DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL LIBRARY

SYSTEM: A CASE OF MBEYA UNIVERSITYOF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

SHADRACK DAUD

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

THE UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA

OCTOBER, 2017
 DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL LIBRARY

SYSTEM: A CASE OF MBEYA UNIVERSITYOF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

By

Shadrack Daud

A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of the

Degree of Master of Science in Computer Science of the University of Dodoma.

The University of Dodoma

October, 2017
 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned certify that they have read and hereby recommend for acceptance

by the University of Dodoma a dissertation entitled “Design and Implementation

ofVirtual Library System: A Case of Mbeya University of Science and

Technology”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of

Science in Computer Science of the University of Dodoma

…………………………………………

Prof. Justinian Anatory

(SUPERVISOR)

…………………………………

Date

………………………………………….

Dr. Goodiel Moshi

(SECOND SUPERVISOR)

…………………………………

Date

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 DECLARATION

AND

COPYRIGHT

I, Shadrack Daud, declare that this dissertation is my own original work and that it

has not been presented and will not be presented to any other University for a similar

or any other degree award.

Signature ………………………………….

No part of this dissertation may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the

author or the University of Dodoma.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to deeply thank my supervisors Prof. Justinian Anatory, and Dr. Goodiel

Moshi of the College of Informatics and Virtual Education, for their endless and

tireless support, encouragement, and supervision from day one of developing a

concept, to the last day of submitting this dissertation. They have fabricated me in

the core field of research writing and I have attained the skills and methodologies

necessary for Research write up.

I also credit all my fellow colleagues for their assistance, in term of advice,

suggestions and support. Their advice and suggestions have also contributed much

on preparation and completion of my work.

Thoroughly my gratitude should go to my lovely wife, Rehema Shadrack, children

Bethsaida, Agness and Christopher, for giving me the great support that I needed

before and during my dissertation work. Most of all, thanks to the Almighty God

who gives me good healthy physically and mentally, making this work successfully

done.

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my delightful and patient wife Rehema Shadrack, who has

devoted herself to support me, for the entire duration of studies

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 ABSTRACT

In this study, the problem of library service provisional using traditional library

systems was examined. In Tanzania and some parts of the world in general, it has

been revealed that, many institution still they are using physical library materials and

moreover, users of library has to attend a physical point for the sake of accessing

library materials. For library users, this has led to minimal utilization of library

services due to number of obstacles caused with this system of providing library

services and to mention few they include collision on sharing materials such as few

number of books, delay on accessing the services due to few number of staffs, and

improper record management of library materials.

After going through survey on documentation and using questionnaire to study the

current level of library services of a traditional library service provision, using a

specific case study, the researcher has tried to suggest the use of virtual library tool

to examine the performance improvement on library services provision. The tool was

constructed using software development methodologies and was installed locally and

using web servers within the institution and users were added to the system and were

allowed to login using authorization credentials and were permitted to access

electronic library materials, accessing collection of online libraries and a number of

hyperlinks of library materials. Statistics was made on the users frequency of

material accessibility, links visited, books and journal ordered or borrowed. The

results have shown there is significant increase of the users visited the virtual library

system as compared to normal traditional library system. It was also revealed that

many users were able to access electronic library material. This has signified that the

virtual library tool is an important tool for improving library service accessibility in

organizations.
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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CERTIFICATION……………………………….…………………………………..i
DECLARATION AND COPYRIGHT ........................................................................ ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................ iii
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................ iv
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. v
TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................. vi
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... x
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... xi
LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................ xii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................... xiii

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................ 1

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background Information ........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of Problem ............................................................................................. 3
1.4 Objectives ............................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1 Main Objective .................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Specific Objectives.............................................................................................. 4
1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................................ 5
1.6 Significance of the Study ....................................................................................... 5
1.7 Scope and Limitation of this Research................................................................... 6
1.8 Organization of the Research ................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER TWO :LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................... 7

2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1.1 The Virtual Library Concept ............................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Components of the Virtual Library ..................................................................... 8
2.2 The Internet and Intranets ...................................................................................... 9
2.3 Integrated Access to Information ......................................................................... 10
2.4 Digitization of Materials ...................................................................................... 10
2.5 Electronic Publications......................................................................................... 11

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2.6 Electronic Document Delivery............................................................................. 12
2.7 Resource Sharing ................................................................................................. 13
2.8 Cooperative Developments .................................................................................. 13
2.9 End-User Services ................................................................................................ 14
2.10 Reasons for Implementing Virtual Libraries...................................................... 14
2.11 Issues Affecting and Affected by Virtual Library Development ....................... 16
2.12 Legal Issues ........................................................................................................ 16
2.13 Financial Issues .................................................................................................. 17
2.14 Client Issues ....................................................................................................... 18
2.15 Personnel Issues ................................................................................................. 18
2.16 Organizational Issues ......................................................................................... 18
2.17 Management Issues ............................................................................................ 19
2.18 Technological Issues .......................................................................................... 19
2.19 Collaboration Issues ........................................................................................... 20
2.20 Software Development Life Cycle ..................................................................... 20
2.21 Research Gap ..................................................................................................... 21
2.22 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 21

CHAPTER THREE :RESEARCH METHODOLOGY USED IN THE STUDY

.................................................................................................................................... 23
3.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 23
3.1 Research Strategy ................................................................................................. 23
3.2 Research Design ................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Research Setting ................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Research Approach .............................................................................................. 25
3.5 Research Population ............................................................................................. 25
3.6 Sample Size .......................................................................................................... 25
3.7 Sampling Design .................................................................................................. 25
3.8 Data Collection Methods ..................................................................................... 26
3.9 Documentary Review ........................................................................................... 26
3.10 Observation ........................................................................................................ 27
3.11 Questionnaires Method ...................................................................................... 27
3.12 Software Development Approach ...................................................................... 27

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3.13 Software Technology ......................................................................................... 29
3.14 Developing Tools ............................................................................................... 29
3.15 Validity Issues .................................................................................................... 29
3.16 Data Analysis and Interpretation ........................................................................ 30
3.17 Ethical Considerations ....................................................................................... 30
3.18 Chapter Summary............................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ...... 32

4.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 32
4.1 Findings of the study ............................................................................................ 32
4.2 Frequency on accessing a service per Specified Time ......................................... 33
4.3 Perceptions of Traditional MUST Library Services to the Users ........................ 35
4.4 Awareness on virtual Library System .................................................................. 36
4.5 Usefulness and Needs of Improving of Digital Library Materials ....................... 36
4.6 Summary of the analysis of the findings and discussion ..................................... 37

CHAPTER FIVE: SYSTEM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND TESTING

.................................................................................................................................... 39
5.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 39
5.2 Software Requirement Specification of the Virtual Library System. .................. 39
5.3 Functional Requirements ..................................................................................... 39
5.4 Use case Diagrams ............................................................................................... 41
5.4.1 Use case diagram for virtue library system ....................................................... 42
5.5 System Design ...................................................................................................... 46
5.6 System Architecture of the Must Virtual Library ................................................ 46
5.7 System Coding ..................................................................................................... 48
5.8 Software development and Database tools .......................................................... 48
5.8 Developed User Interfaces ................................................................................... 49
5.9 User Login Interface ............................................................................................ 49
5.9 User interface for Reading Books, Journal and Searching Online Materials ...... 50
5.10 Adding User to the system ................................................................................. 51
5.11 Database Design ................................................................................................. 53
5.11.1 Database tables ................................................................................................ 54

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5.12 Database Modeling............................................................................................. 54
5.10 System Testing and Library service Performance Evaluation ........................... 55
5.13 Traditional Library visitors versus Virtual Library Logged in Members .......... 56
5.14 Comparison between users accessed Library services between the two systems
.................................................................................................................................... 57

CHAPTER SIX :CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................ 59

6.1 Summary of Answers to Research questions ....................................................... 59
6.2 Summary of the Findings: .................................................................................... 59
6.3 Summary of the Findings: .................................................................................... 59
6.4 Summary of the Findings: .................................................................................... 60
6.5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 60
6.6 Recommendations for the Future Work ............................................................... 61
REFERENCES........................................................................................................... 63

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1 Types of Librar y users who were consulted ............................................. 33

Table 4.2Distribution of the Responded Members to the Questionnaire ................... 33

Table 4.3Types of Service offered by MUST Library versus its Accessibility Rate . 34

Table 4.4 Awareness of Respondents to Various E-Library services ........................ 36

Table 4.5: Participant‟s response on Usefulness of e-services .................................. 37

Table 4.6 Participant‟s response on need to Improve e-services ............................... 37

Table 5.1: Functional Requirements of Virtual Library System. ............................... 41

Table 5.2: The description of use cases of Virtual Library ........................................ 43

Table 5.3 Traditional Library Visitors on June 2007 ................................................. 56

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Iterative and Incremental model Software Development Approach ........ 29

Figure 4.1: Response of the respondents in (%) of their perception on MUST Library
Services. .................................................................................................. 35

Figure 5.1Virtual Library System (MVLS) modules ................................................. 40

Figure 5.2 : Use case diagrams for Virtue Learning System ..................................... 42

Figure 5.3: MUST Virtual Library System Architecture ........................................... 47

Figure 5.4: Virtual Library User Login Interface....................................................... 50

Figure 5.5: Offered Virtual Library Services ............................................................. 51

Figure 5.6: User Registration Interface Module ........................................................ 52

Figure 5.7: Administrators interface for Removing System Users ............................ 53

Figure 5.8: Figure is the ER diagram for designed Database .................................... 55

Figure 5.9: Interface for counting number of users of Virtue Library System .......... 57

Figure 5.9:Weekly rates of material accessibility between the two systems for one
month....................................................................................................... 58

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 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Questionnaire .................................................................................... 67

APPENDIX 1I: PHP codes for user login page ......................................................... 69
Appendix III: PHP codes for User interface responsible Reading Books, Journal and
Searching Online Materials ........................................................................................ 73

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ICT Information Communication Technology

MUST Mbeya University of Science and Technology

CD-ROM Compact Disc Read Only Memory

LAMA Library Administration and Management Association

SDLC Software Development Life Cycle

SSRA Social Security Regulatory Authority

ASP.NET Active Server Page

DCP Development Cycle Program

SQL Structured Query Language

E-BOOK Electronic Book

E-JOURNALS Electronic Journals

CDS Compact Disc

DVDS Digital Video Disc

SRS Software Requirements Specification

PDF Portable Document Format

MUVLS Mbeya University Virtual Library System

UML Unified Modeling Language

MYSQL My Structured Query Language

PHP Hypertext Preprocessor

ER DIAGRAM Entity Relationship Diagram

LAN Local Area Network

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

This chapter has depicted the theoretical knowledge required for understanding the

concepts discussed in this study. The chapter gives information about what the study

is all about. It begins with the description of background information, followed by

the clear definition of the research problems, objectives and research questions. At

the end the chapter gives the significance and scope of the study.

