EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES ON LIBRARY OPERATIONS AND SERVICES AT EGERTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Abstract

The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has caused notable alterations in operations and services provided by libraries. This has brought up a number of managerial and technical problems that, if left unchecked, could affect information management. The study’s goal was to evaluate how technological advancements have affected library operations and services in order to provide a framework for managing technological advancements in libraries as they relate to Egerton University's information management procedures. The study to track the technologies that Egerton University Library had implemented, identify technological advancements and their effects on staff competencies, services, and library operations, and suggest a framework for integrating new ICTs into service management. The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) was chosen by the study as its theoretical foundation. The research was conducted using a case study method within a qualitative paradigm. Fifty (50) responders, including professional and paraprofessional library staff as well as four (4) employees from the Procurement and ICT departments, were chosen using the purposive sample technique. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather data, which was then thematically analyzed. The study found that the advantages of adopting technology far outweighed the drawbacks. Thus, technological advancements and modifications cannot be evaded by any organization/institution and more so libraries and information centres worldwide.