A web based current awareness system for Kyambogo University Library

Abstract

The project was carried out on A web based Current awareness system for KYU library, with the purpose of designing and developing a web-based CAS system that will ease the dissemination of information to library users by making information accessible to everyone over the web. The objectives of the project were to; Examine the current manual CAS system used at KYU library, analyse the application of a web based CAS system at KYU library, determine the requirements necessary for designing a CAS system for KYU, design and develop a web based CAS system in order to enable the service over the web. The study used a case study research designand a quantitative research approach was used.During data collection, document analyses method, questionnaire method and interview methods were used to collect data in order to clearly describe the situation. A sample of 35 respondents was considered which comprised of both library staffs from all the library departments and users of the library where by only 30 responded.Stratified sampling techniques, judgmental sampling and accidental sampling techniques were the sampling methods used to determine the sample size. Findings from the study revealed thatKYU library still uses manual methods to carry out CAS, web applications are less used at KYU library, there is need for compatible and user friendly systems, and also a need to design and develop a web based CAS system which can reach out to a wider audience. The study concluded that, methods used to offer CAS services at KYU library should be revised, methods like use of websites and other web applications should be adopted, compatible and user friendly systems should be used and finally a web based CAS should be designed and developed in order toreach out to a wider population. The study recommended that, the library should revised the current CAS methods used, adopt the use of web applications, use the compatible and user friendly system and should implement a designed and developed web based CAS.