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<title>Master of Information Science</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/75</link>
<description/>
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<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2320"/>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2280"/>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2239"/>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2157"/>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2048"/>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2045"/>
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<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1800"/>
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<dc:date>2026-05-14T06:09:06Z</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2321">
<title>The Role of Explicit Knowledge Management on Promoting Organizational Decision-Making at Norwegian Refugee Council, Somalia</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2321</link>
<description>The Role of Explicit Knowledge Management on Promoting Organizational Decision-Making at Norwegian Refugee Council, Somalia
Abdifatah, Abdi  Ali
Organizational decision-making in humanitarian contexts is increasingly compromised by inadequate knowledge management systems. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Somalia has experienced substantial deviations from humanitarian benchmarks, including 50% increased emergency response times and 35% decline in program implementation efficiency. This study investigated how explicit knowledge management practices influenced organizational decision-making effectiveness at NRC Somalia, aiming to develop evidence-based recommendations enhancing humanitarian response capabilities through improved decision-making processes. The study objectives examined how documented knowledge acquisition processes, formal knowledge storage mechanisms, standardized knowledge sharing practices, and systematic knowledge utilization influenced organizational decision-making at NRC Somalia. The theoretical framework was anchored in Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model of knowledge conversion and contemporary decision-making theory by Nutt and Wilson. The study was conducted within NRC's operations in Somalia, encompassing coordination offices in Mogadishu and field offices across South Central Somalia, Puntland, and Somaliland. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was utilized, grounded in pragmatism philosophical underpinning. The target population comprised 100 NRC Somalia staff across five organizational levels. A census approach was employed for quantitative data collection, while purposive sampling selected 17 key informants for qualitative interviews. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides, and document analysis protocols. Validity was established through expert review and cognitive interviewing, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding 0.70 for all scales. The response rate was 89% (N=89). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's framework. Major findings revealed documented knowledge acquisition processes operated in fragmented, reactive episodes rather than systematic approaches, with 52.8% agreement on after-action review documentation but significant gaps in stakeholder engagement (24.7%) and validation mechanisms (24.7%). Formal knowledge storage mechanisms demonstrated systematic failure across twelve fragmented platforms, with only 33.7% agreement on adequate backup procedures and 9.0% agreement on digital repository functionality. Standardized knowledge sharing practices showed paradoxical relationships between formal and informal mechanisms, with 47.2% agreement on regular meetings but poor cross-regional exchanges (22.0%) and tracking mechanisms (14.6%). Systematic knowledge utilization revealed critical weaknesses, with only 31.5% agreement on lesson adaptation and 15.7% agreement on application monitoring systems. The combined knowledge management practices explained 64.8% of variance in organizational decision-making effectiveness (R² = 0.648, F (4,84) = 38.67, p &lt; 0.001). The study concluded that fragmented knowledge management systems created fundamental barriers to effective decision-making, with informal networks compensating for formal system inadequacies while operating outside institutional visibility. Knowledge sharing practices emerged as the most influential factor for decision outcomes (r = 0.72), while systematic utilization represented the most critical weakness requiring comprehensive organizational culture changes. The study recommended implementing integrated knowledge management systems that formalize successful informal mechanisms, establish mandatory knowledge consultation requirements, and develop hybrid approaches balancing security imperatives with accessibility requirements. This study provided the first comprehensive empirical analysis of knowledge management's influence on humanitarian decision-making in Somalia's volatile context, contributing novel insights for both theoretical frameworks and humanitarian practice optimization.
