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By Wilbroad OketchoIn UncategorizedPosted 0 Comment(s)

EVALUATION OF LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A  CASE STUDY AT KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

 

ABSTRACT

 

The purpose of the study was to establish the effectiveness and efficiency of the library management system in Kyu library. The study sought to address the following objectives; to find out the type of library management system, the fields used during the process of cataloguing, does the service offer effective delivery, to find out the challenges and solutions to the challenges being faced by the library management system.

Qualitative study design was used for this study. A sample of 10 respondents was selected purposively for this study and only questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents

The study findings revealed that there was only one type of library management system in Kyu library and this was KOHA library management system, the researcher also found out the fields used in the process of cataloguing since its one service offered by the system in the library and this were; author, call number, title and statement of responsibility, physical description, ISBN, accession number, publisher, place of publication, source of acquisition, price, number of copies. In addition also found out that the system was effective because it retrieves information as fast as possible, improves cataloguing activities and saves time for the user to locate the materials. Despite the fact that the service was effective, it still had some challenges that are being faced and this; power blackout, inadequate training for the staff, old computers, slow internet and a majority of library staff members  have no knowledge on Koha system.  Though the challenges were found out, the respondents suggested some solutions to the challenges faced and this; installation of standby generator, training of library staff  in the Koha of Koha, full time access of computer and replacement of old computers.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

Libraries of all sizes and types are embracing digital collections, although most libraries will continue to offer both print and digital collections for many years to come” (Tenopir, 2003). In the 21 Century, it is not just knowledge, but more importantly the effective use and exploitation of all types of knowledge to fulfill the business and economic activities of developing economies that is crucial. In the educational sector, the library management and services have increasingly applied and utilized the electronic information resources to complement the conventional materials. Librarians have played key roles in the collecting, storing, organizing and disseminating of knowledge to society.

Although the advent of Internet has brought predictions of the demise of the traditional role of libraries, it has proven that libraries are, not only crucial but the librarians’ role as knowledge providers has become even more significant. In universities, for example the head librarians continue to become an important partner in decision-makings while administrators, professors and students see the library as the nerve-center of the campus. Libraries have indeed changed radically from their custodian role and emerged as dynamic partners in knowledge management programs (Townley, 2001).

 

The Librarians’ growing interest in knowledge management has led to a number of issues regarding the difference between “information” and “knowledge”, and between “information management” and “knowledge management”. As such, Library and information professionals have shown a great interest in knowledge management (KM) as it is regarded to have considerable similarity on the concept of coding, storing and transmitting knowledge, a the primary focus of libraries (Townley, 2001).

 

Network-based services and resources offered by libraries today, including digital references, digital collections, online databases, e-journals, and e-books, enable libraries to operate anywhere, allowing patrons with internet access to access content, services, and resources any time (Bertrot et al., 2004). Libraries in academic setting in both the Uganda have had a long and rich experience in the management of information. For any library to succeed in implementing knowledge management, it will require a strong leadership and vision from the top administration, which can influence the University’s knowledge sharing efforts in a positive way. Hence, librarians should work together with ICT professionals and others in the Universities to develop the appropriate knowledge management systems.

 

University libraries are investing in digital projects for several reasons; providing access, promoting preservation of collections for future use. Digitisation of an institution’s collections supports the notion that there is value in the materials housed (Kenney &Rieger, 2000). This view is supported by Okwaro (2009)  who noted that, “Many libraries and archives in Africa have already recognised that the time for going digital is now, and initiatives have been undertaken to transform materials in their collections into digital formats that can easily be disseminated electronically to a wider audience.”

 

Kyambogo University (KYU) is a public university in Uganda. It was established in 2003 by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 by merging Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo (UPK), the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo (ITEK), and the Uganda National Institute of Special Education (UNISE).

As of June 2017, KyU had six Faculties and 2 Schools offering over 126 programme from certificate to Phd. It has a population of 20,000 resident students and over 39,000 in 56 affiliated institutions covering Uganda.

