Library and Information Science (LIS) Education and Training in Kenya: Emergence, Evolution, Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons for the development of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Kenya, challenges that LIS education has been facing and suggestions for solutions to these challenges are given. The methodology used was literature survey, questionnaires to founding members of staff of the oldest schools of LIS education, authors’ experiences with and exposures of LIS education. Analysis of the data on the questionnaire was done using content analysis. The findings revealed that there were challenges in LIS education in Kenya: inadequate teaching staff, shortage of teaching materials and infrastructure among others. The solutions to these challenges were suggested. These findings are of importance to LIS educators and students in Kenya since LIS education is hardly three decades in Kenya and therefore it is still evolving. Key words: Library, information science, education, training curriculum, challenges in information science education, universities, college and information science education.