An index of "Pass PLE" periodicals in St. Peters Nsambya Primary School Library

Abstract

In order to achieve an easier method of indexing in school libraries, designed and implemented library indexes are being pushed as a replacement for the manual indexes. The project aimed at designing a “Pass PLE” index for St. Peter’s Primary School - Nsambya. A case study research design was used and a qualitative research approach adopted in the study. A sample size of 25 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 20 students were involved. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation. And it was qualitatively analyzed and presented with the help of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Major finding was that St. Peter’s Primary School – Nsambya does not have an index to help in the management of “Pass PLE” periodicals it was revealed that periodicals 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. Peter’s Primary School - Nsambya library like reference services, current awareness services as the study indicates. In addition, the study revealed that the library uses a manual indexing. A manual index 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. Peter’s Primary School - Nsambya library. The study therefore recommends St. Peter’s Primary School - Nsambya library to adopt the proposed Library Index to provide a centralized database of books and management of library activities. Major recommendation was that the management of the school should adopt the proposed index because of its many benefits. Other recommendations are that: SPNPS management should endeavor to train librarians on how to operate the designed index 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.