</description>
<dc:date>2025-08-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2320">
<title>The Role of Records Maintenance in Promoting Citizen Participation in Open Governance at the Meru County Assembly, Kenya</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2320</link>
<description>The Role of Records Maintenance in Promoting Citizen Participation in Open Governance at the Meru County Assembly, Kenya
Fridah, Mariu Kajuju
This research explored how records management practices shape citizen engagement in open governance within the Meru County Assembly, Kenya. Although constitutional provisions guarantee access to public information and participatory rights, persistent challenges including weak documentation systems, limited adoption of digital platforms, fragmented policy guidelines, and insufficient staff expertise have constrained meaningful involvement. The overarching purpose was to establish the extent to which improvements in records maintenance could reinforce transparency and expand civic participation. Specifically, the objectives were to evaluate the status of digitization, examine the robustness of policy frameworks, analyze the regularity and credibility of audit practices, and assess staff competencies in sustaining accurate and accessible records. The investigation was grounded in the Records Continuum Theory alongside participatory governance principles, both of which underscore the importance of systematic records stewardship as a foundation for accountability and public empowerment. Employing a descriptive mixed-methods design, the study was situated in Meru County Assembly. The target population comprised 424 individuals, from which a stratified random sample of 270 respondents was selected to capture representation from staff, legislators, and community members. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, key-informant interviews, and documentary analysis. Instrument validity was established through expert review, while reliability was confirmed via a pilot test yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient exceeding 0.70. Quantitative evidence was processed using descriptive statistics frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations together with inferential tests such as correlation and regression. Qualitative inputs were subjected to thematic interpretation. A response rate of 92% was achieved. Findings revealed that digitization efforts were partial and inconsistent, which limited timely access to records and undermined citizen participation. Policy instruments were disjointed and unevenly enforced, diminishing institutional transparency. Records audits were sporadic, compliance-oriented, and rarely publicized, thereby weakening accountability. Inadequate staff capacity, especially in digital literacy, further reduced the reliability of records and restricted accessibility. Consequently, citizen participation remained minimal due to poor information flow and weak record systems. The study concluded that incomplete digitization, incoherent policy frameworks, irregular auditing, and limited staff competence collectively constrained participatory governance. It recommended comprehensive deployment of electronic records systems, harmonization of management policies with constitutional mandates, institution of independent and publicly shared audits, and ongoing professional training for staff with emphasis on digital proficiencies. The originality of this study lies in demonstrating that improved records maintenance is not only an administrative necessity but also a strategic enabler of transparency, accountability, and inclusive citizen engagement within devolved governance structure.
</description>
<dc:date>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2280">
<title>An Assessment of Eco-Friendly Digital Records Management Practices for Promoting Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2280</link>
<description>An Assessment of Eco-Friendly Digital Records Management Practices for Promoting Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital
Diba, Bilinga Kosi
Environmental sustainability is a growing global concern, driving institutions to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily operations. This study examined how paperless communication, digital archiving, cloud storage, and e-waste management contribute to sustainability at Marsabit County Teaching &amp; Referral Hospital (MCTRH). Anchored on the Green Information Technology (Green IT) theory, a descriptive survey design was applied. Data were collected from 117 staff members through structured questionnaires and from three top managers via key informant interviews. Random sampling was used for staff, while key informants were purposively selected. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and pre-testing, and reliability confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha values above 0.7. The study achieved a 97% response rate. Results indicated that paperless communication is moderately adopted, cutting paper use and costs while supporting sustainability. Digital archiving improved accessibility and reduced physical storage needs, though adoption was inconsistent. Cloud storage enhanced collaboration and accessibility, offering strong sustainability benefits despite infrastructural challenges. E-waste management practices were partial, signaling the need for structured recycling and safe disposal. Other initiatives, including solar energy, green campaigns, and electronic medical records, were evident though unevenly adopted. The study concludes that eco-friendly digital records management significantly fosters environmental sustainability among healthcare. It recommends stronger policies to institutionalize paperless communication, investment in reliable archiving and cloud systems, and robust e-waste management frameworks. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable healthcare management while offering practical implications for policymakers and administrators aiming to integrate green technologies into health information systems.
