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Kenya National Library Service Project Background
The KNLS revitalization project is a culmination of a countrywide survey of the public library system in Kenya From the survey findings, KNLS prepared a ten-year strategic plan in early 2001 which focused on the following areas:
Policy and Legal Framework ;
Equipping libraries and diversification of services;
Infrastructural development of libraries in Kenya;
Integration of ICTS in library operations and management;
Staff training and development;
Strengthening networking and partnerships with stakeholders;
Promotion and marketing of library and information services.
Project Goal and Objectives
(a) Project Goal
To revitalize Kenya National Library services through creation of selected model libraries and processes within the library system which can be replicated locally and regionally.
(b) Project Objectives
The Project objectives are the priority areas in the KNLS strategic plan during the first phase of the revitalization process. The objectives are geared towards addressing various tasks and activities identified to achieve the overall project goal. These objectives are:
Upgrading of bookstock;
Staff training and development;
Acquisition of Information Communication Technologies equipment and Training;
Establishment of a Development Office;
Advocacy, Public Relations and Marketing.
Project Activities to date
Identification of the proposed five model libraries within the KNLS network. These are:
Central/Headquarters library covering Nairobi and its environs.
Provincial Libraries:
Kisumu - Covering Nyanza and Western provinces (Western Kenya);
Nyeri - Covering central parts of Eastern and North Eastern Provinces;
Nakuru - Covering Rift Valley Province;
Mombasa - Covering Coast and parts of Eastern Provinces.
Criteria for selection of the proposed library models was based on:
Infrastructural capacity - space availability for collections and ICT integration, electricity supply, telephone connection, availability of internet service providers (ISP), etc.
Level of library usage based on statistical analysis;
Availability of bookmobiles;
Target population - existence of strategic institutions that need library services and potential usage;
Level of community involvement and participation in library programmes;
Geographical representation;
Proximity to other branch libraries.
Sensitization of KNLS staff. As part of project ownership, librarians and staff have been duly sensitized and prepared to participate fully in project implementation.
Preparation of de-selection lists and re-organization of library space in anticipation of increased bookstock, library activities, and services.
Preparation of implementation schedule for all project activities. The schedule details the activities, inputs/outputs, milestones, actors and performance indicators to track down the overall plan for project implementation.
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