Overview

As an inclusive player in the education sector, tertiary institutions reputation thrives on their ability to research, innovate and contribute towards knowledge acquisition, teaching and learning. To that end, the under listed tertiary institutions were seeking a comprehensive and cost-effective library management system that meets library standards and protocols (MARC 21, UNIMARC, z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, RDA) for the management of their library resources.

Clients:
• University of Professional Studies, National Banking College, Accra College of Education, Koforidua Technical University, Mampong Technical College of Education, Modal University College, Nursing and Midwifery Training College.
Industry:
Education
Services:
IT Consultancy, Library Software Implementation, Training.

Challenge

As Heads of the various libraries, their tasks were to raise standards in modern day library management by automating all the functional units of the library. They were concerned about the cost implications as most library software comes at a very huge cost in terms of acquisition, implementation, training and support.

“Our aim was to have an integrated and fully featured library system that allows for 3rd party integrations and enables lecturers and students to access it from anywhere.”…..Librarian (National Banking College)

For the institutions, it was clear that modern day library is not about the erected structure, but one that addresses the needs of stakeholders anytime, anywhere.

Solution

ANIWA Systems realized that these tertiary institutions wants to set the pace, not just keep up with it. They didn’t just want library software; they also wanted to train their users to be up-to-date and current in their knowledge and skills, so they could match up to the competition in the global landscape.

Fortunately, some of the institutions already had the infrastructure for seamless implementation. However, for some of the institutions, the team had to start from scratch including providing them with consultancy services in the recruitment of librarians to manage the libraries.

To start the automation of the libraries, ANIWA began by taking stakeholders through assessing the scale of their library IT needs, technological capabilities, systems, support and training they require to succeed, and helped them to develop systems and processes in a way that greatly benefits their work at the library.

“I had the highest degree of confidence in ANIWA, both in terms of the features of the library software presented and the quality of their professionals (certified librarians and experienced IT project managers).”

We proposed an integrated library system, used world-wide by over 3,000 academic, public, and special libraries. Our team ensured a smooth process of installation, customization, integration, data migration, and training on the software.

Results

ANIWA Systems worked with the tertiary institutions to integrate all the modules you would expect in fully-functional library software – acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials management, authorities, flexible reporting, label printing, multi-format notices, offline circulation for when Internet access is not available, and much more.

The software meets library standards and protocols such as MARC 21, UNIMARC, z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, SIP/NCIP, which enables interoperability with other systems and technologies, while supporting existing workflows and tools.

A launch was also successfully supported by our team. Our team of experts continues to provide support and consultancy services for some of these institution libraries and other institutions.

“We had a good stakeholder engagement and good relationship with the team from ANIWA.” …[Clients].