Constraints to Utilization of E-Books in Private Universities in Kenya

The integration of e-books in academic libraries has not only created opportunities (e.g. e-books are remotely accessible and available around the clock, can potentially lead to savings in physical space in the library, can prevent or reduce the loss of, and damage to, books and are more readily integrated with virtual learning environments (VLEs)), but has also created some challenges (e.g. acquisition and collection development, standards and technology management and access and circulation). E-books offer many advantages compared to traditional published works. The main objectives of this book are to present the results of a survey designed to: 1. Establish awareness by academic staff of the existence of e-books in their university library. 2. Determine e-book usage among academic staff in university libraries. 3. Establish academic staff ICT skills with regard to e-book usage in university libraries. 4. To find out the attitude of academic staff vis-à-vis e-book utilization. Although universities in Kenya are paying a lot of money to subscribe to e-books, their availability in university libraries has not had a major impact on the teaching, learning and research.