Enhancing Access to Research Information Through Information Dissemination: The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi Secretariat

Abstract

The study explored ways, mechanisms and methodologies of enhancing access to research information through information dissemination while using the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi Secretariat as the case study. This was achieved through four specific objectives which include; examining the existing information dissemination methods, channels and technologies at AERC; determining policy guidelines in information dissemination at AERC; establishing challenges in dissemination of research information at AERC and suggesting best practices in dissemination of research information at AERC. The study applied a quantitative design where quantitative research approach was used. Research questionnaires were the main data collection tools that were used to collect primary information from respondents. The study population was comprised of the information professionals, and researchers at the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi Secretariat who formed a total number of 122 subjects as targeted population. The population was stratified into two strata of information professionals and the researchers’ stratum. A sample of 50 percent was sampled from the population to make a sample of 61 respondents. This was achieved through random sampling techniques given the assumption that all subjects in the same stratum operated under the same environment. The study concluded that there exist many methods, channels and technologies that are used in dissemination of research information at AERC. However, these methods, channels and technologies are faced with several challenges which constraint the process of dissemination of the research information to the targeted audiences. Such challenges include but not limited to poor ICT infrastructure, poor reading culture, inadequate information management personnel, economic constraints to information management activities, curtailing legal framework such as privacy laws and non-adoption of freedom of information in the local legal framework. As such, it is important to appreciate that such challenges need to be addressed through adoption of best practices that promote dissemination of information. These include but not limited to adoption of freedom of information principles, promotion of public interest, promotion of reading culture, improvement of ICT infrastructure and increased funding of research related activities that include dissemination initiatives.

Keywords: Knowledge Management, Dissemination of Research Information, Information Management, Research Information