A Study on Functional Requirement ofLibrary Automation Systems in ElementarySchools：Based on Taipei City

• Main Authors: Kuei-Mei Hu, 胡貴美
• Other Authors: Hong-Chu Huang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/54381307775632072097

碩士 === 淡江大學 === 資訊與圖書館學系 === 93 === Abstract The present study included a total of 150 public and private elementary school libraries in Taipei City as the study objects, and aimed to understand the status quo of library automation, the existing problems, the librarians’ expectation for the system functions, and problems encountered. The study was mainly carried out through surveys and interviews, with a total of 150 surveys sent and 123 valid surveys retrieved, a valid return rate of 82%. The study found that among the 150 school libraries, 121 have implemented automation systems, a rate of 98.4%. The collected data were further analyzed with software SPSS. Furthermore, interviews were conducted in 15 schools, with library supervisors who have one-year experience or more in using the automation system. The study then compared the existing system functions with the contents of “Standard Code for Data System Soft/hardware in Libraries of all Levels”, which is complied by scholars under the program sponsored by the Ministry of Education. The followings are the findings and conclusions for the present study: 1. The status quo of the automation in elementary school libraries and the distribution of the system usage 1) The automation in elementary school libraries of Taipei is prevalent (98.4%). As for system usage, circulation module ranks the highest (68.6%), followed by catalogue module. However, the system has not yet provided the service of WebPAC search. 2) Regarding the automatic systems in elementary school libraries, Taipei School Affair Administration Library System has been the most frequently used system, 93 schools (76.9%), followed by Chinchiang Library Organization System. 3) The systems are mostly managed by the senior assistant, and their experience in using automation systems is mostly over one year. 4) Liberians are mostly satisfied with the circulation and catalogue modules, both are 48.0%. However, on the overall satisfaction, it is only “fair” due to flaws in the suppliers’ service and inconvenience upon the school. 5) Apart from the lack of human resources, the problems of elementary school library automation also include financial insufficiency. 6) Liberians’ seniority showed no difference in satisfaction toward the system. 2. After comparing the existing system functions with the contents of “Standard Code for Data System Soft/hardware in Libraries of all Levels”, the study found that not all are applicable to elementary school library, only circulation, catalogue, and OPAC functions are meeting the demands. 3. Liberians expect the elementary school library automation system to include additional functions such as WebPAC, database search, online booklist download, Chinese and English classification search, audio service, visual and audio media, and instructional equipment management functions. According to the findings of the present study, eight recommendations have been generated. They are: 1. upgrade OPAC system to WebPAC, and make the latter the mainstream tool; 2. strengthen the functions of online explanation and assistance; 3. edit a standard code that is applicable to elementary school library automation; 4. the system developments should be based on the requirements of elementary school libraries; 5. improve and strengthen the hardware; 6. increase the professional trainings and education concerning the system in the librarians; 7. form user groups for the same systems, in order to facilitate the immediate reflections of requirements; 8. the system companies should elevate their service qualities and the attitudes towards educational trainings.