Evaluating features of mobile phone technology needed to access library services in Mount Kenya University library in Kenya

Abstract

With library automation already done in all libraries in mount Kenya university, installed library management system, provision of e-book reader (kindles) and user and library staff training all provide ample platform for use of library materials via mobile phone devices. Since the introduction of Kindles and use of MPT to access and utilize library services in MKU libraries, no study has been done to determine the effectiveness of this technology. Therefore, this study and its recommendation come handy in order to improve library service delivery using MPT. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of mobile phone technology in accessing library information materials at Mount Kenya University. The target population was 39452 where a sample of 395 was selected. In this study, questionnaires were used to collect data. Four campuses were purposively sampled due to their established library automation and library management system providing the platform that can support library access via Mobile Phone Technology. Data collected through questionnaires was cleaned, edited, coded before it was entered into the statistical software for analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analyzing the collected data. Based on research findings, it could be right to say that despite challenges of power outages, internet instability and other factors identified above, mobile phone devices have required features to support access to reference services, checking in/out, indexing and abstracting, conducting current awareness to users, doing selective dissemination of information, executing interlibrary loaning and providing special services to special people.