STUDENTS PERCEPTION ON ACCESSING LIBRARY INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISIONS AT GLOBAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Abstract

The study explored student theological professionals' opinions about using Library and Information Services (LIS) at the Global Theological Seminary (GTS) Library in Jinja. The research established three main objectives to examine LIS delivery services and utilization metrics while determining user demands and collecting staff insights regarding operational delivery. The research team used both interviews with regular library users including 5 lecturers and 10 students together with participant observation and document examination to gather data. Students preferred using physical theological books rather than digital collections distributed by The GTS Library in Jinja because they face difficulties accessing digital research materials caused by weak network connectivity and an insufficient digital library framework. Students encountered barriers to complete resource utilization because of the reduced hours during which the library operated. Students declared their powerful desire for additional digital resources combined with quiet study areas and group spaces as well as extended service hours yet librarians could not address these requirements because of staffing and infrastructure constraints. The research demonstrated that students require better digital infrastructure combined with prolonged library availability as well as enhanced research support because their needs remain unmet. Improvements in digital resource systems together with active research assistance programs and expanded library service times will promote increased student interaction with library facilities. Future investigations should focus on both digital resources effectiveness in student learning while studying the training requirements librarians need in theological educational settings.