| dc.description.abstract | In many libraries today follow the old model of existence by mandate. This has led to laxity in carrying out effective marketing of their library and information resources. This is due to lack of awareness of information that is available in the library, yet libraries invest large sums of money on collection development, acquisition, processing, classification, cataloging, digitization and storage of information resources but still these resources remain unutilized. As a result, there is wastage of money, time, and library space. At the International university of East Africa library users in most cases do not know the existence of various library services and resources available, and therefore do not ask for the provision of such services. Users need to be motivated to see the real worth of a library. There are various resources available both in print and electronic formats. The main purpose of these resources will be fulfilled only if the users are able to locate these information sources effectively, which is still a big challenge at the International University of East Africa library. With technological development the forms of resources have been distinctively transformed from printed books and journals to various electronic forms. Today’s library has a challenge to broaden its information resources and develop its collection in print resources as well as electronic format. Libraries today are under immense pressure to justify their existence and funding through provision of customer- or market-oriented services. Users and library patrons of this generation are more inclined to digital forms of information. Web applications in libraries have acquired a growing reputation worldwide. It appears that the library must think about marketing its services more regularly through the Internet, taking advantage of Web applications to get better access to its users and to promote library and information resources and services. Libraries must be familiar with their customers and know their needs in advance. An effective website can lead to mutual satisfaction for customer and librarian. A library website has quite a number of benefits which include Convenience, ability to control information and technology, increased ability to select information, increased ability to analyze, increased time of access, increased sense of certainty, decreased human error, decreased need for interaction, fulfilling individual requests, offering services at any time, ability to perform several tasks simultaneously and creating positive image of library in people's minds. | en_US |
