East African School of Library and Information Sciences (EASLIS) Collection

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https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/4314

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Browsing East African School of Library and Information Sciences (EASLIS) Collection by Subject "Academic libraries"
  • Item
    An electronic information retrieval system for Victoria University Library
    (Makerere University, 2019-05) Tushabirane, Ronald
    The project was carried out on An electronic Information Retrieval System for VU, with the purpose of designing and developing an Information Retrieval system that will ease the access of information to library users by making information accessible to everyone over the web. The objectives of the project were to; investigate and analyze the user information needs, examine the current system of retrieving information resources in Victoria University Library, identify the challenges associated with the retrieval system used in the Victoria University Library, identify the requirements for designing an information retrieval system for Victoria University Library and design an information retrieval system for Victoria University Library. The study used a case study research design and a quantitative research approach was used. During data collection, observation 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 staff, lecturers 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 that there is a variety of information materils managed by the university library that are used by the library users which include; text books, magazines, newspapers, past papers, maps and many more. The research findings also show that VU Library still uses manual methods to carry out IRS where the librarian has to do each and every thing him or herself such as receiving orders, register users retrieve information from the shelves among others and that the users waste a lot of time waiting information materials required. The study concluded that, methods used to offer IR services at VU library should be revised, methods like use of Internet to retrieve Library information should be adopted, compatible and user friendly systems should be used and finally an Electronic Retrieving System should be designed and developed in order to ease on Information retrieving process and reach out to a wider population.
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    A library guide for Muteesa I Royal University library
    (Makerere University, 2019-07) Kigozi, Ibrahim
    The purpose of the study was to design a library guide for Muteesa I Royal University to help library users find useful information resources with ease. The objectives of the study were to: examine the current status of library services, find out how library resources are managed at Muteesa I Royal University library, find out the challenges of providing library services at Muteesa I Royal University library and compile a library guide for Muteesa I Royal University library. The study was qualitative and targeted a sample size of 40 respondents consisting of library staff, teaching staff and students and engaged only 36 of these successfully through a purposive non probability sampling technique and with aid of Interview, observation and questionnaire methods of data collection. The study found out that; the library provides various library services and majority reported circulation services as the most utilized service and library tour service as the least, the library intends to improve its library services through encouraging user participation. Underutilization of library services was the most reported challenge and lack of communication formed the least. Majority of the respondents reported positive on the design of a library guide at MRU library. The study concluded that; library services provided are user based. Circulation services were the most reported because charging and discharging of resources to users happens more frequently than all other services. The underutilization challenge is attributed the fact that services are not adequately marketed to the users whose passion for the library is poor. The positive response towards the design of a library guide showed the great significance of library guide in a library environment and was attributed to the fact that it would solve problems pertaining access to library services and materials.
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    A marketing plan for Bugema University library
    (Makerere University, 2019-08) Alinda, Queen Docus
    The study focused on improving marketing of library services at Bugema University library. The study objectives were: to find out the current methods of marketing Bugema University Library, to identify the challenges faced in marketing of Bugema University Library, to find out requirements for designing a marketing plan for Bugema University Library and to design a marketing plan for Bugema University Library. To come up with a plan for improving marketing of library services at Bugema University Library, convenience sampling method was used to select respondents in order to get the in depth information about the existing marketing methods for library services at Bugema University library. The population was estimated to be large but the sample was 15 respondents of Bugema University library. Questionnaires, document review, interviews and observation were the data collection methods used to collect data on problems of marketing library services, current status of marketing of library materials and how marketing is managed at Bugema University library. From the study, it was established that the current marketing methods used at Bugema University Library are notice boards, brochures, ask the librarian, open day and blogs. The challenges faced in marketing the library were lack of funds, inadequate training facilities, poor marketing skills, lack of infrastructure and inadequate information materials. The respondents suggested that the establishment of a marketing plan for library services will be of a great advantage to the library in providing effective services to its users. Basing on these findings, the researcher developed a marketing plan for Bugema University Library. The research findings showed that a marketing plan will help in marketing library resources and services. It also helps users share information and is helpful in assessing information needs. The researcher recommends the following for improvement of marketing at Bugema University Library; marketing of library materials, funding, information literacy, library policies and digitization. In conclusion, libraries should be facilitated with internet services in marketing library resources and librarians should be trained and educated regarding the need for marketing library resources and services.
