AN ANALYSIS OF LIBRARIES SOFTWARE USAGE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

AN ANALYSIS OF LIBRARIES SOFTWARE USAGE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Human beings are wired to continuously search for ways to make things simpler and more pleasant in their lives (Martha, 2014). This underlying universal component that drives inventions, innovations, and tactics may also be used in the library context, where purposeful measures are taken to make library usage easier and more comfortable for both library employees and users (Francese, 2012). The automation of the library is a step in the right direction, given the world's need for convenience and comfort.

In an automated library, software packages are important. Automation of the library, according to Nwalo (2002), refers to the use of computers to provide library services that were formerly performed manually. Library automation, according to Sharma (2007), is defined as the use of computers, related peripheral media such as magnetic tapes, disks, optical media, and computer-based goods and services in the performance of all sorts of library activities and operations. To give the notion an operational meaning, library automation is the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the operation of the library's many procedures and operations in order to achieve efficiency, accurate reporting, and enhanced services (Francese, 2012). Circulation, cataloging, acquisition, serials management, reference services, and special collections are all core library functions that can benefit from automation.

A computer system, which is at the heart of ICT, is powered by software, which can be either system or application software. The term "software" refers to the many programs that are utilized to run computer systems and related devices. Application software, on the other hand, is a computer program designed to use a computer system to perform specific functions. While system software provides the platform for the computer to function and communicate effectively with application software, application software is a computer program designed to use a computer system to perform specific functions (Gargouri, 2010). As a result of the wide range of jobs and operations that may be performed on a computer system, there is a large number of application software packages available. Relevance, user-friendliness, adaptability, interoperability, and overall efficiency, among other factors, are what influence software selection (Ukachi, Nwachukwu and Onuoha, 2014).

As a result, the library has an avalanche of software to choose from. These include everything from subscription-based commercial software to open source software (OSS). Foreign brands as well as locally established ones are accessible for selection in the software. In India, for example, some well-known library software of foreign origin includes ALICE for Windows, Virtua, Techlib Plus, and others, while Libsys is one of the most popular indigenous packages. Granthalaya, Maitreyi, Sanjay, DELMS, DELDO, TLMS, and other software packages created and used in India include Granthalaya, Maitreyi, Sanjay, DELMS, DELDO, TLMS, and others (Husain and Ansari, 2007). CDS/ISIS, Lib Info, WINISIS, LMS, ALICE for Windows, SOUL, and other software packages are used by libraries in Nepal (Sharma, 2007).

Academic libraries in Nigeria are also embracing the usage of library software. The libraries at the University of Lagos and Covenant University have been fully automated, whereas the libraries of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Lagos State University have only been partially automated (Okewale and Adetimirin, 2011).

Obajemu et al. (2013) performed research into the availability of library software in Nigeria. The study looked at 50 libraries in Nigeria, including those at 22 federal, state, and private universities, 11 polytechnic libraries, three colleges of education libraries, and 14 research institutes. "Some of the respondents are well knowledgeable of the many sorts of software being displayed in Nigerian markets," the researchers observed in their results. The purpose of this study was not to determine the precise software packages used by these 50 libraries; rather, it was to determine whether or not the librarians were aware of their existence. As a result, the focus of this research is on identifying the library software packages utilized by academic libraries in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigeria has seen a high degree of development in libraries and information centers since the introduction of ICT in developing nations, with conventional manual techniques now facing the problems of having to cope with the organization of increasing information as a result of the information explosion (Imo, 2011). The usage of database management software packages in Nigerian university libraries aims to boost the efficiency of library services by offering quick and structured access to information resources.

Many Nigerian university libraries have recently been noticed transitioning from conventional manually controlled to a more dynamic electronic-based approach (Francese, 2012). Many university libraries have fully automated their services, while others are in the process of doing so. However, these libraries have been known to often move from one program to another (Martha, 2014). Only the benefit received in the usage of the system by staff and students, based on their capacity to directly control the program, may be used to determine the system's performance. As a result, the purpose of this study was to look into how academic libraries use library software.

 

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.

iv. 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 research will benefit schools and other academic institutions who have yet to implement library software in their libraries. As a result, the study will educate them on the fundamentals of software usage in their particular libraries, as well as the software that is available for libraries, as well as the issues that come with using software packages in academic libraries and potential solutions to those challenges. Furthermore, this study will serve as a resource for any student or researcher conducting research on a comparable issue.

 

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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