Library information management tool: a case for National Library of Uganda.

Abstract

Libraries play an important role in providing services that are relevant to the process of information acquisition and dissemination by researchers, scholars and other stake holders. National Library of Uganda (NLU) is faced by a major problem of inadequate funds which results into recruitment of insufficient manpower, offering inadequate services and use of a manual system. The process of providing services to users and managing information in NLU is time consuming and tiresome because it involves a lot of paperwork to ensure that a user is eligible to borrow the requested materials. Therefore the main objective of this project was to develop a tool that would automate library transactions of NLU. This was achieved by collecting data about library services and library management using Interview and Observation methods. Collected data was reviewed and requirements of the tool were identified and the tool was designed using data modeling tools such as; a DFD, an ER model and a flow chart. The tool was implemented using MYSQL, PHP, and Dream Weaver. The tool was tested and all input forms validated to avoid errors and inconsistencies. The developed tool can be used by NLU staff to register users, books and their suppliers, add books to catalogues, and update records. It can also be used by users to check for the availability of books. This tool can be improved by adding functionalities of users to access e-books and other reading materials.