Training for Automation at the University of Zimbabwe Library

Abstract

This proposal for a poster session discusses and shows pictures of steps taken towards automation in the University of Zimbabwe Libraries. The university is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One of the milestones achieved is to have an automated library system (innovative). In preparations for this, many discussions and debates were held. Proposals were sent to administration and to donors for funding. Training for Automation started with stand alone work stations for word processing, e-mail, and CD-ROM database searching. Workshops were held for training librarians followed by demonstration workshops for the faculty. Installation of a campus wide network made it possible for staff, faculty and administrators to access the catalogue from anywhere on campus. Compulsory library information literacy skills classes for all first years in September 2004, has made the library central to all learning going on at the UZ. There is a wide acceptance of collaborative teaching of information literacy skills with the Communication Skills Centre by both students, faculty and administration.