Information Services Delivery in Librarians, Constraints and Prospects

Abstract

This study sought to investigate information services delivery in selected academic and research libraries located in Dar es Salaam region, and especially examining their constraints and prospects. The study included 60 (sixty) respondents who were sampled from three selected Academic and Research Libraries. These libraries were from, The University College of Land and Architectural Studies (UCLAS); The Institute of Finance Management (IFM); and Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College (TUDARCO). Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and interview. The findings of this study show that, although many users have positive attitudes towards the current system of information services delivery, yet, others are not satisfied with the current services delivery. The critical constraints identified as hindering effective and efficient of information services delivery in academic and research libraries were mainly lack of funds, few numbers of librarians compared to users, limited space in libraries as compared to large expansion of students, lack of enough and up dated materials in the libraries as well as poor ICT facilities for information accessing. These libraries have equally helped users to reach their goals in terms of doing researches, examination preparation and doing further studies for their knowledge enhancement. It is recommended that the use of modern technology OCT) can facilitate information services delivery in an effective and efficiently so as to support the objectives of libraries as well as user's need in Tanzania. Also, libraries need to be given high priorities in planning especially increasing their budgets so that they can acquire enough materials and increase their space.