Designing an information retrieval system for Mutesa I RoyalUniversity Library (Mengo Kakeeka Branch)

Abstract

In this study, an Information Retrieval System for Mutesa 1 Royal University library was designed to enable easy access and retrieval of information for improved service delivery in the library. This is because there is inefficiency in library service delivery to library users in the Mutesa 1 Royal University Library. The objectives of the study included (1) To identify the types of information resources held in Mutesa I Royal University, (2) To examine the current system of retrieving information resources in Mutesa 1 Royal University library. (3) To identify the challenges associated with the retrieval system used in the Mutesa 1 Royal University library. (4) To determine the requirements for designing an information retrieval system for Mutesa 1 Royal University library. (5) To design and develop an information retrieval system for Mutesa 1 Royal University library. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from 95 library users and staff using interviews and questionnaire methods and tools like self-administered questionnaires and interview guides. The researchers collected both primary which was analyzed using excel spreadsheets and the user requirements were determined. from the findings of the study, the majority of the library users 57.9% (n=55) visit the library occasionally, books are the types of library resources mostly borrowed, the library staff said that they usually retrieve information resources manually from the shelves while the users get them from librarians. The users mostly face a challenge of old-fashoined books while the staff face a challenge of limited funds to purchase new books. The library staff and users confirmed that it was necessary to design the information retrieval system, which was designed using data flow diagrams (DFDs) and enhanced entity relationship diagrams (ERDs). The system was developed using technologies such as Bootstrap, CSS, HTML, JavaScript and MySQL. The findings of the study are a great significance to researchers, Ugandans, and academicians.