KCCA to build divisional libraries

Mar 11, 2014

KCCA is set to build modern libraries in all the five divisions of Kampala as the population of the city seeking information outgrows the capacity

By Innocent Anguyo and Juliet Waiswa

KAMPALA Capital City Authority (KCCA) is set to build modern libraries in all the five divisions of Kampala as the population of the city seeking information outgrows the capacity of the authority’s only 80-seater library.

Kampala boasts of five divisions including Rubaga, Central, Kawempe, Nakawa and Makindye.

Robert Kayiki, the Officer, Adult Library at KCCA on Monday said the authority has started a sh18m renovation of an existing library in Rubaga. The 80-seater Rubaga library, Kayiki said will be open to the public by mid this year.

Libraries in the other divisions, KCCA said will be constructed in the next few years. Kayiki could not state the amount of money planned for the establishment of the libraries but he confirmed that they will each have a seating capacity of over 80.

Kayiki spoke to the New Vision on the sidelines of training for 30 staff of KCCA conducted by Makerere University. The training conducted in the new Makerere University Library was aimed at improving the ability of KCCA staff to undertake research.

“The staff being trained hold key positions in their units. They will have a multiplier effect in their units,” narrated Kayiki.

The decision to train the staff on modern methods of conducting research especially online, Kayiki said was informed by a need to ensure that all KCCA decisions are anchored on factual information.

“They are being trained on library e-resources and how to access and retrieve electronic information form e-libraries.

From here, they will know how to use the 20 international library resources that KCCA subscribes to. This way, they will give research-based information to the head of their units,” said Kayiki.

Prof Maria Musoke, the Makerere University Librarian urged KCCA to expedite the process of extending library services to divisions because they directly interact with the city’s populace.

“As the population of the city grows, you need to provide information that is relevant, timely and understandable. This will not only improve the reading culture but get library services closer to the residents,” said Musoke.

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