CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter reviews related literature on challenges of teaching technical drawing basing on the research objectives.

2.1 Types of library management systems

Library is regarded as the brain of any institutes, of course many institute understand the importance of the library to the growth of the institute and their esteem users which we categorically call the students. An integrated library system, also known as a library management system (Adamson et al., 2008) is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and users who have borrowed.

The Library Management System is a Library Management software for monitoring and controlling the transactions in a library (Ashutosh and Ashish, 2012). Library Management System supports the general requirement of the library such as the acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and other sections.

Before the advent of computer in modern age there are different methods of keeping records in the library. Records were kept in the library on shelves and each shelf were labelled in an alphabetical or numerical order, in which the categories of books available are arranged on different position on the shelves and as well are recorded on the library manuscript and when any book is to be referenced the manuscript is being referred to, to know the position of such required book by the person that requested for the book. After the invention of computer different researchers have carried out various approach on an automated library management system in which this project is as well all about.

The first library management system to be reviewed was the KOHA library management system. Since the original implementation in 1999, KOHA functionality has been adopted by thousands of libraries worldwide, each adding features and functions, deepening the capability of the system. With the 3.0 release in 2005, and the integration of the powerful Zebra indexing engine, KOHA became a viable, scalable solution for libraries of all kinds. LibLime KOHA is built on this foundation. With its advanced feature set, LibLime KOHA is the most functionally advanced open source Integrated Library System in the market today. The major setback of this Library Management System is that it is a web based and as a result it is not security conscious because hackers could have the database hacked and access or modify the information of such user (www.koha.org).

Another Library Management System is the Capital’s library software with the following benefits Increases support available for staff and users in any modern library service, provides efficiency, innovative system that’s saves library time and improves the user experience.

A library management system usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for users, one for staff). Most Library Management System separate software functions into discrete program called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Prior to computerization, library tasks were performed manually and independently from one another. Selectors ordered materials with ordering slips, cataloguers manually catalogued items and indexed them with the card cataloguing system (in which all bibliographic data was kept on a single index card), and users signed books out manually, indicating their name on cue cards which were then kept at the circulation desk. Early mechanization came in 1936, when the University of Texas began using a punch card system to manage library circulation. While the punch card system allowed for more efficient tracking of loans, library services were far from being integrated, and no other library task was affected by this change (Townley, 2001).

2.2 Fields used in library management systems

Neelakadan, Duraisekar, Balasubramani, and Srinivasa, (2010) in their study developed a system using KOHA Open source software to develop an updated database of books and other resources of the school of Chemistry Library, Bharathidasan University to implement automated system using KOHA library integrated Open source software to carry out the charging and discharging functions of the circulation section more effectively which provide various search options to know the availability of books in the library to generate the list of books due by a particular member and also the overdue charges. KOHA is being said to be an integrated software system with all the required models for small to very large libraries (Neelakandan et al., 2010).

The outcome of the system they developed has: Chemistry library collections that are in single database, it gives the full control over the library collections and operations, faculty members search and research scholars can check the required books by OPAC modules, research scholars and faculty members can check the status of their borrowed books, they can get the complete details about the books for their further reading and research, data entry of the books can be done through the downloading of bibliographic details from the library of congress and other catalogues and the library system developed can share their data with various library and other department in the libraries.

Koy yeeh keat, (2011) in his research developed a library management system which could be mainly used by member and staff of the library. The system allows members search for books and reserve books through website so that they can save their time and cost to travel from one place to another to use the library as well as know what the book entails in the library. In the system developed, staffs can also be able to add news and also view reports with several criteria as well as add, edit and delete news. The system developed was aimed at allowing users to reserve books via online, to convenient user borrowing books via online, implementing email technologies to the website, implementing SMS technologies to the system, designing a friendly graphical interface which would suit the users.

Ashutosh Tripathi, and Ashish Srivastaval, (2012) developed a system which is a library management software for monitoring, controlling the transactions in a library. In their study they came up with a Library Management System which was developed in java and mainly focuses on basic operations in a library like adding new member, new books, and updating new information, searching books and members and facility to borrow and return books.

