College of Social Sciences

Permanent URI for this community

http://192.168.13.253:4000/handle/123456789/1964
.

Back to the main page

Browse

Browsing College of Social Sciences by Author "Abdalla, Hemedi"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Impact of automation on library services: a case study of the University of Dar es Salaam library
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2006) Abdalla, Hemedi
    The purpose of this study was to find out whether automation of library functions previously done manually has improved efficiency and performance. The study also aimed at finding out the extent to which automation of library functions has improved library functions previously done manually, the extent to which library staff are skilled to perform the automated library functions, problems associated with automation of library services at the University of Dar es Salaam library, as well as soliciting views on ways on improving efficiency of the automated library functions. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews as well as participant observation. Findings of the study reveal that automation of library functions had significantly improved the library functions that were previously done manually. The various automated library activities, such as cataloging, classification, acquisitions and circulation had improved following automation. With regards to factors that hinder the effectiveness of automated library functions, findings of the study revealed the following: inadequacy of computers, shortage of skills, small bandwidth, power interruptions and inadequate technical support, among others. This study recommends acquisition of more computers, which are up to date, acquisition of additional bandwidths so as to increase Internet speed, training of library staff to update their computer skills, as well as guaranteeing the availability of constant power supply.