The Role of National Library in Development of Public Libraries in Uganda: A Case Study of Uganda National Library.
Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kabale University
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the role of the Uganda National Library (UNL) in the development of public libraries. Its specific objectives were to determine the role of UNL in the development of public libraries in Uganda, identify the challenges UNL faces in this regard, and suggest possible solutions to these challenges. A mixed research approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods, was employed. Using purposive sampling, 36 respondents were selected for the study. The researcher utilized both open-ended and close-ended questionnaires. The study was conducted over 11 months, from April to February 2024.
The findings indicated that the majority of respondents (28%) identified enforcing the legal deposit law as the primary role of the UNL in the development of public libraries, while the smallest group (6%) cited the preservation of cultural heritage. Regarding challenges, all respondents (36) pointed to inadequate funding as the major issue. For potential solutions, the most common suggestion (42% of respondents) was advocating for increased government funding, while the least common (11%) was implementing training programs.
In conclusion, the majority of respondents highlighted several key roles of the UNL in the development of public libraries: enforcing the legal deposit law, community outreach, preserving cultural heritage, inspecting public national libraries, providing technical, professional, and advisory services, and compiling national bibliographic books. The study emphasized the need for the Ugandan government to provide sufficient funding to UNL to support its budget and enable it to function effectively.
Description
Keywords
Role, National Library, Development, Public Libraries, Uganda, Uganda National Library
Citation
Ahumuza, Pretty (2024). The Role of National Library in Development of Public Libraries in Uganda: A Case Study of Uganda National Library. Kabale: Kabale University.