Acquisition of electronic resources in modern libraries: A Case of Mount Kenya University Library

Abstract

The researcher collected information on the in depth of acquisition of electronic in modern library. The study was carried out in Mount Kenya university main campus library in Thika, Kiambu County. The main objective of the study was to find out the methods used by the library in acquisition of e-resources, its challenges and utilization of these resources. The study used Stratified sampling to select the sample population in which 38 first year students out of fifty students, 35 second year students out of the 45 students, 12 lecture out of a total of 15 and 15 library staff out of 20 were selected, which made sample population of 100. The study established that most of the students do not participate in the process of acquisition of electronic resource yet they are the beneficiaries of the same. This also results in poor utilization of these resources. The researcher recommended training of library staff and students in order to obtain required skills in regard to e-resources. Intensive marketing of e-resources, purchase of more e-resources and increases funding for acquiring e-resource were part of the recommendation.