Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Article information:
To cite this document:
Jangawe Msuya, (1990),"Planning the Automation of Libraries in Developing Countries: A Systems
Analysis Approach", Library Review, Vol. 39 Iss 3 pp.
Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00242539010003920
Downloaded on: 06 September 2016, At: 01:12 (PT)
References: this document contains references to 0 other documents.
To copy this document: permissions@emeraldinsight.com
The fulltext of this document has been downloaded 188 times since 2006*
Access to this document was granted through an Emerald subscription provided by emeraldsrm:146872 []
For Authors
If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald
for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission
guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information.
In the automation of libraries, systems analysis helps to ensure that the true
needs, the resources, equipment and the procedure for automation are assessed
in advance. The assessment helps to overcome undesirable effects which might
result from poor planning.
This article is intended to provide guidelines to libraries planning to automate
their operations, particularly those in developing countries where resources
are very scarce. A note of caution: libraries should not indulge in automation
just for the sake of matching Western technological developments. They have
to plan very well, put the plans into action and make an evaluation of the process;
hence the concept of the planning circle. Systematically, planning for the
automation of libraries should follow the guidelines as set out below.
Setting Objectives
Once the problems facing a library have been identified, the objectives of a
Planning the
Automation of
Libraries
29
Library Review
39,3
30
evaluate possible methods which can be used to solve the problems. At this
stage, the assumption is that the problems can still be solved by other means,
not necessarily by automation; for example, increasing manpower, better staff
control, motivation, change in management style, modifications in workflow and
many others all of which depend on the nature of the problems.
If the study has shown that automation is the best solution, then evaluation
of different approaches to automation can take place. These are turnkey systems,
integrated systems, in-house developed systems and co-operative systems[3].
Specifications for the Required System
The purpose of specifying the required system is to get a clear picture of the
best system suitable for the library. Elements to be considered include among
other things: the specific functions which the system must be able to perform;
its capacity; reliability; speed and accuracy. This is the area where the University
of Dar es Salaam Library is experiencing problems. Namely, it is the donors
who are dictating the type of computers to be supplied, and the University
Library has to look for functions to be performed by these computers. UNESCO
for example has asked some libraries in Tanzania to submit their applications
for the Super-DOC microcomputer-based documentary software package. Why
should the donors dictate the equipment? How far are they sure of the operations
the recipients want to automate? How about compatibility? This approach forces
recipient libraries to direct their automation plans towards the computers and
software dictated, instead of the computers/software being specified to suit their
plans.
Consideration of Resources
The commitment to financial support is an obvious point to consider before
embarking on the project. In the case of a country like Tanzania for example,
the financial aspect is even worse since it involves the use of foreign exchange.
External assistance from international organisations, and funds generated locally
have been the main sources of funds for projects of this type.
Staff training is another vital area to be given serious consideration. Introducing
the computer in a library creates the need for new skills which are often alien
and lacking in the library environment. Training will give staff the confidence
to handle and manipulate the new equipment.
The computer room should also be planned in advance. Aspects such as
temperature, humidity, and lighting should be at their optimum level before the
installation of the equipment. In places where power cuts are usual, feasible
alternatives have to be considered in advance. The use of generators can help
to minimise the effects of the interruptions.
The Human Factor
A factor that has constantly been raised with regard to library automation is
that of staff resistance to change. Daniels and Yeates[4] present various reasons
for this resistance. They also suggest ways to overcome it. In brief, staff should
be trained, made aware of what is going on, be fully involved, provided with
Planning the
Automation of
Libraries
31
Library Review examples and guidelines and, above all, be assured that no one is going to lose
their job as a result of the introduction of computers.
39,3
32
Markuson, B.E. et al., Guidelines for Library Automation: A Handbook for Federal and
other Libraries, System Development Corporation, Santa Monica, California, 1972, p. 29.
Rowley, J.E., Computers for Libraries, 2nd ed., Clive Bingley, London, 1985, p. 10.
Msuya, J., "Planning the Automation of Cataloguing Services'', MLib dissertation, College
of Librarianship Wales, Aberystwyth, 1988, pp. 34-49.
Daniels, A. and Yeates, D., Basic Systems Analysis, 2nd ed., Pitman, London, 1984, pp. 6-7.
1. H.M. KhalidH.M. Khalid is Assistant Professor at the Department of Library and Information
Sciences, Islamia University, Bahawal Pur, Pakistan. 2000. The use of technology for housekeeping
and bibliographic searching activities in university libraries of Saudi Arabia: the need for acceleration.
Library Review 49:4, 179-185. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]