1.1 Background Information

The growing of information communication technology has simplified the means of

dissemination information and brought about a change from the traditional library to

the digital library. The information are just easily accessed through finger-tip due to

the arrival of the computers, table let, mobile phone and communication technology

that enable the online retrieval and public access systems that are part of any

contemporary library.

Mbeya University of science and technology library provides resources and services

to students, staff and the university community. Resources offered by library are text

books in both print and electronic format. It also provides the e-journal services.

Students and staffs depend at the University, use physical library to obtain various

services particularly reading materials. Due to lack of funds, the University has only

one Library with two rooms capable of accommodating less than 90 Students at a

time. This phenomenon leaves the students and staffs with no other options but

borrowing books once the library is occupied. Shortage of books and the existence of

single copies of some books disappoint many of the library users. Added to these

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problems there are the problems of incorporating library Information and

Communication Technologies in MUST. Due to situations like these, there exists a

need for implementing a Virtual library system in which according to Ekpe (2014)

virtual library is library without walls that students and staffs are able to access

digital collections of books, journals and papers from university database without

even knowing where the resource actually resides.

The researcher proposed the use of virtual library which would provide the means of

accessing books, electronic journals, alerting services, electronic reference, and

quality-vetted e-resources. The word electronic library, digital library and virtual

library have been used synonymously. However, there exists some basic difference

as distinguished by Tennant (1999)who mentions that an electronic library consists

of electronic materials and services such as video tapes and CD-ROM, while a digital

library consists of digital services and materials that are stored, processed and

transferred via digital (binary) devices and networks. The Virtual libraries on the

other hand consist of both digital and electronic libraries existing virtually. A virtual

library provides remote access to digital collections such as electronic documents,

digitized pictures, sound, and video.

MUST Virtual Library system is the modern tool designed and implemented using

web based and database technologies to simplify access to relevant library

information particularly for teaching, learning research and development. It delivered

value-added solutions for the university and facilitates on-line access to massive

current volume of academic information.

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The newly designed Virtual Library tool comprises with the User interfaces which

allow users to be registered in the system, the users have been granted the authority

to access materials as long as they provide the authentication credentials. The users

can access the material without the necessity of moving to the physical library since

the tool is client-server web based system.

The researcher has used to the tool to examine the performance improvement of

accessibility of library materials among the University community and the outcome

has revealed positive performance in term of material accessibility as compared to

the former accessibility method which was more manual and relied on physical

contacts with librarians.

1.2 Statement of Problem

In Tanzania, many organizations and Institutions which offers Library services,

especially schools (higher school in the country), colleges and Universities, has been

using the physical Library with hard copy materials and to some extent electronic

materials stored in either stand-alone Computers or CD‟s and DVD‟s. A user is

required to attend to the Library and is given services by Librarians who uses extra

energy and limited resources to search for materials manually and allocate to the

users whenever they are available. Librarians use manual Log books or stand-alone

Computers to record the services offered to the Library users.

Despite being important to the society, this mode of Library service provision has

revealed to have so many shortcomings and to mention a few; they include but not

limited to; only few users has been using the libraries and access the library services,

the Librarians uses long time during tracing and locating materials to the users, the

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users being required to attend the physical library and hence few users are attending

the library, it has also revealed that a huge cost of buying hard copy materials such

as books and journals.

The method of using Virtual Library Systems is potentially viable solution to solve

the problem of Manual Library and electronic service Provision. The system is much

easy to use, it allow user to share materials, more over it allow users to access

material using online service, it collect and links online databases and user can

access irrespective of physical location they are.

This thesis utilizes the Virtual Library System to improve the performance of Library

service provision using the Mbeya University of science and Technology Library as

the case study. It tries to solve and improves the problems offered by manual and

electronic Library systems.

1.4 Objectives

The study was guided by three specific objectives emanating from the main

objective.

1.4.1 Main Objective

The objective of this research is to design virtual library system prototype for Mbeya

University of science and technology.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1 To identify the constraints of Manual and electronic library System of the

Mbeya University of science and technology and examining its level of

library service utilization.

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 2 To design and implement Virtual library for Mbeya University of science and

technology.

3 To examine the library service accessibility by using the newly built virtual

library system.

1.5 Research Questions

The research questions of the study were:

1. What the constraints of library service accessibility of the current traditional

library system?

2. What are the design and implementation features required for virtual library

of MUST?

3. What is the overall performance improvement of library service accessibility

using the designed Virtual library system?

1.6 Significance of the Study

The various existing virtual library studies can give a useful pointer to the general

development of virtual libraries. Watson and Streatfield (1997) were concerned that

there has been a major focus on virtual library developments in recent years, yet

there has been relatively little attention paid to special libraries, especially those

outside the commercial field.

This research allows MUST Virtual library to be designed. It further provides an

opportunity to develop a general model of virtual library that is both meaningful and

useful for MUST library.

The Virtual Library System will provide the easy access of Information; it will also

increase the number of users who are using Library services and more over the

system will open a room to access a number of online materials such as books and
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journals. The cost of buying physical academic materials will be reduced and more

freedom to use the system irrespective of their locations.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of this Research

The scope of the study in terms of content of the research was to design and

implement virtual library system prototype containing its own features for Mbeya

University of science and Technology. The study focused on reviewing the current

traditional library System of the MUST and examining the level of library service

utilization, and also examined the library service accessibility by using the newly

built virtual library system.

1.8 Organization of the Research

This study is organized into six chapters where chapter one gives an introduction and

background information of the study as well as statement of the problem, objectives

of the study, research questions, significance and scope of the study. Chapter two is

about the literature review of the study, and chapter three is about the methodology

of the study. Chapter four present analysis of the findings and discussion. Chapter

five presents system design, implementation and finally chapter six give the

conclusion and recommendation for the action and further studies.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

The literature in virtual library and associated fields is examined in Chapter 2. The

virtual library concept will be reviewed to determine what a virtual library is and the

components it comprises. Consideration will then be given to why virtual library is

being developed. The issues that affect and are affected by virtual library

development will then be discussed.

2.1 Virtual Library

2.1.1 The Virtual Library Concept

The Virtual Library has changed the traditional focus of librarians on the selection,

cataloguing and management of information resources such as books and periodicals.

In this study, virtual library refers to a library in which computer and

telecommunications technologies make it possible to access a wide range of

information resources such as books, journal articles, newspapers or magazines,

reports and other wide range of printed and non-printed materials that libraries have

their stock. What this view suggests is that, a virtual library is a transformation from

the traditional physical building where an array of book, journal e.t.c, are arranged

on the library shelves and can be consulted or borrowed by its students or staffs. In

virtual library environment, the user is not required to physical move into the other

library building before he can access or use available resources of that library. The

library users can, indeed, access the globe as long as virtual facilities are available in

such libraries.

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Akpan (2001)defined a virtual library as one where the user has the illusion of access

to a much larger collection of information than is really present, immediately or

simultaneously.

Although not a recent concept, in terms of actual development virtual libraries are

still relatively new. Because of this, there is as yet no universally agreed terminology

in place. In the literature, the virtual library may also be called the library without

walls, digital library, electronic library, e-library, desktop library, online library,

future library, library of the future, logical library, networked library, hybrid library,

gateway library, extended library or information superhighway. Of these many terms,

virtual library, digital library, hybrid library and electronic (or e-) library are most

common.

2.1.2 Components of the Virtual Library

Although there are a wide variety of terms used to describe the virtual library

concept, it is clear from the literature that there are certain common elements,

regardless of the applied terminology. According to Bishop and Starr there must be,

in some sense, a collection, which may include a range of media, as well as a range

of intended uses. As with a fully physical collection, clients must be linked with this

collection in an efficient and satisfying manner. There is also a set of services, either

human or electronic, which link clients to collections. The technologies involved in

providing digital library services should support document creation, retrieval,

transfer, dissemination, manipulation and management. Finally, there must be an

institution in which the digital library collections and services are embedded (Bishop

and Starr, 1996).

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Cloyes stated that a virtual library is the way a traditional library uses technology and

innovation to meet customer demand”, and that the common thread is the use of

technology to improve customer delivery, as well as the search and retrieval

technology available on electronic networks (S. L. Association, 1994).

The concept of the virtual library connotes a range of activities from the simple to

very complex application of information and communication technologies in library

and information services. Therefore, developing a virtual library requires the

integration of several components. Magnussen (2002) observes that a virtual library

must also have clients who are linked to the collections in an efficient and satisfying

manner, a set of services which could be human or electronic, which connects

clients to the collections, the technology which should support document creation,

retrieval, transfer, dissemination, manipulation and management. Various authors

have different views of what constitutes the components of a virtual library.

