Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to find out the prospects and the factors which militate against the
smooth operations of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – A well-structured questionnaire was used to solicit data from all
the staff of the 31 satellite libraries on the Campus of the University of Cape Coast. To ensure reliable
findings, the survey approach was used. The first part of the questionnaire looked at the status of staff of
the satellite libraries. The second part dealt with the information resources of the libraries, services
provided by the libraries and staff developmental issues, while the last part solicited information on the
challenges of these libraries. The quantitative data obtained mainly from the questionnaire were analysed
using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Findings – Some of the major findings are as follows: staff of the satellite libraries have the opportunity to
upgrade themselves academically; the Main Library organised a series of in-service training for the staff of the
satellite libraries; majority of the staff of the satellite libraries were non-professional and inadequate; and the
majority of the satellite libraries were ill equipped, lack of simple working materials like accession registers
and stamps, and lack of recognition of library staff by administrators, lecturers and students.
Research limitations/implications – The major components of a library are the building, staff and
information resources; however, the study was limited to the staff and information resources, but excludes the
building in which the libraries were housed.
Practical implications – Functional satellite libraries are required to support the activities of the main
libraries.
Social implications – Satellite libraries are to support the main library to achieve its vision and mission;
hence, their ineffectiveness affects the parent institution.
Originality/value – Satellite libraries support the main libraries in accomplishing their vision and
mission, but it can be noted that much has been written on the main libraries, and is it high time the state,
management and challenges of satellite libraries were exposed
