Library System Analysis: determining the Functional Requirements for a Proposed Computerized Library Management System. Case stud : the University of Khartoum Library

Abstract

Thesis Title: Library System Analysis: determining the Functional Requirements for a Proposed Computerized Library Management System. Case stud : the University of Khartoum Library. Candidate’s Name: Omer Hassan Abdelrahman Ali Degree Sought: Ph. D. in Library and Information Science- Graduate College- University of Khartoum Supervisor: Prof. Radia Adam Mohamed Date: 2004 This research has investigated and analyzed the University of Khartoum Library System in terms of the operations and functions carried out in the three core sections of the library i.e. the Acquisitions, the Cataloguing and classification, and the Reader Services (Circulation) Sections. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the specific functional requirements of a proposed computer-based Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). This proposed system is recommended to be selected form the available offthe –shelf software packages. For the purpose of gathering information about the existing library system, a number of techniques have been employed including interviews, document analysis, observation, and literature review. The Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM) is used in analyzing the existing library system. This method necessitated the decomposition of the system into smaller functional subsystems. The results of the University of Khartoum Library System analysis have been documented by a number of structured tools such as the Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and the Data Dictionary. The U of K Library System database has also been described and designed by following the relational database model. Based on the results of the system analysis, the specific requirements and the detailed functional requirements of the proposed computer-based Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) have been defined and outlined. The specific functional requirements, together with the database description are intended to be used by the University of Khartoum Library administration for writing a Request For Proposal (RFP) that will assist the library administration in selecting a suitable, up-to-date, flexible and interoperable Integrated Library Management System (ILMS).