Automation of Private School Libraries in Ghana: A Case Study of SOS-HERMANN GMEINER International College, Tema

Abstract

The automation of information systems is now a necessity. School libraries. as information centres In second-cycle institutions, must automate their services in order to provide more efficient and quality services as well as introduce new information media for the enhancement of the schools' instructional programmes This study is conducted partly to investigate the role of these multimedia in he enhancement of information provision in schools. It also sets out to investigate the integration of school libraries in the academic programmes of schools, using the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Library automation as a case study. The methodology adopted for the collection of data is the cross sectional survey, based mainly on the use of the interview and survey questionnaire. The results of the study are presented in the form of descriptive statistics and the facts emerging from the study commented upon. The major conclusion drawn from the study is that though an expensive venture, automation is crucial to the enhancement of the teaching-learning situation in schools and must be adopted in all school libraries in Ghana, as a matter of necessity. Based on the conclusion the recommendation is made to the Ministry of Education of Ghana and the proprietors of private secondary schools on how best to automate school libraries in the face of the current low budgetary allocations from Government.