Strategies Used by University Libraries to Support Research needs of Masters and Doctor of Philosophy Students

Abstract

University libraries ought to use structured instructional strategies to help students carry out quality research.  However, the strategies used by libraries to provide post graduate students with research support services in Kenyan universities are not at the desired level.  This study investigated the strategies used by university libraries to provide post graduate students with research support services in Kenyan.  The study used survey research design and convergent parallel mixed methods research approach.  Two universities in Kenya namely the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Egerton University (EU) took part in the survey. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaire administration from a stratified random sample of 404 fourth-year postgraduate students.  Qualitative data was obtained from 2 members of the University Management Board, 2 members of the Directors of Board of Graduate studies, 15 faculty members, 2 university Librarians and 10 senior library staff members who were all purposively selected as key informants of the study.  Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analyzed thematically.  The study established that the university libraries had adopted various strategies aimed at supporting research and the strategies slightly improved beyond basic delivery of manual services to hybrid service models that combine digital and physical access. However, research support discrepancies were experienced. Ultimately, the study recommends measures to alleviate these challenges and make research support services more effective in supporting postgraduate students’ research.