a web based current awareness service system on covid-19 for albert cook library, makerere university

Description

The study aimed at designing a Web Based Current Awareness Service System on Covid-19 for Albert Cook Library, Makerere University. The objectives of the study were to; establish the Current Awareness Services, find out the methods used in delivering current awareness services, identify the challenges in offering Current Awareness Services, and design a Current Awareness Service System for Albert Cook Library, Makerere University. The study employed a case study research design while adopting both qualitative and quantitative research approaches in collecting data. Questionnaire, interview, and documentary analysis methods of data collection were used because of the nature of study. Simple random sampling method was used to select the 144 library users and the 4 librarians who participated in the study. The research findings showed that the majority of the respondents visit the library on a daily basis, to get more information in their fields of study so there is a need for the current awareness services. It was established that library staff rarely display the new arrivals whereas others disregarded the receipt of emails sent to them notifying about the new updates in the library. The study findings revealed that Albert Cook Library uses a variety of methods in offering current awareness services to users which include personal visit to the library, communication through word of mouth, library displays and library newsletter. The common challenges the respondents faced in current awareness services were; delayed display of the new arrivals, irregular CAS delivery by email, absence of internet access to some users, increased costs to the library in providing CAS to users. The study findings also showed that the CAS available in the library are not convenient for users, there is delay in delivery of current awareness programs via emails and only a few receive a list of the latest editions. The respondents suggested that the librarian can create a social media page on social networks like Facebook page for the library, Twitter and Whatsapp accounts because many users are using networks. The recommendations for the study were; use of social media networks, use of notice boards, library visit hours, training of the library staff, and orientation of library users should be done to improve on the current awareness information system.