| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the retrieval and access of reading materials kept in Makerere High School - Migadde (MHSM) library. The study was guided by four specific objectives and four research questions. The study adopted a Mixed-Methods Research (MMR) approach using a descriptive research design. While the population of the study was one thousand three hundred sixty three (1363), proportionate quota sampling technique was used to select a research sample of sixty (60) participants and the study achieved a response rate of 96.7% in which fifty eight (58) respondents participated. Interview, self-administered questionnaire and observation were used as data collection instruments. The questionnaire was validated by the research supervisor from LIS department – EASLIS, Makerere University. Findings were analyzed using Microsoft excel and presented in tables, pie charts and bar charts. The study revealed that information materials in MHSM library can be categorized as reference and non-reference materials. Unfavorable restrictions, underutilization of library materials, outdated books, lack of adequate staff, limited access to reading materials, complex reading materials, limited reading materials and limited library space for reading and shelving new acquisitions were reported as challenges encountered by MHSM in access and utilization of library materials. Should act as a selection guide to content, should save the time of the reader to locate relevant information quickly and easily, should make information materials widely available and easy to access, should list reading materials and should indicate the index terms of a specific reading material were identified as functional requirements. Selecting reading materials, capturing the materials into a Microsoft Access database, classifying captured collections, creating interlinked reference tables and running queries to test relationships were identified as the steps taken to design an electronic index for MHSM library. The study concluded that MHSM urgently needs an electronic index to enhance access and retrieval of school library materials. The study ended by proposing an electronic index for MHSM library and recommended library digitization, increasing the library funding, incorporating information literacy into the school curriculum, enhancing acquisition of electronic resources and conducting in-house training for students on access and retrieval of reading materials | en_US |
