An examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of circulation control systems of selected University libraries in Tanzania and Kenya
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Date
2008
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study examined the efficiency and effectiveness of circulation control systems in
minimising book losses in the selected university libraries in Tanzania and Kenya. University
libraries have been experiencing book losses either through extended or unrecorded
overdue loans or illegal borrowing. Prior to computerization, the libraries except MTL used
a manual circulation control system which was slow, cumbersome and time consuming.
A multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 494 participants, of these, 113 were from
Sokoine, 116 from Nairobi, 106 from Moi and 159 from Dar es Salaam. Data was collected
through a structured standardised self-administered questionnaire with both open-ended and
closed questions, face -to -face interviews; observations and content analysis. Key findings
revealed that for most respondents, the library is a key source of information and that inadequate
student book allowances, low staff salaries, inadequate library budget, and where the circulation
control system is manual, contribute greatly to book losses and mutilation in university libraries.
Automated circulation control systems are more efficient in minimising book loss than manual
circulation control systems. It is therefore recommended that libraries should computerise their
library functions including circulation control systems in order to improve t he quality of
services and to minimise book theft, overdues and mutilation. Library staff must also be
committed, well paid and well motivated to enable them to perform their duties efficiently and
effectively. University libraries and the parent institutions must invest in the training of staff in
order to improve performance, efficiency and effectiveness. They must also be adequately
funded in order to meet the information needs of the users and academic programmes
offered at the universities.
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Keywords
Circulation control systems, University libraries, Tanzania, Kenya