THEME: Only One Earth; Living Sustainably In Harmony With Nature

BY.ERIC SINDABI

The Library Department is showcasing a collection of books on environmental conservation and climate change at the Reference and Information Services section, Main Library. The aim of this special display is to sensitise the University community on the importance of environmental conservation and the effects of climate change.

The display according to the In-charge Readers’ Services Division Ms Sally Kiplangat, is in line with the ongoing global attention on the effects of climate change and the need for stakeholders to rethink their mandate in putting up sustainable environmental protection measures and policies as well as dealing with the effects of climate change.

“The Library hopes that the special display will inspire a reading culture and research on environmental protection and climate change’’, she said.

Egerton University is a leading environmental conservation and protection stakeholder in Kenya. Through the University’s “Run for the Mau Cross-Country” annual event, it raises funds and awareness towards the conservation of the Mau Complex Forest and the resident Njoro River that cuts through the University vicinity.

On 13^th November 2023 the university hosted a tree planting event in which over 6,000 trees were planted to mark the National Tree Growing Day.

The event was in line with the Universitty’s “Adopt A Forest” initiative to support the 15billion Presidential Tree Planting Campaign. The initiative was launched on May 18^th 2023 by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi accompanied by PS Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono, PS State Department for Basic Education Dr.Richard Kipsang, Nakuru County Deputy Governor Hon. Dr.Davis Kones and Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi.

BY ERIC SINDABI

Supporting colleagues’ morally, socially and financially is a noble gesture. This was observed during the colourful 20^th Annual General Meeting of the Egerton University Library Staff Welfare Association held on December 8^th 2023 at the CoELIB Conference Hall.

Patron of the welfare, the University Librarian, Mrs  Janegrace Kinyanjui urged the members to consider uplifting the welfare’s objectives to a higher level through ample savings and sincere commitment. She noted that it was important for the members to continue supporting each other because as colleagues, they are like a family.

The patron further encouraged the welfare members to cultivate an avid savings and borrowing culture through the welfare’s savings and credit scheme to uplift the financial sustainability and liquidity status of the welfare. She however cautioned the members against defaulting borrowed money because it was unethical to refuse to repay borrowed money from anyone or public entity.

The Chairperson of the group Mr.George Kira while thanking the patron and members for their continued support for the continuity of the welfare, observed that the activities of the welfare had drastically been affected by the unprecedented financial challenges that gripped members and the University since the year 2020 Covid 19 pandemic devastative effects.

“This peculiarity devastated members and interfered with their financial obligations including contributing to their savings scheme and loans repayments to the welfare’’ said the Chairperson adding that the welfare management discussed with  the affected  members on a personal level where some pledged to differ  their savings contributions and loan repayments.

Thirty members out of the current fifty two graced the occasion while the occasion was also used to host a send-off party to four members who recently retired from the University. Egerton University Staff Welfare Association was mooted in the year 2003 as a social welfare group. Its objectives include offering moral and social support to members while engaging in small scale savings, credit and investment activities.

Members come together to support sick or bereaved members morally and financially and also support and encouragement to members holding social functions like graduation, marriage, ‘house-warming’ and other individual ceremonies. The welfare conducts its financial operations through a savings account at the Egerton University Savings and Credit Cooperation.

BY ERIC SINDABI

During the University Library Department’s 16th Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2024, members of staff were sensitised on the department's revised Citizen Service Delivery Charter. This exercise was a key agenda item, aimed at familiarising staff with the revised charter and emphasising its importance following a successful revision.

The need to revise the department’s Citizen Service Delivery Charter was commissioned by University Librarian Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui during the department’s 15th Annual General Meeting on February 9, 2024. The revision was coordinated by the office of the Assistant Librarian in charge of Library Technical Services. The exercise,according to the University Librarian was deemed significant due to the tremendous changes and developments in the University Library's services over the past decade.

The revised University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter includes updates in key areas of library service development, such as the acquisition and dissemination of electronic reading and research materials, the digitisation of research outputs from academic departments, the survey and appraisal of university records, access to university archival records, and the procedures for scanning, printing, and reprographic services. 

The theme of the University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter is: “Expediting Access to Information for Learning, Research, and Other Academic Activities by Constantly Updating Resources, Improving Personal Skills in Library and Information Services, and Participating in National, Regional, and International Information Networks.”

Citizen Service Delivery Charters are published agreements between the public and respective organisations that outline expectations and standards for service and product delivery. These charters were inspired and popularised by ISO 9001, a global body promoting Quality Management Systems. Key components of a Citizen Service Delivery Charter include detailed descriptions of  services, requirements for service delivery, specifications of any fees associated with the service, and the time frame for delivery.

  BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................