Designing a website for marketing Bukooli College Bugiri Library

Abstract

This study aimed at designing a website for marketing Bukooli College Bugiri Library. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The Head teacher, two librarians, seven teachers and twenty six students which were used for the study. Guiding objectives were used to carry out the study which were; to identify the information needs of Bukooli College Bugiri library users; to establish the marketing strategies currently employed by Bukooli College, Bugiri Library; to identify the challenges in marketing of Bukooli College, Bugiri Library and to put in place strategies for effective marketing of Bukooli College, Bugiri Library; to design a website for marketing of Bukooli College Bugiri Library. The questionnaire, interview guide, observation guide, and document review guide were used as instruments for data collection. The data was analysed by use of frequency tables and percentages. The results of the data analysed revealed the need to design a website for marketing Bukooli College Bugiri Library to achieve the objectives of the library and enlighten the users on the relevance of library use. The library services available and marketed are lending services, seating and study facilities and reference services. The most widely used technique for marketing new information materials was library notice board which was much friendly to users. The competencies required for librarians in marketing library services are ability to answer users query. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that lack of funds, lack of facilities to market library services and librarians not willing to market library services are factors militating against marketing library services. Based on the findings it was recommended that more funds should be allocated to libraries for their development. Trainings, workshops, seminars should be organized for librarians to enlighten them on how to market library services. It is also very necessary for librarians to be committed to their work and improve their services.