Abstract:
Information centre is the main core source of knowledge skills and a central place in every learning institution. However, much has been done but accessing its resources and utilizing them has not been optimally used. The study aims to investigate on determinants of access to and utilization of information centres services, focusing on the specific case of Nyeri National Polytechnic. The main objectives of this research were to: Establish the factors that enhance access and utilization of information centres services in academic information centres; evaluate the influence of training on access and utilization of the resource learning center at Nyeri National Polytechnic and assess the challenges facing provision for access and utilization of information centres services in Nyeri National .Uses and Gratification theory (UGT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) theory were used since they signified the relationship pattern between the students and the information centre The study accepts a comprehensive approach, which encompasses the use of descriptive statistics which involves the summary and presentation of findings from data collected utilizing a qualitative technique which was thematically used to examine and statistical package for social science(SPSS) was used to evaluate quantitative data in research methods. The Slovins mathematical formula was used to get a sample size of 365 respondents. The population of the study was the registered users which consisted of 4000 students, 10 information centres staff and 173 lecturers of Nyeri National Polytechnic. Questionnaires and documentary reviews were used to collect data. The selection was done through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The study found that poor quality of resources, the low turnout of information centre staff, technology integration being low: lack of awareness, lack of enough and outdated materials, and inadequate training programs like user education, digital literacy and information literacy skills as the major challenges by all the students and trainers, other challenges included poor arrangement information materials according to the recognized order that is colour, call numbers. The recommendations of the study at the Nyeri National Polytechnic is that a comprehensive meeting should be conducted between the information centres staff and school administrators to organize a seminar or workshop on user education programs curb this low usage of information centres services and resources. Data was presented in form of tables for easier calculations and understanding.
