Collection management for user satisfaction at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology library, Kenya

Academic libraries support curriculum and research, with collection management encompassing functions like selecting, acquiring, storing, and maintaining collections cost-effectively. However, changing demands, budgets, and technology keep libraries on the move, potentially leading to user dissatisfaction. The purpose of the study was to establish the status of collection management on user satisfaction at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Library, Kenya. The study was guided by expectancy-disconfirmation theory. The study adopted a descriptive design, and the target population was library managers, section heads, library staff, and postgraduate students. Census sampling was used to select the deputy university librarian (DUL), technical staff, circulation staff, and reference librarian, and then a simple random sampling method was applied to postgraduate students’ strata. The sample size for the study was 105 respondents. Questionnaires were administered to the postgraduate students and library staff, while an interview schedule was used to collect data from the deputy university librarian. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found out that MMUST Library has a well-established collection of print and electronic resources but faces deficiencies in multimedia and audio-visual materials. A robust institutional policy was in place; however, there were deficiencies in some processes like weeding practices, essential for maintaining a relevant collection. The library suffers from inadequate budgetary allocations and funding that affect its optimum operations. The study concluded by underscoring the significance of a well-balanced and diversified collection enhancing user satisfaction. The study recommended an improvement in collection management for user satisfaction and enhancement of digital collections to serve diverse academic disciplines.