The Contribution of Continuous Staff Development Programs to Service Delivery at Kabale University Library

Abstract

Continuous staff development programmes are vital for staff because they ensure that they remain with relevant skills needed for their performance. This study examined the contribution of continuous staff development programmes to service delivery at Kabale University Library to recommend strategies to improve service delivery within the university library based on the study findings. The study's objectives were to: identify continuous staff development programs that have been implemented at Kabale University Library; ii) to determine the efficacy of continuous staff development programs towards service delivery at Kabale University Library; iii) to examine the challenges faced in the implementation of continuous staff development programs at Kabale University Library; and iv) to recommend strategies to improve continuous staff development programs at Kabale University Library. This study used a case study research design and a mixed methods research approach. The study population was composed of 30 people who were all adopted as the sample size (cluster sample size). Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and structured interviews. The study findings revealed that the continuous staff development programs implemented at Kabale University Library included workshops, conferences, seminars, online courses, higher education, in-house training, study visits, networking, on-the-job training, case studies, mentorship and coaching and digital literacy pieces of training. They study findings also demonstrated that continuous staff development programs improved staff competencies and expertise, enhanced staff professionalism, improved information access in the university library, facilitated the provision of quality university library services and enhanced customer satisfaction. The challenges faced included time constraints, poor staff attitudes, low motivation levels, inadequate training facilities, limited continuous development programs, limited funding, among others. It was concluded that Kabale University Library ought to adopt continuous staff development programs which promote the dissemination of information and knowledge transmission, should implement continuous staff development programs which enhance efficiency and effectiveness during service provision and that the challenges which affects the implementation of continuous staff development programs needed to be resolved. The study recommended strengthening communication and awareness about available continuous staff development programs, staff involvement in planning and implementation of continuous staff development programs and developing strategies to address the challenges faced as ways for improving continuous staff development programs at Kabale University library.