designing a security management system (sms) for information resources for makerere institute of social research (misr) library

Description

The aim of the project was to design a Security Management System (SMS) for Information Resources For Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Library. The objectives of the study were to; establish the library collection available, establish the security measures to protect information resources, identify the challenges of securing information resources, establish the solutions and recommendations to improve the security of information resources and design a Security Management System for Information Resources for Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Library. The study used a case study research design while adopting a qualitative research approach. The researcher purposively selected 5 librarians who are responsible with the security of the information materials who participated in the study. Interviews and observations were used to collect the information for the study. The study established that the different information resources in Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Library include; text books, magazines, newspapers, reports, journals. The major threats to these information resources were; theft of library materials, vandalism, biological agents (insects), dust and dirty, and non-return of materials. The guidelines suggested to improve the security of library materials at Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Library were; using a CCTV and security personnel, dropping bags at entrance, employing personnel moving around in the library, proper checking of bags and staff going round, security men to main the entrance, installation of book detectors and security alarm, more multiple copies of textbook, photocopy machine, and improved cleanliness in the library. The study concluded that there was a need to design a Security Management System for Information Resources for Makerere Institute of Social Research to support the librarians in ensuring security for the information resources. The study recommended the staff for Makerere Institute of Social Research Library to adopt the proposed Security Management System (SMS) for Information Resources For Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Library.