</description>
<dc:date>2025-10-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2239">
<title>The Relationship Between User Education and Undergraduate Students’ Perception of University Libraries in Meru County</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2239</link>
<description>The Relationship Between User Education and Undergraduate Students’ Perception of University Libraries in Meru County
Chepkurui, Kibos Jane
In the context of rapid technological advancements, information digitization, and the increasing availability of e-resources, effective user education has become crucial for enabling students to navigate and utilize university library resources. Despite these advancements, the two university libraries in Meru County, Kenya, have experienced suboptimal usage, potentially due to students' perceptions of the library. This study aimed to investigate the impact of user education programs on undergraduate students' perceptions and consequently library usage. The research was guided by objectives focusing on the types of user education programs offered, the extent of student participation, students' perceptions of the quality of these programs, and the barriers affecting user education. The literature was reviewed based on the research objectives. The study employed descriptive statistics and was anchored on the Expectancy-Confirmation Theory by Richard L. Oliver. The study was conducted in Meru County, focusing on two chartered universities: Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), a private university and Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), a public university. The study employed descriptive statistics. The target population was 6138 first-year undergraduate students enrolled in the academic year 2023/2024. The study employed stratified sampling techniques based on academic schools. The study used Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table to determine the sample size, which was 364 students. The researcher purposively sampled a total of 12 out of 46 library staff. Data was collected from students using questionnaires and interviews for the staff. Pretesting of research instruments was done at Mount Kenya University, Meru Campus. Permission to collect data was sought from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). The computation of descriptive statistics was in the form of mean, mode, median, percentages, and standard deviation. The findings were presented using descriptive tables, figures, and narratives for ease of understanding the results. The findings revealed that library orientation and instruction sessions had high participation rates and were considered effective by the majority of students. Active participation in ongoing user education sessions was moderate, indicating that there was potential for improvement in terms of student involvement. Students generally had positive perceptions of the quality of user education programs. The programs were seen as significant to their educational pursuits, with high satisfaction levels regarding the relevance and adequacy of the resources provided. Barriers to user education included inadequate session time allotment and a lack of current digital resources. Recommendations include increasing the duration and frequency of user education sessions, updating digital resources, and utilizing promotional techniques such as social media for broader outreach. Future research could explore the long-term impact of user education on academic performance. This study contributes new insights into the relationship between user education and library perception, highlighting the importance of tailored educational interventions in enhancing library usage.
</description>
<dc:date>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2157">
<title>Social Media Promotion Strategies for Enhancing Student Engagement with Library Services: A Case of Strathmore and Riara University Libraries in Kenya</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2157</link>
<description>Social Media Promotion Strategies for Enhancing Student Engagement with Library Services: A Case of Strathmore and Riara University Libraries in Kenya
Segel, Winner Naisula
University libraries are increasingly adopting social media as a means of promoting their services, yet the effectiveness of these strategies remains underexplored in the Kenyan private higher education context. This study examined how social media promotion strategies enhance library service provision to students at Strathmore and Riara University Libraries. The study focused on four strategies: content creation, user engagement mechanisms, targeted advertising, and gamification. A descriptive mixed-methods design was applied, involving a survey of 300 undergraduate students in Information Technology and Computer Science, of whom 255 responded (85%), and interviews with 36 librarians, of whom 20 participated (55.6%). Questionnaires were used for students, while semi-structured interviews captured insights from librarians. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The findings revealed that content creation, particularly infographics and regular posts, moderately improved student awareness (mean = 3.15). User engagement remained weak (mean = 2.25), as libraries mainly used platforms for information rather than interaction. Targeted advertising showed minimal impact (mean = 2.88), limited by financial and technical barriers. Gamification emerged as the most effective strategy, with quizzes and contests significantly motivating student participation (mean = 3.42). The study concludes that while social media enhances library visibility, its full potential remains underutilized. Practical recommendations include staff training in digital content creation, investment in interactive tools, and integration of gamification beyond orientations into ongoing library activities. The study contributes to policy and practice by providing an evidence-based framework for optimizing social media strategies in Kenyan university libraries.
</description>
<dc:date>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2048">
<title>The Role of Public Library in Improving the Livelihood of Nomadic Communities in Garissa County, Kenya</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2048</link>
<description>The Role of Public Library in Improving the Livelihood of Nomadic Communities in Garissa County, Kenya
OMAR, ABDI YUSSUF
Increasing access to information and knowledge for nomadic communities supports sustainable development and improves the community’s livelihood while establishing active, responsible, and inclusive institutions at all levels. This study investigated the role of public libraries in enhancing the livelihoods of nomadic communities in Garissa County. The objectives were to determine the information needs, examine the information sources and services provided by public libraries, and evaluate strategies that enhanced community participation in public library programs and livelihood improvement in Garissa County. The research was anchored by the Wilson Model of information seeking behaviour, social inclusion, innovation theory, and community development theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 377, including library users, heads of public libraries, and sub-county officers. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules, which were validated and tested for reliability through pretesting in Tana River County. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, employing frequency distribution and central tendency measures. Ethical considerations included obtaining a NACOSTI research permit, confidentiality, and academic integrity. The findings revealed that nomadic communities in Garissa County had distinct and pressing information needs to enhance their livelihoods. Sustainable farming practices, effective livestock management, and educational opportunities tailored to the nomadic lifestyle were identified as key areas of interest. By providing tailored resources and programs, public libraries addressed these needs to some extent. However, to meet the unique challenges of nomadic lifestyles effectively, libraries must continue to adapt and expand their services. The study recommends regular needs assessments to identify and address the specific information requirements of nomadic communities. Furthermore, public libraries should collaborate with community leaders to ensure that their collections and services meet the practical and cultural needs of the nomadic community, fostering greater engagement and livelihood improvement.
