School of Science and Technology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://41.89.31.6:4000/handle/123456789/323

Welcome to School of Sciences and Technology collection.This collection contains Journal articles published by faculty affiliated to the school.

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Evaluating the Librarian’s Role in Organizing Knowledge at University Libraries in Nairobi County
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Makokha, Emily Nasimiyu.; Gichohi, Paul Maku.; Kiarie, Julie.
Purpose: It has long been recognized in several sectors that librarians can enhance the efficacy and operational efficiency of knowledge management. Previous research has primarily relied on cross-sectional data projecting that university libraries still need to acknowledge the worth of the role of librarians in managing knowledge. The problem addressed is the gaps in knowledge organization in university libraries. The study was built on the premise of the Role Theory and the Adaptive Structural Theory, with the objective being to evaluate the librarian’s role in organizing knowledge at university libraries in Nairobi County. Methodology: This study used the descriptive survey research design targeting 2180 individuals, consisting of librarian section heads and information science students, who were identified across the two institutions. A sample size of 338 respondents was sampled from this population to take part in the research process. The research used two different sampling techniques. The first technique was the simple random sample method used when selecting the students who participated in the study. The second sampling technique was the censor method, which chose the librarians to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. This comprised 314 students currently enrolled at TUK and UON in the School of Information Science and twelve librarian section heads from each university. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using version 26 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Consequently, a frequency distribution was also employed to analyze the quantitative data obtained during the research. Results: This showed how often each value occurs in a data set, mainly the mean, median, and mode measures of central tendency. The collected results showed that librarians have the most influence on knowledge management at these institutions. These individuals are essentially responsible for enhancing literacy skills among library users. Conclusions: The research found that librarians at the university libraries in Nairobi County were essential to the organization of knowledge management. To guarantee the best learning outcomes, it was recommended that these librarians must still create classification systems, allow access to information resources, curate collections, and encourage users to be effectively information literate.
Information Needs of the Nomadic Communities in Improving their Livelihood in Garissa County
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers Journal of Information and Technology, 2024-09) Omar, Abdi Yussuf.; Gichohi, Paul Maku.; Juma, Iddi.
Purpose: 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. However, nomadic communities in arid and semi-arid lands have restricted access to information due to their geographical, economic, and social marginalization. The study aimed to determine the information needs of the nomadic communities in improving their livelihood in Garissa County. Methodology: The study is anchored by the Wilson model with the use of a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 377, including library users, heads of public libraries, and sub-county officers. The library users were sampled using multistage cluster sampling. The six educational officers and the three heads of libraries were chosen by purposeful sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules, which were validated and tested for reliability through per-testing in Tana River County. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis and descriptive statistics was used to interpret the findings. Results: The findings revealed that nomadic communities in Garissa County have 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. Public libraries, by providing tailored resources and programs, have addressed these needs to some extent. Conclusion: There is a need for regular information 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.