Processing Department | Zanzibar Library Services Board

Behind the Scenes of Every Library Book

The Processing Department is the heart of our library's collection development. Every book, magazine, and resource in our library passes through our meticulous processing system before reaching our shelves.

Our team of skilled professionals ensures that all materials are properly prepared, cataloged, and maintained according to international library standards, making them easily accessible to our patrons.

50,000+ Items Processed

Expert Team

Our Book Processing Journey

Each book undergoes a carefully designed 7-step process to ensure it's ready for our patrons

Acquisition

New materials are received from publishers, donors, and vendors, then carefully inspected for quality and completeness.

Accessioning

Each item is recorded in our accession register and assigned a unique identification number for tracking.

Classification

Books are classified according to the Dewey Decimal System and assigned appropriate call numbers.

Cataloging

Detailed bibliographic records are created and entered into our integrated library system (Koha ILS).

Labeling

Each item receives spine labels, property stamps, security tags, and other necessary markings.

Protection

Books are covered with protective jackets or laminate to ensure durability and longevity.

Shelving

Finally, processed materials are sent to their respective collections and made available for circulation.

Our Cataloging System

We use international standards to ensure our collection is easily discoverable and accessible

Dewey Decimal Classification

We organize our collection using the Dewey Decimal System (DDC), the world's most widely used library classification system.

Standardized Organization

MARC Standards

Our bibliographic records follow MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) standards for compatibility with library systems worldwide.

Global Compatibility

Koha ILS

We use Koha, the world's first free and open-source Integrated Library System, to manage our entire collection.

Modern Technology

Search Our Catalog

Explore our entire collection through our online public access catalog (OPAC). Find books, check availability, and place holds from anywhere.

Access OPAC

Library Catalog

Our Tools & Technology

Modern equipment and software that power our processing operations

Barcode Scanners

For efficient tracking and circulation of materials

Label Printers

High-quality durable label printing for spine labels

Koha ILS

Comprehensive library management software

Book Press

For proper binding and preservation of materials

Meet Our Processing Team

Our dedicated professionals who ensure every book is ready for your discovery

Aisha Mohammed

Head of Processing

15 years of cataloging experience

Jamal Ali

Cataloging Specialist

Expert in MARC standards

Fatma Hassan

Acquisitions Librarian

Manages new book selection

Omar Salim

Technical Services

Koha system administrator

Contact Our Team