</description>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2045">
<title>Influence of Financial Investment, Utilization Patterns, Perceived Value and Support Services on Maximizing &#13;
Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2045</link>
<description>Influence of Financial Investment, Utilization Patterns, Perceived Value and Support Services on Maximizing &#13;
Electronic Resources Usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University
KOCHUMBA, TERESIA ATIENO
Academic libraries at Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) invest heavily in electronic resources to foster academic excellence and enhance research quality. This study assessed the influence of financial investment, utilization patterns, perceived value, and support services in maximizing electronic resources usage at Technical University of Mombasa and Kenya Methodist University with a view to optimize resource allocation and further enhance the benefits of electronic resources. Both universities had increased their financial investments on electronic resources, and introduced digital libraries, social media engagement/ marketing to promote the full maximization of these resources. Despite these efforts, both institutions continued to face challenges such as the misallocation of financial investments, limited usage patterns, low perceived value, and ineffective support services. Additionally, TUM's electronic resource usage was only 32% while KeMU’s was 57% in 2022/2023 academic year. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the strategies implemented by TUM and KeMU in maximizing electronic resource usage. It focused on key objectives, including identifying financial investments, determining utilization patterns, assessing perceived value, and establishing the support services in place to enhance electronic resource usage at both institutions. The findings were intended to guide future budget allocations and customize support services to improve resource utilization, perceived value, and ultimately, the maximization of electronic resources at TUM and KeMU. Guided by Edward Freeman’s 1984 Stakeholder Theory and employing a descriptive survey research design with a mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed 426 individuals from a target population of 23,039. The sample included 220 undergraduate and 80 postgraduate students selected through stratified random sampling, 120 faculty members selected through stratified proportional sampling, and 6 library staff selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, with pretesting conducted at the University of Nairobi-Mombasa campus to ensure the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using SPSS for quantitative measures and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. The study achieved a response rate of 91.3% for undergraduate, postgraduate, and faculty members, and 100% for library staff. Findings indicated that 83.3% of library staff were satisfied with budget allocations for electronic resources. Additionally, 75.8% of users engaged actively with these resources, with audiovisual materials being the most utilized and mobile phones being the preferred access device. User satisfaction was reported at 73.1%, and 96.4% expressed contentment with support services. The study highlighted that additional financing and user engagement in resource acquisition improved perceived value and utilization. However, 24.2% of respondents never used the resources, and 23.7% reported dissatisfaction. Both universities had implemented support services to enhance resource use, with user support services, internet access, and feedback mechanisms being the most frequently utilized. The study concluded that financial investment significantly impacts perceived value, while support services influences both perceived value and utilization rates. Frequent utilization, supported by effective services, greatly improves perceived value and maximizes the benefits of electronic resources. Recommendations include engaging users in the acquisition process, enhancing capacity building for librarians, and conducting regular user assessments to tailor support services. These steps will improve perceived value, utilization rates, and overall resource maximization. These findings should guide both libraries in developing policies and strategies to further enhance the return on investment from electronic resources at TUM and KeMU.
