Utilisation of library and information services in the Ugandan Judiciary

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the utilisation of library and information services in the Ugandan Judiciary. The study was guided by the following objective; to determine library and information services provided in the Ugandan Judiciary, to establish the reasons for utilisation and how library and information services are utilised in the Ugandan judiciary, to establish the factors affecting utilization of library and information services in the Ugandan Judiciary and to propose areas of intervention concerning utilisation of library and information services in the Ugandan Judiciary. The study was guided by Saracevic-Kantor theory of use-oriented value of library and information services. Participants were drawn from 2 selected libraries of the High Court (criminal division) and the Supreme Court. Out of 5 intended interviews 4 were conducted and out of 196 questionnaires distributed 190 were fully filled giving a total of 195 respondents. The study adopted Descriptive Research design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A combination of instruments, which included questionnaires and interview guide were used. The study found out that if library and information services are well utilised in the Ugandan Judiciary effective administration of justice in Uganda could be achieved. The study also established that, there were challenges that affect the utilisation of library and information services in the Ugandan Judiciary and these include; insufficient Internet services and bandwidth, lack of up to date library and information services, inadequate current information, insufficient funding, and limited library facilities. To overcome the challenges and attain effective utilisation of library and information services, the study recommends digitization of both libraries, user training, increasing the bandwidth, allocating more funds to the library, and formulation of viable policies that guide librarians on how best they can provide library and information services to their users thus effective administration of justice in Uganda. This study has added literature on the utilisation of library and information services in the finding