An automated circulation system for St. Charles Lwanga International Secondary School, Kakiri, Wakiso.

Abstract

In order to achieve an easier method of book circulation in libraries, designed and implemented library circulation systems are being pushed as a replacement for the manual circulation systems. The project aimed at designing a Library Circulation System for St Charles Lwanga International School. A case study research design was used and a qualitative research approach adopted in the study. A sample size of 84 respondents was used consisting of both the library staff and students while adopting a qualitative research approach in discussing findings. Library staff included 4 and 80 students were involved. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation. And it was qualitatively analysed and presented with the help of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Major finding was that St Charles Lwanga International Secondary School Library does not have an automated Circulation System. It was revealed that books are the most issued out information materials therefore academic information is the main information need of library users. Therefore, the services provided by the St Charles Lwanga International Secondary School library like reference services, current awareness services as the study indicates. In addition, the study revealed that the library uses a manual circulation system. A manual circulation system can prove to be a challenge for both the library staff and the users associated with challenges like; Long lines, time consumption, it is tiresome difficult to maintain statistics with the manual system. From the findings above, it is concluded that a lot of time is wasted during the charge and discharge of information materials at St Charles Lwanga International School library. The study therefore recommends St Charles Lwanga International Secondary School library to adopt the proposed automated Library Circulation System to provide a centralized database of books and management of library circulation activities. The library does not have an automated circulation system hence delays during charging and discharging of library materials, the study concludes that the information needs of the users of the Library are the need for an automated circulation system. Major recommendation was that the management of the school should adopt the proposed circulation system because of its many benefits. Other recommendations are that: St Charles Lwanga International Secondary School management should endeavour to train librarians on how to operate the designed system so that they can meet the user’s needs. In addition, more budget for the library should be increased for purchase of equipment like computers, scanners and above all the users should be sensitized about the system.