2.2 The Internet and Intranets

The area of Internet connection, and library Internet and Intranets sites has had much

attention devoted to it, with an enormous body of literature having developed in

recent years. The level of library connection to the Internet is increasing rapidly.

Clyde noted that it has become accepted that organizations will have web sites, and

libraries are no exception. She further noted that library web sites could serve a wide

range of purposes, although not all purposes are suitable to all libraries. Some of

these purposes include: promoting the library and its services; providing access to

online and CD-ROM-based reference sources, and remote access to library

catalogues and other databases and assisting library users to explore the Internet

(Clyde, 2000).

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Library and information science educators have recognized that while Internet and

Intranet development are areas to which graduates are ideally suited, there is often a

failure on the part of those outside the profession to recognize that librarians have

anything to offer in this arena (Smith, 1999).

2.3 Integrated Access to Information

A major need in the virtual library environment is for integrated access to the

information resources it contains. This may be divided into two related groups:

enhancements to automated library catalogues and the need to access resources in a

simple manner through a single workstation.

According to Gilbert, if we regard the catalogue as the main search instrument for a

library collection, then our virtual library basically comprises the collections of all

those libraries for which the catalogues are accessible through our workstation.

Searching a multitude of catalogues is another concrete feature of the „virtual library

(Gilbert, 1993)

2.4 Digitization of Materials

Digitization of materials or conversion to digital format is an important activity for

the development of virtual libraries. According to Gertz, digital conversion allows us

to satisfy our clients better because we can actually create a use medium they like

and want to use. This is of course the whole reason we are concerned with

digitization in the first place. It has the potential to please our patrons, offers them

capacities for research not available before, and broadens the range of media we can

deal with (Gertz, 2000).

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Lynch noted that many libraries maintain special collections, comprising

manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other unique items, in which they own the

copyright, or which are old enough to be in the public domain and free of copyright.

He further noted that it is these materials that libraries are digitizing and making

freely available through the Internet. He stated that these materials, which

historically have been nearly invisible, are now among the most visible content

offered by libraries, and that they offer a tremendous resource for users (LYNCH,

2000).

Another complicating factor in the digitization area is the need to obtain permission

to digitize materials. The Library Association noted that some rights owners are not

permitting their works to be digitized or transmitted electronically, for fear that their

intellectual property rights will be abused. This has a flow on effect in libraries, as it

restricts the potential availability of materials (L. Association 1995).

2.5 Electronic Publications

According to the literature, electronic publications can be of two types: electronic

journals or electronic full-text both of which may be free and charged. Much of the

literature concentrates on the electronic journal situation, although this is beginning

to change. It is apparent, however, that many of the same issues apply to both forms.

Anderson believed that the extent to which current journals will become electronic is

unknown. One of the major reasons for this is that there has not yet been a critical

mass of electronic journal titles available for most disciplines(Anderson, 2008).

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Lynch considered that as electronic full-text becomes more widely available,

fundamental economic conflicts also arise. Libraries want price reductions, while

publishers want to recoup their investment in conversion to electronic formats.

Publishers have also argued that electronic versions are more useful, therefore, will

be more heavily used, and thus, should cost more than hard copy equivalents.

Another problem identified by Lynch was integration. Libraries want coherent,

transparent systems for their users; users want to be able to move seamlessly through

a range of products from different suppliers; publishers want to maintain brand

identity and to keep their products on independent servers (LYNCH, 2000).

2.6 Electronic Document Delivery

The issue of document delivery remains very important in the virtual library sphere.

It is apparent that all materials will not be available in digital form in the near future.

Rowley noted that the dividing line between print and electronic document delivery

services is often not clearly defined, with many possible delivery channels and

formats available. However, she also noted that electronic document delivery has

attracted considerable attention in recent years. She believed that this might partially

be because it is seen as a way of maintaining adequate access to materials in an era of

declining budgets and increasing materials costs (Rowley, 2008).

Zhou noted that many previously local databases and other electronic resources are

now available to anyone with network connections, and this is causing profound

changes to libraries. She considered that perhaps the most “visible beneficiaries” of

these connections are interlibrary loan and document delivery services: interlibrary

loans, because of the availability of access to remote OPACs and other checking

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tools; and document delivery, because of the potential for instant delivery of the

growing number of items in digital format (Zhou, 1994).

2.7 Resource Sharing

Kemp noted that for most of the 20th Century, ownership was the preferred model

for library collections. She stated that having an item on-site was considered the best,

most cost-effective method of providing information. However, this model has been

under pressure from the increased volume of published materials, the static or

declining nature of library budgets, and the success of new online services, such as

CD-ROMs and the Internet (Kemp, 1997).

Kemp believed that few librarians would presently argue for such a radical

definition, and that access should also include “well-maintained local collections,

consortial agreements for collaborative collection development and traditional

interlibrary loan” (Kemp, 1997).

2.8 Cooperative Developments

Gorman believed that libraries are entering a “Golden Age of Cooperation” because

the necessary technology is now available and getting better all the time, and because

economics are forcing cooperation (GORMAN, 1991).

Branin noted several reasons why cooperative activities have had only limited

success. He suggested that local priorities have pushed consortial arrangements into

second place. Similarly, libraries are unwilling to give up autonomy, there are

difficulties in administering cooperative arrangements outside a limited geographic

area, and there is insufficient authority in many library programs to do so (Branin,

1998).

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2.9 End-User Services

End-user services are divided into three basic overlapping categories: end-user

access to online information, user training and user-initiated requesting. When

libraries are considering whether to offer access to online services, Piggott

considered that users must be educated about what “self-sufficiency” actually means.

She believed that systems must be demonstrated to users, so that they can experience

how an application looks. This will, in turn, lead to user acceptance of the offered

services (Pigott, 2002).

Similarly, Pagell noted that once end-users are given access to online services, their

expectations are raised. Lists of citations generated from online services are no

longer enough: users want the full-text, on their desktops, and they want it

immediately (Pagell, 1993).

Similarly, Campbell believed that virtual libraries would require new attention to be

paid to user education because of the practicalities of navigating new systems

(Campbell, 1994).

2.10 Reasons for Implementing Virtual Libraries

Different libraries have many reasons for developing virtual libraries. Their reasons

range from the very broad to the very narrow, from the grand vision to the very

practical. Researchers have found that different libraries have specific and differing

motivations for creating virtual libraries, and different expectations about what they

will provide (Meyyappan and Foo, 2004).

Also, unlike a physical library, the virtual library is, at least theoretically, available at

any time, from any location with access to a computer and telecommunications.

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In a study conducted by the Benton Foundation, leaders in American public libraries

acknowledged that information can be created, gathered and disseminated at any

time in any place, and that the digital library can thus reduce, perhaps even eliminate,

geographical and temporal barriers (Beston, 1996).

Perhaps the best summary of the advantages and disadvantages of virtual libraries

was provided by the Trends Awareness Committee of the Library Administration and

Management Association (LAMA). It found nine pros and cons, with advantages

being that a virtual library can:

1. Provide wide access to information;

2. Provide unique and distant information;

3. Provide current information

4. Enhance access to information through keyword and Boolean searching;

5. Increase a library‟s collection;

6. Provide access to information available exclusively online;

7. Provide multimedia with one workstation;

8. Fulfill popular demand, as many users now prefer electronic means of getting

information; and,

9. Foster cooperation.

On the negative side, virtual libraries:

1. Often prove to be an ineffective and inefficient way to get answers;

2. Do not provide accountability for quality and accuracy;

3. Lack organization;

4. Will never provide everything;

5. Involve costs that are high and continuing;

6. Lack the human factor;

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 7. Involve practicalities, such as telecommunications and infrastructure, that

delay success;

8. Cannot furnish or preserve certain types of essential information and,

9. Will never be a panacea (L. A. and M. Association, 2000).

2.11 Issues Affecting and Affected by Virtual Library Development

McDonald believed that libraries are only at the beginning of their “electronic

adventure”, and since there are no established rules for the development of virtual

libraries, libraries are “making it up as [they] go along” (Mcdonald, 2000). The

writers in the field are all agreed that there are numerous issues impacting on virtual

libraries which must be resolved if progress is to continue. Authors have differed on

the significance of the various issues, but the issues all fall within nine inter-linked

subject groups: legal issues; financial issues; client issues; personnel issues;

organizational issues; management issues; technological issues; collaboration issues,

and; subject discipline issues.

2.12 Legal Issues

The literature gives much consideration to the legal issues involved in virtual library

development. Lynch suggested that this is because the legal, political and cultural

problems are just starting to surface. They are going to get much more complex and

much more difficult (LYNCH, 2000). The main issues in the legal arena are

copyright and privacy, with the overwhelming majority of writers focusing on

copyright.

Mason concurred, noting that the potential advantages offered by virtual libraries are

threatened by the possibility of increased levels of copyright protection (Mason,

1996).
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Many believe that current copyright regimes must be revised for the electronic era.

Wynne noted that in regard to electronic copyright, current laws are “unhelpful”

Wynne (1996 )while Mason stated that the law contains many inadequacies, and that

its shortcomings with regard to new technologies cause considerable uncertainty.

2.13 Financial Issues

Many authors believe that financial issues will have a major impact on virtual library

development. In a Delphi study on the future of academic libraries and librarians,

Feret and Marcinek found that financial issues are considered the most important

issue currently facing libraries (Feret, 1999).

Garrett suggested that virtual libraries would cost a lot, but that much more research

is needed before libraries can even ask the right questions about the economic

challenges. He also noted that working out “who owes what to whom” will be very

difficult in a distributed library environment, because of the very large amount of

information involved, as well as the sheer numbers of information owners and

providers (Garrett, 1993).

