Networking the library catalogue: Lessons from the Kwame Nkrumah university of science and technology library, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

This paper describes the general procedure that the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library followed for carrying out the automation and subsequent networking of its library catalogues. The highlights of these activities include choice of software, selection of vendors, conversion of records and training of staff. It emphasizes networking of catalogues as a sure way of providing gateways to library resources and a solution for the problems of accessing library materials. It finally highlights the lessons from KNUST Library’s experience with automation, challenges encountered and presents it as an example for other Ghanaian academic libraries which have plans to automate to learn from it. Recommendations have also been given to pave way for modest beginnings for libraries which cannot afford automation of catalogues with comprehensive but expensive library management systems to use CDS/ISIS.