Mechanisms Used by Academic Libraries in Kenya to Enhance Webometrics Ranking

George M. Wamahiga

doi:10.2022/ajest.v7i3.873

George M. Wamahiga Library Department, Karatina University, 957 – 10101 Karatina, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2022/ajest.v7i3.873

Keywords: Webometrics, Academic Libraries, Ranking Mechanism, Kenya

Abstract

Libraries essentially provide equal and fair access to information. Thus, they have a significant influence on the Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries affect Webometrics ranking through the generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms used by academic libraries in Kenya to enhance Webometrics ranking and to analyse the extent to which Webometrics ranking mechanisms in place in university libraries in Kenya have been successful. The study established that mechanisms put in place to enhance the participation of university libraries in Kenya in the Webometrics ranking include improved use and submission of e-resources as well as promotion of high-quality research in the institutions. Webometrics ranking mechanisms currently in place at the university libraries in Kenya have only been moderately successful. The findings of this study may be used by other institutions of higher learning on the mechanisms they can adopt to increase the capacities of their academic libraries so as to improve the contribution of these libraries to Webometrics and consequently to the overall ranking of the individual universities nationally and internationally.

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