Short Communication: Retrospective Conversion of Arabic Collections at a Nigerian University Library

Abstract

The University of Jos Library, Nigeria had
envisioned the computerisation of its functions
and services since the 1980s, but it was not until
1992 that it had its first set of microcomputers.
The retrospective conversion (RECON) of the
library’s collection is currently in progress, and
the Integrated Technical Services (ITS) for
Windows software is being used for it. This paper
highlights progress and challenges in connection
with the RECON of the Arabic collection in the
library, including lack of bibliographic details
of many of the collection items, inaccessible
search information in the database and lack of
imprint in some Arabic collection. It is
recommended that the library should consider
acquiring library software that can handle the
RECON of Arabic and other foreign languages,
as well as acquiring Arabic materials with
bibliographic data that are in accordance with
international standard.