Guidelines for automating the library circulation system of Uganda Institute of information and communication technology

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop the guidelines for automating the library circulation system for Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology. The objectives were to; establish the different types of information resources managed at UICT Library, establish the methods used in the circulation of information resources at UICT Library, examine the challenges in circulation of information resources at UICT Library and develop the guidelines for the circulation system at UICT Library. The study employed a case study research design since the study targeted a particular institution that is Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology Library. Questionnaire, interviews, and observation methods were used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to select 62 respondents who participated in the study. The study found out that majority of library users at Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology Library were University students. Majority of the information resources in the UICT Library were text books accessed by the users to meet their learning teaching and research needs. Library staff use counter books and registers in the management of the information resources and users’ details. The major challenge faced with the library circulation system is the inadequate information resources caused by inadequate funding in the UICT Library. The study concluded that the guidelines for automation of the library circulation system of would help the library staff provide library resources to the users, inadequate information materials and inadequate funds as the major challenges would be solved by increasing the library funding so as to support the library users meet their needs. The study recommended that the library staff should increase on the library funding, develops a library circulation policy, acquire more computers for the users to access and more staff with technical IT skills, should digitize all information materials to promote the access and provision.