Guidelines for improving library services at Supreme Court Library

Abstract

The study aimed at providing guidelines for improving library services for Supreme Court Library (SCL). The objectives of the project were to; establish the current status of library services at the Supreme Court Library, how library services are managed, the challenges of providing library services and come up with the best guidelines for improving library services. The study adopted a case study design while adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection. Interview, questionnaire and observation methods of data collection were used. The study used purposive sampling method to select 62 respondents who participated in the study. The library services offered by SCL were; library orientation, circulation service, photocopying, assistance in locating library materials, exhibition and display, reference services, reading space. The librarians also use the face to face interactions with the library users to update them about the news and updates in the library, notice boards and the library’s face book page. The challenges faced in delivering the library services were; poor library orientation, inadequate information materials, strict rules and regulations, un friendly librarian, small reading room, lack of a library catalogue, inadequate funds, inadequate reading room, inadequate storage space, inadequate computers in the library, and low turn up for library users during orientation. The strategies to improve on the library services were; employing qualified staff, providing more space for reading, allocating funds to the library and provision of computers and internet in the library. The study concluded that the guidelines for improving library services at SCL would help in provision of services that meet the uses needs. The study recommended that displaying new books, need for a written code of ethics in the library, user education programs, need for more effective methods to offer services, and promoting a library as a learning center.