Search results

Traces the term “library consortium” as a form of co‐operation among libraries. Focuses on reasons for forming consortia and types, ranging from highly decentralised to highly centralised. Literature on consortia is mostly reported in four sources. Highlights the formation of the International Association of Library Consortia in 1997. The current trend is one of sharing integrated library systems and computer databases, collection development, purchasing of electronic journals, and staff development. What has been achieved is the provision of resources to patrons that did not have them before the consortia, as well as increased levels of services and convenience of patrons. By libraries banding together, cost savings come through reduced cost per unit as the group of libraries in the consortium shares the expenditure.

To share experiences of the University of Botswana Library (UBL) in migrating from the TINLIB to Innopac library automation systems.

Discusses various steps involved in system migration at UBL. Provides a historical background of UBL, the reasons for migration, selection of the system and implementation. Details training on the new system, with emphasis on cataloguing and acquisitions.

Emphasises the need to prepare ahead and plan well before the implementation of the system. Indicates data conversion steps used for both TINLIB and CDS/ISIS data and various problems encountered in translating non‐MARC data into USMARC.

The emphasis is on Technical Services leaving out circulation and periodicals modules.

Provides a case study for libraries to consider during the library automated system migration and training.

The paper is a case study of the UBL system migration, intended to help other libraries in planning the change.