Distance learning library services in Ugandan universities

Abstract

The study was about Distance Learning Library Services in Ugandan Universities focusing on Makerere University and Uganda Martyrs University. The study aimed at providing strategies for enhanced distance learning library services in terms of convenience and adequacy.

The study design was cross sectional descriptive survey including both qualitative and quantitative data. SPSS, MS Excel and Ms Word programs were used to analyse and present the relationship between variables.

The findings indicated that distance learning library services provided in upcountry libraries and branch libraries in Universities were inadequate in terms of quality and quantity of services compared to the main libraries in the main campuses. The existing library services were convenient to a few of distance learners who resided nearby main campuses and were not engaged in employment and family responsibilities. For the majority of distance learners who resided far from their main campuses; those who resided near their main campuses but were engaged in employment and had family responsibilities the services were not convenient. About 209(61.8%) of distance learners from the two Universities studied could not easily access the library services provided in the universities and 18(5.3%) did not access at all. Rules and regulations governing library services did not accommodate characteristics of distance learners, library locations, lack of sufficient time, and fear of new technologies were the major constraints identified.

Recommendations given during the study for enhanced distance learning library services included:- An establishment of a distance learning librarian in the universities, flexible regulations, sharing of distance learning library resources and services in Ugandan Universities, lobbying for funds to equip distance learning branch libraries and upcountry centres with relevant library services and provision of off-campus electronic library services