Automating the circulation services of Kyambogo University Main library
Abstract
The study aimed at automating the circulation services for Kyambogo University which will help
the librarians to deliver the best library services to the library users. The objectives of the study
were to: analyze the existing library circulation system, establish the effects of the Manual
circulation system, identify the challenges in setting up a circulation control system and design
of a circulation control system for Kyambogo University library.
The study used a case study research design since it targeted a particular organization that is
Kyambogo University Library. The interview and observation methods of data collection were
used to collect data for the study.
The research findings established that the library has over 20,000 registered users who can
access information at any time from the library. In order to access the information from the
library, users must have valid IDs or library cards for the non-students. The library also avails
online resources to users of the library who can visit the website and access its catalogue.
The challenges in the circulation of information resources were; delays in returning the information
resources, the existing circulation system is tiresome, it does not allow the librarians to send
updates and notifications to the users on the information resources, and there is theft of
information resources by untrusted library users. The user requirements for a circulation control
system for were; the circulation control system should be cheap in terms of setup and
maintenance, user-friendly, compatible with the available computers in the library, and easy to
use.
The study concluded that there was need to automate the library circulation services for
Kyambogo University Library. The recommendations for the study were developing a circulation
policy, purchase of more computers in the library, employing skilled personnel to run the system,
and acquisition of more information resources.