PLANNING FOR THE AUTOMATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM LIBRARY

Abstract

The paper examines the planning process for the automation of the University of Dar es Salaam Library. The planning phases described include the preparation phase, planning for implementation and database construction. The major issues during the preparation phase are the discussion on the context of automation, proposal write-up, and the formation of various Library Committees to oversee the implementation and stakeholders' workshop. Phase two planning activities described are technical aspects such as network design and implementation, hardware and software selection and procurement. Others are the memorandum of understanding and putting the system in place. In setting up the system planning, activities described are missions by technical consultants and software engineer and planning for training. Planning for database development is discussed in the third phase. Planning activities in this stage are retrospective conversion, standardization and quality control, maintenance and backup issues. The paper concludes by summarizing the planning areas that were successful and those in which improvements could have been made.



University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol.5(2) 2003: 1-16