 

1.2 Problem statement

Academic libraries are presently faced with not only the decision on what books and journals to acquire to satisfy the users (Faculty, students and research scholars), but also on how to remain relevant in the digital era since e-resources are new innovations in academic libraries. Despite the digitalization of Kyambogo University library, there is no standardized management criterion available such as the fundamental library services. There is need to emphasize the implementation of library management in the library by ensuring a dynamic work environment for both management and users themselves and implementing a better library management system thus, this study seeks to evaluate the library management system at Kyambogo University (KyU).

1.3 Purpose of the study

The main aim of the study is to evaluate the library management system at Kyambogo University (KyU).

1.4 Specific objectives of the study

  1. To identify the types of library management system used in KyU library
  2. To find out the fields used by the library management system used in KyU library
  • To find out if the library management system offers effective service delivery
  1. To suggest possible solutions to the challenges faced by the library management system

1.5 Research questions

  1. What are the types of library management system used in KyU library?
  2. What fields are used by the library management system used in KyU library?
  • Does the library management system offers effective service delivery?
  1. Suggest possible solutions to the challenges faced by the library management system?

1.6 Scope of the study

1.6.1 Content scope

The study aim at evaluating the library management system

1.6.2 Geographical scope

The study will be carried out at Kyambogo University (KyU).

1.6.3 Time scope

The study will be carried out for a period of one year from 1stAugust, 2016 to 31st August, 2017.

1.7 Significance of the study

  1. The findings shall avail KyU with information about the better library management systems can improve performance of the library and proper strategies to improve its operations.
  2. The findings of the study shall be relevant to the management of KyU (strategic and operational plans) by suggesting the milestones towards integrating e-resources as a strategy for growth and performance of the institution.
  • The findings of the study shall also enable employees of the organization to appreciate their role towards development of ICT in the library and strategic adoption module for the success of the institution.
  1. The findings of the study shall serve as a benchmark to other organizations who intend to adopt electronic information resources. It shall enable them to better understand the best management practices.
  2. The study shall help in generating information for other researchers to advance research in the same area.

1.8 Limitations and anticipated solution

Respondents will be not willing to give confidential information, which will be sufficient to the researcher. However, the researcher will convince them that research will be intended to help them improve on their problems.

There will be too much pressure as a result of limited time for the researcher. However, the researcher will devote most of the time on the research.

Financial constraint since research requires money for printing and transport. However, the researcher will minimize the costs as lowest as possible.

wilbroad

Wilbroad Oketcho

Research Writer Profile:Name: oketcho wilbroad Professional Experience: Over 10 years of experience in academic research and writing Published numerous research papers in reputable journals Contributed to several collaborative research projects Expertise: Proficient in data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, EPIDATA, and EViews Specialization in epidemiological research, with a keen interest in public health issues Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies Research Skills: Extensive experience in designing and conducting research studies Expertise in literature review, hypothesis formulation, and research question development Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and presentation Software Proficiency: SPSS: Advanced proficiency in data cleaning, transformation, and statistical analysis STATA: Expertise in econometric and statistical analysis for social science research EPIDATA: Used for efficient and accurate data entry and validation EViews: Specialized in time-series analysis and forecasting Writing Skills: Exceptional writing skills demonstrated through published research papers Ability to communicate complex research findings in a clear and concise manner Experienced in writing literature reviews, methodology sections, and discussion of results Collaboration and Communication: Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams Effective communication skills for presenting research findings at conferences and meetings Achievements: Recognition for outstanding contributions to research in the field of epidemiology Awarded grants for research projects on public health and statistical analysis Recent Projects: Conducted a longitudinal study on the impact of environmental factors on public health outcomes Collaborated on a multi-center research project analyzing the effectiveness of interventions in disease prevention Continuous Learning: Regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research methodologies and statistical techniques 📧 Contact: Email: info@researchconsultuganda.com

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