Abstract:
The study examined the challenges hindering library services automation and
measures for speeding up the automation process. The study was conducted at
the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) in Dar es Salaam region. The choice of the
study area based on the availability of large library compared to those in other
regional centres. Data were gathered 76 respondents using questionnaire as
the main data collection method. Findings revealed that the challenges
hindering library services automation at the institute of adult education are Lack
of good planning, Inadequate communication between participants, Weak
participation to both library staff and library users, Lack of enough ICT staff,
Lack of seriousness, Poor categorization of responsibility, Lack of reliable
power supply, Lack of priorities, Lack of enough support and Lack of
enough library representation to the Institute of Adult Education management.
Furthermore, the study the measures for speeding up the automation process
include the following having a Standby generator, soliciting fund for automation
process, imparting ICT skills to some of library staff, Use of KOHA open source
software for automation, having adequate involvement and communication
between participants, Library should be highly supported, Total representation
of library to IAE library management, Increase seriousness, Priorities should be
implemented, Library should have stable budget and conducting orientation
to IAE administrators. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the IAE
management should take appropriate measures to address the identified
challenges in order to speed up the automation of library services at the Institute
of Adult Education.
