Status Of Information Science Faculty And Librarians Collaboratory Research In Selected Kenyan Univeristies

ABSTRACT

The collaboratory research concept is close to two decades old and it entails researchers working together on research projects irrespective of their geographical location resulting in co-authored publications. Collaboratory research could help address teaching, professional and industry based issues facing a host of disciplines. However, despite its potential, collaboratory research in the field of library and information sciences (LIS) is insignificant. This study therefore sought to examine the perception of this concept by LIS professionals in universities in Kenya. The current trends and collaboratory research practices were examined including the priority areas for LIS research. The opportunities and the challenges of collaboratory research were also investigated. The study was informed by Social Capital Theory fronted by Putnam (2000). This theory is about links, shared values and understandings in society that enable individuals and groups to trust each other and work together. A total of 143 respondents comprising of 61 faculty members, 6 chief librarians and 76 librarians from six Kenyan universities offering LIS degree programs constituted the informants for this study. Questionnaires, interview schedules and bibliometrics were used for data collection. A pretesting of the research instruments was conducted targeting respondents from two universities offering LIS programs but were not participating in the study. This helped to ensure validity and reliability of the instruments and data. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The key findings from the study were that research productivity in LIS is still at low levels, that majority of the faculty members and the librarian are familiar with concept of collaboratory research and they believe it can provide a solution to a number of challenges facing LIS profession. The study also found out that collaboratory research practice is still low and where it has happened, this has been to a large extent between colleagues that is between faculty and faculty and between librarians and fellow librarians. The study found low interaction levels between faculty and librarians, absence of working forums, absence of university support and lack of individual commitment as the major bottlenecks to collaboratory research. The study concluded that the uptake of the collaboratory research practice in the LIS profession in Kenya is significantly low. The study recommends that faculty members need to reach out to librarians to share ideas and experiences besides trying their hands in library practice. Librarians should shift from just being custodians and disseminators of information to creators through research besides engaging in teaching. The universities on their part need to come forth and provide support in terms of funds, necessary training and incentives for research. Professional organizations such as the Kenya Library Association (KLA) need to do more in bringing together members of the LIS profession in workshops, seminars and conferences besides helping to maintain links amongst the LIS professional. The individual players on their part need to demonstrate commitment and mutual trust for collaboratory research to flourish. The study proposes a three xv phase model to provide a framework for collaboratory research. The model comprises of the engagement phase, action phase and the conclusion phase that can guide collaboratory research practice now and in the future.