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.