Determining Access and Use of Library Information Resources among Students at Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Nakuru County, Kenya

This study aims to establish the availability of information resources at Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) library to meet students' information needs. The study examines the access and utilization of library information resources among students at RVNP library to fulfill their information needs and analysing users' experience with the information resources at RVNP library in meeting their educational needs. Library information resources are vital for supporting students' learning, research, and academic achievements. Despite the availability of the resources, there are challenges related to access and utilization that impede their effective use. There is a need to gain a comprehensive understanding of how students access and utilize library information resources, and to explore the potential benefits that contribute to their academic success. The research used the Expectation Confirmation Theory to inform the study and employed qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study selected 206 students using stratified random sampling and engaged one librarian through convenience sampling. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to students and a face-to-face interview with the librarian. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while thematic content analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The study revealed that books are the primary information resources in TVET libraries, with electronic resources being scarce. Additionally, students face challenges in utilizing information resources, with inadequate resources being the most prevalent obstacle. This study recommend that RVNP library should prioritise investments in electronic resources to stay relevant in today's technologically-driven environment.