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Master of Information Science

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    Adopting Attention Interest Desire Action (Aida) Model in Enhancing Electronic Resource Utilization among Postgraduate Students at Universities in Meru County, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2024-09) Musungu, Mercy Shidemburi
    Electronic resources are revolutionizing global education by providing postgraduate students with swift access to information, powerful search capabilities, and seamless citation of scholarly works. These digital tools are not merely enhancing learning; they are transforming how knowledge is accessed and utilized, ushering in a new era of academic excellence. However, there is a noticeable research gap regarding the optimal utilization of these resources, especially among postgraduate students. Hence, the study aimed to fill this gap by proposing the adoption of the Attention Interest Desire Action (AIDA) model to enhance electronic resource utilization among postgraduate students at KeMU and Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). The purpose of the study was to assess how the strategic application of the AIDA model can enhance the utilization of electronic resources, providing both short and long term best-practice recommendations. The specific objectives were to: assess postgraduate students' attention towards electronic resource utilization; determine their interest in such resources; examine their desire for electronic resource utilization; and evaluate their proactive actions in utilizing electronic resources. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of 13 library heads of sections and 800 postgraduate students from MUST and KeMU. Purposive sampling was used to select library head of sections, while stratified and simple random sampling was employed for postgraduate students, resulting in a total sample size of 260 postgraduate students and 13 heads of sections. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data quality was ensured through construct, content, and face validity checks, and reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were computed using SPSS version 26, while inferential statistics assessed the relationship between variables. Thematic analysis was utilized for open-ended questions and interview data. The study noted that extensive training programs and major advancements in technical infrastructure are necessary for the efficient utilization of e-resources. This is supported by regular training, awareness campaigns, tailored support, improved accessibility, and sufficient ICT infrastructure. The effective utilization of e-resources was curtailed by technical issues such as outdated computers and poor internet connectivity, limited IT illiteracy and financial constraints in some postgraduate students. The study noted that effective utilization of e-resources among postgraduate students is largely affected by training, technical infrastructure, and resource management. It requires collaboration between teachers, students, librarians, and university administration. The study recommended that, universities should prioritize significant technological infrastructure upgrades, such as raising internet speed and improving computer availability. University libraries should incorporate e-resources into the curriculum and hold frequent training sessions to improve students' e-resource literacy and navigation abilities. They should also implement policies that integrate e-resources into the curriculum, offering incentives for high usage, and continuously improving services based on postgraduate student feedback. The findings implicate on strategies such as targeted efforts to stimulate curiosity and relevance (Interest), cultivate strong motivations (Desire), and facilitate proactive engagement (Action) to enhance electronic resource utilization, ultimately improving academic outcomes and research capabilities among postgraduate students.
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    Adopting SERVQUAL Model in Improving Digital Institutional Repository Information Services to Postgraduate Students at Universities in Meru County
    (KeMU, 2023-09) Tsenga, Sophia Mjeni
    Service delivery in digital institutional repositories among university libraries has continued to demand multi-skilled workforce, competent and responsive employees who listen to customer’s needs. This implicates directly on the nature of service delivery by librarians towards meeting the needs of their clients. However, digital institutional repository service provision has been unsatisfactory. Hence, the study aimed to determine how adopting SERVQUAL model can improve digital institutional repository information services to postgraduate students at universities in Meru County. The specific objectives were: reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, empathy and assurance towards improving digital institutional repository information services to postgraduate students. The study was underpinned by the SERVQUAL model. It also adopted a mixed-methods approach and a concurrent embedded research design. The target population constituted university library head of sections and post-graduate students. A sample size of 91 post-graduate students and 10 heads of sections librarians was adopted. Purposive sampling was employed to get the head of section librarians and simple random sampling for sampling post-graduate students. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Data quality was achieved by checking construct, content and face validity, while reliability was checked using Cronbach alpha. The mean and standard deviation were computed for descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, for assessing the overall applicability of SERVQUAL model in repositories. Thematic analysis was utilized for open-ended questions and interview data. Findings were presented using tables, figures and narrations. Findings indicated that digital institutional repository service provision was significantly affected by all components of the SERVQUAL model. The study noted that effective service provision at the institutional repositories section requires reliability, assurance, empathy, responsiveness, tangibility, promptness, politeness, courtesy and demeanor. These aspects are supported by knowledgeable staff, customer care, adequate ICT infrastructure, facilities and technology; customer awareness, adequate funding, and information resources. The digital institutional repository service provision was curtailed by inadequate ICT infrastructure, staff competencies, facilities, information resources; non-vibrant feedback platform, low bandwidth and frequent downtime of the institutional repository webpage. Other drawbacks included limited student awareness and lack of postgraduate diploma research projects. The study noted that effective digital institutional repository service provision requires concerted efforts of repository managers, university management, university librarians, Directorate of Postgraduate, students and faculty. The study recommends need for university libraries to retool their staff, revise repository policies to incorporate awareness creation, and lobby for increase of library budget to cater for training, purchase of equipment and furniture. Heads of libraries should advocate for ICT infrastructure and facility development. They should also liaise with ICT managers for acquisition, upgrading, and maintenance of repository technology, and solicit University Management financial support for acquisition of necessary infrastructure and facilities. The findings implicate on competencies and professional development of library staff, stakeholders’ involvement, ICT infrastructure development, physical facilities and revision of repository policy framework.