Utilization and Dissemination of Information Resources in District Information and Documentation Centres in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Access to government-related information through District Information and Documentation Centres (DIDCs) is essential in monitoring development programs in counties and the nation at large. However, Kenyans remain detached from the government because of low levels of accountability. Low levels of accountability are associated with corruption, mismanagement, and poor service delivery which are likely to slow down development projects in the sub-counties. This study sought to assess utilization and dissemination of information resources in DIDCs in Kisumu County. This study aimed to: determine the level of awareness among users of DIDCs, establish the extent to which users utilize DIDCs, describe the strategies that DIDC staff employ to facilitate user utilization of information resources in DIDCs, and examine the challenges that DIDC staff face in providing information to users. The study was guided by Richard Oliver’s Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory. This study employed the descriptive survey design and mixed-methods approach to investigate the research objectives. The study was conducted in four sub-counties of Kisumu County: Kisumu Central, Seme, Muhoroni, and Nyando. The sub-counties were purposely selected because they host DIDCs in densely populated areas in their respective ministries with a target population of 205,935. Using Taro Yarmane’s formula, the study used a sample of 400 users and 20 DIDC staff. Random sampling was used to select participants of the study. DIDC User Questionnaires and DIDC Staff Interview Schedule were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The data collection instruments were piloted with 10% of the participants. Reliability was determined using the test-retest method. Construct validity of the data collection instruments was ensured by deriving the questionnaire items from evidence presented in literature relevant to this study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics like frequency tables and percentages. Qualitative data was categorized into themes and sub-themes as they emerged to make meaningful narratives for purposes of triangulating the quantitative results. Findings suggest that a significant number of users lack awareness on the products and services offered by DIDCs. This is associated with reduced visits and utilization of information resources in DIDCs. The study recommends use of workshops and open-days to create awareness about the products and services, and adequate funding for staffing and procurement of current and relevant documents. Librarians, information technologists, and records management personnel, and policy makers may use the findings of this study to improve service delivery for user awareness and utilization, and enhance users’ experiences in using government documentation centres for information seeking.