Development of public library system in Kenya: perspective of KNLS

Abstract

The paper discusses the historical background, present status and future perspective of public library system in Kenya, research and application of ICTs. It also analyses the relation between the government and KNLS in modalities of funding. Currently there are over 30 public libraries in Kenya under the umbrella of KNLS of which all are funded and managed by the government through KNLS. Public libraries serve and focuses on users who are basically the public; raging from toddlers to senior citizens through inculcating library culture, accessing and using not only book-based services but also access information on websites, through the practical application of ICTs in information search. KNLS has been positioned by the government to implement planned library education for a firm foundation on national reading culture in the youth in Kenya. Further, the role of public libraries within this information age context is challenging from that of book-based information provider to that of internet service provider and so is the role of the librarian.