In a similar vein, Tebbetts noted that it has become clearer that virtual libraries are a

“long-term” cost, rather than a one-time add-on cost. The fast-paced development of

information technology requires “updated hardware to manage more powerful

software and faster telecommunications connections”. Although existing platforms

may not “wear out”, their usefulness becomes limited, because they can no longer

meet the requirements of new applications and expanded resources. She considered

that many libraries have not budgeted for this situation, and that strategies for long-

term funding must be developed (Tebbetts, 2000).

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2.14 Client Issues

According to the literature, the major client issue for virtual libraries is that of user

needs. Van Houweling stated that virtual libraries must focus on users if they are to

work. Libraries must ask what is good for the client, rather than what is good for

themselves (Houweling, 1996).

Strong (1996)noted that libraries of the future would allow end users to decide what

they will explore, how they will navigate and when they are satisfied with the result.

To achieve success, librarians must realize that users must be included in service

design and delivery processes.

2.15 Personnel Issues

According to the literature, there are a number of personnel issues that must be taken

into account when building virtual libraries. On the question of the human resource

requirements of virtual libraries, Young (1996) stated that digital information

libraries have human resource requirements that are only now beginning to become

clear. He noted that digital librarians would need to act as knowledge navigators and

cyberspace organizers, as well as resource integrators and creators of information. He

also believed that they would need to offer clients customized consultation and

interpretation services, and to add value to the use of information. Likewise, Cox

stated that while the technology is important, the human resource remains the critical

element in delivering electronic information services (Cox, 1996).

2.16 Organizational Issues

There are a number of organizational issues that must also be considered in the

virtual environment. One issue that may impact on virtual libraries is organizational

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size. Although not in the particular context of virtual libraries, several authors have

considered this issue in relation to organizational innovation.

Such literature is relevant to the development of virtual libraries, as they may be

considered a technological innovation, with impacts on the whole organization in

which they are implemented. Studies of organizational innovativeness conducted by

Mytinger, et al., and Mansfield found that size was an important factor in

organizational innovation (Rogers and Everett, 1983).

2.17 Management Issues

A wide variety of organizational management issues have been considered in the

virtual library context. Powell considered that virtual library models seem to require

significant changes in library management practices. However, he noted that the

development of virtual libraries might only affect management approaches in a

“tactical” way, without changing the “strategic” management fundamentals.

He stated that “factors such as distance from customers, specific product/service

delivery mechanisms, technology, and organization must be planned and managed

differently, but the underlying concepts of customer-focused management are not

profoundly changed” (Powell, 1994).

2.18 Technological Issues

There has been a great deal written on the technological aspects of virtual libraries,

with many authors focusing on specific systems or kinds of systems. The question of

specific technologies will not be considered here, as this is a very detailed area,

requiring equally detailed study. However, there are a number of general

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technological issues that impact across virtual libraries, regardless of the specific

technologies employed, and these are discussed here.

Lowry noted three basic tasks that must be accomplished for virtual library projects

to be successful. First, there must be a seamless foundation of information

technologies that allows users to access information easily and without having to

become technical experts. Second, there must be a substantial body of digitized

information that clients really want to use.

2.19 Collaboration Issues

The issues of collaboration and cooperation are also constant themes in the virtual

library literature. Numerous different authors have suggested that collaboration is a

necessary part of virtual library development, but their reasons tend to vary.

According to Allen, the purpose of cooperation among libraries is to provide “better,

faster, easier access to more” (Allen, 1994).

Jennings, however, approached the collaboration issue from the opposite viewpoint.

He believed that libraries should not be satisfied having others design or implement

their virtual libraries without close involvement by library staff, as libraries have “...a

professional responsibility to ensure that the information architecture is sound, that

the environment is accessible to all and that future developments are driven by the

needs of...users” (Jennings, 1999).

2.20 Software Development Life Cycle

Software Development Life Cycle is a process used by software industry to design,

develop and test high quality software. The SDLC aims to produce high quality

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software that meets or exceeds customer expectations, reaches completion within

times and cost estimate(Source: Tutorial Point)

There are various software development life cycle models defined and designed

which are followed during software development process. These models are also

referred to as “Software Development Process Models”. Each process models

follows a series of steps unique to ensure success in process of software

development. The most popular SDLC models are waterfall model. Iterative model,

spiral model, v- model and Big bang(Source: Tutorial Point).

2.21 Research Gap

Though intensive study and literature review, it has been revealed that there is noany

study which specifically outline the performance improvement of Manual and

electronic Library systems using Virtual library System tool. Many organizations

require improving Library services has found themselves ending with Electronic

Libraries and to some extent only few has Virtual Libraries. However they do not

have realistic situation of performance improvement which led to the design and

implementation of Virtual Library tool.

It was also revealed that there is no study which has used Virtual Library tool in

Tanzanians organization to quantify the improvement of Quality of Service of

Libraries. This study aimed at filling the knowledge gap by developing virtual library

system for MUST.

2.22 Conclusion

Overall, Griffin believed that proper balance in digital library research, applications,

content and collections has yet to being achieved(Griffin, 1998). In many respects,

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the virtual library literature is very disjointed, with different writers considering

small elements of the whole. Further, the most casual review of information in this

field demonstrates the lack of balance referred to by Griffin, with some topics, such

as copyright and technological developments, receiving great interest, while others,

such as privacy, barely rate a mention. Given this general absence of holistic

treatment, it is difficult to know exactly what a virtual library might look like. In

Chapter 5, one potential model for virtual libraries will be formulated, based on the

literature discussed above.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY USED IN THE STUDY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter describes the research design, research setting, research approach, the

target population, the sampling process and sample size. The chapter also discusses

data collection methods that were employed in answering the research questions,

software development approach, software technology, validity issue, data analysis

and research ethics.

3.1 Research Strategy

During the course of completion of this study, the researcher used both qualitative

and quantitative strategies. According to Kothari ( 2004), the quantitative approach

involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to

rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. On the other hand,

Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes,

opinions and behavior. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher‟s

insights and impressions.

Both qualitative and quantitative data were needed so as to provide reliable answers

to research questions, and in turn produce results. Qualitative approaches enabled the

researcher to understand the events, circumstances, or phenomenon under the study.

However, the quantitative approach in this study helped the researcher to make use

of mathematical models and theories related to the study. Thus, both qualitative and

quantitative approaches were used to obtain information required in developing

MUST virtual library system.

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3.2 Research Design

A research design is the conceptual structure within a researcher is conducted. It

constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data Kothari

(2004). According to Kumar (2011)a researcher design aims at minimizing the

chance of drawing incorrect causal inference from data.

This study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It therefore used mixed

methods because the researcher wanted to get different viewpoints of the target

population. The researcher felt that the qualitative method would bring detailed data

which would be relevant once various views were observed. On the other hand, the

use quantitative method captured information from the respondents that were not

covered by other method. Furthermore, adopting both approaches ensured reliability

in the study. Yet again, the two methods counter checked each other.

3.3 Research Setting

This study was conducted at MUST in Tanzania. The primary factors which

influenced the researcher to choose MUST are that the organization needs to

implement an appropriate virtual library system with its own features to achieve the

goals.

Again, the researcher chose MUST in order to meet requirements within the limited

time frame and his financial capability. Furthermore, the selection of the area was

best for the researcher to get the potential full support from the management since he

was an employee with MUST.

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3.4 Research Approach

This study used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to achieve

expected objectives. Data were collected from literatures, MUST students, staffs,

librarians and observations so to identify the various elements of virtual libraries,

along with enabling and hindering factors for virtual library development at MUST.

3.5 Research Population

The target population which was considered during this study was the population of

students and staff of Mbeya University of science and technology. The university has

approximately.

3.6 Sample Size

Sample size determination, is the act of choosing the number of observations or

replicates to be included in a sample. The sample size is an important feature of any

empirical study in which the goal is to make inferences about a population from a

population from a sample Barlet (2001). The sample of 200 participants was selected

by using a judgmental sampling procedure within the MUST. Almost 100% of the

experts in the area of this study participated.

3.7 Sampling Design

Sampling design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given population. It

refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher adopts in selecting items for

sample. Judgment sampling is considered more appropriate when the universe

happens to be small and a known characteristics of it is to be studied intensively

(Kothari, 2004). Judgmental or purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling

technique which the researcher selects units to be sampled based on their knowledge

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and professional judgment (Kothari, 2004). Judgmental sampling approach was used

to select students and staff from computer department who had expertise in the area

of this research to increase the accuracy of the answers.

3.8 Data Collection Methods

Data collections, refer to gathering specific information aimed at providing some

facts Kombo ( 2006). The researcher used combination of methods to collect data

because of the nature of the research questions that required multiple methods to get

answers. Data was collected in three weeks consecutively. The questionnaires,

observation and documentary reviews were used in collecting data to answer

questions of the research.

3.9 Documentary Review

The researcher used various documents and guidelines. Documentary review is data

collection method which involves deriving information by studying written

documents. The sources for this type of data included books, magazine, and

newspapers, historical documents, reports and publications of various associations

connected with business, encyclopedia, articles, professional journals, and trade

journals. These are usually readily available and therefore, their assembly is quick

and less costly (Kothari, 2004).

In this study a comprehensive literature review was used to answer the research

questions. These documents were included: journals, thesis and SSRA.

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3.10 Observation

The observation method becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection

for the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically

planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and

reliability (Kothari ,2004).

The researcher used observation method to collect data from computer department at

MUST in order to understand the existing data on the issue of the use virtual library.

This method was highly utilized by gathering information that relied on documents

and materials to supplement the documentary review. The data obtained here were

used to support the researcher to discover requirements and design virtual library

system.

3.11 Questionnaires Method

A questionnaire is a set of systematically structured questions which are used by the

researcher to get the needed information from respondents (A.N. and Oppenheim

1992). The questionnaire may be self-administered, posted or presented in an

interview format.

