The role of the Kenya National Library Service in the provision of information for youth empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper is developed from a study that investigated the role of the Kenya National Library Service in provision of information to empower the youth with the view of identifying gaps that may be addressed in order to enhance effectiveness of service provision. The study was informed by the uses and gratification theory which focuses on what people do with the media and also Wilson’s general model of information-seeking behaviour. Case study research method was used. The study population was the library users of Buruburu Knls library in Nairobi County aged between 15 and 30 years. Non-probability sampling method through quota sampling was used to get the required sample. The study population was categorized into three and the samples picked purposively. The main data collection method was face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in descriptive and narrative forms. The study established that the public library played a significant role in empowering the youth through the information it made available to them. Young people, however, face various challenges in accessing information in the library which showed that there were gaps that public libraries needed to fill to enhance their information services to youth. This study recommends that public libraries aim for youth-friendly programmes/services, provide information literacy, strengthen online information service provision, non-book materials and provide space for group discussions. It proposes a framework that can be followed to enhance the effectiveness of service provision.