Kenya National Library Service
The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) was established in August 1965. KNLS is run by a board whose objectives and functions are to:
Promote, establish, equip, manage, maintain and develop libraries in Kenya.
Plan and coordinate library documentation and related services.
Advise the Government, local authorities and other public bodies on all matters related to library documentation.
Provide facilities for the study of, and for training in procedures and techniques of library and information sciences.
Advise the Government on library education and training needs and documentation.
Sponsor arrange or provide facilities for conferences and seminars for discussion of matters in connection with library and related services.
Carry out and encourage research in the development of library and related services.
Participate and assist in campaigns for the eradication of illiteracy.
Stimulate public interest in books and promote reading for knowledge, information and enjoyment.
Acquire books produced in and outside Kenya.
Publish the National Bibliography of Kenya and provide bibliographical and reference service.
The KNLS headquarters library in Nairobi opened its doors in 1969 with an initial book stock of about 40,000 volumes. It was housed in the wooden premises which is currently occupied by the Bureau of Registration of Persons on Community Hill. The library moved to its present premises in April, 1974.
During the first decade, the KNLS was able, through funding from the Government and donor agencies such as the British Council, Norad and Unesco, to set up libraries in all provincial headquarters in Kenya. The first to be opened was the Kisumu Provincial Library (1969). followed by Embu (1970). Then followed Nyeri (1971), Kakamega in 1972. and Eldoret in 1976. Others were: Nakuru (1976), Mombasa (1976), Garissa (1980). Kisii and Thika (1981), Kericho (1982), Meru (1985), Wundanyi (1987) and Kaharnet (1987).
The KNLS operates a mobile library service in and around Nairobi, Eloret, Embu, Kisumu. Mombasa Nyeri, Kakamega and Kaharnet.
Through its motto Reading is Knowledge, the KNLS aims at becoming "The People's University" through the provision of lifelong free opportunity for all wananchi to pursue knowledge. In this regard the KNLS aims at:
Supplementing formal education.
Supporting all formal education, i.e. vocational education.
Facilitating reading for knowledge, information and research necessary for the development of the nation.
Encouraging reading in relation to people's jobs and occupations.
Promoting the use of books and non-book materials for individual intellectual development.
Developing reading habits and reading capabilities of both children and adults.
Facilitating reading for purposeful use of leisure time.
Alongside this. the KNLS board also provides the following services:
Children's Library Service:
The children's library at the headquarters has a stock of well over 8,000 volumes in a wide range of subjects. The services are also available at all KNLS branches.
Adult Lending Service:
The adult lending at KNLS, Nairobi Area library was set up in 1990 and has more than 300,000 books for home use. Each reader is allowed to borrow two books for two weeks which can be renewed for another two weeks provided no other reader requires them.
Reference Service:
The library provides standard reference books such as dictionaries, encyclopedia, year books etc. These are normally not available to loan.
Postal Services:
For people who live away from the existing library points, the Nairobi Area library operates a lending service by post. Each reader can borrow two books for four weeks.
Training Function:
The KLNS Board is charged with sponsoring, arranging and providing facilities for conferences and seminars for discussion of matters in connection with services.
Service to Schools
The establishment of a National School Library service in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and donor agencies.
School Advisory Service which assists with organization of school library materials and service training for teacher librarians.
Book Donations
KNLS is the soul book distributing agent for Book Aid International, a charitable organization based in the UK.
Bibliographic Roles
One of the major roles played by the KNLS is the publishing of the Kenya National Bibliography. It also publishes the Kenya Periodical Directory, a biannual publication.
The Books and Newspapers Act requires every local publisher to deposit two copies of each of their new publications for KNLS. KNLS is also a legal depository library for World Bank publications in Kenya.
KNLS is the centre for International Standard Book Number (ISBN), an identification code assigned to publication denoting details such as area or country, publisher, title and actual copy of the title. Plans are underway to have KNLS as a centre for International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and to be members of the international body on periodicals.
KNLS is also a focal point for maintaining mailing lists for international contacts and exchange programs and records a total of 105 KNB subscribers and 117 institutions in exchange programs.
Computerization
They have also embarked on a computerization for more efficiency to cope with the demand of a growing population and a changing society. The computerization process will be implemented in three phases and will enable the library to maintain its records and ease access to information.
The first phase is to be funded by the Government at a cost of Sh I million. The library has already started storing important documents and reading materials in microfiche.
Current
During 1995/96 financial year, KNLS bought books worth SH 5 million which have been distributed to their 17 branches countrywide. Currently, KNLS has a stock of 600,000 books and registered membership of 223,000.
All the KNLS libraries are open Monday to Thursday, 9.30- 6.30pm; Friday, 9.30-4:00pm, Saturday 9.30-1:00pm. The libraries are closed Sundays and public holidays.
Sources:
Article supplied by Kenya National Library Services,"National Libraries of the Commonwealth" COMLA Newsletter 91,13:15(October 1996) Flag Image Credits
Kenya