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    Metrics for evaluating the performance and services of Makerere University Library
    (Makerere University, 2024-08-23) Nakaziba, Ruth Kakaire ; Naluzze, Patricia ; Esera, Ronald
    Libraries serve as vital centers for academic institutions, facilitating research, learning, and community engagement. However, in today's digital age, libraries must evolve to meet new challenges and assess their impact effectively. Makerere University Library, a central resource for students, faculty, and researchers, faces the task of adapting to technological advancements and changing academic environments while meeting diverse needs. This research proposal aims to develop a comprehensive set of metrics to evaluate the performance and services of Makerere University Library. The study seeks to identify Key Performance Indicators and measurement criteria to gain valuable insights into how effectively the library supports academic and research objectives. The proposed metrics aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of the library's performance and services, taking into account the diverse needs of its users. By identifying key performance indicators and measurement criteria, this study seeks to offer valuable insights into how well the library supports academic and research goals. To achieve this, the research will use a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and document review to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The data analysis will include statistical analysis of survey responses and thematic analysis of qualitative data to uncover trends and patterns. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of new metrics for evaluating library performance and services. The developed metrics will be crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of Makerere University Library as a key academic resource, ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving needs of its users in a rapidly changing academic landscape. The mixed-methods approach employed in this research design also allows for a holistic understanding of the library's effectiveness. Surveys will capture quantitative data on user satisfaction and library usage patterns, while interviews and document review will provide qualitative insights into user experiences and perceptions. The data analysis will involve both statistical analysis and thematic analysis to identify trends and patterns, providing a nuanced understanding of the library's impact. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the development of new metrics for evaluating library performance and services. The developed metrics will not only enhance the effectiveness of Makerere University Library but also serve as a model for other academic libraries facing similar challenges. By adapting to the digital age and embracing new approaches to assessment, Makerere University Library can continue to be a vital resource for its academic community.
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    A user awareness programme for improving the information-seeking behaviour of undergraduate students at Busitema university
    (Makerere University, 2022-03-14) Koyada, Ssemirembe ; Naome, Kabekiriza ; Opio, Emmanuel Emwos
    This project aimed at creating a User Awareness Programme for improving information seeking behavior of undergraduate students at Busitema University. It focused on finding out the information seeking behavior among undergraduate students, established the challenges faced in enhancing the information seeking behavior of the undergraduate students at Busitema University, examined the role of User Awareness Program in improving the information seeking behavior of undergraduate students and designing a User Awareness Programme for improving the information seeking behavior of undergraduate students in Busitema University. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data; that is to say questionnaires, interviews and observation methods. The research collected data from 53 respondents (8 librarians and 45 students). Data was analyzed using the thematic approach and descriptive statistics. Qualitative approach aimed at obtaining data expressed in non-numerical terms. Quantitative data analysis helped to analyze and categorize detailed terms of frequencies and percentages. So the research observed and concluded that undergraduate students make use of information to prepare for examinations, tests and to do their assignments. The information resources used by the respondents are books, journals, internet access, magazines and newspapers. Many of the respondents’ purpose for seeking for information is for general awareness, preparing reading and for carrying out research. It is to be noted that they access information through the assistance of library staff and little do they use the library catalogue. The study recommends the recruitment and training of more staff to manage user awareness program. It was discovered that the number of workers available to effectively manage the program are few hence a shortage in the number of employees needed to effectively manage the user awareness program. It therefore recommends that Busitema University should recruit more staff to manage the program. These staff should however be equipped with more user awareness skills.
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    A virtual reference service system for Metropolitan International University library
    (Makerere University, 2022-03) Mbaguta, Brian ; Abbi, Robinah ; Nabasa, Praise
    Learning activities have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic globally, leading to the closure of public places including academic libraries. Virtual connections and interactions have increasingly substituted person-to-person engagements and further limit the total interruptions in many sectors. On this note, traditional library services or reference services, are not optimally satisfying user’s needs. Unfortunately, the absence of a well-established virtual reference services system at Metropolitan International University library has contributed to untimeliness in finding information materials by the library users (students and staff), associated with the challenges of fatigue and time consuming in terms of accessing the information. The virtual reference service system current system addresses the challenges by enabling both students and lecturers to access the reference services anytime from anywhere. The objectives of the study were fulfilled using a number of tools and techniques, including questionnaires, interview guides for data collection, data flow diagrams and entity relationship diagrams for system design. Then Hypert-text mark-up language (HTML), PHP, Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), JavaScript, jQuery, MySQL, and Bootstrap were used for system development. The system was tested using techniques such as unit testing system integration testing. In conclusion, the system was developed successfully and should be adopted and deployed for effective communication amongst the stakeholders, especially pregnant women and health workers.