Improving library services at Nile High School-Mukono

Abstract

The study aimed at improving library services at Nile High School Mukono. The objectives of the study were to find out how library services are offered at Nile High School-Mukono, to establish the information needs of Nile High School-Mukono library users, to identify the challenges affecting library services at Nile High School-Mukono and to propose strategies for improving library services at Nile High School-Mukono. The researcher used a mixed research design that is both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive sampling was used to determine the 88 respondents and these included; 2 librarians, 2 teachers responsible for the library activities and 84 students from Nile High School Mukono. Questionnaires, Interviews and observation were the instruments used for data collection. The data collected was presented and analyzed using descriptive methods. It was realized that the library lacks improved services to be provided to its users. The different library services provided at Nile High School library are issuing of library cards, circulation of information materials to the users such as text books, magazines, newspapers etc, photocopying and scanning among others. However, the state of library services in Nile High School was way still behind because of the limited skills among the staff and users of the library who use them, Nile High School Mukono doesn’t have improved library service provision which is because of absence of current awareness services, limited space for the students who are the main users, no use of ICTs such as computers for service delivery/provision and many more. The study recommended among others that, training to the library staff as well as users, proper storage and sensitization on the use of ICTs in Nile High School Library, following up funds to be put in the rightful activities, improving of circulation systems, soliciting for funds from the government and donors, develop disaster preparedness techniques, digitization of information materials for instance by automating them, acquisition of more computers, improving the security of information materials and improving on the state of current awareness services.