positions in the library. This study sought to understand how academic libraries apply succession plan in their management. In this paper the researchers identified and discussed various succession planning strategies that exist in academic libraries, analyzed the benefits they accrue to their respective libraries and the challenges faced by library management in implementing the succession plan strategies. Through random sampling technique the researchers sampled various senior university staff from 5 academic libraries in Kenya. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data.
Open Access
Library security vs impending terrorist attacks: a case study of Mount Kenya University
(Maktaba Journal of the Kenya Library Association vol.5. NO.1 2016, 2016-07) Kigen, Lucy Jelagat
A collection of sources of information and resources made accessible to a defined user community thus providing physical or digital access to physical building or room, virtual space or both. Terrorist can as well be library patrons who employ political weapon often using religion to cover up on their terrorist activities. The academic library by its objective nature of meeting the needs of community users brings about research and resource sharing enabled by technological innovations. Security is becoming a global basic demand due to increased terrorism attacks. Due to high demand of information in this information age and its dynamic change security for the same lays supreme. Security starts not when the attacks arise but preventive measures should be put in place prior to it. This study intends to establish the library security measures applied in case of terrorism in academic libraries.it also aims at increasing the confidence of users on the field of research.it will also cover practical steps Mount Kenya University has undertaken in library security impending terrorism The study targets three Mount Kenya University campuses namely, Mombasa, Malindi and Virtual campuses. Random sampling technique will be used for data collection. Respondents will be required to fill questionnaires. The targeted sample population is three hundred users out of population of three thousand users. This study intends to reveal that there are library security impending terrorist attacks in Mount Kenya University.
Open Access
Knowledge trends that will recreate a smart world: a case study of Mount Kenya University
(Maktaba Journal of the Kenya Library Association vol.5. NO.1 2016, 2016-07) Kigen, Lucy Jelagat
In a world of fast knowledge development, none of us will have the capability to know much of anything at all. The most important skill we will have will be the ability to go out to get the right knowledge for the right purpose at the right time. We want to have a world of just in time knowledge. This leads to massive career specialization fostering greater fragmentation of skills, and thus greater competition in the marketplace for niche-oriented skills. Since we are reaching a world in which everything around us is getting plugged into everything else and manufacturing is fundamentally changing. Mount Kenya University has applied fundamental structures to the new generation that prefers to get work done in odd hours, using technology: they care less about structures. They define their lives not by what they do for a living, but what they like to do. This study intends to establish the current trends Mount Kenya University has applied in checking on Exponential growth of knowledge. The study aims at giving findings on the challenges to be encountered in giving the services on its esteem users and knowledge networks. The study will target three Mount Kenya university campuses namely Mombasa, Malindi and Virtual campuses. The target sample will be three hundred users out of a population of three thousand users. The technique to be used will be simple random sampling where respondents will be selected to fill questionnaires that will be placed to collect the data.
Open Access
Analyzing application of Information communication technologies and use for information provision by library Staff of Mount Kenya University Library, Kisii Campus
(World Journal of Computer Application and Technology, 2016) Wamalwa, Lucas Wanangeye; Omallah, Benard George
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a crucial role in creating access to and utilization of library information resources and services through the use of library management systems leading to the current stampede to train and refresh library staff skills in order to promote and engender service delivery. When academic libraries integrate ICTs in acquisition, processing, storage, dissemination and accession to their holdings, user needs are addressed quickly and on time. In this study the researchers sought to determine the application of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Use for information provision by library staff of the Mount Kenya University Library, Kisii Campus. The target population was Mount Kenya university library staff and students. A survey research design aimed at identifying users’ views and interpretation of the application and use of ICTs in the provision of library information resources and services. Stratified sampling was used to identify the students-respondents and purposive sampling used to select the library staff. While questionnaires were placed to collect the data from students, library staff respondents were interviewed. The study sample comprised four hundred (320) library users and staff out of a population of three thousand five hundred and twenty eight (1456). The study showed among other findings, that there are improved access and use of library resources and services through the use ICTs in Mount Kenya University, Kisii Campus.
Open Access
Knowledge Management Practices and Performance of Academic Libraries: A Case of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus Library
(World Journal of Computer Application and Technology, 2016) Wamalwa, Lucas Wanangeye; Omallah, Benard George
This research sought to determine, assess and evaluate the knowledge management practices and performance in academic libraries. The researcher chose the case study of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus library. The general objective of this study was to understand the knowledge management practices used in enhancing the performance of academic libraries. Specifically, the researcher identified major drivers of Knowledge Management (KM) practices in academic libraries; analyzed the KM activities needed to enhance the academic library for proper KM practice; and determined the challenges that might face the academic librarians in implementing KM. The study population included all the library staff in the university. The researcher used census to sample the total population of all the university library staff. Data was collected using questionnaires and data analysis procedures involved editing to verify the coherent of respondents in answering the questionnaires, coding to summarize and simplify the work of processing data and finally graphical representation to make statistical frequency distributions.
