Outsourcing information communication technology services in selected public university libraries in Kenya
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Date
2016-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Outsourcing is a management strategy that is gradually proving its worth in library and information science. The
purpose of this study was to investigate the outsourcing of ICT services in selected public university libraries in
Kenya in order to establish the challenges facing libraries in outsourcing ICT services. The study adopted a multicase study strategy in four selected public university libraries in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to identify
respondents. Data collection was done using a semi-structured interview schedule. The findings reveal that public
university libraries in Kenya outsource ICT services such as Internet, e-resources and derive benefits such as cost
cutting, knowledge and skills acquisition and economies of scale. The study noted that ICT policies and
procurement laws are inadequate in guiding the outsourcing processes. The study found that ICT service processes
had various challenges such as high cost and loss of control of the services due to relying heavily on the vendors. The
study concluded that there was a need for the library management to be conversant with outsourcing procedures,
such as negotiation of contracts, to gain more from outsourced ICT services. The study recommended that the
university libraries develop, review and implement ICT outsourcing policies. The university management should
involve librarians in the outsourcing process and implementation
Description
Peer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso journal, Volume 8 Number 1, Jan 2016, p. 44 – 56
Keywords
Information Communication Technology, Information Systems, ICT Outsourcing, Public Procurement Act, Public University Libraries
Citation
Mwai, N., Kiplang’at, J. and Gichoya, D., 2016. Outsourcing information communication technology services in selected public university libraries in Kenya. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 8(1), pp.44-56.