In this study the database and questionnaires method was used to supplement

answers for questions one (1) and two (2) of the research in the process of identify

type of data requirement needed and question three(3) during the evaluation of the

developed virtual library system.

3.12 Software Development Approach

The nature of this study was to develop the virtual library system which would be

used by MUST. The Iterative Model approach was adapted to implement virtual
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library system. In this SDLC model, starts with a simple implementation of a subset

of the software requirements and iteratively enhances the evolving versions until the

full system is implemented. At each of the iteration design modifications are made

and new functional capabilities are added. The basic idea behind this method is to

develop a system through repeated cycles (iterative) and in smaller portions at a time

(incremental). Iterative and Incremental development is a combination of both

iterative design or iterative method and incremental build model for development.

During software development one or more iteration of the software development

cycle may be in progress at the same time. This process may be described as an

"evolutionary acquisition" or "incremental build" approach."

In this incremental model, the whole requirement is divided into various builds.

During each of the iteration, the development module goes through the requirements,

design, and implementation and testing phases. Each subsequent release of the

module adds function to the previous release. The process continues till the complete

system is ready as per the requirement.

The key to a successful use of an iterative software development lifecycle is rigorous

validation of requirements, and verification & testing of each version of the software

against those requirements within each cycle of the model. As the software evolves

through successive cycles, tests must be repeated and extended to verify each version

of the software.

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Figure 3.1 Iterative and Incremental model Software Development Approach

Source: Tutorials points

3.13 Software Technology

The virtual library system was developed by using a visual C# programming

language. Visual C# supports ASP.NET which offers a framework for creating web

applications. C# is fully integrated with the .NET Framework and the common

language runtime, which together provided language interoperability and enhanced

security. The main characteristic of the DCP is reusability which enables small unit

to be reused in different context to meet individual needs in virtual library system.

3.14 Developing Tools

Tools required to develop a virtual library system were Microsoft Visio 2013 and

Visual Studio.NET, which was a complete set of development tools for building ASP

WEB applications compatible with the Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

3.15 Validity Issues

Validity is the most critical criterion and indicates the degree to which an instrument

measures what is supposed to measure (Kothari,2004). Validity represents whether

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the study actually measures what the questionnaire intended to measure. Content

validity was used in this study because it measured the content to which a measuring

instrument provided an adequate coverage of the topic under study.

3.16 Data Analysis and Interpretation

Data analysis is the process of obtaining raw data and converting them into

information useful for decision-making by users. Data analysis involves a number of

closely related operations which are performed with the purpose of summarizing the

collected data and organizing them in such a manner that, they answer the research

questions (Kothari ,2004).

Data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel office 2013 program to obtain tables,

figures, percent, frequency and relative frequency. The results were presented as per

specific objectives and evaluation questions. Multiple responses technique was used

to analyze all open ended questions in the study. The collected data were first

classified into meaning categories, and then they were assigned numerals/codes to

assist in analysis. After the analysis, the research findings were put in categories

based on the research objectives. Virtual library system was tested and recorded its

output by drawing tables and histograms. These facilitate the process of

interpretations and recommendations of the results.

3.17 Ethical Considerations

In conducting a research, it is the responsibility of a researcher to protect each

participant involved in data collection during the research. According to SAGE

(2007) it is of great importance to observe the rights, dignity, and sensitivity of the

research populations and respect the integrity of the institutions within which, the

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research is conducted. To comply with ethical matters, the study took into account

several issues such as confidentiality and anonymity of respondents together with the

information they provided as well as the privacy of the participant. In addition, the

study considered respondents‟ deliberation to participate in research. Thus

respondents were aware of what is research was about, the purpose and significance

of the research.

3.18 Chapter Summary

This chapter provided research methodology that was adopted in gathering and

analyzing the data in this study. The chapter provided details on research strategy,

research design, sampling methods, data collection methods, data analysis

techniques, validity and reliability, and research ethics. Based on the objectives of

this study, chapter four presents the research findings and discussion.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

4.0 Introduction

This Chapter presents the findings of the study and the interpretations based on data

collected from questionnaires, and in documentation reviews. To maintain

consistency, the findings are presented in light of the themes and objectives of the

study.

The analysis and findings of this study basically aimed at exploring users‟

awareness, perceptions, and uses of traditional MUST Library system services, and

furthermore deducing the suggestions on how to improve those library services

particularly using virtual Library.

On exploring this information about MUST tradition Library services accessibility,

questionnaire were distributed to Members of the library whereby the responded

were required to answer the questions related to the services offered and in some

cases the Library staffs were interviewed. The researcher also explored important

information from documentation.

4.1 Findings of the study

A total of 200 MUST Library users were consulted and questionnaire were

distributed to each Member of the traditional Library. Of the total sample size of 100

members, they were grouped into two main groups, which are MUST staff and

Students as summarized in Table 4.1

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Table 4.1 Types of Library users who were consulted

Types of Library Users Frequency Percentage

MUST staff 70 35%
Students 130 65%
Total 200 100%

The number of Library Members who responded to the distributed questionnaires

were 155 as summarized in the Table 4.2 below:

Table 4.2 Distribution of the Responded Members to the Questionnaire

Types of Library Users Frequency Percentage

MUST staff 55 78.6%
Students 100 76.9%
Total 155 77.5%

The observation shows that among 200 Total consulted library members 77.5%

responded to the questionnaire as it can be seen in Table 4.2. Further observation

shows 78.6% of the total MUST staff consulted responded to the questionnaire as

compared to 76.9 % of the student who also responded to the questionnaire.

4.2 Frequency on accessing a service per Specified Time

Member of the MUST Library were asked how many times per week they usually

visit Library for the aim of accessing Library services and they either read, borrowed

a book, journal or they had accessed any electronic materials . The researcher wanted

to know the usefulness of the current Library services of Mbeya University of

Science and Technology. Table 4.3 below summarizes the number of respondent

with their corresponding number of times they had accessed a certain service in

Library.

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Table 4.3 Types of Service offered by MUST Library versus its Accessibility

Rate

Type of Service Accessed No of Frequency Percentage of

Respondents of Service usage
Responded
who has
used the
service
Read 140 62 44%
Books/Journal/Manual/News
Accessed Electronic 155 80 51%
Books/Journal/Manual
Borrowed books 155 60 38%

Of 155 Respondent of both categories MUST staff and MUST students only 44%

had agreed that they have ever read a book or journal or manual and newspapers in

the Library per week. Also 51% said they had accessed electronic Materials.

Unluckily enough only 38% said they are able to borrow a book from the current

MUST Library.

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4.3 Perceptions of Traditional MUST Library Services to the Users

Users of the Library, who were consulted, were asked about their general perception

to the services offered by MUST traditional Library. The logic behind this question

was to find out whether the current system offers sufficient services such as

provision of books, both in hard and electronic copies. It also aimed on deducing

whether the available number of Staff could cope with number of people in MUST

community who would prefer to have Library services. The Researcher also

examined the usefulness of the available resources. Figure 4.1 below summarize

different criterions as responded generally by all 155 respondents.

46
44
42
40 sufficiency of service

38 usefulness of the material

36 Staff availability

34
sufficiency of usefulness of the Staff availability
service material

Figure 4.1: Response of the respondents in (%) of their perception on MUST

Library Services.

Figure 4.1 illustrates the opinion of the respondent on service provision of MUST

current Library. The observation has revealed that fewer respondents are satisfied

with the available number of staffs as compared to the number of users. It could also

be studied that less than 50% of the respondent are satisfied on the usefulness of the

material as well as the sufficiency of the service provision.

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4.4 Awareness on virtual Library System

In order to find out if electron and virtual Libraries is Familiar among the consulted

Library members the sampled members were asked whether they are familiar or they

have ever heard about digital Library materials. The summary of the answers from

the respondent is summarized in Table 4.4 below:

Table 4.4 Awareness of Respondents to Various E-Library services

Type of E- Number of Number of Percentage of

library service Respondents Responded who Respondent who are
are aware of the aware of service.
service
Video CD 155 140 90.3%
Online databases 155 120 77%
E-books 155 140 90.3%
E-journals 155 111 71.6%
Online internet 155 140 90%
search services

It could be revealed that most of the Library members are aware of the various

electronic Library services as it can be seen in Table 4.4, more than 70% of

respondents knows at least every Electronic Library services. Unluckily enough at

MUST only 51% can access Electronic materials as it can be observed on Table 4.3.

4.5 Usefulness and Needs of Improving of Digital Library Materials

The researcher also wanted to know about usefulness of electronic materials

currently available at MUST Library. The participant were asked if the material are

strongly useful or moderate or at least useful as related to various Academic fields.

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Table 4.5 summarize the results of the respondent as related to the usefulness of the

electronic services and need to improve the services

Table 4.5: Participant’s response on Usefulness of e-services

Number of Frequency Frequency who Frequency

Respondent who said said Good who said
Very good Fair
Usefulness 155 70 45 30
Electronic
services
Percentage 45% 29% 19%

From table 4.5 above it could be seen that most of the participants (45%) agree that

the Electronic materials are very useful similarly 29% seems to be satisfied that the

material are good enough for their academic fields. However of 155 respondents

87% suggested there should be improvement of electronic services, Table 4.6 has

revealed this fact.

Table 4.6 Participant’s response on need to Improve e-services

Number of Strongly Fairly Not sure

Respondent Agree agree

Need to Improve 155 135 15 5

Electronic services

Percentage 87% 9% 3%

4.6 Summary of the analysis of the findings and discussion

This chapter has explored the findings and has also discussed the findings depending

on the researchers‟ analysis. It could be concluded that moderate users of the

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traditional Library has an access to the Library services. It could also be observed

that although most of the Library members are aware of the Electronic services, only

few has an access to the electronic materials such as books in CD‟s and DVD‟s.

