The role of the library in the provision of technical information in vocational training centres: A case study of three vocational training centers in Dar es Salaam region.

The objective of the study was to examine teaching and learning in the three Dar es Salaam vocational training centers. In order to assess the role of libraries in relation to the provision of technical information to students and instructors in Vocational Training Centers. A survey was undertaken through which the interview schedule and questionnaire were used as the main data collection methods. Three centers were involved in this study: Dar es Salaam Regional Vocational Training and Service Center (DSM RVTSC), MILD Vocational Training Institute and YMCA Vocational Training Center. Findings of the study reveal that students and instructors at the VTCs have various information needs, and used the library to meet those information needs. However, although the VTCs libraries tried as much as possible to assist users with the information resources, there were problems, which affected performance in the effective provision of technical information services. The major problem is inadequate supply of reading materials relevant to the curriculum, which is attributed mainly to inadequate funds. In order to improve the provision of technical information at the VTC libraries, the study recommends the following: provision of more up to date reading materials to the libraries; through increasing budgetary allocation to the libraries, increasing the number of library staff, as well as introduction of Internet facilities to the VTC libraries. Training and orientation in library use should also be provided to library users.