Staff assessment of the success of the integrated library system : the case of the University of Ghana Library System

Abstract

Library automation in Ghana began barely 13 years ago with the University of Ghana Balme Library being the first to start automation in 2003. Library automation is attained by means of a specific type of information system, an integrated library system (ILS). Given that modern academic libraries rely heavily on their ILS to meet user needs, the success of the ILS is vital. In 1999 Farajpahlou published a set of 26 criteria to assess the success of ILS in university libraries that was subsequently validated in both developing and developed countries (Iran and Australia). In this case study of the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS) Farajpahlou‟s original set of criteria was assessed for applicability and used to assess the success of the UGLS by surveying 28 randomly selected library managers, IT specialists and selected paraprofessionals who work with the UGLS ILS. The study showed that, in the opinion of these respondents, the UGLS ILS conclusively satisfies 13 out of the 16 criteria accepted by the research respondents out of the 26 criteria that constitute the Farajpahlou (1999, 2002) success criteria. This outcome suggests that the UGLS ILS may not be conclusively deemed to be successful. Furthermore, the study also suggests that, although Farajpahlou‟s success criteria can serve as a basis for the assessment of ILS success in academic libraries, some criteria may need to be altered or removed and additional criteria added to make it a more robust set of criteria to assess ILS success globally. This research contributes to studies that seek to assess the success of library automation in academic libraries in Ghana and also contribute to the development of potentially suitable success assessment criteria, which may be of value to both researchers and practitioners. Library automation in Ghana began barely 13 years ago with the University of Ghana Balme Library being the first to start automation in 2003. Library automation is attained by means of a specific type of information system, an integrated library system (ILS). Given that modern academic libraries rely heavily on their ILS to meet user needs, the success of the ILS is vital. In 1999 Farajpahlou published a set of 26 criteria to assess the success of ILS in university libraries that was subsequently validated in both developing and developed countries (Iran and Australia). In this case study of the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS) Farajpahlou‟s original set of criteria was assessed for applicability and used to assess the success of the UGLS by surveying 28 randomly selected library managers, IT specialists and selected paraprofessionals who work with the UGLS ILS. The study showed that, in the opinion of these respondents, the UGLS ILS conclusively satisfies 13 out of the 16 criteria accepted by the research respondents out of the 26 criteria that constitute the Farajpahlou (1999, 2002) success criteria. This outcome suggests that the UGLS ILS may not be conclusively deemed to be successful. Furthermore, the study also suggests that, although Farajpahlou‟s success criteria can serve as a basis for the assessment of ILS success in academic libraries, some criteria may need to be altered or removed and additional criteria added to make it a more robust set of criteria to assess ILS success globally. This research contributes to studies that seek to assess the success of library automation in academic libraries in Ghana and also contribute to the development of potentially suitable success assessment criteria, which may be of value to both researchers and practitioners.