The system these two developed was an automated Library Management System in which through the software user can add members, add books, search members, search books, update information, edit information, borrow and return books in quick time. The system they

developed has the following advantages; user friendly interface, Fast access to database, less error, More Storage Capacity, Search facility, Look and Feel Environment.

Sarawut Markchit, (2015) developed a system to identify the problem and obtain necessary requirements data from the librarians, analyse the obtain data, design and develop the system and conduct an assessment or survey from the users of library resources service through websites and mobile systems with web services with regards overall performance of Suratthani Rajabhat University Central Library.

Sarawut Markchit system was able to acquire material as quickly as possible, maintain a high level of accuracy in all work procedures, and keep work processes simple, in order to achieve the lowest possible unit cost and develop close, friendly working relationships with other library units and vendors. In his methodology he was able to make use qualitative methods using structured interviews. Information were being gathered by the virtue of this.

The system was developed using some instruments used for the development which were visual studio .NET (ASP.NET) for web-based application, HTML5 for mobile application, web-service for data communication with the component and connected to staff system of this University, Microsoft SQL server for database management and longest matching algorithm for data retrieval.

2.3 Challenges faced by the library management system

New tools of information technology have absolutely changed the role & responsibilities of librarians. A number of studies have been conducted to explore the problems faced by librarians. Given section reviews the studies conducted at International level in general and particularly in developing countries to investigate the problems confronted by the librarians.

Adomi and Anie, (2006) in their research on computer literacy skills of professionals in Nigerian University libraries concluded that most of the professionals do not poses high level of computer skill and their use of computer and technology is still maturing. They recommended that library management and leaders should organize and offer in-house computer training programmes for librarians and enough computers should be provided in this regard.

In Nepal, Siwakoti, (2008) found that there was no government agency to control, monitor and evaluate the school libraries activities. There was lack of awareness programs, budgetary constraints, inadequate space, inadequate library materials, lack of trained and skilledmanpower and lack of appropriate government policy and lack of information literacy.

Ademodi and Adepoju, (2009) investigated the computer skill among librarians in academic libraries on Ondo and Ekiti State in Nigeria. It was found the shortage of computers and computer skills among professionals. The study recommended that more attention and funds should be provided for training and procurement of ICT infrastructure in Nigerian University libraries. For computerization purpose, library administration should solicit funds and assistant from foreign agencies and foundations who are interested for the cause.

Dasgupta, (2009) searched out that in India there is non-existent of norms and standards for the education of librarians. Problems for Indian librarians discovered in his study were emergence of new Library Integrated System schools, insufficient faculty strength, and lack of accreditation bodies, lack of proper library facilities, inadequate physical facilities, little attention for selection criteria, and lack of apprenticeship programs. Study suggested that the Government of India should play a leading role in promoting LIS education in India, by creating more job opportunities for LIS professionals and removing disparity in pay scales among LIS professionals.

In Iran Gavgani, Shokraneh and Shiramin, (2011) concluded that librarians do not have traditional skills and sufficient background knowledge to meet the changing needs of their customers. They need to be empowered by new skills and information before going to empower their patrons. So there must not be a gap between librarian’s professional/technological knowledge and their societies informational need that to be answered by librarians. Need for changing the syllabus of medical library and information science education in Iran was also felt.

Ssemwanga (2009) viewed library and information science education in Uganda. He concluded that LIS programs in developing countries continue to suffer from lack of financial support by governments.

Rahman, Khatun and Islam, (2008) reviewed the library education in Bangladesh. The study found that majority of institutions in Bangladesh do not have well-equipped computer labs or sufficient numbers of computers for students. A sufficient number of classification and cataloguing tools (DDC, LC, Sears list of subject headings for practical were not present. Many institutions either have no library or inadequate collection of textbooks. Professional’s status was also found very low, low pay scale and limited opportunities for promotion.

