Experience of systems migration at the University of Botswana Library: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

To share experiences of the University of Botswana Library (UBL) in migrating from the TINLIB to Innopac library automation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses various steps involved in system migration at UBL. Provides a historical background of UBL, the reasons for migration, selection of the system and implementation. Details training on the new system, with emphasis on cataloguing and acquisitions.

Findings

Emphasises the need to prepare ahead and plan well before the implementation of the system. Indicates data conversion steps used for both TINLIB and CDS/ISIS data and various problems encountered in translating non‐MARC data into USMARC.

Research limitations/implications

The emphasis is on Technical Services leaving out circulation and periodicals modules.

Practical implications

Provides a case study for libraries to consider during the library automated system migration and training.

Originality/value

The paper is a case study of the UBL system migration, intended to help other libraries in planning the change.

Citation

Baathuli Nfila, R., Nini Dintwe, M. and Rao, K.N. (2005), "Experience of systems migration at the University of Botswana Library: a case study", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 248-256. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330510610582