</description>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1801">
<title>Analysis of the Evolving Roles of Librarians in Enhancing Knowledge Management in University Libraries in Nairobi County</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1801</link>
<description>Analysis of the Evolving Roles of Librarians in Enhancing Knowledge Management in University Libraries in Nairobi County
Nasimiyu, Makokha Emily
It has long been recognized in several sectors that librarians can enhance the efficacy and &#13;
operational efficiency of knowledge management. University libraries do not yet completely &#13;
acknowledge the worth of the role of librarians in managing knowledge. The primary goal of this &#13;
study was to analyze librarians' evolving roles in enhancing knowledge management in university &#13;
libraries in Nairobi County. Expressly, the following objectives were set forth: to evaluate the &#13;
knowledge management practices currently in use by librarians in Nairobi County University &#13;
libraries; to investigate the role of librarians in fostering information literacy skills among users at &#13;
Nairobi County University libraries; to assess the role of librarians in organizing knowledge at &#13;
Nairobi County university libraries; and to assess the role of librarians in maintaining the cultural &#13;
heritage at Nairobi County university libraries. The study was carried out at the Technical &#13;
University of Kenya and the University of Nairobi, and the following theories anchored the unified &#13;
theory of technology acceptance and use, the role theory, and the adaptive structural theory. This &#13;
study used the descriptive survey research design targeting 2180 individuals, consisting of librarian &#13;
section heads and information science students, who were identified across the two institutions. A &#13;
sample size of 338 respondents was sampled from this population to take part in the research &#13;
process. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. This comprised 314 &#13;
students currently enrolled at TUK and UON in the School of Information Science and 12 librarian &#13;
section heads from each university. The content validity was attained by selecting the questionnaire &#13;
measuring items from the operational framework. The quantitative data collected was analyzed &#13;
using version 26 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Consequently, a frequency &#13;
distribution will also be employed to analyze the quantitative data obtained during the research. &#13;
This will show how often each value occurs in a data set, mainly the mean, median, and mode &#13;
measures of central tendency. Ethical considerations were observed in the study. The value of this &#13;
study was to help provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving roles of librarians in &#13;
enhancing knowledge management, which was very useful in assisting university libraries in &#13;
Nairobi County. Based on the collected findings, most students felt that librarians had the most &#13;
influence on knowledge management at these institutions. In addition, the librarians also felt they &#13;
were responsible for enhancing literacy skills among library users. When asked for &#13;
recommendations on how to evaluate the knowledge management techniques currently used by &#13;
librarians in the libraries of Nairobi County University, a few librarians were informed that &#13;
conducting knowledge management audits, regular surveys and questionnaires, focus groups, and &#13;
interviews would provide these organizations with the data they require to ascertain which &#13;
particular techniques are employed and how successful they are overall at promoting effective &#13;
knowledge management. Finally, all responders agreed to set explicit targets for their cultural &#13;
preservation program when asked how universities might evaluate librarians' contributions to the &#13;
preservation of cultural heritage at university libraries in Nairobi County. Based on available data, &#13;
this study shows that while some aspects of effective knowledge management, such as technology &#13;
application, are used throughout the knowledge management (KM) cycle, their full &#13;
implementation is not observed at every cycle stage. The study also suggested that librarians &#13;
should actively communicate with teachers and students, offering them specific guidance on where &#13;
to look for, evaluate, and use information. The last proposal was that these universities offer &#13;
accurate metrics, promote collaboration with cultural institutions, and equip librarians with the &#13;
skills to evaluate how successfully university libraries preserve cultural assets.
</description>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1800">
<title>Adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) In Promoting Blended Learning at University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1800</link>
<description>Adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) In Promoting Blended Learning at University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya
Nyamboga, Felysta Nyamusi
There is a lack of consensus in current studies on the extent of Open Educational &#13;
Resources integration for blended learning in universities and the associated factors. &#13;
This study investigated the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) in &#13;
promoting blended learning within university libraries in Nairobi County, focusing on &#13;
the University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, Strathmore University, and &#13;
Catholic University of East Africa which was informed by a paucity of studies focusing &#13;
on this population. The study sought to assess the adoption of open educational &#13;
resources (OER) in blended learning at university libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya, &#13;
to provide recommendations for improvement. The specific objectives were to evaluate &#13;
the extent of OER adoption, identify strategies for incorporating OER into blended &#13;
learning, and determine the success factors and policies supporting OER initiatives. The &#13;
Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and the Institutional &#13;
Theory provided the theoretical underpinning for the interpretation of the findings. A &#13;
mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative &#13;
elements in the questionnaire to library staff and qualitative interviews with university &#13;
librarians involved in OER adoption initiatives. The data collection involved 86 library &#13;
