Challenges of Using Koha as a Library Management System among Libraries in Higher Education Institutions in Zambia

Tuesday Bwalya; Akakandelwa Akakandelwa

doi:10.14429/djlit.41.02.15877

Tuesday Bwalya Department of Library and Information Science, The University of Zambia, Zambia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4748-9822
Akakandelwa Akakandelwa Department of Library and Information Science, The University of Zambia, Zambia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5454-5207

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.41.02.15877

Keywords: Koha, Library management system, Higher education institutions, Zambia

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges facing libraries in higher education institutions in Zambia in their use of Koha. The study was a descriptive survey involving 41 libraries from higher education institutions. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed that the major challenge was the inability of librarians to effectively use all the modules in Koha because of a lack of skills. The modules that are mainly used are circulation and cataloguing modules. The other challenges identified were poor Internet connectivity, lack of technical support, and difficulties upgrading and backing up the Koha database.

Author Biographies

Tuesday Bwalya, Department of Library and Information Science, The University of Zambia, Zambia

Mr Tuesday Bwalya is Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Zambia. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Science from Northeast Normal University, China. His research interests include Free and Open Source Software, Open Access Publishing, Database Systems, Web Development, Records management, Cataloguing and Classification.

Akakandelwa Akakandelwa, Department of Library and Information Science, The University of Zambia, Zambia

Dr. Akakandelwa Akakandelwa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Zambia. He holds a PhD in Political and Social Science from University of Antwerp, Belgium. His research interests include Informatrix, Information Seeking behaviour, Open Access Publishing, E-governance, Information Retrieval and Cataloguing and Classification.