Strategic Planning Practices in Selected Public University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

Strategic planning is fundamental in clarifying the future direction of libraries, establishing priorities, developing a logical foundation when making decisions, and improving the performance of a library. Despite the importance of strategic planning, numerous public university libraries in Kenya lack strategic plans, and those that do are still impacted by factors such as technological changes; inadequately skilled staff and funding; changes in student population demographics; shifts in user expectations; dwindling capitation from the government; and shifts in information seeking behaviour. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which strategic planning practices are carried out in selected public university libraries in Kenya with a view to recommending appropriate interventions to improve the development and implementation of strategic plans in university libraries. The study's objectives were to: establish the existence of strategic plans in university libraries in Kenya; establish the important role that strategic planning plays in the management of information resources in university libraries; examine the environment appropriate for effective use of strategic plans in university libraries; ascertain the effectiveness of the strategic plans used in public university libraries; establish the challenges experienced in the use of strategic plans in public university libraries; and propose appropriate interventions to improve use of strategic plans. The study was underpinned by the Applied Strategic model. The study adopted a mixed methods research approach and convergent parallel research design with concurrent triangulation within a pragmatic philosophical paradigm. Quantitative data was collected by the use of questionnaires while qualitative data was collected by the use of an interview schedule. The study's population comprised of 277 respondents selected from five public universities. The sample size of 134 library staff members was calculated using Yamane's formula, while Deputy Vice Chancellors and Finance Officers were chosen using purposive sampling. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically and findings were presented in tables, charts and graphs while qualitative data was grouped into themes and analyzed thematically according to the topics. The study found that majority of public university libraries 114 (94.8%) did not have their own strategic plans, but that their strategies were embedded into the main strategic plans of their universities. The study also established that 96 (80.7%) of the respondents indicated that strategic planning plays a critical role in public university libraries by defining organizational direction and priorities as one of the roles that scored highly. The study further found that 90(75.6%) of the respondents felt that adequate funding and support from management provided a conducive environment for effective use of strategic plans. Change of priorities, leadership turnover, and funding constitute the major challenges to the implementation of strategic plans in libraries. Other challenges included inadequate qualified staff, a lack of stakeholder involvement in the strategic planning process as well as inadequate sensitization of the library staff. The study concludes that although strategic planning is key to the success of libraries, it is not given the necessary attention it deserves by public university libraries in Kenya. The study recommends that libraries need to develop their strategic plans; involve all stakeholders in strategic planning; use various channels to communicate; recruit more trained staff; improve budget allocation; and use appropriate procedures to come up with realistic and implementable strategic plans.