Abstract:
Despite the cost and the demands involved in the implementation of automated library
systems, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) library has used three automated
library systems within the last eleven years. These systems have neither been fully
implemented nor fully deployed. Planning and implementation of these systems has
continuously been an involving and complicated endeavor, as each new system is
introduced. At some point the three systems ran concurrently. The aim of the study was
to investigate change management approaches in the implementation of automated library
system(s) in CUEA University Library; with a view of making recommendations for
successful IS implementation. The objectives of the study were to: map and audit the
application of automated library system in the library; determine factors that necessitated
the need for automated library system change in each occasion; examine
approaches/procedures used in the automated system implementations; establish the
responses of the library staff and users towards automated library systems and their
subsequent library operations and services; investigate the challenges experienced in the
implementation of automated library systems, and make recommendations for
successful automated system implementation at CUEA library. The study was informed
by Nolan, Lewin‘s and Kotter theories of change management. The study adopted
qualitative research design. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to
collect data from 67 subjects drawn from the top library management, ICT department of
the university, and CUEA library staff and users. Data was collected using face to face
semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. It was analyzed thematically and
presented through use of descriptive narratives and tables. Main findings show that, rapid
technological changes, system change resistance, inadequacy of skills in system
implementation and poor change management strategies among others are some of the
challenges libraries face while managing change in automated system implementation.
The study recommends enhanced communication and training about the systems across
all library staff and users; user participation and involvement in the system
implementation; knowledge sharing between librarians, within and external to the
university, on their system implementation experiences and strategies; diligent and
consultative vendor terms assessment; and adoption of a realistic automation project plan.