Open Access
Analyzing the Use of Mobile Phone Technology in Access and Utilization of Library Resources in Mount Kenya University, Kisii Campus
(World Journal of Computer Application and Technology, 2016) Omallah, Benard George; Maina, Jane; Wamalwa, Lucas Wanangeye
Tremendous advancements attained in the last one decade in computer and mobile phone technologies have completely changed patrons’ information seeking behavior and left librarians and information professionals rethinking about ways of re-engineering library resources to foster their utility. Libraries and information centres have invested heavily on holding library resources and services from different disciplines in a frantic move to address users’ needs but limited readership is still recorded. In this paper, the researcher delved into analyzing the use of mobile phone technology in access and utilization of library resources and services as a way of re-engineering library holdings to promote their (library resources and services) consumption. The targeted population was Mount Kenya University Kisii campus library users. A cross sectional survey research design aimed at identifying library users’ perception on the use of mobile phone technology was used. Stratified sampling was used to identify the students-respondents and purposive sampling used to select the library staff. While questionnaires were placed to collect the data from students, library staff respondents were interviewed. The study sample comprised four hundred (445) library users and staff out of a population of three thousand five hundred and twenty eight (1467). Once the data collection is complete, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, distributions in percentages and frequency counts. Qualitative data was recorded from field data, transcribed and reported in themes and sub themes. The study showed among other findings, that there are increased retrieval and use of library resources and services through the use mobile phone technology in Mount Kenya University Kisii Campus.
Open Access
Impact of the Amlib Integrated Library Management System on Information Management Practices at Egerton University Library, Njoro Campus, Kenya.
(SRELS Journal of Information Management, 2013-08) Nyamboga, Constantine Matoke; Ongus, Raymond Wafula; Njuguna, Andrew Kimanga
The rapid implementation of information technology in all spheres of life, including libraries and information centres, has led to concerns about the paradigm shift in these institutions. This is a case study conducted at Egerton University Library's campus at Njoro, Kenya. A total of fifty three (53) library staff and eight hundred and eighty nine (889) clients constituted the sample size. The sampled library users were stratified as follows: 384 students, 187 academic staff and 318 non-academic i.c. non-teaching staff, respectively. The ensuing data was collected, analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics, in accordance with the objectives formulated. The study focused on the positive changes and subsequent challenges brought about by the introduction and implementation of AMLlB Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) on information management practices in the academic library. Other aspects considered were the involvement staff and patrons in implementation of the system, staff training and attitudes of staff towards the system. Also explained is the influence that the automated system was observed to have, both on staff and patrons, in their day to day transactions. Results show that the system had a significantly greater impact on the overall library operations and on the library's improved image, thereby endearing it to its clients.
Open Access
Knowledge Management: The Emerging Challenges for the Library and Information Professionals
(SCECSAL, 2014) Nyamboga, Constantine Matoke; Otenya, S. C.
The concept of knowledge-based economy has established its firm roots in the global market. The growth of interest ill knowledge management (KM) has essentially been contemporary with that of increasing use of the Internet, intranets, teleconferencing and videoconferencing. The Internet is a huge repository of information, largely illustrated. The ease and flexibility with which information is available from the Internet is most commonly described as "information overload". A library, of whatever type and size, it may be- is the first place for organizing knowledge. The pace, at which the non-print media are producing documents, is a matter of concern to library professionals. Each library model has its pivotal role towards organizing knowledge and disseminating it. For instance, the material library has a responsibility towards preserving the information of national importance and heritage and disseminating it. Academic library models are expected to support substantially the information supply to students, academicians and researchers, to achieve their academic goals. The corporate library \ models provide information support to the organizations to withstand the global competition. Thus, the hitherto” organization of knowledge" has rapidly moved to the stage of "information and knowledge management" and has established itself as a key issue libraries. While putting in place Knowledge strategy, the traditional variety of collection is extended to include information from non-print and online media. This has made the attention to focus on the quality of seamless flow of information. Users of the 21st century expect information they need, right at the desks, whether from online databases, multimedia, distributed web resources or the intranets. Rightful use of KM practices would ensure efficiency, accuracy and consistency in disseminating information because it enables distributed teams to search, apply, share and publish information across the geographic boundaries
Open Access
The Changing and evolving Roles of Information Professionals in the Digital Age: A Case of Egerton University.
(Kenya Library Association, 2011) Obegi, F. M.; Nyamboga, C.M.
Library and Information Service profession is one of the most challenging professions in the knowledge society. Librarians face complex challenges posed by recent trends in Information and Communication Technology. The role of the Library professional has become more dynamic and challenging in the modern world. This paper covers the role of library and library information service professionals that have undergone a large degree of change in recent years. This paper outlines and discusses the professional skills and technological competencies necessary for library professionals and considers how these are acquired and developed to survive in an ever changing technological environment and to meet the future challenges of the 21st century.