A virtual current awareness services system for College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology Library, Makerere University

Abstract

The study aimed at designing a virtual Current Awareness service system for College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology Library, in order to improve timely current awareness services and to also ensure that the users get access to information resources and services wherever they will be. It was guided by the following objectives: to establish the information needs of users at CEDAT library, to investigate the different types of Current Awareness services currently offered at CEDAT library, to identify challenges faced in the provision of Current Awareness services for CEDAT library and to design a Virtual Current Awareness information service system for CEDAT library users to overcome challenges faced in access to latest library information. A case study research design was used and a qualitative research approach adopted in the study. A sample size of 5 librarians, 81 engineering students of third year while adopting a qualitative research approach in discussing findings. Library staff included 3 and 50 students were involved. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation. And it was qualitatively analyzed and presented with the help of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Findings revealed that the students of CEDAT inquire mainly academic information since their aim is to succeed and fulfill their dreams. it was also established that the CEDAT library uses traditional methods such as notice boards, list of subject headings, use of reference lists provided in class by lecturers to inform the users about what is happening in the library. It was established that the CEDAT library manually delivers current awareness services, which is time consuming, the library faces a challenge of difficulty in keeping statistical records, congestion in the library for those seeking for information, less time spent with the material borrowed with lack of knowledge. Conclusions drawn from the study findings include: since CEDAT library currently uses a manual CAS system to charge and discharge its materials. The study also concludes that books are the most borrowed out information materials but however there are a lot of challenges associated with the charge and discharge of these materials using the current CAS system. Thus, it is expedient to adopt a VCAS system (proposed system) in College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology library for more efficient and reliable operation of the library in its charge and discharge of library materials. The researchers recommend; the management of CEDAT Library to adopt to the proposed virtual CAS system since it is online and will improve the CAS services of the library out weighing the current manual system used. Other recommendations included the library management should endeavor to train librarians on how to manage the library CAS system. The library should purchase equipment that is the software and hardware such as computers, servers, scanners among others.