The university of Dar es Salaam transformation programme's implications on the resources and information services provision of it's two colleges

Abstract

This study examined implications of the University' of Dar es Salaam Institutional Transformation Programme (ITP) on resources and information services provision at the University College of Lands and Architectural Studies (UCLAS) and the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) Libraries. First it investigated the new demands in terms of library/information services, information resources (both print and non-print), facilities including IT facilities, library space, and human resources, which emerged as a result of UDSM 2000 Transformation Programme. Challenges facing librarians and other library staff working at UCLAS and MUCHS libraries in terms of managing transition from the old set up to the new set up, reorganization and policies, acquisition of resources and facilities are analyzed. Further, it investigated on the extent of current information resources, facilities/IT facilities, human resources, library space and services provision at MUCHS and UCLAS libraries in meeting the information needs of the new environment. In addition, this work looked at the reasons for shortfalls ~d recommended ways for addressing them. The study employed case study methods to investigate this problem. Instruments used to collect data include a self-administered questionnaire, a structured interview schedule, personal observation, focus group discussion and review of published and unpublished documents. The findings of the study have established that University of Dar es salaam 2000 Transformation Programmes (ITP) has raised new demands and challenges as regards to resources and information services provision. The findings also disclosed that the two college libraries' information resources/services, staffing, library space, IT facilities and equipment were inadequate in both quantity and quality to meet the new demands and challenges. The study concludes that the absence of a library policy, inadequate funding, inadequate training to both users and library staff, lack of equipment/access to PC, lack of access to information resources, inadequate marketing strategies of services/resources, and poor management of both print and electronic information resources at MUCHS and UCLAS are the major reasons for the shortfalls in library resources/information services prOVIsIOn. The proposed recommendations in this study to be considered include improved library collectioh, improved human resources capacity, resource mobilisation, allocation of more funds to libraries, and provision of more ICT facilities. The study also cites improved marketing of library services/resources, expansion of library building, improved public relations, networking and co-operation, conducting frequent user needs assessment and provision of a library policy and user education. Few areas for further research have been suggested in this study.