Marketing library and information services in Nakawa Vocational Training Institute: A library marketing guide

Abstract

This study aimed at designing a marketing guide for library services of Nakawa Vocational Training Institute. The study objectives were; to identify the services offered by Nakawa Vocational Training Institute Library, to find out the importance of marketing of its information services, to identify the considerations for designing a marketing guide for the Library information services, to establish the best strategies and techniques for marketing of Library information services and to propose a marketing guide for Nakawa Vocational Training Institute Library. The study employed a case study research design. A total of 70 respondents including 2 Librarians, 68 Students were sampled from a total population 226. Questionnaire, interview and observation were the data collection methods used during the study. The data was analyzed by use of frequency tables, percentages and mean score and the results of the data analyzed revealed that the need for marketing library and information services is to achieve the objectives of the library and enlighten the users on the relevance of library use. The study findings show that; lack of funds and lack of facilities to market library services. It was also found out that major need for marketing information services at Nakawa Vocational Training Institute was; to achieve the objectives of the library and to enlighten the users on the relevance of library use. It was also evidenced from the findings that the major problems hindering effective Marketing of Library information services include: inadequate fund, lack of training in marketing, poor access to information technology and lack of facilities to market Library information services. The study recommended that more funds should be allocated to Nakawa Vocational Training Institute to ensure marketing of its services. It was also recommended that trainings, workshops, seminars should be organized for Librarians to enlighten them on how to market library services. From the study findings, it was concluded that a marketing guide of library information services is necessary in order to achieve the objectives of the library and to enlighten the users on the relevance of library use.