Information retrieval system for bishop Cipriano Kihangire SSS Biina Library

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop an information retrieval system for BCK Library. The study objectives were to; Examine the current information retrieval system at BCK, assess the challenges associated with the information retrieval system used at BCK Library, determine the requirements for designing an information retrieval system for BCK Library and to develop an information retrieval system for BCK Library in order to facilitate easy information retrieval. The study focused on a population of 1000 respondents from which a sample size of 44 respondents was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The study adopted a qualitative research approach in incorporation with the interview guide, document review and observation methods to collect data from respondents. The study found out that the dominant means of information retrieval was the use of the accession register at the Library, lack of a standard classification scheme, the main system requirements were the ability to support electronic information retrieval, the users agreed with the design of the new IRS to streamline information retrieval at the Library. The study concluded that the accession register was the main means of information retrieval at BCK Library, however, there is no standard classification scheme, quick electronic retrieval was the requirements anticipated by the respondents, the new IRS was greatly desired for at the Library to solve challenges experienced with the current manual IRS. The study recommended that BCK Library should adopt the new system because of its ability to support electronic retrieval and access of information resources as key requirements of an IRS, the new IRS should be implemented and that user training and education should be done to orient users on how to interact with the system, other means of information retrieval should be thought of to reduce on the overuse of the accession register, a manual IRS should be replaced with an automated means of IRS to solve challenges in retrieval and access.