2.4 Solutions to the challenges faced by library management systems

Capacity building is a key to the sustainability of the library activities. The library is committed to building capacity through provision of continuing education for the staff to ensure that they attain the skills and qualifications to perform their duties. Sinclair (2009) suggests a “blended librarian”, who combines both the traditional librarianship skills with the hardware and software skills. This view is further supported by Wubneh (2003) who argues that, “building capacity is the process of transforming an organization’s ability to effectively implement policies and programmes for sustainable development.” On the other hand Ameen (2011) warns that, unless Library and Information Science (LIS) Schools produce graduates with the necessary skills to match the expectations of the market, LIS graduates will remain irrelevant to the current market.

Librarians need to keep abreast with the pedagogical challenges. There is also need to ensure that computer literacy levels are high among the library staff for them to be able to guide library users (Garnes, 2005). Ameen (2011) warns that unless Library and Information Science schools produce graduates with the necessary skills to adequately match the expectations of the market, LIS graduates will remain irrelevant to the current market. Mativo (2005) cites retention of technologically literate staff as one of the challenges in higher education.

End-user training is an ongoing activity as the University continues to get new students and staff, and as the Library digital environment keeps evolving. Information and digital literacy courses should be conducted for undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers at the University. Librarians will have to develop specific skills like pedagogy, especially in teaching information literacy. MakLib in collaboration with Oslo University College has established a LATINA-Lab. LATINA (Learning and Teaching in a Digital World) to equip students, librarians, lecturers and researchers with skills in digital technologies. It is also envisaged that similar courses will be designed and conducted in future.

Digitisation of out-of-copyright works is in the pipeline in order to make information freely available to the public. The Research Planning and Review Committee noted that, digitisation projects make ‘hidden’ less used and underused special collections available to researchers worldwide (ACRL, 2010). Since MakLib has unique and valuable collections of older materials in its special collections, these materials will be digitised and made available to the general public. In addition, digital preservation of the media and information systems should be undertaken to ensure long-term access to resources. Both components must be migrated, preserved or emulated (Cain, 2003).

Strengthening of the already established collaboration and networks is a sure strategy towards continued subscription and access to electronic resources in Ugandan libraries. Through the PERii programme, access to electronic resources and funding for training programmes will be realised. The consortium will continue to engage various publishers and provides access to subsidised journal databases as well as conducting training to promote access and usage of electronic resources among its member.

Large scale digitisation projects are underway at MakLib which include the World Digital Library Initiative. The World Digital Library (WDL) makes available on the Internet, free of charge and in multilingual format, significant primary materials from countries and cultures around the world. The WDL charter was signed by the Vice Chancellor and University Librarian in 2011. The principal objectives of the WDL are to: promote international and intercultural understanding; expand the volume and variety of cultural content on the internet; provide resources for educators, scholars, and general audiences; build capacity in partner institutions to narrow the digital divide within and between countries.

Implementation of institutional policies and deploying proper technologies will go a long way to improve access and usability of the digital collections and services. The approved Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008) requires that a copy of any Intellectual Asset/Property produced by staff and students be deposited at the library and the Intellectual Property Unit. In addition, the Research and Innovations policy (2008) is aimed at promoting research and innovations at the University. Institutional policies need to be implemented plus other policies relating to funded research. Mandatory depositing of research output into the IR for local utilisation should be encouraged.

Funding is critical for the development and management of electronic resources and services in libraries. Maklib has a number of sources of funding such as the Library development and user fees, government funds and donor funds for the sustainability of activities. The library through a number of donor support programmes has been able to improve service delivery. MakLib intends to strengthen and widen its financial base by writing grant winning proposals and lobbying for more funding from government order to improve service delivery.

The application of Web 2.0 provides an array of advantages ranging from leverage in communication with library users and other stakeholders to improving the corporate image of the library. Technologies such as synchronous communication provide the library with a platform for real-time communication during reference services with users. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) and Current Awareness Services should be conducted using the Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed. The library should enable their users to subscribe to updates on new items in a collection, new services, and new content from the library’s databases (Maness, 2006).

Research proposal writer