Majority of the participants called upon on improving the electronic materials

accessibility this was also a great driving force of the researcher to develop a Virtual

Library system which in turn could optimize Library services such as increasing the

number of users and optimizing services accessibility. The next chapter discusses the

design and implementation of Virtual Library system

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 CHAPTER FIVE

SYSTEM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND TESTING

5.0 Introduction

This chapter describes a typical Virtual Library system development process. It

began with system design then it followed with coding, validation and finally ended

with testing phase. The aim was to design a Virtual Library System that would

essentially optimize the Library services accessibility as compared to traditional

Library service provision of Mbeya University of Science and Technology.

5.2 Software Requirement Specification of the Virtual Library System.

In the cause of Designing and Implementing the Virtual Library system it was

important to assess what would be the Software requirements. Software requirements

specification is a comprehensive description of the intended purpose and

environment for software under development. The SRS fully describes what the

software will do and how it will be expected to perform.

5.3 Functional Requirements

These cover the functionality of the product in detail that is to say, how it should

respond and behave to a certain input or command. In this study we used tools such

as Use cases to document functional requirements. The Virtual Library System

consisted with the following modules, the Login module, Home, On-line Libraries,

Books, Journals, News, and PDF books. Figure 5.0 below depicts each module of

Virtual Library System and specification.

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 MVLS

Login Home On-line Journals Books News Soft

libraries copy

Books
Logged users
Orders

Borrow a
Book

Return Book

Figure 5.1Virtual Library System (MVLS) modules

Figure 5.1 above illustrate the modules available in Virtual Learning System. It

consists with Login, Home, On-line Libraries, Journals, Books, News and Soft copy

modules. Further details of the functional requirements of Virtual Library System are

described in Table 5.1.

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Table 5.1: Functional Requirements of Virtual Library System.

S/N Function Description

1 Login into System The system should allow users to Login into the
system

2 Add Users Allow super user to Add Library Users

3 View Online-Libraries The system must have link (s) for which users
should be able to links with different online
Libraries

4 Read/Find System should allow user to Read and Find

Journals/Books/Manual different Journals

5 Edit News System should allow Editor/Librarian to upload,

edit and Delete News

6 Order a book Allows users to order Hard copy book

7 Borrow a book System should record users and borrowed hard

book details

8 Return Book System should record returned books details

9 Download Soft copies System should allow users to download Soft

copy books, journals and text materials

5.4 Use case Diagrams

A use case diagram is a dynamic or behavior diagram in UML. Use case diagrams

model the functionality of a system using actors and use cases. Use cases are a set of

actions, services, and functions that the system needs to perform. In this context, a

"system" is something being developed or operated, such as Virtual Library System.

The "actors" are people or entities operating under defined roles within the system.

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Figure 5.2 below illustrates the Use cases for the Virtual Library System. For each

functional requirement, its use case is presented as well as the corresponding actor.

5.4.1 Use case diagram for virtue library system

The detailed Description of each use case is provided in the Table 2.0 below.

Figure 5.2 : Use case diagrams for Virtue Learning System

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Table 5.2: The description of use cases of Virtual Library

Use case Login

Description To ensure authentication of users, Each individual user can
login the system
Actors Administrator, Members, Editor/Librarian
Assumption Members have been added to the system
Event Flow 1. User open the internet browser
2. User open the system using the internet browser
3. User Log on the system using username and
password.
4. The system displays functionalities of the user
depending on authentication level.
Exception Members is unable to log in system if he/she was not
registered
Use case Add users
Description To ensure Library Members have been added in the system
Actor System administrator
Assumption
Purpose For adding Library Members
Pre-condition One super user have been added and created in the database
of the system
Event Flow 1. Use case begin when a new member join for the
library services
2. User Log on the system.
3. The user select the Add Member Module and then
perform all necessary commands for adding users such as
recording user information
Exception
Use case Edit News
Description To ensure the Virtual Library system has online News
Actor Librarian
Assumption The Librarian exists in the system

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Purpose For adding on line News
Pre-condition Librarian has logged on into system
Event Flow 1. Use case begin when there is new news for the library
members
2. User Log on the system.
3. The user select a module News Edit
4. User select a News link to be edited
5. User change the news by altering deleting or
uploading news
6. User upload edited file.
Exception

Use case Search for book/journal

Description To ensure the Virtual Library member get either soft copy or
a hard copy of a book.
Actor Member
Assumption The book or journal is available in database or online
libraries linked together
Purpose For finding Journals or Books
Pre-condition Member has logged on into system
Event Flow 1. Use case begin when there is a member want a book
2. User Log on the system.
3. The user select Find a book or journal link
4. User write a key word for a book or journal or
whatever information needed
5. User change the news by altering deleting or
uploading news
6. User upload edited file.
Exception Information or books must be available in database

Use case Order a book

Description To ensure the Virtual Library member get r a hard copy of a
book when it is available.

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Actor Member
Assumption The book or journal is available in database or in a physical
location
Purpose For borrowing a book
Pre-condition A book has been returned or it is available in physical library
Event Flow 1. Use case begin when there is a member want a book
2. User Log on the system.
3. The user select Find a book or journal link and verify
if it is available in a library
4. User change select order book module
5. User fill all necessary requirements for a book
6. User should view and confirm receipt of message if it
is available or not
Exception Information or books must be available in database

Use case Borrow a book

Description To ensure the Virtual Library member get r a hard copy of a
book when it is available.
Actor Librarian
Assumption The book or journal is available in database or in a physical
location
Purpose For recording borrowers of books
Pre-condition A book has been returned or it is available in physical library
Event Flow 1. Use case begin when there is a member has
identified a book exits book
2. Log on the system.
3. The librarian select record borrowers
4. The user record all necessary borrowers records
Exception Borrower member must exist

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5.5 System Design

During this phase the design of the New Virtual Library System was established.

The system was designed in line with software requirements that were deduced, as

discussed earlier in section(s) 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 respectively. The architecture of the

new Must Virtual Library system was established. Finally the interface of the system

was designed as well as the database of the system was designed followed with

system coding and Implementation.

5.6 System Architecture of the Must Virtual Library

The Must Virtual Library system is a Client-Server based system containing several

components, which includes the Client Server (in this design Xampp was used), web

interface, user authentication, local area network (LAN), database system (MySQL

database Server was used) and External interfacing system as shown in Figure 5.4

which illustrates the MUST Library Virtual System Architecture

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Figure 5.2: MUST Virtual Library System Architecture

The system Architecture illustrated in Figure 4.0 depicts the way actual system

operates. The Members or the users of the system interacts with the Application

System by using Web interface component, The web interface component comprises

with designed web pages which offers graphical user interfaces allowing users to

perform different functionalities.

The member uses User authentication component or module to specify their

identification before they are granted access to the system. That is to say only

authorized users of the MUST virtual Library System use the system. When users are

successfully logged onto the system they will interact with the web server being able

to access data from the databases and being able to upload data to the databases.

47
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The web pages works under the assistance of the web server, MUST virtual lab uses

Xampp as the web server which allow communication between the Database Server

and the user requesting or posting data into Database. The system used MySQL

Database engine for creating, updating and retrieving information from the database.

However the system has been designed in such a way that there are other external

repositories such as Internet links and online Libraries.

5.7 System Coding

This was the phase the researcher worked with the tasks that would implement and

materialize the design of this system. The architectural of the system was kept into

design and codding was done as to make the specified requirement into useful

prototype. Implementation tools were decided. The algorithms and codes for

different functionalities were written.

5.8 Software development and Database tools

The Must Virtual Library System was developed using PHP as the Programming

Language and in some few cases Java Script Programming was used. PHP was

selected simply because it support the Object oriented Programming and it also

support building of web bases interfaces. The system is web based system; PHP

Programming Language was also used to build web pages in Graphical User

interface format.

Database was built using MySQL Database Management System. The Installed

MySQL Server (XAMPP) could offer designing of a Library Database used for data

storage, Books information storage and storage of links and internet repositories

48
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 related to Library System. Using XAMPP Database server it was easier to establish

connection between the PHP pages and the Library Database.

5.8 Developed User Interfaces

As pointed earlier in section 5.6, the Virtual System is web based, it was necessary to

build different interfaces by creating the web pages that could allow user to interact

with the System itself and the Databases created for offering Library services.

It is through the User interfaces, in this case through the various web Pages, user

could interact with external repositories in the internet such as different links and

Online Libraries. Various user interfaces were built to allow user to perform

different functionalities as per specified Functional requirements of the system.

5.9 User Login Interface

The first interface to be built was the Login interface. Under the design of this

MUST virtual Library, the only users allowed to access the Library services are the

Members who are authorized and have been granted access to the System. To

implement this design feature a User Login Interface was build which require users

to provide their identification that is the User Name and their corresponding

Passwords as illustrated in Figure 5.5 below.

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Figure 5.3: Virtual Library User Login Interface

5.9 User interface for Reading Books, Journal and Searching Online Materials

After successful credentials the Virtual Library Member is granted full access to the

system. Re call that the aim of the study was to optimize the user‟s accessibility to

the Library Materials. Here Logged on users are granted full access to the Softcopy

Materials including searching for books and documents as it can be illustrated in

Figure 5.6 below.

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Figure 5.4: Offered Virtual Library Services

Users could also request and Borrow books Materials in form of Hardcopy by filing

the information for the specified books as shown in Figure 5.6 above. Through the

interface users can access different online libraries that MUST Library has access to.

