HE SOCIAL IMPEDIMENTS TO PROVISION OF INFORMATION SERVICES AND RESOURCES IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES IN SIAYA AND KERICHO COUNTY ASSEMBLIES, KENYA
Regina Ochieng’
Keywords: Special Libraries, County Assembly, Information services and resources, Organisational Culture
Abstract
Libraries are pivotal in providing equitable access to information for all. The extent of usage of libraries is important,
more so in informing policies on how to improve information services as well as ensuring that resources are allocated
appropriately (Al Baghal, 2019). In this regard, special libraries, including County Assembly libraries are not unique
since the population catered for and the services provided are all geared towards provision of information services.
However, in the provision of information services and resources, special libraries in County Assemblies continue to
be challenged by social factors. Therefore, this paper assessed the social impediments to provision of information
services and resources in the special libraries in Siaya and Kericho county assemblies, Kenya. The study was
conducted in the respective County Assembly Libraries located in County Assembly premises of respective towns.
Exploratory research design was used and data was collected using questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social
Sciences version 27 was used to summarize, code and analyze quantitative data. The findings revealed that library
users were not denied access to information or other library services on the basis of their religious affiliations.
Similarly, gender did not significantly influence library use, as both males and females had equal access to library
facilities. In addition, income levels did not influence how assembly staff were treated in relation to access to and the
provision of library services and resources. However, the findings revealed that despite librarians’ efforts to
accommodate all users, organisational politics, inadequate management support, and an unfavourable organisational
culture characterised by negative workplace attitudes hindered their ability to perform their duties effectively.This
was further compounded by the political nature of county assemblies in the sense that requests for essential library
resources were often rejected despite the resources having been allocated funds in the budget, as other expenditure
priorities took precedence over library needs.
