Abcd Integrated Library System Localization To Amharic Language For Ethiopian Libraries And Information Centers

Abstract

Ethiopian academic libraries are not handling and managing the Ethiopic script information resources. The primary reason such poor performance is the absence of localized ILS software. To address this critical problem EALs are facing this study aimed to localize ABCD ILS software (it is OSS) to have Amharic language option. To perform this requirement analysis was surveyed by using mixed method research technique was adopted. Interview and questionnaire was conducted to collect the required qualitative and quantitative data respectively. For conduct the research five EALs were sampled by random & purposive sample selection method. Based on the selected sampling method AAU, JU, DDU, MU,& WU were selected as study area. Then, the obtained results were analysed, interpreted and the identified findings were summed. The results were tested by using one-way Annova and t-test tools (SPSS V.16). Based on the findings conclusions are made, the possible recommendations are forwarded as well as future work areas were identified. Finally based on the obtained assessment results the ABCD ILS localization to Amharic language project was done and successfully accomplished more than the 75% task is made ready. The localization project is quite unique in Ethiopian context and it is a grand and Nobel work in the profession too.