staff and 4 university librarians. Census method and purposive sampling was employed &#13;
to get the library staff and university librarians’ respectively. The quality of the data &#13;
collection tool was achieved by checking the face, content and criterion validity, while &#13;
reliability was achieved by using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. The mean and standard &#13;
deviation were computed to SPSS for descriptive statistics for close-ended questions, &#13;
while the open-ended questions and interviews were analyzed thematically using &#13;
NVivo. The data was presented using graphs, pie charts, and tables. The analysis &#13;
revealed a positive but varied state of OER adoption, with significant differences in &#13;
awareness and integration efforts across the surveyed libraries with 62.3% indicating &#13;
adoption to a large extent. The findings showed that the key strategies for incorporating &#13;
OER included interdisciplinary collaboration (89.8%), investment in technological &#13;
infrastructure (42% strongly agreed), and the promotion of open pedagogical practices &#13;
(72.6%). Success factors identified were strong institutional leadership (46.4%), &#13;
comprehensive faculty development programs (49.3%), and the effective dissemination &#13;
of best practices. The findings on the policies highlighted presence of but the need for &#13;
clearer copyright and licensing guidelines, sustainable funding mechanisms, and robust &#13;
monitoring and review processes. The findings further indicated that while there is a &#13;
foundational level of OER adoption, significant opportunities exist for enhancement &#13;
through targeted awareness campaigns, comprehensive training, and strategic &#13;
investments in technological infrastructure. The study concluded that universities are &#13;
integrating OER for blended learning, enabled by institutional support, continuous &#13;
professional development, and clear policies covering different aspects. Based on the &#13;
findings, universities should enhance awareness campaigns, provide comprehensive &#13;
OER training, create centralized repositories, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, &#13;
invest in technological infrastructure, promote open pedagogical practices, ensure &#13;
strong institutional leadership, implement faculty development programs, review and &#13;
improve policies, and secure sustainable funding. This research contributes to the &#13;
understanding of OER integration in higher education and offers practical &#13;
recommendations for universities aiming to enhance their blended learning initiatives &#13;
through OER.
</description>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1799">
<title>The Role of Public Libraries in Enhancing Maize Production in Laikipia East Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya</title>
<link>http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1799</link>
<description>The Role of Public Libraries in Enhancing Maize Production in Laikipia East Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya
Wangari, Maina Susaide
Maize is a critical food source in Kenya, with Laikipia East sub-county being a significant &#13;
contributor. However, low maize production has been reported every year, posing &#13;
questions not only on production methods, but also on availability and accessibility of &#13;
information for supporting production activities. This implies that maize farmers require &#13;
adequate and reliable information to support production activities. Public libraries are &#13;
accessible to farmers and therefore have the potential to empower maize farmers with &#13;
knowledge and information to enhance maize production. This research aimed to explore &#13;
the significant role of public libraries in fostering maize production within the agricultural &#13;
landscape of Laikipia East Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of this research was: to &#13;
ascertain the information requirements of maize farmers in Laikipia East Sub-County; to &#13;
evaluate the existing information resources within public libraries that support maize &#13;
production initiatives; to analyze the information services offered by public libraries to &#13;
promote maize cultivation; and to examine information dissemination channels employed &#13;
by public libraries in reaching out to maize farmers. The study was grounded on &#13;
information needs theory, information-seeking behavior theory, community informatics &#13;
theory. This was cross-sectional survey research, targeting 373 maize farmers from &#13;
Laikipia East County and 3 library staff members from Nanyuki Public Library. Maize &#13;
farmers’ participants were selected randomly while library staff were selected purposively. &#13;
Data collection from the respondents was through self-administered questionnaires to the &#13;
farmers and interview schedules to the librarians. The researcher used questionnaires and &#13;
interview guides for data collection and analysis. Regarding the kinds of information &#13;
required for growing maize, respondents were split evenly between those who agreed and &#13;
those who were neutral (20.74%), and 33.70 percent indicated they had never used the &#13;
library. Respondents' views on the information resources available at public libraries were &#13;
viewed as having increased their knowledge and skills in maize production in a neutral to &#13;
somewhat positive way, with a moderate range of opinions (standard deviation of 1.940). &#13;
Regarding the impact of library workshops and seminars on maize productivity, &#13;
respondents' perceptions ranged from neutral to somewhat positive; a substantial standard &#13;
deviation of 1.977 suggested a wide variety of experiences. Given the divergent views on &#13;
the significance of the services provided, libraries must regularly assess the effectiveness &#13;
of their resources and offerings. IT and library personnel should produce, maintain, and &#13;
optimize digital materials. To promote library materials and services, the management of &#13;
the library should work with local farming associations and community organizations. The &#13;
staff of the library ought to better tailor its resources and services to the particular needs of &#13;
maize producers. The publications are regularly updated and include practical, farmer&#13;
focused information on significant topics like seed selection, insect control, and crop &#13;
management techniques.
</description>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</item>
</rdf:RDF>
