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Slide Notes

This presentation is on the implementation of the first LMS at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU)

It will reflect on
how it has added value to the user experience and how it might apply to librarians in the UK.

There's a lot to cover in ten minutes, but I'll do my best!

Little Things Mean A Lot - with notes

Published on Mar 02, 2016

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Little Things Mean A Lot

 An automated library system
This presentation is on the implementation of the first LMS at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU)

It will reflect on
how it has added value to the user experience and how it might apply to librarians in the UK.

There's a lot to cover in ten minutes, but I'll do my best!

Setting the Scene

  • Librarian at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
  • One of 53 Nazarene higher education institutions
  • Around 30 do not have an automated LMS
  • OPALS selected as the LMS
Firstly, a bit about me and some background to the project.

OPALS will be funded by the International Board of Education

The first library (or 5!)

In January this year, I went out to SANU alongside a team of Nazarene librarians from the States.

We worked alongside the librarians at SANU to implement OPALS in their three libraries.

We also provided training for the librarians of two other colleges in Africa.

It was a big task as none of the libraries had an automated system, only the theology library had a card catalogue.

The difference made (users)

  • can search for more than 2000 items
  • have easier access to electronic items
  • can keep track of their loans
It will take at least a year for the full benefits to be realised, but......

In the six weeks since this project really began, users.......

These are the basic functions of a library which an automated system enables

The libraries are now more than a room of books.

The difference made to staff (users)

  • Can keep track of their collection
  • Information can be shared
  • information literacy sessions
It has also made a huge difference to the library staff....which adds value to the user experience

Now that they don't have to keep track with a pen & paper, they will have more time to offer things such as information literacy sessions.

These are desired by the Deans....now they can happen.

Untitled Slide

  • "Being part of a transformed team is truly amazing. It's evident that giants have been awakened in each members self. Everyone is realising what they are capaple of doing and giving their whole."
What we didn't anticipate, was the change the LMS would bring to the librarians.

Before they worked quite separately in their own libraries.

The head librarian wrote on Facebook: (quote)

A united team can only add value for the users, it was instigated by the LMS.

It doesn't end there

  • OPALS is in (or will be in) 7 more libraries
  • Can now search for almost 60,000 items
Adding value to users worldwide.

What does this mean for us?

  • Valuing our LMS
  • Importance of information literacy
I have a new found appreciation for our LMS and what it can do for library users. I want to ensure that we have the best records and it works well.
- I have decided to move to the new system.

That I need to help the students make the most of the LMS & other information sources as they often struggle e.g. Martin Luther King.
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