The use of BookshelF in teaching students of Information and Library Management

Abstract

The article describes the way in which the use of the BookshelF software has been integrated into a library and information management curriculum. BookshelF is a library management system which includes modules for ordering, circulation control, cataloguing, OPAC, thesaurus and serials control. The system has been installed on a Prime 6350, running under ‘Information’ and linked to a laboratory in the Department of Library and Information Studies at Manchester Polytechnic in England. This facility has been used to offer students on the BA (Hons) in Library and Information Management the opportunity to develop their expertise and experience of computerised library systems. The use of BookshelF in teaching the Year 2 components of the course described as Information Access and Information Technology is reviewed. In Information Access, BookshelF was used as a basis for the students to explore computerised cataloguing and the development and application of thesauri. In Information Technology BookshelF was used as an example of a library management system, and students learnt about the detailed functions of such systems. BookshelF will be used more extensively with other groups of students and in other areas of the curriculum in subsequent years.