The Utilisation of Archival Information by Researchers in Kenya: A Case Study of the University of Nairobi

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the utilisation of archival information by the University of Nairobi researchers and the extent to which their information needs were met by the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service (KNA&DS). The total population sample consisted of 55 respondents, namely: 45 researchers drawn from the Departments of History, Government and Anthropology and 10 archives personnel. Data were collected through the use of face- to -face interviews. The major findings of the study revealed that researchers used a variety of information sources to satisfy their information needs and that some of the existing access regulations need review. The study also found that the researchers relied more on archives personnel to access information, that the existing KNA&DS promotional methods were not effective and that both researchers and archives personnel faced problems in accessing and providing information. Among the recommendations of the study are that the KNA&DS needs to review some of the access regulations, introduce a user education programme, devise new promotional methods, conduct information user studies, and speed up the on-going computerisation programme. (African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science: 2002 12 (1): 69-80)

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