KNLS launches National Union catalogue dubbed WebCat initiative at Maktaba Kuu

Christine Cheryl (MyGov)

The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) has launched the National Union Catalogue, popularly known as WebCat, at its Maktaba Kuu headquarters in Nairobi.

This marks a transformative moment in the country’s library and information services sector, said KNLS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Nzivo.

The initiative aims to digitally connect Kenya’s diverse library systems through a single, integrated online platform that allows users to access collections from across the country regardless of location.

Giving his keynote address, Dr. Nzivo described WebCat as more than just a tool, calling it a national knowledge infrastructure that promises to connect learners, researchers, and readers with the information they need, wherever they are.

Nzivo further noted that the project lays the foundation for a smarter, more informed Kenya, rooted in equitable access to information.

At present, most libraries in Kenya operate independently, uploading catalogues to the web using a variety of systems and metadata standards.

This fragmented approach often leaves researchers navigating multiple platforms in search of information and increases duplication of effort across institutions.

WebCat, however, the CEO said, addresses these issues by providing a centralized, inter-operable virtual union catalogue, essentially a one-stop access point that brings together the catalogues of participating libraries into a single, seamless system.

The platform, the CEO further noted, is designed to support multiple goals. It will enable Kenyan libraries to adopt a uniform approach to cataloguing and metadata sharing, improve access to materials across institutions, and promote collaboration through cooperative cataloguing.

“It also fulfils part of the national government’s broader role in promoting literacy, preserving national bibliographic records, and setting norms and standards for the library sector in partnership with county governments,” Nzivo said.

He emphasized that the project is expected to deliver several key outcomes. One of the main outputs is the development of a national union catalogue portal that links libraries across all sectors, offering users a unified platform to search for and access resources.

Another important output, he said, is the creation of a national bibliographic standards manual, which provides guidance for cataloguing practices and ensure consistency across institutions.

The anticipated outcomes of WebCat include improved access to information, with users able to retrieve materials from multiple libraries in one place.

It will also lead to greater efficiency in cataloguing and resource management, reducing duplication and saving valuable time and resources. Most importantly, it will foster deeper collaboration among libraries, encouraging resource sharing and the collective development of bibliographic content.

Drawing inspiration from global models such as WorldCat in the United States, UniCat in Belgium, ESTER in Estonia, IndCat in India, and SaCat in South Africa, WebCat has been designed with Kenya’s unique context in mind.

While benchmarking against international best practices, the platform aims to be a home-grown solution that reflects local realities and positions Kenya as a leader in digital knowledge access on the continent.

As part of the roll-out plan, selected libraries nationwide will participate in a pilot phase to test the system in real-world environments.

These pilot tests will provide an opportunity to gather feedback, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune the platform ahead of national implementation.

Dr. Nzivo urged all participating institutions to contribute fully to the process and offer constructive insights that will help shape a robust and responsive platform.

He concluded by re-affirming the vision behind WebCat, stating that the initiative is not just about building a digital tool, but about creating a national gateway to knowledge.

With WebCat, the CEO said, a student in Lamu will have the same access to library resources as a researcher in Nairobi, eliminating barriers to information and empowering every Kenyan to learn, grow, and thrive.

“This is how we bridge knowledge gaps, promote equity, and support national development,” the CEO said.