Entrepreneurial opportunities: A roadmap for diversifying financial sources in libraries, Tanzania

Abstract

Dwindling of operating budgets is one of the longstanding problems libraries of different kinds and sizes face. This study has examined entrepreneurial opportunities and ventures available at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) libraries in Tanzania. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Apart from key informant interviews and observations, primary data were collected from 55 library staff using self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that entrepreneurship opportunities were insignificantly harnessed to diversify financial sources at these libraries. The findings further inform that donors and the government remain the principal sources of income for these libraries. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that libraries should formulate and implement strategic plans that will guide entrepreneurship projects. Also, as a way to create entrepreneurship readiness, capacity building among library staff has been recommended.