5.10 Adding User to the system

According to the design of the MUST Virtual Library System there is a Database of

the Users of the system whereby their information particularly the Login credentials

are stored. The use of the system begins when the user is added to the system, and in

this case an Administrator‟s interface was built to allow him/her to add users of the

system. It is through this interface the administrator could add and assign the

username and passwords of the users and also assigning status such as normal

member or Librarian or Administrator as shown in Figure 5.7

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Figure 5.5: User Registration Interface Module

On top of that an Administrator has been granted the authority to remove user from

the Database. When the users membership ends is confirmed, then the user can be

removed from using the system. Even though the objective of building the system

that would optimize the accessibility of the Library service by allowing users to

access normal Library functionalities for whatever area they are, for Security purpose

only the authorized users are granted access and can be remove soon he or she

become un authorized user. The designed interface for the removing of the users is

shown in Figure 5.8 below:

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Figure 5.6: Administrators interface for Removing System Users

5.11 Database Design

Apart from designing interface the Database for data storage was designed to save

various purposes. All necessary processes for database design including data

gathering, grouping data into related table, normalization were all done. The

following were the major step by step procedures on compression of database for

MUST virtual library system.

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5.11.1 Database tables

After gathering data and grouping into related topics the following tables and their

corresponding attributes were created.

 Users Table (UserName (Primary Key) varchar, Password varchar, Name

varchar)

 Books (IBN (Primary Key), Author varchar, Tittle varchar, Year of publication )

 Journals( ID, Name varchar)

 Online-Links (S/N (Primary Key) varchar, Hyperlink varchar)

5.12 Database Modeling

The Entity relationship diagram for the proposed tables was built so as to depict the

relationship among Database Tables. Figure is the ER diagram for designed Database

as it can be seen below:

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Figure 5.7: Figure is the ER diagram for designed Database

5.10 System Testing and Library service Performance Evaluation

The main objective of this research was to design virtual library system which would

optimize Library services from the traditional Library. After designing a Virtual

Library System it was installed in XAMPP Server which could be accessed locally

(within MUST LAN) without internet depended but could be accessed using Client

computers in a Laboratory. A number of users were added to the system and were

allowed to use the system unconditionally depending on their uses as long as they

would use their Login credentials.

The evaluation of performance improvement of library services were based on first

the number of individual users who logged on the virtual Library system, the number

of searched materials and the number of downloaded materials. Comparison between

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the traditional library and virtual library services accessibility was then made as

detailed in sections 5.9.1 here under.

5.13 Traditional Library visitors versus Virtual Library Logged in Members

Through documentations, the number of library users who has visited the physical

Library was revealed. Also using designed login interface plus the counting feature

of the logged in members, it was possible to count the logged in users of the virtual

Library system. Table 5.4 show the number of traditional Library users in four weeks

of May 2017 who visited the Library.

Table 5.3 Traditional Library Visitors on June 2007

1st Week 2st Week 3st Week 4st Week Total

Visitors 175 189 592 245 1201

On assessing whether there was improvement on the number of visitors or not,

observation was made on the number of logged on users using virtual system for a

month (June 2017) as shown on Figure 5.9.

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Figure 5.9: Interface for counting number of users of Virtue Library System

The number of users who had logged on the Virtue Library system was observed to

exceed those of traditional Library system. For instance when compared on monthly

basis it was found that only 1201 visitors visited tradition Library as shown in Table

5.4 whereas on the Virtue Library system 2450 users logged on the system as seen in

Figure 5.9 above. This could reveal that there was improvement on the number of

users who attempted to access the Library services by logging on the system.

5.14 Comparison between users accessed Library services between the two

systems

It was also important to access the level of services accessibility between the two

Library service provisional systems. To accomplish this task documentation reviews

were done to reveal the number of users who had borrowed either books or journal

any manual script from the physical MUST Library. Comparison was then done with
57
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the number of users who had downloaded or searched materials from the newly built

Virtue Library system. Observation was made on weekly basis for a month. The

results shows for every week in a month there were large number of users who had

accessed the material using the system. Below is Figure 5.10 which shows the

graphical statistics between the two systems.

700

600

500

400
Traditional users

300 Virtue Library users

200

100

0
1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week

Figure 5.8: Weekly rates of material accessibility between the two systems for

one month

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 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.1 Summary of Answers to Research questions

This study was guided by main three research questions. Before drawing conclusion

it was important to go through each question and analyzing the depth of the analysis

and findings to the answers

Research question 1: What are the levels of library service accessibility of the

current traditional library system?

6.2 Summary of the Findings:

Little number of users who visited physical MUST Library and who also borrowed

and accessed Library materials was the evidence of Low level of Library service

provision at MUST. Through findings only few percent of the users were able to

access Library services. This prompted the researcher to find out the means of

optimizing Library services accessibility.

Research question 2: What are the design and implementation features required for

virtual library of MUST?

6.3 Summary of the Findings

MUST Virtual Library was designed to improve Library services accessibility. The

Virtual Library system allows user to download soft copy materials, read books,

manuals and more over user could place orders to borrow hard copy books on time

they want. The system is flexible a client computer could connect to a server

computer both locally and in internet allowing user to use the system despite the

distant location they are!

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Research question 3: What is the overall performance improvement of library

service accessibility using virtual library system?

6.4 Summary of the Findings:

The system has improved the number of Library visitors, the number of users who

access the Library services and the service has expanded in day and night without

time limit as long as the user provided Login credentials.

6.5 Conclusion

The traditional Library system was studied and it was found that few number of

Library users were able to access Library services due to limitation such as modality

of borrowing reference materials, un improved Electronic Library material

accessibility and the time duration the physical Library tends to operate.

During this study it was suggested a Virtual Library system to be developed and

tested to overcome the said limitations. The researcher developed the tool and

studied the uses of the tool for a month observing the behavior of the users and

analyzing the performance of the tool and comparison was made with the behavior of

the users when using the old traditional Library system.

The researcher was able to draw conclusion that the number of users were increased

to the maximum when Library services are offered using Virtual Library tools and its

functionalities, and this was revealed when used essential features such as counting

the visitors of the site, counting the number of users who has ever opened and

searched library materials it was able to design a system which could optimize the

Library services offered by MUST.

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A large number of users were able to use online Libraries and online document links,

and hence a large number of users shared soft copy materials. This led the researcher

to draw conclusion that when a Virtual Library tool is used for the Library services it

could be an integral tool for expanding the library services to Institutions. It can

enlarge organizations capabilities on service provision as compared to orthodox

Library service provision offered by many organizations.

Generally for all four consecutive weeks of observations the tool was observed to

increase users by 49% as compared to traditional Library users. This led the

researcher to conclude that there is big chance of increasing Library services

accessibility when technologies such as of Virtual Library are implemented in

organizations.

6.6 Recommendations for the Future Work

The research in this study provides a stepping stone for the future study on Library

services accessibility technologies. During the study, the methods used for

optimizing Library services, was building a Virtual Library system. The methods

constitutes with just normal database and linking online Library database it did not

work with technologies such as cloud computing, Video conferencing in Library

services in term of interaction with Library staff and users, I suggest future studies

these features to be included and assess its contribution on optimizing Library

services.

Performance of improvement of Library services accessibility was tested using

normal statistical tallying of features such as the number of users logged in and the

number of people downloaded the materials, the study could not go beyond

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examining whether the material accessed were how far useful, as the researcher and

for the sake of improvement of this study I suggest further analysis on usefulness of

material were useful or not.

62
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 APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE

1. How many times have you ever had access to Library Service per week?

(a) Once (b) two times (c) three times (d) four times (e) five times

2. Which of the following service you were able to access on your visit to

Library: (You may check more than once)

i. Borrow a book or Journal

ii. Read News Papers

iii. Access Electronic Materials

3. How do you rate the current offered Traditional Library services?

(a) Very useful (b) Average (c) Fairly (d) None

4. How are you satisfied with the quality of materials in Library?

(a) Very sufficient (b) Satisfactory (c)Average (d) Not sufficient

5. Which of the following Electronic Library service you have ever interacted

with? Please you may check more than once!

(a) Video CD

(b) Soft copy books

(c) Online library

(d) MUST website books links

(e) None

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 6. If there is Electronic Library services do you think it needs improving?

(a) Strongly need improve (b)Average improvement (c)Not necessary

7. In your views what do you think are the main draw backs of the current

Library service provisional?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

8. Can you briefly outline which Electronic services need improvement?

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 APPENDIX 1I: PHP CODES FOR USER LOGIN PAGE

<?php $title = 'Login'; ?>

<?phprequire_once ("Library/class.library.php"); ?>

<?php

$hidden = 'hidden';

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$myConnection = $connect->Connect();

if(isset($_GET['book'])){

$book = 'must_prospectus_2015.pdf';

$hidden = '';}

if(isset($_POST['signin'])){

$UserID = $_POST['userid'];

$Password = $_POST['password'];

$sqlCommand = "SELECT COUNT(id),Role,Fname,Lname FROM users

WHERE UserID='$UserID' AND Password = '$Password'";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

$login_result="";

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$login_result = $row[0];

$user_role = $row[1];

$Fname = $row[2];

$Lname = $row[3];

echo $user_role.$Fname.$Lname;}

if($login_result==1){

$_SESSION['UserID'] = $UserID;

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 $_SESSION['Fname'] = $Fname;

