posted on 2014-02-13, 13:40authored byJaphet N. Otike
The study investigates the provision of legal information to the legal community in three areas
of Kenya, namely, Eldoret, Kisumu and Nairobi. It endeavours to ascertain whether the provision
of information in the areas studied is adequate to meet the growing and varying needs of
members of the legal community. Data was collected by use of semi-structured interviews and
structured observation. Information was collected from members of the legal community in their
capacity as users of information, and librarians in their official capacity as providers of
information.
The study examines the performance of legal information services in the context of user needs
and current library and information service provision. It investigates the information needs and
information seeking habits of the legal profession, and examines the problems experienced by
users and providers of information.
The research concludes that the provision of legal information is inadequate to meet the needs
of the legal profession. The major causes of this situation are inadequate funding from
government, and the negative attitude of decision makers in government ministries and
organisations towards libraries. It is observed that if this situation is not addressed, it is likely
to have a negative effect on legal development.