An online public access catalogue module for ISBAT University Library

Abstract

An online public access catalogue is a database of bibliographic records describing the library holdings (Gohain and Saikia, 2013). OPAC stands for online public access catalog. The role of the public access catalogue includes enabling users to gain access to multiple knowledge resources without incurring high costs. Ebiwote (2010) asserts that the use of online public access catalog is to provide users with many access points. Kumar, (2010) in his study showed that the use of OPAC searching increased the expectations of students hence motivating them to engage in more research. The objectives of the project were to design a user friendly OPAC to enable library users to perform various activities such as searching, reserving and renewing resources and to facilitate access to digital resources. The project aimed at formulating an OPAC for ISBAT university library which plays a major role in access circulation and preservation of the library‟s collection. In the project questionnaires were used and random students were asked key questions and there after completed questionnaires were obtained from students. Interview guides were used to interview both library staff and students. Interview responses clearly indicated there was need to create more points of access to library materials. OPAC therefore was the perfect resolution to the complications and problems faced in accessing library materials as per the findings got from ISBAT university library and it is upon these findings that suggestions were drawn for library OPAC.