A SURVEY OF LIBRARIES SOFTWARE USAGE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ADAMAWA STATE

A SURVEY OF LIBRARIES SOFTWARE USAGE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ADAMAWA STATE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Globally, the nature of human beings is that of constantly looking for ways of making things easier and making life comfortable. This underlying universal factor, which drives inventions, innovations and strategies, is also applicable in the library setting where deliberate steps are taken to make the use of the library easier and more comfortable for both the library staff and the users. Automation of the library is a step that is in sync with this global craving for ease and comfort.

Software packages are relevant in a library that is automated. According to Nwalo (2002), automation of the library refers to the use of computers in rendering library services which were hitherto executed manually. Sharma (2007) sees library automation as the use of computers, associated peripheral media such as magnetic tapes, disks, optical media etc and utilization of computer based products and services in the performance of all types of library functions and operations. Giving an operational definition to the concept, library automation is therefore is the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the operation of the different processes and functions of the library to attain efficiency, accurate reporting and improved services. Core services of the library like circulation, cataloguing, acquisition, serials management, reference services and special collection readily benefit from automation.

A computer system which is the core component of ICT runs on software, which can be system software or application software. Software is a generic term for the various programmes used to operate computer systems and related devices. While the system software provides the platform for the computer to function and communicate effectively with the application software, application software on its part is a computer programme designed to use a computer system to perform specific functions (Wikipedia Encyclopedia). There is a vast array of application software packages as a result of the assortment of tasks and functions executed using a computer system. However, what determines the choice of software is the relevance, user-friendliness, adaptability, inter-operability, general efficiency, amongst other considerations (Ukachi, Nwachukwu and Onuoha, 2014).

Thus, there is an avalanche of software available for use in the library. These range from the proprietary software, which are subscription based, to the Open Source Software (OSS). The software available for selection also includes foreign brands and indigenously developed brands. In India for example, some library software of foreign origin that are well known include ALICE for Windows, Virtua, Techlib Plus etc, while the Libsys ranks high amongst the indigenous packages. Other software packages indigenously developed and used in India include Granthalaya, Maitreyi, Sanjay, DELMS, DELDO, TLMS etc (Husain and Ansari, 2007). Some of the software packages adopted by libraries in Nepal include CDS/ISIS, Lib Info, WINISIS, LMS, ALICE for Windows, SOUL etc (Sharma, 2007).

The use of library software is also embraced by academic libraries in Nigeria. University of Lagos and Covenant University are reported to have achieved full automation of their libraries, while University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Lagos State University attained partial automation (Okewale and Adetimirin, 2011).

Obajemu et al (2013) conducted a study on the availability of library software products in Nigeria. The study covered 50 libraries in Nigeria including 22 federal, state and private universities; 11 polytechnic libraries; 3 colleges of education libraries, and 14 research institutions’ libraries. The researchers reported in their findings that “some of the respondents are quite aware of the various types of software being paraded in Nigerian markets.” This study did not establish the specific uses software packages adopted by these 50 libraries as it merely established whether or not the librarians were aware of the existence of such software packages. Hence this study is focused on  identifying the uses library software packages adopted by academic libraries in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Ever since the advent of ICT in the developing countries, Nigeria has witnessed a high level of development in libraries and information centers with the traditional manual methods now faced with the challenges of having to cope with the organization of increased information which has come as a result of information explosion.  The use of database management software packages in Nigerian University Libraries aim at providing fast and organized access to information resources in order to increase the efficiency of library services.

It has been observed in recent times that many Nigerian academic libraries are moving from traditional manually operated to a more dynamic electronic – based system.  Many university libraries have automated all their services while some are at various stages of automation. However, it has been observed that these libraries frequently migrate from one software to another.  The effectiveness of the system can only be measured by the benefit gained in the use of the system by staff and students depending on their ability to personally manipulate the software. This study was therefore, designed to investigate the utilization of library software in academic libraries.

 

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The broad aim of this study is to assess the usage of library software in academic libraries. The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the software program available to academic libraries.
2.  Assess the need for the adoption of software programs in an academic libraries.
3. Ascertain the factors that influence the choice of library software packages in academic libraries.
4. Find out the challenges associated with the use of the packages.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

This study will be guided by the following questions as relates to the topic of study.

1. What are the software programs available to academic libraries?
2. Why is the adoption of software programs in an academic library needful?
3. What are the factors that influences the choice of library software packages in academic libraries?
4. What are the challenges associated with the use of the software packages in academic libraries?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be useful to schools and other academic institutions which are yet adopt library software in their respective libraries. Hence, the study will apprise them on the essentials of software usage in their respective libraries, the available software for the libraries, the challenges associated with the use of the software packages in academic libraries and possible solutions to the challenges. More so, this study will serve as a source of information to ever student or researcher who may be carrying out a study on related topic.

 

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study generally examines the usage of library software, hence the study covers assessing the software program available to academic libraries, the need for the adoption of software programs in an academic libraries, ascertaining the factors that influence the choice of library software packages in academic libraries, and finding out the challenges associated with the use of the packages. The librarians in selected university in Yola, Adamawa State.

1.7  LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Certain factors could possibly hamper and affect the success of this research project. Not enough time, funds, materials, too large a distance to be covered, might not allow for a very elaborate study to be conducted. Hence, the study might be of less meaning compared to its significance in order to save time, cost, effort and reduce stress.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Library: a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution.

Application Software Packages: The sequence of instructions that tell the computer what to do,how to manipulate data and how to relate to users. It normally addresses one aspect of computing need or the other. Most of the “off – the- shelf-software” (i.e the readily available software) for micro computers is referred to as “application software”.

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