Assessment of Library and Information Services at Uganda National Roads Authority

Abstract

The study assessed the Library and Information Services Provision at the UNRA Library with the aim of identifying the services provide challenges faced so as to improve Library and Information Services provision at the Library. The objectives of the study were to: 1) establish the range of information resources available in the UNRA Library, 2) identify library and information services provided by the UNRA Library, 3) establish challenges hindering UNRA library in delivering library and information services and 4) suggest strategies for improving Library and Information services by the UNRA Library. The study emphasized the importance of efficient library service provision for improving organizational performance. The study used a case study research design to maintain focus on identifying viable strategies for improving UNRA library services. The study adopted interviews, questionnaires, observation and document review methods to collect data from 45 participants. Participants were chosen from UNRA headquarters through random and purposive sampling. The findings of the study revealed that the UNRA Library has a range of information resources and users were found to occasionally utilize the resources offered by the UNRA library, such as standards and specifications, books and reports, policy papers, journals and periodicals, government publications and online databases, for various tasks. The key Library and Information services included orientation services, circulation services, current awareness services, indexing and knowledge management services, reference and research assistance services, selective dissemination of information, document delivery and interlibrary loans. The major challenges identified included limited resources, insufficient e-resources, limited specialized content on UNRA operations and lack of awareness among UNRA staff as well as lack of library management policy. The study concludes that while the UNRA Library provides basic services, significant gaps remain in specialized services, resource currency, accessibility and awareness. The lack of prioritization for services for persons with disabilities is a critical oversight. Addressing these shortcomings is essential for enhancing the library’s role in supporting UNRA's mission and goals. It is recommended that UNRA Library should address budget constraints to ensure regular updating and acquisition of current resources, prioritize services for persons with disabilities by ensuring the physical infrastructure is fully accessible, including ramps and elevators and invest in retooling staff with training in key subject areas relevant to UNRA, such as road construction, promoting awareness of the Library services to the staff is also critical.