Strategies For Financing Public University Libraries In Tanzania

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify feasible strategies for financing public university libraries in Tanzania in response to the growing criticism of public universities in relation to government funding as competition becomes stiffer in the face of other equally demanding government responsibilities. The research design involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Primary data for this study were collected through survey method. The findings of the study indicate that all categories of respondents appreciate the costs involved in funding libraries. This is reflected by acknowledgement of paying for the services directly through charging user fees or indirectly through paying library fees and using part of the fees for library development. The study has also noted that resourcing of libraries is dependent on various sources and involves various stakeholders. It is recommended that diversification of funding sources should be taken seriously in financing library services and that this requires concerted efforts by stakeholders.

University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 9 (2) 2007: pp. 1-19