BY ERIC SINDABI

The University Library department held a training session on January 17, 2025, to introduce staff and students to the e.Library USA, an online resource initiative facilitated by the United States of America Embassy in Kenya. The event, which combined both in-person and virtual participation, targeted undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as library staff, with a total of sixty participants in attendance.

The American Spaces programme, a U.S. foreign policy initiative aims at promoting education and recreation through a range of free online resources and services to enhance academic and personal development. Participants were guided on how to register and access a wide array of materials, including academic resources such as journal articles, theses, e-books, media materials like U.S.-based magazines, newspapers, and films, as well as other informational content.

Beyond providing digital learning tools, the American Spaces programme offers additional services that extend its educational and cultural scope. These include information and guidance on studying in the United States, cultural and historical insights about the U.S., and opportunities for exchange programmes. The initiative also supports civic education on democracy, skills-building workshops, alumni engagement, and fellowship opportunities in the U.S.

“This training is part of the library’s commitment to equipping students and staff with the tools they need to access and utilize global knowledge,” said Mr.Rotich during the session.

Mr. Asutsa expressed enthusiasm of the programme’s potential of empowerment and benefits   especially its focus on free access to quality resources and educational opportunities stressing that the programme aims to bridge the gap between local academic needs and global knowledge systems. Mr.Kazungu on the other hand, noted that the collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and the Kenya National Library Services underscores the value of fostering international partnerships to enhance education and cultural ideals in Kenya.

  BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................

BY ERIC SINDABI

During the University Library Department’s 16th Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2024, members of staff were sensitised on the department's revised Citizen Service Delivery Charter. This exercise was a key agenda item, aimed at familiarising staff with the revised charter and emphasising its importance following a successful revision.

The need to revise the department’s Citizen Service Delivery Charter was commissioned by University Librarian Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui during the department’s 15th Annual General Meeting on February 9, 2024. The revision was coordinated by the office of the Assistant Librarian in charge of Library Technical Services. The exercise,according to the University Librarian was deemed significant due to the tremendous changes and developments in the University Library's services over the past decade.

The revised University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter includes updates in key areas of library service development, such as the acquisition and dissemination of electronic reading and research materials, the digitisation of research outputs from academic departments, the survey and appraisal of university records, access to university archival records, and the procedures for scanning, printing, and reprographic services. 

The theme of the University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter is: “Expediting Access to Information for Learning, Research, and Other Academic Activities by Constantly Updating Resources, Improving Personal Skills in Library and Information Services, and Participating in National, Regional, and International Information Networks.”

Citizen Service Delivery Charters are published agreements between the public and respective organisations that outline expectations and standards for service and product delivery. These charters were inspired and popularised by ISO 9001, a global body promoting Quality Management Systems. Key components of a Citizen Service Delivery Charter include detailed descriptions of  services, requirements for service delivery, specifications of any fees associated with the service, and the time frame for delivery.

BY ERIC SINDABI

On February 12, 2024 fifty University Library members of staff gathered at the Library’s Resource Centre for a pivotal meeting that was chaired by the University Librarian  Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui.