Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Academic libraries Victoria Automation'

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of information and communications technology change on the management and operations of academic libraries. How academic libraries deal with this phenomenon and strategies that could be considered to help deal with an environment where technology constantly change. This study focused on the impact of information and communications technology driven change on the academic library e.g. staff, clients, physical resources and information resources.

Thesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
The aim of this research study is to explore the management of electronic resources used in libraries. Three tertiary institutions were used as case studies. The unit of analysis was the three libraries, with library employees (14) working and managing electronic resources being the unit of observation. Non-random, purposive sampling techniques were used. The finding of this study suggests that the participants do not use the Aleph integrated library system (ILS) optimally to manage electronic resources. Library employees do not keep up with current and new emerging technology trends in the library and academic environment. There is a lack of training, as well as understanding, of business processes and workflows. This is emphasised by a lack of knowledge of library system environments and, finally, the high cost of implementing the library systems. Electronic resource management (ERM) systems emerged in the early 2000s, and it became clear that traditional integrated library systems did not have sufficient capacity to provide efficient processing for meeting the changing needs and challenges of libraries at tertiary institutions. Libraries find it challenging to manage the wide range of licensed electronic resources, collaborating, cooperating and sharing resources with different libraries. The increasing number of electronic resource demands from users for remote or off campus access makes it difficult for libraries to manage electronic resources. As a result of this inability to manage the electronic resources, libraries are not effectively and efficiently using appropriate electronic resource systems to meet their business requirements.

Library users are constantly expecting new services, which puts tremendous pressure on academic libraries to re-organise their work patterns and devise better ways of service delivery in order to remain relevant. Although there are a lot of developments taking place in terms of information and communication technology (ICT), academic libraries in Sub- Saharan Africa are at different levels of ICT deployment both between different countries and within the same countries. The aim of this study is to determine the status of ICTs in Academic libraries in Central Uganda. The descriptive study employs a survey methodology gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected from library staff responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of ICT at 17 of the 22 academic libraries in Central Uganda using survey questionnaires and interviews over a period of twelve months. Findings indicate that there is an improvement in the status of ICTs in academic libraries in Central Uganda although they are deployed at a minimum level. Funding, power fluctuations and low bandwidth still pose a major threat to ICT adoption in academic libraries in Central Uganda. This report informs government, libraries, LIS schools, LIS professional bodies and policy makers on the future course of action regarding ICT deployment and curricula. Notably, there is need for government to support infrastructural development; engage in public-private partnerships for infrastructural developments; exempt taxation of ICT equipment and supplement funding at universities. Libraries should dedicate more funds to purchase ICT equipment; automate all library functions; develop local capacity to manage ICT projects; promote awareness about ICT services and support initiatives from local and international library associations. LIS schools should conduct a curriculum review to reposition the LIS study program to the present and future needs of the job market; monitor and advice government on policy issues affecting higher education include the need to align ICTs to national development. LIS professional bodies need to champion the cause for the standardization of LIS study programs, promote networking and knowledge sharing; articulate national e-strategies and play advisory role to government, LIS schools and libraries.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

The study explored the opportunities, the experience, developments and challenges of academic library automation, with a perspective from Anglophone West Africa, Ghana Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia. Literature was triangulated with empirical data to ascertain whether the same elements were present for the resultant countries. Questionnaires were used for the empirical data whilst the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method was adopted for the secondary data. Findings revealed that majority of the libraries were at different stages in the automation process. The challenges and opportunities discovered were not different from one country to the other. Increased access to a wider range of formats, increased resource sharing resulting from Inter Library Loan (ILL), effective and efficient service, increased visibility, fast and convenient service, searchability and discoverability were identified as some of the opportunities. Development such as the application of open source software, discovery as a search tool, cloud computing, consortia, data security, gamification, Resource Description Access (RDA) and application of mobile devices were gradually exploited by Anglophone West African academic libraries. Some of the challenges that were discovered include; poor internet connectivity, inadequate technical expertise to manage automated systems, lack of computers, poor cooperation, erratic power supply, inadequate project management skills amongst other. Recommendations identified to manage the challenges were increased bandwidth to improve internet connectivity, provision of adequate power supply, availability of systems librarians, increased collaboration and consortia, application of project management skills, and capacity of librarians in the areas of advanced Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2015.
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

The adoption of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) helps library staff to automate libraries’ routine operations. While some libraries are coping well with automation, others most especially in Sub Saharan Africa face challenges and setbacks. The purpose of the study is to explore the adoption of an open source ILS, Koha, at Kyambogo University Library Service (KyULS). The study employs a qualitative approach where data is gathered using semi-structured interviews. Collected data was analysed using content analysis. The results of the study indicate that the drivers for adopting an ILS in KyULS are: qualified staff members, Koha being an open source software, training, and library automation trends in sister university libraries. The barriers to ILS adoption on the other hand included: lack of infrastructure, internet instability, insufficient funding, bureaucracy and the ILS’s unsuitability to persons with visual impairment. This report further provides recommendations to alleviate or resolve the difficulties that are hampering KyULS specifically and potentially other libraries when adopting ILSs. They include having a well-planned process of adopting the ILS, provision of a centralised and stable campus-wide inter/intranet network, establishment of required ILS infrastructure, sourcing of external funding, carrying out wide spread sensitisation of the ILS, continuously training the library staff members in the use of the ILS and collaboration with ILS adoption champions in other academic libraries. This study may be of value to academic librarians, LIS schools and ILS vendors globally as it helps them better understand the unique challenges faced by libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

Esta tesis doctoral parte de la hipótesis que el uso de agentes informáticos puede mejorar los procesos implicados en la gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas. Los objetivos de esta tesis son por una parte analizar los procesos implicados en la gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario, comparando el modelo español con modelos internacionales, y por otra analizar la funcionalidad de los agentes de software en el ámbito de las bibliotecas, valorando su viabilidad, y aplicándolos a la gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario para constatar su utilidad. Se plantean cinco preguntas de investigación ¿Las bibliotecas universitarias españolas han seguido los modelos internacionales en lo que se refiere a la automatización? , ¿Las características del préstamo interbibliotecario en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas se adaptan a las normativas internacionales?, ¿Se están usando agentes en los sistemas de automatización de bibliotecas universitarias?, ¿Pueden los agentes de software ser aplicados en la gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas?, ¿Resultan dichos agentes útiles y aplicables a un modelo de gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario descentralizado como el de las bibliotecas universitarias españolas? Para contestar estas preguntas se aplican dos tipos de metodologías; por una parte una revisión bibliográfica y normativa y por otra una metodología experimental basada en la observación e introducción controlada de agentes informáticos en los procesos de gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario. Se utilizan agentes que permitan la verificación de los datos de las peticiones, tanto administrativos como bibliográficos, y agentes de búsqueda que completen las citas bibliográficas para minimizar los errores en la posterior localización. Se diseñan también agentes que permiten la sincronización del estado de las peticiones entre distintos sistemas de gestión de préstamo interbibliotecario, como es el caso del sistema GTBib presente en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas con el sistema WorldShare de la red americana OCLC. Como resultados de la revisión bibliográfica y normativa podemos constatar la idiosincrasia del modelo de préstamo interbibliotecario de las universidades españolas respecto a otros países como Estados Unidos o Inglaterra. Mientras que en España predomina un modelo de automatización uniforme y descentralizado en el que cada biblioteca universitaria dispone de su propio programa de gestión, siendo éste GTbib en un 95% de ellas, en otros países predominan modelos centralizados asociados a un catálogo colectivo como es el caso de OCLC o a una gran biblioteca de préstamo como es el caso de la British Library inglesa. Como resultado de aplicar agentes en la gestión del préstamo interbibliotecario queda constatada su utilidad al suponer una reducción del tiempo de procesos, una mejora en los mismos y en definitiva un incremento en la satisfacción del usuario del sistema; tanto de los gestores de la aplicación como de los usuarios finales, profesores, investigadores o estudiantes.
ABSTRACT: The hypothesis in this thesis is that the use of software agents can improve the processes involved in the management of interlibrary loan (ILL) in Spanish university libraries.   The thesis have two main objectives: first, to analyze the processes involved in the management of ILL, comparing the Spanish model with international standards; second, to analyze the functionality of software agents in the field of libraries, assessing their feasibility and performance in the management of ILL, in order to ascertain its usefulness.   To achieve these objectives, two types of methodologies are applied: on the one hand a review of current literature and standards, and on the other an experimental methodology based on observation of the performance of computer agents in the management of ILL transactions. The use of three types of agents have been studied: agents that enable verification of administrative and bibliographic data of the requests, search agents who complete bibliographic references to minimize errors in the subsequent localization, and agents for synchronization status of requests from different ILL management systems. The tests for this compatibility have been tested among Spanish university libraries using GTBib ILL system and OCLC WorldShare integrated LMS.   As results of the literature and standards review we have profiled the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of the Spanish universities ILL model, in comparison to other countries like the US or UK. While in Spain a decentralized model prevails, in which each university library has its own management program (GTbib the prevalent one, with a 95% share), in other countries predominate centralized models, associated in most cases with a union catalog, as it is the case with OCLC in the US, or in other cases like UK where the model is based in a huge lending library and document supply center such as the British Library.   The results obtained after applying agents to ILL management systems have been very useful for some reasons: agents perform tasks efficiently and that improves the overall performance, with a reduced process time for the requests. That at the end gives to the user and the librarians a greater satisfaction and a timely control of the process.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 1990.
Typescript (photocopy). eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliography (leaves 107-117).

M.A. (Information Science)
This research investigated the problem of multiple bibliographic interfaces that end-users face when conducting searches. A situation analysis was conducted which provided a profile of the situation under investigation. Based on the results of the analysis an end-user training programme for adoption by subject reference librarians at the University of the North Library with regard to bibliographic CD-ROM databases is formulated. This programme is proposed to address problems that end-users experience with these databases and in the process to improve their search abilities. Finally, areas for further investigation with regard to the situation, learner and learning situation are also suggested.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of information technology (IT) and strategies which academic and research libraries in Tanzania can adopt in order to facilitate the sustainability of information technology which has been acquired through external donor assistance. The motivation for undertaking the study emanated from the researcher's long working experience of twelve years in a university library. Through this experience it has been observed that many of the donor-funded or supported information projects like the introduction of information technology in libraries, thrive well and offer good information services when donor support is still available. However, once the donor project or donor support comes to an end very few of these have been able to continue delivering the intended information services and products. What this implies, is that very little is known by both donors and recipient libraries alike about factors or strategies which can affect the future sustainability of such donor-funded information projects in libraries. The study assumed that if information technology is effectively sustained it would reduce the vulnerable dependence of libraries on donor funding and support, and in turn facilitate effective local planning and development of the technology and related information services which responded to the needs of the library clientele. Eighteen libraries possessing and using some form of information technology were studied. The survey research method comprised the questionnaire; interview schedule and observation through visits as data and information gathering instruments was used in the investigation. Its selection was determined by the under-researched nature of the problem. Data and information generated by the instruments was content analyzed and formally presented by the use of descriptive statistics. The major findings of the study revealed that despite donor support to libraries, the status of information technology reflected early stages of its introduction in almost all the libraries. No all-round IT infrastructural development existed. Shortages or non-availability of various IT equipment and accessories resulted in differences in the quantity of the technology possessed by each of the libraries studied. Consequently, effective use of the technology was hampered by the scarcity or inadequate availability of the equipment and accessories as well as limited IT skills, knowledge and competence among library staff. While all the libraries indicated that they had great needs for IT training, the levels at which it was required differed from one institution to another. As a result, not many of the IT-related information needs were currently being satisfied. The findings also reflected positive concurrence on the feasibility of IT sustainability by the libraries. Most of the libraries agreed that despite being under-resourced, the sustainability of information technology based upon own library resources could be feasible provided all or most of the proposed sustainability strategies were effectively and concurrently implemented by the libraries. Proposed sustainability strategies have been presented in the study. These could be conceived within three broad categories namely, strategies related to: the need for adequate resource-generation, formulation of IT policy informed by effective IT planning and management practices, and the enhancement of the role and value of information and related services as vital elements for its adequate support. All these strategies affect library parent organization managements, library managements and professionals as well as donors of the technology. The study concludes that libraries need to become more involved in charting out the required direction of IT development which would ensure the availability of adequate and appropriate technology in response to user needs and its effective sustainability. This would involve improvement of the status of IT; formulation and actual implementation of IT policies and planning; the need for continuous assessment of user needs, and effecting continuous IT education and training in libraries. The recommendations and areas for further research put forward by the study were based on the implications reflected by the study findings.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998

This study investigated the management of information and communication technologies (ICTs) at academic libraries in selected public universities in Ghana. The purpose for this study was to investigate the managerial processes and challenges in terms of conceptualization, policies, planning, implementation and strategies involved in ICTs adoption in order to formulate strategies for their management in Ghanaian academic libraries. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to review and explore the status and level of ICT diffusion in Ghanaian university; audit the procedures, processes and factors that influence ICT adoption and implementation in Ghanaian university libraries; establish the institutional policies, strategies and human resource that is in place and available for the adoption; determine the factors that hinder the adoption and management of ICTs in Ghanaian university libraries; and design a framework for effective and efficient management of ICTs in Ghanaian public university libraries. The study adopted mixed-method research design approach combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches through the pragmatic worldview to achieve the main purpose of the study. Adopting a survey study design, data was collected from five selected Ghanaian public universities by interviewing the five university librarians/directors, using questionnaires on 313 library staff and making observations within the five libraries. The findings of the study established that the managerial tools/instruments required for effective ICTs management in Ghanaian university libraries include the availability of library ICT policies, a library ICT strategic plan, library ICT installation and maintenance manuals, library ICT integration plans, and standard operations manuals. In addition, adequate funds, skilled manpower, adequate and standard ICT infrastructures among others. However, the study also revealed that there are absence of library ICT policies, lack of processes and procedure guidelines, inadequate funds, lack of management support, inadequate ICT skills among libraries and staff ICT training policies in the academic libraries in Ghana. The study recommends the formulation of ICT policies and strategic plans purposely for the comprehensive management of library ICT systems. Furthermore, the university top management should support their libraries by providing the required resources and motivation for the library managers including the development of stakeholder partnership and collaboration. To galvanise these recommendations, the study proposes a framework for the ICTs adoption and management in Ghanaian university libraries.
Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

Libraries, particularly academic libraries implement technologies to enhance their services to promote teaching, learning and research. In this thesis the impact of information technologies (library technologies) on delivery of services at the Balme Library of the University of Ghana was evaluated. The researcher adopted the multi-methods approach to the research by using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from users (students) of the library and para-professional staff of the Balme Library of the University of Ghana who formed one group of the study. The interview was used to collect data form professional staff of the library who on the other hand formed the second group of the study. Responses of the data collected from the two groups formed the components of the study and data collected quantitatively were analysed using univariate analysis method and interpreted by the descriptive and inferential statistics method. The qualitative data, on the other hand, was analysed using the narrative analysis approach. The findings of the study reveal that a variety of IT facilities such as computers, internet, photocopiers, scanners, braille embossers, magnifiers for reading, reference management software, video conference facility, electronic theses, electronic databases, automated library system, electronic past questions and the library website are available at the library and are very accessible to all users (students) and staff of the library. Students and staff of the library have good IT skills to utilise those resources. The findings also reveal that the IT infrastructure had positive impacts on the delivery of library services ensuring that users received the appropriate services they needed at the right times and places The study found challenges of slow internet connectivity, unstable power supply, lack of IT skills, inadequate IT infrastructure among others and these hinder the maximum utilisation of IT in and out of the library and recommends periodic training of staff and users, proper maintenance of facilities, increase of internet bandwidth and better marketing of library services
Information Science
M. Inf. (Information Science)

The master thesis describes and evaluates application of Integrated Library System Aleph 500 (in following text ILS Aleph) in academic libraries in Czech Republic. First chapter describes theoretical requirements at automated library systems for academic libraries. Apart of general requirements are described new technical trends as tools of Web 2.0. Second chapter brings full description of ILS Aleph with specification of each system's module. Third chapter is dedicated to implementation of ILS Aleph in Czech academic libraries. Characteristic of each institutional implementation contains three parts: characteristic of institution, describing of implementation and description of institutional OPACs. Last chapter is dedicated to empiric study of application of ILS Aleph in academic libraries in Czech Republic. ILS Aleph users are examined at three levels (library users, librarians, system administrators). Empiric study was made at group of Prague academic libraries that implemented ILS Aleph.