Information System Improvement Example

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Information System Improvement: Creation of the TU Dublin Lib App

Few academic institutions have considered the idea of integrating various activities that are carried out to support learning into the mobile app technology. For instance, only a few colleges have mobile apps that can be used by students which could be essential for ensuring there is ease in accessing information. At TU Dublin, two main apps that have been developed are TU Dublin Fitness and TU Dublin Sport.

By coming up with apps that support other activities that are undertaken across the campus, this helps achieve an improved level of functionality for the activities that are involved. In this regard, the idea that has been conceptualized involves developing the ‘TU Dublin Lib App’ that facilitates the delivery of library services to students.

Overview of the New Application

One significant information system in any tertiary institution is the library. Through the library, students are able to access various learning resources that include books and journal articles that are very useful in learning. The current system that is used at TU Dublin library is the online public access catalog. Based on the system, the students usually log in to the library website where the access various resources such as books and articles.

Based on the project that has been conceptualized, the idea is to incorporate various services provided at the library into a mobile app. This way, the students studying in the campus will be in a position to access the information and resources available at the campus with ease and convenience.

The app layout will comprise various options that students can select from based on the services that they require. At first, one will have to create an account using their school email and their registration number. Thereafter, one will be in a position to log into their account the same way they access the online catalog.

Once a user has logged into their account, they will access a dashboard providing options similar to one available in the website. Various options that will be available will include, access to the library, library essentials, and support for students, teaching, & research.

Under the access to the library selection, the student will be in a position to book a slot to access a study or even a computer space. Due to the restrictions that are set to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, this will be essential in controlling students in the library. Under library essentials, at first, the students will be in a position to borrow and return books.

Also, students will also be able to access online resources such as journals and even eBooks. Also, still under library essentials, students will be in a position to find information on details such as the shelf to find specific books. Other resources available will be the subject guides. Under support, the students will be in a position to access help and support services based on various issues that they may encounter.

Information System Improvement Benefits

With the new app, there will be ease in accessing information and resources that are available through the library. For instance, it will be easy for students to search for books and academic articles that would be applied in learning. Due to the ability of the app to store information about the students, more convenience will be achieved than a case where a student would use a mobile browser.

With the new app, it would be easier to monitor information about the students such as on books borrowed. Therefore, with the app that will be created, it will help promote effectiveness in the access to library services by the students.

Information System Improvement Requirements

The app only required the information about students or teaching staff such as the email and registration number. Once an individual has done their initial registration, they will be in a position to log in at any time and to access the services required. Also, given that application is developed based on the existing data in the library system, this implies that it will be easy to integrate various aspects of the library into the app. The application will incorporate various aspects that will include simplicity and ease in access to information. Various tasks that will form basis for the app development include,

Launch the app inception phase- involves describing the idea to development team.
Analysis and planning- involves turning idea into actual project.
Creation of technical documentation- based on outlining requirements and project logic.
Creation of an app prototype- involves creating as sketch, wireframes, and clickable prototypes (App Solutions, 2017).
Building the app design- involves determining layout, icons, buttons, navigations, and text fields among other visual elements.
Start app development- involves creation of front end and backend of the app.
Test the mobile app- various tests include interphase testing, compatibility testing, and security testing.
Deployment of the app to the market such as play store and apple store.
Support and review to promote effectiveness in use.

These tasks required in designing the application are identified based on Gannt chart provided under appendix 1.

In conclusion, developing the ‘TU Dublin Lib App’ that facilitates the delivery of library services to students. Various aspects of the existing library system will be integrated into the application making it easier for the students to access information and the services that are offered through the library.

Various components of the application will include, access to the library, library essentials, and support for students, teaching, & research. Users will have a similar dashboard to the one that is accessed the library website. This way, it will be easy to access various services and information at an improved level of functionality.