BY ERIC SINDABI

The University Library Advisory Committee, led by the chairperson Professor Benard Aduda,Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Research and Extension visited the Library Department on 13^th February, 2024 to familiarise with the Library services and facilities.

BY ERIC SINDABI

In a gesture of good will for the dissemination of Knowledge, Egerton University Library Department through the office of the Vice-Chancellor has donated 686 volumes of books to the Nakuru County Assembly to enrich its special library collection.

The donation process commenced in October, 2023 after a formal request by the Clerk of the County Assembly Ms Jane Waweru who had noted in the request letter that the County Assembly Library was soliciting for book donations to meet the growing needs of its readers.

  BY ERIC SINDABI

The University Library Community Outreach team pitched tent at Lions Children’s Home on March 22, 2024 in an event dedicated at fostering a reading culture among young children. The request for the pivotal library activity was initiated by the University Librarian Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui in an official communication to the Children’s Home Administration.

BY ERIC SINDABI

On February 12, 2024 fifty University Library members of staff gathered at the Library’s Resource Centre for a pivotal meeting that was chaired by the University Librarian  Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui.

BY ERIC SINDABI

During the University Library Department’s 16th Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2024, members of staff were sensitised on the department's revised Citizen Service Delivery Charter. This exercise was a key agenda item, aimed at familiarising staff with the revised charter and emphasising its importance following a successful revision.

The need to revise the department’s Citizen Service Delivery Charter was commissioned by University Librarian Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui during the department’s 15th Annual General Meeting on February 9, 2024. The revision was coordinated by the office of the Assistant Librarian in charge of Library Technical Services. The exercise,according to the University Librarian was deemed significant due to the tremendous changes and developments in the University Library's services over the past decade.

The revised University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter includes updates in key areas of library service development, such as the acquisition and dissemination of electronic reading and research materials, the digitisation of research outputs from academic departments, the survey and appraisal of university records, access to university archival records, and the procedures for scanning, printing, and reprographic services. 

The theme of the University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter is: “Expediting Access to Information for Learning, Research, and Other Academic Activities by Constantly Updating Resources, Improving Personal Skills in Library and Information Services, and Participating in National, Regional, and International Information Networks.”

Citizen Service Delivery Charters are published agreements between the public and respective organisations that outline expectations and standards for service and product delivery. These charters were inspired and popularised by ISO 9001, a global body promoting Quality Management Systems. Key components of a Citizen Service Delivery Charter include detailed descriptions of  services, requirements for service delivery, specifications of any fees associated with the service, and the time frame for delivery.

  BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................