Purpose: This study assessed Kenya Library Association
(KLA) and Kenya Association of Records Managers’
and Archivists (KARMA) members’ perceptions on the
performance of their professional associations’ with a
view to determining members’ level of participation in
programmes/activities and challenges, if any.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used descriptive
survey design to collect data from members and get their
opinions, suggestions, and attitude about the KLA and
KARMA using questionnaires and face-to-face interview.
The study used purposeful sampling techniques to sample
80 KLA and 44 KARMA members out of a population of
a population of 102 and 54, respectively. A pilot study of 10
respondents at the Association of Government Librarians
(AGL) helped refine research instruments. Collected data
was cleaned, coded and analysed using Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPPS) program to perform descriptive
statistics such as means, percentages and frequency tables.
Findings: Findings showed that the majority of respondents’
agreed that the associations contribute immensely to the
development of the information profession in Kenya.
However, the study revealed 58 (60.4%) were neither
satisfied nor dissatisfied with the programmes and activities
of KLA and KARMA; they were not sure if the programmes
met their expectations. The majority 72 (75%) were not
involved in their associations programmes while 24 (25%)
stated that they were involved. When asked to explain the
response given, most of those who stated that they were not
involved cited arbitrary decisions by the executive board
and even misuse of resources by some officials.
Implication: This study has implications on the various
programmes offered by KLA, KARMA and other
information science professional organizations and how
they are perceived by members. Originality/Value: It was recommended that KLA and
KARMA enhance members’ participation in decision
making; increase enrolment of new members; improve
communication from the secretariat and explore ways of
cessation of in-house rivalry and in-fighting among officials.
Purpose: This study assessed Kenya Library Association
(KLA) and Kenya Association of Records Managers’
and Archivists (KARMA) members’ perceptions on the
performance of their professional associations’ with a
view to determining members’ level of participation in
programmes/activities and challenges, if any.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used descriptive
survey design to collect data from members and get their
opinions, suggestions, and attitude about the KLA and
KARMA using questionnaires and face-to-face interview.
The study used purposeful sampling techniques to sample
80 KLA and 44 KARMA members out of a population of
a population of 102 and 54, respectively. A pilot study of 10
respondents at the Association of Government Librarians
(AGL) helped refine research instruments. Collected data
was cleaned, coded and analysed using Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPPS) program to perform descriptive
statistics such as means, percentages and frequency tables.
Findings: Findings showed that the majority of respondents’
agreed that the associations contribute immensely to the
development of the information profession in Kenya.
However, the study revealed 58 (60.4%) were neither
satisfied nor dissatisfied with the programmes and activities
of KLA and KARMA; they were not sure if the programmes
met their expectations. The majority 72 (75%) were not
involved in their associations programmes while 24 (25%)
stated that they were involved. When asked to explain the
response given, most of those who stated that they were not
involved cited arbitrary decisions by the executive board
and even misuse of resources by some officials.
Implication: This study has implications on the various
programmes offered by KLA, KARMA and other
information science professional organizations and how
they are perceived by members. Originality/Value: It was recommended that KLA and
KARMA enhance members’ participation in decision
making; increase enrolment of new members; improve
communication from the secretariat and explore ways of
cessation of in-house rivalry and in-fighting among officials.
