An Online Book-bank Monitoring System

Therefore it is not surprising that organizations, whose operations are information intensive, like libraries, have tried to incorporate information technology in their systems. Major world libraries have installed online public access catalogues (OPACs) since the late 1960s. The ability to search online databases half a world away has also been available to libraries since the mid-1970s; and during the 1980s libraries introduced microcomputers and compact disk technology.
However the development of fourth and fifth generation computers in the mid-1980s and the subsequent availability of better, more flexible and easier to use software, has meant that automation of nearly all aspects of library systems is now possible. (Zuboff, 1988 [10]) says information technology has the ability to inform or automate the workplace.

The capacity of information technology to generate vast amounts of information about the underlying processes of production and administration, allows employers to inform their work force so that employees can do their jobs better. However, information technology also allows the employer to automate the workplace by:  
- Using technology to replace human effort, skill, and knowledge to perform a process at lower cost;
- Emphasizing the machine's intelligence;
- Placing controls over the access of the organization's knowledge base;
- Using the technology as a fail-safe mechanism to monitor and increase certainty and control over production and the organizational functions. (Horsfall, 1992 [9]) suggests that the positive effects of automation are:
- A reduction in repetitive work and tedious procedures;
- An increase in skill level;
- Possibly higher job satisfaction;
- An increase in the variety of tasks;
- Greater flexibility

 2 .3 Approach to Library Design and required necessities
The distributed model is in use at the Feniberg Library of Plattsburgh State University of New York since 1994.  The model was developed so that a medium sourced college Library could offer an extensive away of off campus library services with limited additional staff (Holly, 1999 [3]). It is certainly possible to develop library services that are integrated with existing on campus services.  An integrated approach provides flexibility for program growth  encourages the development of broad-staff expertise and contributes to the essential Institutionalization of the distance-learning program as a whole on the campus (Holly, 1999 [3]). (Holy, 1999 [3]) goes ahead to state that equally important distributed model bring all staff into the detailed work of meeting the research and information need of distance learning students which makes it possible for smaller libraries to support distance l earning programs.  (Davidson, 1999 [11]) states that a number of tailors need to be considered while designing a library system:  Access to library services is essential, instilling long learning skills through information literacy as a primary outcome of higher education, a library should meet needs, services for extended, academic communities may differ from, but the digitalized services should also offer services of a traditional manual library.

This study will contribute to general researched knowledge on library information systems and especially on e-learning in general. With the great increase on the number of students in the university, there is need for more studies on resource sharing. The system will help any other interested institutions in library systems. It is evident from the above that there is an increased need in library resources and in a more effective and efficient way therefore the literature reviewed indicates that, there is a growing need to make library services more accessible and flexible to many users including those that do not necessarily have to enter ‘the library building’.  This implies that the use of online materials accessible through log-on rights and library extension services like the book-banks are the way to go.  ( Matovu, 2000 [12]) argues that Information technology has led to an increased dependence on information by firms and individuals giving rise to the information age.

The binary system as applied by computers leads to faster and more accurate methods of processing data. This has made information a more dependable resource in management. Binary was later extended to other information related technologies, which resulted in easy exchange of data between a computer and these technologies. This has led to a convergence phenomenon involving integration of text, sound, graphics, drawings, fixed images and animations in many communication, a product referred to as multimedia. Working with multimedia requires specialised skills. Training institutions need to review their curriculums regularly to suit the changes. The rapidly changing information technology call for life long self-training by information workers. With modern information systems, management is adequately and competently informed of what to make, how, when and how much. Information also tells management how to make better or cheaper commodities or services, what to charge and so on. In other words, information has become the basis for decision making in almost every human endeavour. The competitive edge enjoyed by one firm over others is largely a result of better access to good information pertaining to issues relating to production such as production processes, research, labour, market, capital, technology, government policies, etc. The provision and handling of quality information has, thus become a priority issue in modern management.  Alth ough the history of library automation the replacement of manual operations in libraries by computerized methods is linked to the history of modern-day data processing and computer technology, the situation has not been the same in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for public libraries. The movement towards the use of computers in libraries in sub-Saharan Africa really began in the 1980s, the decade that saw rapid development and growth in sales of microcomputers. The arrival of the microcomputer, also known as a personal computer (PC) or desktop computer, changed the face of data processing and information management in organizations.  

For  the  first  time   computers  became affordable both to individuals and institutions that could not previously afford the expensive minicomputers and mainframe computers. The opportunities presented by microcomputers, coupled with their relative low price, led some libraries, especially university and special libraries, in sub- Saharan Africa to consider automating some of their functions and activities. In general, there is a paucity of literature documenting the status and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in public libraries in sub-Saharan Africa. Much of the available literature is in the form of journal articles and conference papers documenting ICT activities in academic and special libraries on the continent (Chisenga, 2004 [13]) Ac cording to (Tise, 2001 [14] in most cases where online journals now form part of ), collections in South African libraries, it is interesting to note that it was not the result of specific library policy or strategy, but it happened out of necessity due to a number of factors beyond the control of library management. Some of the factors that contributed to this scenario are:
-Library budgets have been cut gradually over the last couple of years. This had a negative impact on collection development in general;
-Budget cuts also led to retrenchments of key library staff in some libraries;
-Demands placed on libraries by academic staff and students to provide access to online journals. On the other hand, librarians have recognized the advantages of online journals, i.e. easy access to journals from any desktop, and have decided to include this in their own planning and started to see it as an additional, basic library service. However, very few libraries have integrated this service in the normal functioning of the library. Here and there it is now part of medium and/or long-term planning of libraries or institutions. In some libraries it is not yet seen as a long-term solution to supplement or replace print subscriptions. Most libraries' first policy was to provide access to free online journals. The journals were linked on the library web site and/or on the OPAC. Staff in the technical services divisions of the library automatically took responsibility for activating the journals.