Browsing by Author "Gichohi, P. M."
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Item How public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address the business information needs of small-scale enterprises(2016-09-07) Gichohi, P. M.; Onyancha, O. B.; Dulle, F. W.The purpose of the study was to explore how public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address the information needs of small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) in the region. It was carried out from 2013 to 2015. A quantitative approach and survey research design were adopted to collect data from SBE traders and staff from three public libraries in Meru County. The study found that the business information needs of SBEs are myriad, sectorspecific and cut across all stages of business development. These needs are fulfilled by consulting informal information resources and places. The few SBEs traders who were using public libraries for business information expressed high levels of satisfaction. The study concludes that public libraries have facilitative and functional roles of providing business information to SBEs by collaborating with like-minded stakeholders. The study recommends symmetrical dissemination of business information and the re-positioning of public libraries as community development centers by providing value-based and sector-specific business information solutions.Item A model for public Libraries’ support in the development of small-scale business enterprises in Meru County, Kenya(Taylor & Francis, 2017-11) Gichohi, P. M.; Onyancha, O. B.; Dulle, F. W.This study aims at developing a suitable model for support by public libraries in the development of small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) in Meru County, Kenya. A mixed-methods research approach and survey research design were applied. We collected data from small-scale business traders, staff members from the three public libraries, and two staff members in charge of the Enterprise Development Department in Meru County by means of questionnaires and interviews, and applied document analysis on written sources held by these entities. We developed a model that can be adopted and is highly recommended to public libraries in supporting small enterprises in KenyaItem Provision of business information services by public libraries to small-scale business enterprises(UNISA, 2017) Gichohi, P. M.; Onyancha, O. B.; Dulle, F. W.This study explored the business information services offered to small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) by public libraries in Meru County, Kenya. Public libraries are community information centres, hence well-placed to serve the small-scale business community. A quantitative approach and survey research design were adopted. Data were collected from 296 SBE traders and 20 staff members from three public libraries in Meru County using well-structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with the help of SPSS software while a thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. The provision of business information services to SBEs in public libraries was in a desolate state owing to inadequate business collections, the lack of sufficient information and communications technology (ICT) facilities, poor awareness of business information services, a poor reading culture, and weak collaborations of public libraries with stakeholders. There is an indispensable need to establish insightful and holistic business information services at public libraries and to institute measures that would foster their utilisation by SBEs. This can be achieved by elevating library facilities, enhancing outreach programmes, ensuring adequate funding, engaging knowledgeable business services librarians, embracing ICT in service delivery, and by having an appropriate policy framework.