Special Collections at the United States International University Library in Kenya: Strategies for Development and Implementation IFLA World Library and Information Congress Quebec City, August 2008

Abstract  Due to the completion of a brand-new library building at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Kenya, opportunities for collection development at the library have appeared. This paper outlines three strategies for taking advantage of the special collections holdings and developing them over time. The authors provide research on creating an Africana collection, a United Nations (U.N.) Depository, and a UNESCO Memory of the World Program digital archive. These efforts are aimed at increasing indigenous knowledge and raising the profile of the university internationally. The global implications of this project dovetail with the university’s stated mission of expanding diversity in Kenya.

Background  USIU in Nairobi is in the unique position of offering its students a brand new, recently opened library. By increasing its square footage and technology infrastructure, USIU will be able to explore various ways in which to dedicate the new space. The head librarian, Dr. Kaane, of USIU shared an interest in creating new specific collections, including starting an Africana collection, becoming a United Nations (U.N.) Depository, and identifying other relevant new collections.  Student population: total 3,420 55% female, 45% male 40 nationalities represented  Faculty population 63 full-time 126 part-time 11 faculty emeritus 11% non Kenyan  USIU Alumni 8,000 former graduates  Annual number of graduates 800 approx.  Library Statistics 11,000 square meters Capacity of 300,000 book and periodicals 24 staff members

Collection Development Suggestions  Africana Collection Researched Africana collections in American and African Universities Analyzed current literature on indigenous knowledge in Africa  United Nations Depository Identified regional and national UN Depositories Researched restrictions and entry requirements  UNESCO Memory of the World Program Explored digital global inclusion programs Determined the unique opportunity inherent in creating such a program in Kenya

Short Term Goals  Writing an acquisition policy  Secure funding  Collecting, organizing, and processing new collections  Locating a permanent home for new collections within library building  Apply to be a member of the UNESCO Memory of the World Program  Explore additional UN organizations for depository status  Create marketing strategies

Long Term Goals  Canvassing faculty and alumni for archival donations  Digitization of select materials for dissemination, preservation, and inclusion in Memory of the World Program  Building collaborative efforts with other university libraries regionally and internationally  Furthering and expanding marketing efforts

Additional Suggestions  Hold dialogues with stakeholders to determine priorities  Foster ties with regional and international businesses and governments  International internship program through San Jose State University, School of Library and Information Sciences to facilitate implementation

Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank:  Connie Costantino for inspiring the project and facilitating communications with USIU  Dr. Sophia Kaane, Head Librarian at USIU  Dr. Freida Brown, Vice Chancellor at USIU

Authors  Marisa Diehl  Michele Gibney IFLA Presenter  Angela Graves  Carla Siqueiros  Jocelyn Stilwell