The Library Department held its 7th Library Open/Academic Integrity Week on 14th – 16th April 2021. The theme of the event was “Open Access & Academic Integrity for a Knowledgeable Society”. The library highlighted virtual services and digital content offered to remote users especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
It was against this that the Library took three days to showcase its services, resources and facilities particularly on how to access and use electronic information resources using virtual private network (VPN) and Remotex that allows the university community access these services online from anywhere at any time.
The event was opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor-RIE Professor Madara Ogot who emphasized on the need of embracing online information resources to satisfy library user needs since most libraries have closed their physical buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online libraries remain open for business and continue to support their communities with resources, services and programs. He emphasized the need to use the information resources in an ethical manner.
The Director, Library Service Ms. Angela Mumo on her part highlighted on the mission of the library in the new normal. The mission is geared towards providing quality information services that will empower the University in carrying out its core activities of teaching, learning, research, and community services/consultancy. She encouraged participants to engage the online library which is reach in information resources and services.
On Wednesday, April 14, the participants were taken through the following: The dynamics of library services in the new normal; publishing using open access databases to improve research discovery; writing a thesis and journal paper; and plagiarism, academic integrity and use Turnitin similarity software.
Day two, Thursday, April 15, the library demonstrated how to access electronic information resources and services remotely, open access information resources, University of Nairobi Digital Repository. Using open access datasets for research discovery, donor mapping, collaborators & mitigating predatory publishing was also discussed and demonstrated.
On day three, Friday, April 16, the library showcased its services and facilities for persons with disabilities (PWD), as well as bindery services.