$_SESSION['Lname'] = $Lname;

if($user_role == 'librarian')

header("location:Librarian.php");

if($user_role == 'student' || $user_role == 'teacher')

header("location:Library.php");

else if($user_role == 'Admin')

header("location:Admin.php");}else{

$_SESSION['errorr']='Incorrect username or password combination';

header("location:Default.php");}}?>

<?phprequire_once ("Templates/header.inc.php"); ?>

<br>

<div>

<div class="Dright">

<ul>

<li>

<figure class="book">

<!-- Front -->

<ul class="hardcover_front">

<imgsrc="Images/front.jpg" alt="'Prospectus' ">

<li></li>

</ul>

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<!-- Pages -->

<ul class="page">

<li></li>

<li>

<form class="form-group" action="Default.php" method="post">

<h5><i><b>MEMBER LOGIN PORTAL</b></i></h5>

<h5>Please Enter Your User Name and Password!</h5>

<input type="text" name="userid" id="" placeholder="UserName..." class="form-

control" required />

<input type="password" name="password" id="" class="form-control"

placeholder="Password..." required />

<input id="" type="submit" name="signin" id="" class="btnbtn-info Vbtn-lg pull-

right" value="Login" style="margin-top:30pt; " />

</form>

</li>

</ul>

<!-- Back -->

<ul class="hardcover_back">

<li></li>

<li></li>

</ul>

<ul class="book_spine">

<li></li>

<li></li>

</ul>

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<figcaption>

<h3><?php echo @$_SESSION['errorr'];?></h3>

<h1>MUST Virtual Library</h1>

<span></span>

<p>Mbeya University of Science and Technology</p>

<i>Welcome to the Mbeya University of Science and technology Virtual Library, An

Electronic Library offers Variaty of Services. You can read, download, borrow and

Return Library Materials...</i>

<dd>Login to experience &nbsp<i class="glyphiconglyphicon-log-in"></i><dd>

</figcaption>

</figure>

</li>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

<?phprequire_once ("Templates/footer.inc.php"); ?>

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Appendix III: PHP codes for User interface responsible Reading Books, Journal

and Searching Online Materials

<?php

//unset($_SESSION['errorr']);

//require_once("Library/class.library.php");

$title = 'Library';

$show = 1;

$hidden = 'hidden';

if(isset($_GET['book'])){

$BookName = $_GET['book'];

$hidden = '';}

//Generating the view count

if(isset($_GET['VBookID'])){

$VBookID = $_GET['VBookID'];

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$my Connection = $connect->Connect();

$sqlCommand = "SELECT View Count FROM books WHERE

BookID='$VBookID'";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$id = $row['ViewCount']; }

$id = $id + 1;

$sqlCommand = "UPDATE books SET ViewCount='$id' WHERE

BookID='$VBookID'";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

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}

//$CheckValidation = new CheckValidation();

//$CheckValidation->CheckUserLogin();

//$logedInId = $_SESSION['UserID'];

/**

*Books category

*/

// $bookCategory = new Books();

// $category = $bookCategory->PickCategory();

/**

*Dealing with Favourites

*/

//$favourite = new Favourite();

if(isset($_GET['FavBook'])){

$FavBook =$_GET['FavBook'];

$newFavourite = $favourite->NewFavourite($logedInId,$FavBook);

// echo $newFavourite;

if(isset($_GET['R_FavBook'])){

$FavBook =$_GET['R_FavBook'];

$RemoveFavourite = $favourite->RemoveFavourite($logedInId,$FavBook);

// echo $newFavourite;

//$pickFavourite = $favourite->PickFavourite($logedInId);

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`
/**

*Dealing with Requests

*/

if(isset($_POST['request'])){

$title = $_POST['title'];

$author = $_POST['author'];

$Requests = new Requests();

$results = $Requests->CreateRequest( $title,$author,$logedInId);

?>

<?phprequire_once ("Templates/header.inc.php"); ?>

<?php if (@$show==1): ?>

<div class="boxClose close fa fa-times fa-1x" style="visibility:<?php echo $hidden;

?>;">

<a href="?" class="">Close</a>

</div>

<?phpendif ?>

<br>

<br>

<div class="row inner_content">

<div class="container-fluid ">

<div class="col-sm-3 col-lg-3 col-md-3">

<div class="panel panel-default message">

<div class="panel-body">

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`
<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-home"></span> Welcome</p>

<p><h5>Find Hundreds of Books and Material Links</h5></p>

<span data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="left" title="Tooltip on left"></span>

</div>

</div>

<div class="panel panel-default">

<div class="panel-body">

<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-heart"></span>&nbspFavourite

Books</p>

</div>

</div>

<div class="panel panel-default">

<div class="panel-body">

<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-send"></span>&nbspRequest a

Book</p>

<h5><?php if(isset($results)) echo $results ?></h5>

<form action="Library.php" method="POST" class="form-group">

<label for="">ISBN</label>

<input type="text" name="title" id="" class="form-control" required>

<label for="">Book Tittle</label>

<input type="text" name="title" id="" class="form-control" required>

<label for="">Author</label>

<input type="text" name="author" id="" class="form-control" required>

<br>

<input type="submit" value="Request" name="request" class="btnbtn-info Vbtn-

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`
 lg">

</form>

</div>

</div>

</div>

<script>

$(document).ready(function(){

varsearchTxt = $("input[name='search']").val();

if(searchTxt == ''){

var Default = true;

$.post("Search.php",{Default: Default}, function(output){

$(".align").html(output);

});

});

functionsearchq(){

varsearchTxt = $("input[name='search']").val();

$.post("Search.php",{searchVal: searchTxt}, function(output){

$(".align").html(output);

});

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`
 $(".cat").click(function(){

alert("george");

});

// $.post("Search.php",{searchVal: searchTxt}, function(output){

// $(".align").html(output);

// });

</script>

<?php

// $connect = new Books();

// $myConnection = $connect->PickCategory();

// $connect = new Dbconnect();

// $myConnection = $connect->Connect();

// $sqlCommand = "SELECT * FROM categories";

// $query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

// $category = '';

// while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

// $temp = $row=['Name'];

// $category .= '<li>'.$temp.'</li>';

// }

?>

<div class="col-sm-9 well">

<div class="well library" >

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`
<form class="form" action="Library.php" method="post">

<h4>Search Books Catalog</h4>

<div class="input-group">

<div class="input-group-btn">

<button type="submit" style="width:170px;" class="btnbtn-info Vbtn-lg dropdown-

toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-expanded="true"><span

class="glyphiconglyphicon-search"></span>&nbsp&nbspEnter search keyword

</button>

<ul name="" id="" class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">

<?php

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$myConnection = $connect->Connect();

$sqlCommand = "SELECT Name FROM categories";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

$category = '';

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$name = $row['Name'];

echo '<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="cat"

href="#" id="'.$name.'">'.$name.'</a></li>';

?>

</ul>

</div><!-- /btn-group -->

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`
<input type="text" name="search" class="form-control" aria-label="..."

onkeypress="searchq();">

</div><!-- /input-group -->

</form>

</div>

<div class="component">

<div class="align" >

</div>

</div><!-- content-->

</div><!-- col-7-->

</div>

</div>

<div id="documentViewer" class="flexpaper_viewer"

style="position:absolute;left:0px;top:50px;width:100%;height:100%; z-index:2;

visibility:<?php echo $hidden ?>;"></div>

<script type="text/javascript">

$('#documentViewer').FlexPaperViewer(

{ config : {

PDFFile : 'Books/<?php echo $BookName;?>',

Scale : 0.7,

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`
ZoomTransition : 'easeOut',

ZoomTime : 0.5,

ZoomInterval : 0.1,

FitPageOnLoad : true,

FitWidthOnLoad : true,

FullScreenAsMaxWindow : false,

ProgressiveLoading : false,

MinZoomSize : 0.2,

MaxZoomSize : 5,

SearchMatchAll : false,

InitViewMode : '',

RenderingOrder : 'html5,html',

StartAtPage : '',

EnableWebGL : true,

ViewModeToolsVisible : true,

ZoomToolsVisible : true,

NavToolsVisible : true,

CursorToolsVisible : true,

SearchToolsVisible : true,

WMode : 'transparent',

localeChain: 'en_US'

}}

);

</script>

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`
<div class="_footer" style="padding:10px;">

<div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-4">

<div class="panel panel-default">

<div class="panel-body">

<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-upload"></span>&nbspResent

Uploads</p>

<ul>

<?php

$output = '';

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$myConnection = $connect->Connect();

$sqlCommand = "SELECT * FROM books ORDER BY BookIDDesc

LIMIT 5 ";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

$count = 0;

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$Title= $row['Title'];

?>

<li style="font-size:11pt; font-weight:600;" class="list-group-item"><a

href="?book='<?php echo $Title ?>.pdf"><i class="fa fa-book"></i><?php

echo $Title ?></a></li>

<?php

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`
 }

?>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>

<div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-4">

<div class="panel panel-default">

<div class="panel-body">

<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-bookmark"></span>&nbspMost

Viewed Books</p>

<ul>

<?php

$output = '';

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$myConnection = $connect->Connect();

$sqlCommand = "SELECT * FROM books ORDER BY

ViewCountDesc LIMIT 5 ";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$Title= $row['Title'];

$View Count = $row['View Count'];

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 ?>

<li style="font-size:11pt; font-weight:600;" class="list-group-item"><span

class="badge"><?php echo $ViewCount ?></span><a href="?book='<?php

echo $Title ?>.pdf"><i class="fa fa-book"></i><?php echo $Title ?></a></li>

<?php

?>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>

<div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-4">

<div class="panel panel-default">

<div class="panel-body">

<p class="lead"><span class="glyphiconglyphicon-hourglass"></span>&nbspYour

Requests</p>

<ul>

<?php

$output = '';

$connect = new Dbconnect();

$myConnection = $connect->Connect();

$sqlCommand = "SELECT * FROM requests WHERE UserID =

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`
 '$logedInId' LIMIT 5";

$query = mysqli_query($myConnection,$sqlCommand);

$count = 0;

while($row = mysqli_fetch_array($query)){

$Title= $row['BookTitle'];

?>

<li style="font-size:11pt; font-weight:600;" class="list-group-item"><a

href="?book='<?php echo $Title ?>.pdf"><i class="fa fa-book"></i><?php

echo $Title ?></a></li>

<?php

?>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>

</div>

<?phprequire_once ("Templates/footer.inc.php"); ?>

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`