A knowledge classification scheme for Makerere Institute for Social Development (MISD)

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Makerere Institute for Social Development purposefully to develop a Knowledge Classification Scheme for its library. The objectives of the study were to: examine the methods applied by Makerere Institute for Social Development in organizing its knowledge; determine the challenges faced by Makerere Institute for Social Development in organizing its knowledge; and in the end, develop a knowledge classification scheme for the institution. The study adopted a case study research design backed up by a qualitative research method approach and focused on the users of the library who included the teaching staff, the students and the library staff. The sample used consisted of ten respondents who were divided unevenly to suit the study. The study also employed the interview, observation and the document review methods for data collection. The study found out that MISD employs color relation schemes, date of acquisition and availability of space on shelves to organize its knowledge resources. These means of knowledge organization applied by MISD were improper because they created difficulty for users in locating and accessing the information resources in the library. The study therefore developed the Dist Knowledge Organization Scheme that was recommended to MISD to enable them organize and classify their knowledge resources better.